What shall I buy?

[DoctorSaab]

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Alright guys, I plan to take the DATs in the summer. I probably will not even start studying til May. However, I want to start collecting the things I need in order to study.

What books/things do you recommend?

 

[faulknce]

get the big blue kaplan book (memorize everything in it) and topscore pro (which has 3 practice tests). that's all i used.

 

[critterbug]

Examkrackers 1001

I recommend the Organic Chemistry. The General Chemistry is ok, but the OCHEM was great practice.

 

[dr_benj]

I agree with faulknce, all you need are the kaplan book and the topscore CDs. Don't spend more than 4 weeks studying for the DAT. It's not really that hard, just memorize all the kaplan info and you'll be set.

 

[DDSdude]

Originally posted by dr_benj
I agree with faulknce, all you need are the kaplan book and the topscore CDs. Don't spend more than 4 weeks studying for the DAT. It's not really that hard, just memorize all the kaplan info and you'll be set.

Just my two cents. Be careful when you say do not spend more than 4 weeks of studying. Everyone is different and it may take others more time. Some may feel 4 weeks isn't enough and stress out and the time they spend studying will be spent with a feeling of anxiety. This will lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure.

My advice. I would take a practice exam and look over the info contained in the Kaplan book along with how well you did on the practice test and determine yourself how much time you will need. You will know how much time it will take you to assimulate the information. Break it down into sections and determine how much time you will need to spend on each section to feel ready. As you complete a section and feel good about it, take a topscore test over that section to see how well you do. By checking yourself as you go you will be able to tweak the time you spend studying and either put more time into studying or cut back.

If you determine how much time you will need to study in advance than you can plan out your schedule of studying. For example, if you look over the information 6 months before you plan on taking the DAT you can work from the date you plan on taking the test and start studying 3 months away if that is what you feel you need.

Another idea is to contact a Kaplan center nearest to you and ask them when their next "Test Drive" is. This is a free, no obligation event. They will give you a practice DAT to take. The sciences are complete in terms of question volume. The PAT, Math, and RC have fewer questions. They will also grade the tests and give you the results.

Good Luck!!😎

 

[dr_benj]

Good advice DDSdude, in addition I would like to add that the Topscore tests and Kaplan test drive are different for everyone. While some say that the topscore are very similar to the real thing I would disagree. The format is similar and the questions are similar, but I think the real DAT is much more easy. I scored 15-17's on the topscore and got 20-23's on the real DAT. So don't fret if after all your studying you score poorly on the topscore, i'm sure you will still be well prepared for the real thing.

 

[savvysearch]

The second time I studied for the DAT, it only took me about 4 weeks. The first time, it took me 3 months. It really depends on how you study.

Topscore and Kaplan book are the best bets.

 

[catwoman219]

i think i'm just slow with studying, because i also took 3 months, but i got scores that i am happy with, so be careful...take you time. also, buy the barrons book for the PAT review. its MUCH better than the kaplan book or the topscore

 

[Thaxil]

I think you should buy all the mentioned materials above. The DAT material is the only source for PAT preparation as far as I know.

I also started studying in the beginning of the summer and had the intent of taking in the mid July. However, my nerves delayed the test until first week of Oct. I suggest for you to not schedule the test until you are realty. You do not want to schedule the test first and then have the goal of being readily by then. I knew I was readily with I was scoring the desired scores on the Top score practices DAT.

I do not suggest to only know what is in the Kaplan Blue book. The Kaplan book does a great job in covering the material in the DAT; however, if you do not completely understanding the explanation of the Book, you should have your college text for better coverage of the material.

I also felt that the DAT was easier then expected, but I would never change the amount of time I used for preparing for it.