TEST IN A MONTH!

[amgraves]

Hello! I was wondering if I could receive some feedback from anybody. I have been studying for my DAT for a couple of months now and I feel like I have hit a plateau. Today I have come to terms I am really tired of studying for this test but, I am not getting the scores I have been studying for. Below are my tests scores from BC. I feel like I am doing well in Bio because I have memorized most of the questions which is bad and I do not think it will help me on my actual on DAT. RC has gotten better I have tried a new strategy on the August 30 test date and I think I will get better at it as I practice it more. Some of my scores have gone up but not enough. I would like to see myself around 19 and 20's but I am struggling when it comes to QR and GC. BC helps but it does not help me as much because I am just memorizing the answer rather than "how to do the problem." My test on September 28 and this will be my second retake. I want to get this right so I do not have to go through this process again. It's go time for me. Any feedback will help!

August 5, 2017
QR <15
RC 17
PAT 19
BIO 26
GC <14
OC 16

August 19
QR<15
RC<15
PAT 18
BIO 25
OC 16
GC <14

August 26 GC
18

August 29
OC Exam #1
20

August 29
GC Exam # 2
23

August 30
RC 17

Thank you all!

Previous DAT scores:

BIO 14
GC 14
OC 14
PAT 17
RC 14
QR 14

 

[Illumident]

BC helps but it does not help me as much because I am just memorizing the answer rather than "how to do the problem." My test on September 28 and this will be my second retake. I want to get this right so I do not have to go through this process again. It's go time for me. Any feedback will help!

Previous DAT scores:

BIO 14
GC 14
OC 14
PAT 17
RC 14
QR 14

Other than Bootcamp, what are you using to establish your foundational knowledge base?

 

[DDSDCMUU]

If you are not, I would highly suggest using destroyer. It will help so much! Good luck! You can do this!

 

[Ayyyds]

With BC you should be trying less to memorize the answers (especially for bio) and try more to go through all of the explanations, condensing them into your own notes. because Bootcamp has GREAT biology explanations (like seriously amazing).

Also I'm a little confused, have you taken all of the BC tests? It's rather difficult to memorize every single question, I would recommend going through all of the tests (with their explanations, taking your own notes) and then if you need more practice go back through the first tests you took.

Also if you have the destroyer (which I highly recommend) it would be very helpful to finish those problems as well (Again, not just looking at the answer but really finding a way to commit the explanation to memory such as rewriting the work for the problem over and over again).

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Can you give us a bit more information on your content review resources and process? How are you strengthening your foundation of knowledge besides using practice tests?

 

[Faefly]

Self-study does not work for everyone. Some students need someone to put them in a time crunch with actual lectures and practice tests.
You can invest money in getting an online course or in person course!

 

[amgraves]

Other than Bootcamp, what are you using to establish your foundational knowledge base?

I am using BC, and for destroyer math and the other subjects. I tend to learn well when I read my notes over and over again.

 

[amgraves]

Self-study does not work for everyone. Some students need someone to put them in a time crunch with actual lectures and practice tests.
You can invest money in getting an online course or in person course!

I did Kaplan last year and was horrible. Mike's videos have tremendously helped me. However, when it comes to applying the question to chemistry I go blank.

 

[amgraves]

With BC you should be trying less to memorize the answers (especially for bio) and try more to go through all of the explanations, condensing them into your own notes. because Bootcamp has GREAT biology explanations (like seriously amazing).

Also I'm a little confused, have you taken all of the BC tests? It's rather difficult to memorize every single question, I would recommend going through all of the tests (with their explanations, taking your own notes) and then if you need more practice go back through the first tests you took.

Also if you have the destroyer (which I highly recommend) it would be very helpful to finish those problems as well (Again, not just looking at the answer but really finding a way to commit the explanation to memory such as rewriting the work for the problem over and over again).

I have not completed all the BC tests. I will try a way to commit the explanation to memory such as rewriting the problem and work.

 

[Faefly]

I did Kaplan last year and was horrible. Mike's videos have tremendously helped me. However, when it comes to applying the question to chemistry I go blank.

Oh, in that case, you just need more time to get better I guess.

Have you watched chad? Chad makes chemistry easier!

Also, check out his free chem orgo and qr questions
with his explanations

They are very useful and free

DEFEAT the DAT

 

[amgraves]

Oh, in that case, you just need more time to get better I guess.

Have you watched chad? Chad makes chemistry easier!

Also, check out his free chem orgo and qr questions
with his explanations

They are very useful and free

DEFEAT the DAT

I did use Chad the first time to review, however, when I started testing with BC I was scoring very low.

 

[Hnl7]

I did Kaplan last year and was horrible. Mike's videos have tremendously helped me. However, when it comes to applying the question to chemistry I go blank.

You need more practice! Do you blank out on all questions? Or just certain ones?

Go to YouTube and practice the sections the bootcamp breakdown says you are weak on.

As far as mentality. . . Studying for the DAT can be grueling. It might help for you to visualize what you want your future to be. When you get tired or overwhelmed, remember why you are studying.

Why do you want to go into dentistry?
Are you doing it to give your family a better future?
Are you doing it to give others the opportunity to have treatment that you had?
If this profession is your passion, remember why you started studying and use that passion to drive you forward for the last month. Every hour you put in now will get you closer to your goal of being what you want to be.

Remember all of those times studying for finals and thinking "if I only had one more day." You have those days now. Keep pushing knowing everyone here is cheering you on.

Best of luck, study hard, and we'll see you on the other side.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I am using BC, and for destroyer math and the other subjects. I tend to learn well when I read my notes over and over again.

What are your notes based on?

 

[amgraves]

What are your notes based on?

I just rewrite the problems and I write my own biology notes. Ochem is repetition, QR and CHEM looking over the practice problems I do and trying to figure out an easier and faster way to understand the problem. RC is just doing practice tests over and over again.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I just rewrite the problems and I write my own biology notes. Ochem is repetition, QR and CHEM looking over the practice problems I do and trying to figure out an easier and faster way to understand the problem. RC is just doing practice tests over and over again.

Writing your own biology notes is good - try to use multiple resources when compiling them, and always add in material from questions you get wrong (including answer choices you aren't familiar with. As for OC, GC, and QR - are you writing notes for these as well? You should be writing down key formulas (for QR) and reactions/exceptions/important facts (for GC & OC).

 

[orgoman22]

I am using BC, and for destroyer math and the other subjects. I tend to learn well when I read my notes over and over again.

How are you using Destroyer?

Dr. Romano

 

[amgraves]

Writing your own biology notes is good - try to use multiple resources when compiling them, and always add in material from questions you get wrong (including answer choices you aren't familiar with. As for OC, GC, and QR - are you writing notes for these as well? You should be writing down key formulas (for QR) and reactions/exceptions/important facts (for GC & OC).

Yes I go back to my notes.

 

[amgraves]

How are you using Destroyer?

Dr. Romano

I write down the questions and answers in my notebook and attempt the problem. Check my answer and it does not matter if I got it right or wrong I write down notes on how to solve the problem and go back to my notes from that class if necessary.