When to take the DAT?

[ZzZzSleepyhead]

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Hi guys! I just finished my second year of undergrad. So far I've finished gen chem series, bio series and ochem series. My goal is to study hard and take the DATs mid september before the next school year starts. Would this work out alright considering I haven't taken any higher level science?

I guess a follow-up Q would be: Are there any higher level bio/chem classes that are absolutely necessary to take before taking the DAT?

Thanks much in advance!

 

[HowAboutDAT]

Originally, like you, I planned on taking my DATs after my second year but honestly you learn some pretty important stuff in those upper level courses and they could be the difference between a few points. But, if you're ambitious enough study really hard this summer, take a few practice tests, see where you're at and go from there.

 

[ZzZzSleepyhead]

Which classes specifically would be helpful?
Do most people take upper level classes before taking the DAT??

Has anyone here taken the DAT after their second year?

 

[192LT192]

i didnt take the dat yet but i took microbiology and immunology and pharmacology and i find that the first two have been helping with studying. though i hear physiology and embryology help a lot but i didnt take them.

 

[nze82]

Hi guys! I just finished my second year of undergrad. So far I've finished gen chem series, bio series and ochem series. My goal is to study hard and take the DATs mid september before the next school year starts. Would this work out alright considering I haven't taken any higher level science?
Upper division classes are not necessary for the DAT; however, they will greatly help you obtain a higher score.

I guess a follow-up Q would be: Are there any higher level bio/chem classes that are absolutely necessary to take before taking the DAT?
Physiology courses tend to be very helpful with the bio section of the DAT, because their primary focus is on various organ systems of the body, and that's the area, where most DAT bio questions come from. Also, ecology classes can help you with topics such as animal behavior. Although, there's very little anatomy on the actual DAT, but taking a course in anatomy wouldn't be a bad idea, just to familiarize yourself with some bones and terminology such as muscles' points of origin and insertion. Finally, molecular biology could help you have a better understand of cellular processes such as transcription, translation, etc.
Again, none of these course are necessary, but your chances of scoring 20+ on the actual DAT will greatly increase if you have some in depth exposure to some of these topics.

Thanks much in advance!

Regarding "When you should take the DAT?" question the best answer would be "Whenever you feel you're ready."

Good Luck👍

 

[ZzZzSleepyhead]

Thanks for the replies guys!
I def agree with nze82. I guess I chose pretty bad title for my thread hah.
It actually should ask the question I posted in the thread.

I feel that bio and ochem are pretty fresh in my mind right now which is why I want to capitalize on this and take the DAT asap. But I'm still unsure if I should go for it now or wait until I take some more upper level science classes.

Has anyone else had this same dilemma? I really wanna get it figured out so I can start studying.

 

[smile1234]

Thanks for the replies guys!
I def agree with nze82. I guess I chose pretty bad title for my thread hah.
It actually should ask the question I posted in the thread.

I feel that bio and ochem are pretty fresh in my mind right now which is why I want to capitalize on this and take the DAT asap. But I'm still unsure if I should go for it now or wait until I take some more upper level science classes.

Has anyone else had this same dilemma? I really wanna get it figured out so I can start studying.

I believe if you can study hard you can take it after second year as well. No doubt upper level Bio courses help a lot but the ques we get on DAT are at very basic level and if you have thoroughly studied your first year Biology you can do well. The only reason we find it easier after doing higher level courses is because DAT ques are just the introduction of these higher courses. I didnt find any ques that was in too much depth for which you should need any higher level course. Moreover, if you are Bio or any Biological Medical Science major you dont remain in touch with chemistry. So if you take it later you have to work more on Chem (esp if you are out of touch). I personally took first DAT when I had not even completed my first year and got 21 in Bio. Though my Bio score improved as I took it again after finishing few high level courses but I felt some difficulty in preparing for Chem as I was out of touch for a year so my Chem score stayed the same at 20 and I feel if I would have taken DAT immediately after completing my first year I could have got more on Chem atleast.

 

[ZzZzSleepyhead]

Thanks so much smile1234,
Hearing about your own experience was really helpful! That was exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. I guess I will buy my study materials and give it a go. Would you or anyone else have any good sources to study from to get familiar with the higher level bio material?