What section to study first for the Dat?

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dentalstar100

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Hello SDN people,

I am currently an upcoming junior, applying for dental school next summer! I have done most of my research such as what dat prep materials I need etc. I am planning to take the DAT sometime in May 2017. While I'm on my butt doing nothing this summer except a few classes, I want to get a head start on studying for the DAT. I aim to score a 20+. 🙂 I was wondering what sections should I study first? I have a strong chemistry background, but a weak biology background. I feel like if I study biology this early, I would forget most of the stuff? What section would you study first if you were in my position? PAT, QR, Chemistry, or bio?
 
Hello SDN people,

I am currently an upcoming junior, applying for dental school next summer! I have done most of my research such as what dat prep materials I need etc. I am planning to take the DAT sometime in May 2017. While I'm on my butt doing nothing this summer except a few classes, I want to get a head start on studying for the DAT. I aim to score a 20+. 🙂 I was wondering what sections should I study first? I have a strong chemistry background, but a weak biology background. I feel like if I study biology this early, I would forget most of the stuff? What section would you study first if you were in my position? PAT, QR, Chemistry, or bio?
Hello SDN people,

I am currently an upcoming junior, applying for dental school next summer! I have done most of my research such as what dat prep materials I need etc. I am planning to take the DAT sometime in May 2017. While I'm on my butt doing nothing this summer except a few classes, I want to get a head start on studying for the DAT. I aim to score a 20+. 🙂 I was wondering what sections should I study first? I have a strong chemistry background, but a weak biology background. I feel like if I study biology this early, I would forget most of the stuff? What section would you study first if you were in my position? PAT, QR, Chemistry, or bio?
My strategy was studying 2-3 subjects each day, and just rotating what I was studying each day. That way, I was able to hit everything several times each week, while also not getting bored or burned out just studying one subject all day/week long. It also helped me to retain more information, in my opinion.
 
Do PAT every single day. I did the chemistry and Orgo first. You might think you know them well till you dive into the destroyer. Many people with strong chemistry/Orgo backgrounds get reality checks. Those two happen to be the easiest points to get, so know them inside out.

Bio is very broad, don't get sucked into doing bio at the very end because cramming does no good. At the same time starting too early will have you forget many things.

Honestly I would take it easy and just play with chemistry and Orgo along with PAT in the beggining.
 
Take a full length and see how you fare first. The score report should tell you where to begin from.
 
Definitely do PAT problems every day (or as often as possible) because practice is really the best way to study for that section. As for the rest, it all depends on you. I'm personally spending a lot of time on biology review because I haven't touched it for two years.

Just don't study one subject for an extended period of time. Splitting up review topics keeps your memory fresh!
 
Start doing the PAT early and do it everyday. Another section to start practicing early is RC (arguably the most important section).
 
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