Studying Schedule for the DAT

This is my studying schedule:

Monica | 24 AA / 27 TS

• Weeks 1–4: Content Review

• Weeks 5–8: Practice + Review

• Weeks 9–12: Full-Length Practice Tests + Weak Areas

You’ll study 5–6 days/week, 4–6 hours/day. This is intense but sustainable for most people

Day	Focus Areas
Monday	Biology + PAT
Tuesday	Gen Chem + QR
Wednesday	Orgo + PAT
Thursday	Bio + Reading Comp
Friday	Gen Chem + QR
Saturday	Full-length section practice + PAT drills
Sunday	OFF or light review (Anki/notes/mistakes)

Phase 1: Weeks 1–4 – Content Mastery

Goal: Learn foundational material and start light practice.

Use resources like:

• DAT Bootcamp

• DAT Destroyer

• Anki decks

• Kaplan/Princeton Review books

Weekly Targets:

• Bio: 2 chapters/day + Anki

• Gen Chem & Orgo: 1–2 chapters/day + end-of-chapter problems

• PAT: Start with 15–30 minutes/day using generators (Bootcamp PAT or PATBooster)

• Reading Comp: 1 passage/week

• QR: Begin basic math drills (algebra, proportions, word problems)

Phase 2: Weeks 5–8 – Practice + Application

Goal: Ramp up practice questions, mix in timed drills.

• Do daily timed practice questions for each science subject.

• PAT: Increase to 45–60 minutes/day.

• RC: 2–3 passages/week under timed conditions.

• QR: Full sections weekly.

• Begin full-length practice exams on Saturdays (every other week).

• Make an error log to track weak points.

Phase 3: Weeks 9–12 – Full-Length Tests + Refinement

Goal: Simulate real test conditions, fix weak areas.

• Take 1–2 full-length practice tests/week.

• Review EVERY question you got wrong or guessed.

• Focus 2–3 days/week on your lowest sections (e.g., QR, RC).

• Work on timing strategies.

• Continue PAT and Anki daily.

Study Tips

• Anki daily for Bio, Gen Chem, Orgo (spaced repetition is key).

• Morning = New Content, Afternoon = Practice

• Review your mistake log weekly to avoid repeating errors.

• Take care of your mental and physical health , avoid burnout.

Final 2 Weeks Checklist

• ✅ 3+ Full-length practice exams

• ✅ Review every missed question

• ✅ High confidence in PAT timing and strategy

• ✅ Quick review notes for each science subject

• ✅ Calm mind, sleep schedule aligned to test time

Test Day advice:

• Don’t cram. Do light review only (Anki, formula sheets, or flashcards).

• Take the day off if possible. Go for a walk, watch a movie, relax.

• Prepare everything:

  • 2 valid forms of ID

  • Confirmation email or test registration

  • Snacks and water for your break

  • Comfortable clothes (dress in layers)

• Know the test center location and how long it takes to get there.

• Sleep 7–8 hours, not too little and not too much.

Morning of the Test

• Wake up early enough to avoid rushing.

• Eat a balanced breakfast (protein + carbs, e.g., eggs + toast + banana).

• Avoid too much caffeine unless you’re used to it.

• Arrive 30 minutes early to the test center.

 During the Test

General Tips:

• Trust your prep. You’ve studied for months — you are ready.

• Pace yourself. Don’t get stuck on one question.

• Use keyboard shortcuts if using DAT Bootcamp or similar for practice — they work similarly on the real test.

• If unsure, mark the question, make your best guess, and move on.

PAT Section Tips

• Don’t spend too long on one puzzle type.

• If you practiced with generators (e.g., PATBooster), this section should feel familiar.

• Maintain a steady pace. Timing is everything.

Reading Comp Tips

• Pick your strategy and stick with it:

  • Search and destroy (look back in the passage)

  • Read whole passage first (if you practiced this way)

• Don’t overanalyze. Go with the best answer and move on.

 QR & Sciences Tips

• Use your scratch paper for quick math and reaction setups.

• If math is your weakness, guess and flag time-consuming ones — come back if time allows.

• Don’t panic if a science question seems new. Use logic + elimination.

Break Time (After Reading Comp)

You’ll get a 30-minute break after the Reading Comp section.

• Use the entire break.

• Eat a light snack (protein bar, fruit, nuts).

• Walk around, use the restroom.

• Don’t overthink how you did on the first half.

Listen,

• You don’t need perfection. A few hard questions won't tank your score.

• Focus on each section, not the whole test at once.

• You’re not alone , everyone feels anxious. Use that adrenaline for focus.

• Breathe. Deep breaths before each section can calm your nerves.

• Be proud. Making it to test day means you’ve already succeeded in discipline and preparation.

Good Luck :)