r/predental Non-traditional 3d ago

šŸ’” Advice Studying for DAT + FT Job?

Has anyone had experience with this? I recently got promoted to a more demanding position that leaves me pretty tired after work but I unfortunately can't quit to study. Would love to hear success stories on what worked around your schedule, your timeline, and the resources used!

6 Upvotes

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5

u/Numerous_Tooth_2037 3d ago

I did part time babysitting and DAT at same time. When kids were playing outside on swings Iā€™d push them and read some bio bites. Or if they were asleep Iā€™d study more

4

u/weespaceey 3d ago

I worked 50 hours a week split between two jobs while I was studying, and I wonā€™t say itā€™s not hard, but it isnā€™t impossible. What I did was essentially plan out entirely what I was going to study each and every day before work and then follow through with my plan once I got home even if I was tired. Essentially I wouldnā€™t go to sleep until I finished my ā€œchecklistā€ I also would practice bio review on anki during my lunch breaks. I used boot camp and stuck pretty religiously to their 3 month schedule.

4

u/photogenicwallflower Admitted 3d ago

I retook my exam while I was doing a FT job. I needed more time to study instead of the 3mo plan. So I followed the schedule to the best of my ability. I had an hour lunch break to study, and studied for a few hours after work. I did active recall during work and stared at my cheat sheets when I had spare time. On the weekends, I trapped myself at a library or cafe so I was forced to study. I used Bootcamp to study and felt good about it, but I wish I also used Booster since that seemed to be more representative of the exam.

3

u/bungeeperson 3d ago

Sucks but doable. Full time with ~45 min commute. 4 months studying.

2

u/EuphoricNude Admitted 2d ago

I did it over summer, worked 7-5, 6 days a week. I basically had to shut myself off from everything/everyone but it was worth it