URGENT! Need help, please!

[Dying2beDDS]

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Hey guys, so I'm scheduled to take the DAT on Wednesday (5-24), and I was feeling pretty good about it until TODAY! So I've taken 4 practice tests so far (2 Kaplan and 2 Topscore) I took the Kaplans last week and scored 16 AA on both. That was alarming, but I didn't totally freak out b/c I knew I had some more time and wasn't finished going over every thing yet. So yesterday I took Topscore 1 and recieved these scores:
AA17
Bio16
GC15
OC16
PA17
QR15
RC21
TS16
I freaked out initially, but then read a ton of posts that stated Topscore is harder than the real DAT, and a few people who scored 17-18 AA got 20AA on the real thing. So I was thinking, OK, I guess I'm in good shape for the real thing.
Then, today I took Topscore 2 this morning and received these scores:
AA16
Bio19
GC14 👎
OC13 😱
PA17
QR14 😕
RC20
TS16
Is the 2nd test harder? Needless to say, I am in a full state of panic! I don't know what happened today, esp with GC and OC! I always do much better in those sections! Maybe I'm a little burned out, maybe it's nerves, I don't know!
Can you guys offer any advice on what I should do? I thought about rescheduling my test, but it's on Wed, so if I call first thing tomm (Mon) morning, I don't think that's technically 48 hours. Is it?
I was planning on taking Topscore 3 tomorrow. Should I still take it? This afternoon I'm going to go over the test and review my weak areas.
If you were me, what the heck would you do?

 

[Yeyyy]

Hey guys, so I'm scheduled to take the DAT on Wednesday (5-24), and I was feeling pretty good about it until TODAY! So I've taken 4 practice tests so far (2 Kaplan and 2 Topscore) I took the Kaplans last week and scored 16 AA on both. That was alarming, but I didn't totally freak out b/c I knew I had some more time and wasn't finished going over every thing yet. So yesterday I took Topscore 1 and recieved these scores:
AA17
Bio16
GC15
OC16
PA17
QR15
RC21
TS16
I freaked out initially, but then read a ton of posts that stated Topscore is harder than the real DAT, and a few people who scored 17-18 AA got 20AA on the real thing. So I was thinking, OK, I guess I'm in good shape for the real thing.
Then, today I took Topscore 2 this morning and received these scores:
AA16
Bio19
GC14 👎
OC13 😱
PA17
QR14 😕
RC20
TS16
Is the 2nd test harder? Needless to say, I am in a full state of panic! I don't know what happened today, esp with GC and OC! I always do much better in those sections! Maybe I'm a little burned out, maybe it's nerves, I don't know!
Can you guys offer any advice on what I should do? I thought about rescheduling my test, but it's on Wed, so if I call first thing tomm (Mon) morning, I don't think that's technically 48 hours. Is it?
I was planning on taking Topscore 3 tomorrow. Should I still take it? This afternoon I'm going to go over the test and review my weak areas.
If you were me, what the heck would you do?

good luck on 4/24! hope you hit that 20+ mark

 

[mhl397]

good luck on 4/24! hope you hit that 20+ mark

take the last one, and if you dont feel ready then what's the rush in taking it, just reschedule

 

[golfmontpoker]

Hey guys, so I'm scheduled to take the DAT on Wednesday (5-24), and I was feeling pretty good about it until TODAY! So I've taken 4 practice tests so far (2 Kaplan and 2 Topscore) I took the Kaplans last week and scored 16 AA on both. That was alarming, but I didn't totally freak out b/c I knew I had some more time and wasn't finished going over every thing yet. So yesterday I took Topscore 1 and recieved these scores:
AA17
Bio16
GC15
OC16
PA17
QR15
RC21
TS16
I freaked out initially, but then read a ton of posts that stated Topscore is harder than the real DAT, and a few people who scored 17-18 AA got 20AA on the real thing. So I was thinking, OK, I guess I'm in good shape for the real thing.
Then, today I took Topscore 2 this morning and received these scores:
AA16
Bio19
GC14 👎
OC13 😱
PA17
QR14 😕
RC20
TS16
Is the 2nd test harder? Needless to say, I am in a full state of panic! I don't know what happened today, esp with GC and OC! I always do much better in those sections! Maybe I'm a little burned out, maybe it's nerves, I don't know!
Can you guys offer any advice on what I should do? I thought about rescheduling my test, but it's on Wed, so if I call first thing tomm (Mon) morning, I don't think that's technically 48 hours. Is it?
I was planning on taking Topscore 3 tomorrow. Should I still take it? This afternoon I'm going to go over the test and review my weak areas.
If you were me, what the heck would you do?

If you honestly dont think you are ready, reschedule... Dont want to take a hit on your self-confidence. Review the questions you got wrong and understand it. Take another practice test or 2 before WED and see what happens... Good luck my friend!

 

[Chrono1984]

I would reschedule.

I personally would not be able to get the most out of all those practice tests by taking them all in 1 week. You are not giving yourself enough time to really go over the material.

Given the general SDN trend, your PAT and QR scores are not going to change much on the real test, and a 14/15 will kill your AA. Most people seem to do worse on the real PAT compared to the topscore version so having more time to practice PAT material would also help (get dat achiever).

As for the sciences, as long as you understand exactly why something was right/wrong than you should be ok. My science scores all went up quite a bit on the real test. Granted, I made careless mistakes on the topscore tests that I would never make on a real exam.

There is no shame in rescheduling if you truly feel unprepared. Going in nervous will not help you out.

Reschedule, clear the topscore tests, buy dat achiever, spread those 6 tests over a month at least. Take the real thing. That is what I would do.

Good luck with whatever decision you make

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Thanx for the responses guys. I should have clarified a couple things. It's too late for me to reschedule b/c my test is on Wed. and since you have to call on a business day, Monday will be too late. When I applied to take it I paid to have my scores sent to 25+ schools, so I'd be losing about $450 if I don't take the test on Wednesday. Plus, I'd have to reapply to take the test which can take 1-2wks, and I wanted to be done with DAT and have my app submitted by June 1st, so that would screw my plans! Plus, I've already been studying heavily for a month and a half and studying another month is not an option. I already took the DAT once before and got a 17AA. This time I'm hoping for a 18 or 19AA. So I guess what I'm really asking is with those topscore scores, is it realistic to hope for an 18AA or 19AA on wednesday?

I would reschedule.

I personally would not be able to get the most out of all those practice tests by taking them all in 1 week. You are not giving yourself enough time to really go over the material.

Given the general SDN trend, your PAT and QR scores are not going to change much on the real test, and a 14/15 will kill your AA. Most people seem to do worse on the real PAT compared to the topscore version so having more time to practice PAT material would also help (get dat achiever).

As for the sciences, as long as you understand exactly why something was right/wrong than you should be ok. My science scores all went up quite a bit on the real test. Granted, I made careless mistakes on the topscore tests that I would never make on a real exam.

There is no shame in rescheduling if you truly feel unprepared. Going in nervous will not help you out.

Reschedule, clear the topscore tests, buy dat achiever, spread those 6 tests over a month at least. Take the real thing. That is what I would do.

Good luck with whatever decision you make

 

[Rook]

RULE # 1 in conquering the DATs:
DO NOT TAKE THE DATs IF YOU ARE NOT CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL ACE IT!
Confidence is a key point in succeeding in the DATs.
No matter how prepared you are, a lack of confidence will destroy your scores.

RULE # 2
After your practice test:
Do not just read the correct answer for your mistakes. UNDERSTAND what you did wrong, Locate areas of weakness and refer back to University textbook and FULLY understand the material.
So that
(1) you do not panic if that kind of question pops up on the test!
(2) Broadens your knowledge of the material. Going in depth ALWAYS helps!

RULE #3
NO ONE CAN TELL YOU WHEN YOU ARE READY TO TAKE IT.
YOU WILL KNOW! YOU WILL FEEL PREPARED! And you will not want or need another day!

Those are my 3 golden rules! Just my 0.02 and hope that it helps!

BTW No practice test can accurately judge how well you will actually do. They are meant as just practice, and not a means to judge where you stand scoring wise (Practice scores and DAT scores VARY so much) do not let it get you down!
I'm sure you will succeed! Let us know what you do!!

 

[Rook]

Thanx for the responses guys. I should have clarified a couple things. It's too late for me to reschedule b/c my test is on Wed. and since you have to call on a business day, Monday will be too late. When I applied to take it I paid to have my scores sent to 25+ schools, so I'd be losing about $450 if I don't take the test on Wednesday. Plus, I'd have to reapply to take the test which can take 1-2wks, and I wanted to be done with DAT and have my app submitted by June 1st, so that would screw my plans! Plus, I've already been studying heavily for a month and a half and studying another month is not an option. I already took the DAT once before and got a 17AA. This time I'm hoping for a 18 or 19AA. So I guess what I'm really asking is with those topscore scores, is it realistic to hope for an 18AA or 19AA on wednesday?

BTW: I wrote my previous response b4 you wrote this!
And, from my understanding you can reschedule BEFORE Noon 2 Business days Prior to test date.
Why don't you try rescheduling online now?

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Thanx for the words of encouragement, Rook!
I was considering trying to reschedule online, but I was afraid I might somehow lose my current appointment. I also figure what's the use, since you have to reschedule 2 business days beforehand. Since today's Sunday I thought it would be pointless. In the letter ADA sends out, they claim "an appointment for Thursday cannot be cancelled or resceduled after 12 noon Monday" This to me, indicates that it's too late. But maybe I'm wrong! I'll try rescheduling on line and see what happens.

BTW: I wrote my previous response b4 you wrote this!
And, from my understanding you can reschedule BEFORE Noon 2 Business days Prior to test date.
Why don't you try rescheduling online now?

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Tried re-scheduling online. Sure enough, there's nothing available until the 2nd week of June! I'm starting research in June and I just won't have the kind of time I do now at that time. I really don't want to wait that long. I feel confident now and I really hope that I'll be ready by Wednesday to score at least an 18AA. I just have to not let that score from today get to me and just keep reviewing and working on my weaknesses. Has anybody ever been in the same boat and have some inspirational stories for encouragement?
Again, thanx to everyone on this site! I don't know what I'd do without you guys! Please, keep the advice coming!

Thanx for the words of encouragement, Rook!
I was considering trying to reschedule online, but I was afraid I might somehow lose my current appointment. I also figure what's the use, since you have to reschedule 2 business days beforehand. Since today's Sunday I thought it would be pointless. In the letter ADA sends out, they claim "an appointment for Thursday cannot be cancelled or resceduled after 12 noon Monday" This to me, indicates that it's too late. But maybe I'm wrong! I'll try rescheduling on line and see what happens.

 

[Gasedo]

Tried re-scheduling online. Sure enough, there's nothing available until the 2nd week of June! I'm starting research in June and I just won't have the kind of time I do now at that time. I really don't want to wait that long. I feel confident now and I really hope that I'll be ready by Wednesday to score at least an 18AA. I just have to not let that score from today get to me and just keep reviewing and working on my weaknesses. Has anybody ever been in the same boat and have some inspirational stories for encouragement?
Again, thanx to everyone on this site! I don't know what I'd do without you guys! Please, keep the advice coming!

Hey don’t be discouraged! You will do fine. I got 15 in one of the topscore tests in bio and then I got 24 in other. So I don’t even know where the heck I stand right now. I have my test in one week. But I am not going to let myself down. If you get stressed your points will drop on the big day. Try to relax and learn from your mistakes!!
I wish you good luck! 😍

 

[DDS:)]

Dont take it if you are not ready~

 

[L8DYV]

Hey guys, so I'm scheduled to take the DAT on Wednesday (5-24), and I was feeling pretty good about it until TODAY! So I've taken 4 practice tests so far (2 Kaplan and 2 Topscore) I took the Kaplans last week and scored 16 AA on both. That was alarming, but I didn't totally freak out b/c I knew I had some more time and wasn't finished going over every thing yet. So yesterday I took Topscore 1 and recieved these scores:
AA17
Bio16
GC15
OC16
PA17
QR15
RC21
TS16
I freaked out initially, but then read a ton of posts that stated Topscore is harder than the real DAT, and a few people who scored 17-18 AA got 20AA on the real thing. So I was thinking, OK, I guess I'm in good shape for the real thing.
Then, today I took Topscore 2 this morning and received these scores:
AA16
Bio19
GC14 👎
OC13 😱
PA17
QR14 😕
RC20
TS16
Is the 2nd test harder? Needless to say, I am in a full state of panic! I don't know what happened today, esp with GC and OC! I always do much better in those sections! Maybe I'm a little burned out, maybe it's nerves, I don't know!
Can you guys offer any advice on what I should do? I thought about rescheduling my test, but it's on Wed, so if I call first thing tomm (Mon) morning, I don't think that's technically 48 hours. Is it?
I was planning on taking Topscore 3 tomorrow. Should I still take it? This afternoon I'm going to go over the test and review my weak areas.
If you were me, what the heck would you do?

3 more days till the big day buddy....

 

[Dying2beDDS]

I'm going to suck it up and take it on wednesday after all! I called this morning and the only dates available are in Mid June! No way I can maintain this level for another 3 weeks! I'm feeling much better today, and feeling confident! Wish me luck!

3 more days till the big day buddy....

 

[aggie.teacher]

How did it go? I'm dying to hear! My scores went down days before the test, too, but the real thing is always easier. Hope it all worked out!!!

 

[futuredentist23]

hey Dying2beDDS,
how did your exam go?!!!!!...man..i'm taking mine in less than a week....and i'm heck nervous!!! ..funny thing is..i'm getting similar scores as you got in topscore.... it really brought my confidence down.... just wondering how things went with you!!!~

hope everything went great 👍 g'luck!!!!

 

[Rook]

hey Dying2beDDS,
how did your exam go?!!!!!...man..i'm taking mine in less than a week....and i'm heck nervous!!! ..funny thing is..i'm getting similar scores as you got in topscore.... it really brought my confidence down.... just wondering how things went with you!!!~

hope everything went great 👍 g'luck!!!!

Hey futuredent,

He already put a post on his results:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=285329
Best of luck on your test!

 

[teefRcool]

Hey guys, so I'm scheduled to take the DAT on Wednesday (5-24), and I was feeling pretty good about it until TODAY! So I've taken 4 practice tests so far (2 Kaplan and 2 Topscore) I took the Kaplans last week and scored 16 AA on both. That was alarming, but I didn't totally freak out b/c I knew I had some more time and wasn't finished going over every thing yet. So yesterday I took Topscore 1 and recieved these scores:
AA17
Bio16
GC15
OC16
PA17
QR15
RC21
TS16
I freaked out initially, but then read a ton of posts that stated Topscore is harder than the real DAT, and a few people who scored 17-18 AA got 20AA on the real thing. So I was thinking, OK, I guess I'm in good shape for the real thing.
Then, today I took Topscore 2 this morning and received these scores:
AA16
Bio19
GC14 👎
OC13 😱
PA17
QR14 😕
RC20
TS16
Is the 2nd test harder? Needless to say, I am in a full state of panic! I don't know what happened today, esp with GC and OC! I always do much better in those sections! Maybe I'm a little burned out, maybe it's nerves, I don't know!
Can you guys offer any advice on what I should do? I thought about rescheduling my test, but it's on Wed, so if I call first thing tomm (Mon) morning, I don't think that's technically 48 hours. Is it?
I was planning on taking Topscore 3 tomorrow. Should I still take it? This afternoon I'm going to go over the test and review my weak areas.
If you were me, what the heck would you do?

Why are u calling, just do it through online.