Taking DAT in 1.5 months, need advice

[dentalchamp98]

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Hey guys,
So I have been studying for the DAT since beginning of April but really started buckling down beginning of May. I already have gone through all of Mike's videos on Gen Chem and Orgo as well as read through the long version of the biology notes. I have begun taking practice tests in all the areas but am averaging between 17-18 in all of the BC test. I am here to ask you all what is the best way I can improve my scores until the end of June when I will be taking the DAT. What frustrates me the most right now is PAT where I am not seeing as much improvement on the tests despite practicing and going over solutions. Also, QR is difficult for me with story problem questions in which it is hard for me to come up with the right equation to use. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me.

 

[CorbinWillis]

Hey champ. Keep in mind the BC tests are generally more difficult than the actual thing. If you don't have DAT Destroyer for Math, I would recommend getting it just for the extra practice because practicing your weaker points is the best way to improve. As for the PAT, you shouldn't expect linear improvement. I got 19s and 20s on every BC test for the PAT and then scored several points higher on the real thing.

The last thing I want to stress is the importance of time management. It will help you stress less and do more with what you know if you go in with a plan. BC helped me with this tremendously in the last week with all of the practice tests. It forces you to think faster. Remember, if you aren't ready it might be worth rescheduling. Good luck on your upcoming test, OP!

 

[Daniel Schruth]

PAT can be a particularly challenging section for students because most likely you haven't really had to do anything like it up to this point. I think the key for PAT is to just do a little practice each day. As opposed to practicing for 2 hours twice per week for example, you'd be better off spending a half hour, four times per week. The main way to improve is just to keep your head up, recognize it's a challenging section for a lot of students, and just keep practicing. The more problems you expose yourself to, the better. You will improve!

Also, you may have not taken a math class since high school, in which case QR can be difficult to recall even though the level of difficulty of the math is probably something you would've thought isn't too bad in the past. There are some helpful DAT QR YouTube videos you can check out that do a good job summarizing the main problem types. Also, continue doing practice problems.

In the beginning when you are studying for the DAT, it is very normal to feel overwhelmed as every problem type will seem new and difficult, but as you continue going through more and more practice exams, you will find that some problem types repeat and your scores will improve as you get used to seeing these same problem types and concepts. At this point, don't let the scores you are getting put you down. Focus on learning from your mistakes, trying not to repeat your mistakes, and doing as much practice as possible.

As a final note, if you are not ready, reschedule! Do not take the DAT until you feel confident that you have done all you can to prepare. You will likely never feel 100% ready, but you shouldn't feel clueless or like you are taking it just as practice/to get it over with. It definitely does have a big role on acceptance to dental school, so it is worth postponing the exam if you are not ready. Best of luck to you!

 

[islanddrive]

Hey guys,
So I have been studying for the DAT since beginning of April but really started buckling down beginning of May. I already have gone through all of Mike's videos on Gen Chem and Orgo as well as read through the long version of the biology notes. I have begun taking practice tests in all the areas but am averaging between 17-18 in all of the BC test. I am here to ask you all what is the best way I can improve my scores until the end of June when I will be taking the DAT. What frustrates me the most right now is PAT where I am not seeing as much improvement on the tests despite practicing and going over solutions. Also, QR is difficult for me with story problem questions in which it is hard for me to come up with the right equation to use. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me.

The thing about the DATBootcamp tests is that they don't correlate well to the real DAT. I saw little resemblance to my real scores from the Bootcamp scores so don't worry, they aren't a good indication of how you'll do.

If you're struggling on the PAT, I would highly recommend switching to PATBooster. It's sooo much better than DATBootcamp with way better strategies, videos, and generators. After using Booster for 3-4 weeks, my scores went up quite a bit and I was able to score 25 on the real deal. For the QR, have you look at the DATdestroyer videos on youtube? I found them quite helpful especially for some of the story problem questions.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

My scores went up in every category except bio compared to bootcamp. Keep watching the videos, take notes, and keep practicing. If there was a silver bullet I’d sell it and not go to dental school.