Sean's Tips for a 25 in the PAT

Beginning the study process for the DAT can indeed feel overwhelming. Remember those days of having a formula sheet in general chemistry? Unfortunately, those comforts are no longer available. Imagine tackling the subject you feel most confident about and scoring only 20/40 on your first practice test. It might seem like memorizing the entirety of biology is an insurmountable task. However, it's not as hopeless as it might first appear.

Here are my targeted DAT strategies by subject:

Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

Success in QR isn’t just about solving problems, but solving them quickly. Some questions are more time-consuming than others, and it’s often wise to skip these initially and return later. Diligently practice each problem type on Bootcamp and seek additional resources. Familiarity with the problems is key—once you see a problem, you should immediately know the steps to solve it. I achieved a score of 24 in this section through consistent practice without overcommitting my time.

General Chemistry (GC)

The absence of a formula sheet can be daunting. However, with regular practice, the formulas will embed themselves in your long-term memory. Instead of rote memorization, I found using flashcards effective—around 600 of them. I even reviewed them on my phone during walks between classes, which helped solidify my understanding of polyatomic ion charges, solubility rules, and other chemistry concepts. Teaching the material to anyone—even if it's just your dog or a wall—can reinforce what you've learned. I scored a 22.

Organic Chemistry (OC)

Tutoring in organic chemistry was a game changer for me. Teaching highlighted the areas I needed to shore up. Spending hours explaining reaction mechanisms and their underlying principles deepened my understanding beyond the basic diagrams and formulas. My efforts were rewarded with a score of 23.

Biology (Bio)

My journey began with a humbling 9/40 on my first practice test. I used Bootcamp’s comprehensive biology videos as a starting point, sketching connections between terms to form a web of knowledge, rather than learning in isolation. The DAT app was invaluable for squeezing in study sessions throughout the day. For deeper dives into complex topics, I used ChatGPT to break down concepts in simple terms, often starting with prompts like "explain _____ to an amateur." This approach helped me achieve a 19.

Reading Comprehension (RC)

I spent less than four days preparing for this section. The "Search & Destroy" strategy from Bootcamp—focusing on skimming rather than detailed reading—proved to be both effective and time-efficient, helping me achieve a 21.

Perceptual Ability (PAT)

This section initially presents a steep learning curve, so initial low scores shouldn't be discouraging. The key to excelling here is mastering cube counting, which can significantly conserve time for more challenging questions. Techniques like closing one eye or using a finger—or an Expo marker, with caution not to touch the monitor—can help in angle ranking. I scored a 25 here.

This process is undeniably time-consuming, but by integrating these strategies with your own study habits, you can maximize your study time and enhance your performance. Best of luck on your DAT journey,

Sean Minnig