Hey you guys,
I kind of use a different approach with my TopScore Scholarware DAT CD. We all know that there are 3 full length mock DAT on the CD right, well, this is how I used it.
What I did was not the traditional way of using the CD as a diagnostic tool to see where I am with the DAT, instead, after I studied my ass off with the Kaplan DAT materials with a week left before my actual DAT, I printed all three of the TopScore CD DAT exams out on paper (particularily the Chemistry and the Organic sections since those were my weaker subjects) with their specific answer sheets.
With the exams (6 total - 3 chemistry and 3 organic chemistry) in front of me and their answers, I went through every single questions and answered why the wrong choices were wrong and why the correct answer was correct. At the end of this process, the 3 TopScore General Chemistry and 3 TopScore Organic Chemistry exams turned into 6 review packets with questions and answers.
I didn't use the quantitative, PAT, Biology, or the reading portions of the TopScore CD because I knew I could do well on those.
Bottom line, instead of using the TopScore CD as a diagnostic tool, I used it as a study guide (sort of like having old exams in a class that you use to study for a current exam). I found it extremely helpful.
For example: (this is a sample question, NOT a real Topscore or DAT questionaire)
Question: What endocrine gland produces the hormone Glucagon?
A) Thyroid
B) Anterior Pituatary
C) Posterior Pituatary
D) Pancreas
E) Adrenal Gland
For this question, I would go through all the choices and list all the hormones produced in each endocrine organ/gland in my head and write them down. After a process of elimination, you'll find that answer (D) is the answer! The key here is, if you the correct answer, then GREAT!! But do you know "WHY" the incorrect answers are wrong?!
I don't know, I do things kind of weird, but I find this studying method extremely helpful. Another DAT studying advice, find your subject strengths and weaknesses. There are SIX big sections on the DAT:
Reading
Math
PAT
Organic
Gen. Chem.
Biology
If you're good in two, spend more time on the other 4, ya know what I'm saying?
For the Topscore CD, instead of taking the mock DATs on there, try using it as a stuying tool, a guide, and an "old exam". You have the answers, use it and find out why those answers are correct and why the wrong answers are wrong! If you don't know the answers to why the choices are wrong or why they're right, then reference the Kaplan DAT Science Review Book and other reference text books!!
I find it extremely helpful studying this way with the Topscore CD "AFTER" I studied the Kaplan DAT Science Review Book. I read every single pages in that thick Kaplan book and plus I took notes for every chapter in the Biology, Gen. Chem., and the Organic Chem. sections! For very chapter in those science sections, I had a full page hand written notes highlighting all important enzymes, organs, names, reactions, and/or other key bolded text!
In my opinion, if you know the Kaplan DAT book front and back cold for the science sections, you'll get 20s on the actual DAT.
Wow, what a long ass response! Hope this helps, it's just my approach with the Topscore CD.
