What DAT practice tests help the most? I have time to take 8 practice tests... I'm planning on doing TopScore but between Achiever and Kaplan's tests... which are more useful? I don't really think that much into practice test scores so I'd be willing to do Achiever (even though I've heard it's harder) but I'm wondering if Kaplan's practice exams test good material?? My instinct is to go with Achiever so I can learn the most... Thoughts?
What are the most useful practice tests?
- Thread starter ROCOCO8
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I would only get Achiever for the PAT section. With the time you would have spent doing Achiever/Kaplan I would drill through destroyer and go over your weaknesses using Chad's. If you are determined to do Achiever and are confident you won't get freak out then only do the sciences and PAT and supplement the rest of your time with destroyer, Chad's videos, and Sama's PAT tutorial to help fix any weaknesses. IMO your time will be better spent this way and you will wind up more prepared for the real deal.
I talk more about Achiever in this thread if you are interested in more info:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=852272
Thanks, just read your breakdown. Congrats on your great score. Do you think you would have scored as well if you weren't challenged with Achiever's difficult problems? I don't mind scoring low on practice tests that are notorious for being too hard... I'd rather be surprised with a better DAT score than go into the test over confident... Nonetheless, I like your advice about skipping the RC and doing CDR instead... I think I'll do that 🙂
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No I do not think I would have done as well. However, knowing what I know now I may have spent my time a little differently. I also got a little more rattled then I would have liked from that test. I also wouldn't do either the PAT or TS without at least time and half (remember I finished the real TS with 15 minutes to spare). In the end Achiever is not for everyone and it almost wasn't for me. If you have the money, go ahead and splurge on CDM as well. They have video explanations and you can specific problem types to drill through to patch up your weaknesses. Good Luvk.
To be honest with you, I felt like Achiever was too hard (gen chem, I'm looking at you) and the info that you'll learn from it is MOSTLY useless. To put this into perspective, there were sections where I scored 7-13+ higher on the real thing. I felt like I wasted a lot of time with Achiever. It was really only useful for RC since my real score was +3 from the achiever score. In my opinion, spend that precious time going over destroyer again, you'll gain much more.
have fun studying
edit: I forgot to mention bio. In stead of doing the destroyer again, you could go over Cliffs again to reinforce what you've learned.
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I was a big fan of achiever, if you are interested go for it. Review the questions you get wrong and know that the real test will not be as complex.
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2007 and 2009 for sure.
I recommend TopScore as there is an average of 2 pt difference between it and projected actual for most people.
I recommend TopScore as there is an average of 2 pt difference between it and projected actual for most people.
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Stupid Question:
So I finished the first topscore, but are there solutions for topscore questions? I know you can see the correct answer, but are there any written solutions like achiever does for each problem?
So I finished the first topscore, but are there solutions for topscore questions? I know you can see the correct answer, but are there any written solutions like achiever does for each problem?
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Yeah, there are. You would have to take the exam again, and each question has a answer button while you are taking the test, so can view the answer.
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oh yeahhh... i remember seeing the solution buttons while I was taking it but totally ignored it.. lol thanks. Guess after a full test can't think straight.
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When people told me that Topscore was representative of the real DAT, I thought the real DAT would have an answer button for every question too.
Those liars.
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I agree with a lot of the people here. Your time will be better spent with just TopScore and ADA 2007/2009 for practice tests and then using the remaining time to focus on your particular strengths and weaknesses by doing Math destroyer, CDP and CDR, and reviewing your Chad notes several times. I think its overkill to do 8 full lengths. You will def have a feel for Qs and how they will be presented after 5 at which point your time is better spent in focused review.
