Today, I’m going to be comparing the two most popular DAT prep courses: DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster. We’re going to take a close look at how they stack up.
What we will cover?
Quick Summary
- If you need a comprehensive self-study prep course with high-quality video lessons and have at least 3 to 4 months to cover detailed lessons, DAT Bootcamp is the best choice.
- If you are weak in PAT and Biology or short in time, say less than 3 months, you should go with DAT Booster. The PAT section of DAT Booster is a notch above all other materials.
- If you are not a big fan of video lessons and would rather prefer high-yield concise study notes with great graphics, DAT Booster (Booster Prep) will be preferable.
- If budget is not a big concern, you can go for both Bootcamp and DATBooster during your course of preparation one after the other. You can start with one depending on your perceived weak area and then use other brands’ full-length practice tests. It is highly recommended to use practice tests of both to get a top score.
A Quick Comparison
Here are the most relevant features of DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster, set side by side for easier comparison:
Detailed Comparison
Now let’s check out the features in greater detail:
Study Materials:
While you can use textbooks to study many of the subjects covered by the DAT, the PAT section still poses a significant challenge without visual aids. Both of these prep courses not only address this issue but also provide practice materials specifically for the PAT section, which can be difficult to find in traditional textbooks.
Both prep courses offer high quality video lessons that cover all the topics found in the DAT. These videos are all premium and in HD, and they do convey the concepts more effectively than just the text and illustrations in a regular textbook.
DAT Bootcamp
DAT Bootcamp is famous for its detailed videos, which offer many facts regarding the various lessons and subject matter. Even if you think you already know enough from textbooks, the DAT Bootcamp videos will often still provide you with new facts. The Chemistry video lessons are particularly superb, and we think they have the best DAT Chemistry video lessons in the entire industry.
On the other hand, some students find the details offered by the videos as overwhelmingly too much. Students might feel bombarded with too much information.
Thus, the general consensus here is that the DAT Bootcamp videos lessons are especially great for those who already do not have a decent (or even strong) understanding of the subject matter. And when you consider that you have at least 3,500 video lessons to go through, and each one will offer a prodigious amount of detail, then you might be in for a bit of a rough time.
DAT Booster
DAT Booster video lessons matches DAT Bootcamp in both quantity and quality. In some topics, Booster videos are even better than Bootcamp for visualizing complex concepts with custom illustrations. Booster is known for its brevity and conciseness in its video lessons. DAT Booster has at least only 3,000 videos, while DAT Bootcamp has at least 3,500 videos. But most students find 3,000 video lessons ample enough, as these videos still cover all the relevant subject matters. The video lessons offer just enough details to let you answer the DAT questions properly, and the videos are also very clear in presenting the facts. But you’re not overwhelmed by the amount of data from each video.
Also, the quality of the DAT Booster study materials has been exalted in the industry. This is especially true for the PAT section. This particular section is widely regarded as the best PAT study course in the industry, and the company behind DAT Booster actually offers a PAT Booster prep course as a separate option. The study materials offer features such as 3D image manipulation, so that you’re able to manually “turn” an image this way and that to get a feel for its true appearance and dimensions.
Also, DAT Booster’s study notes are outstanding. If you do not prefer video lessons and would rather have high-yield concise study notes with great graphics, DAT Booster will be preferable.
Verdict: Booster is known for its PAT & Biology focus. Bootcamp for Chemistry Section focus.
Booster is more suitable to get ready in a limited time with its concise high yield study notes.
Bootcamp provides more comprehensive video lessons with detailed study guide.
PAT Section
One thing that works in favor of DAT Booster is its personalized question generator for the Perceptual Ability Test or PAT. Originally, Booster focused solely on the PAT, so it has a lot of expertise and resources for this section. Because of its background, Booster has developed an awesome PAT generator. Utilizing this tool, you can generate an unlimited number of practice problems and arrange them according to your preference, enabling you to focus on particular topics or areas for improvement. Additionally, Booster offers an analyzer tool providing feedback on your errors and pinpointing areas needing further improvement.
In addition, Booster has a cool 3D review tool for the PAT and a lot of its video lessons focus on the PAT. So if visualization and perceptual skills are challenges for you, Booster’s resources could be really helpful. That’s something to keep in mind when comparing the two courses.
Recently, Bootcamp also have upgraded their PAT section as well. Dr. Joel and Kiana lessons help you through mastering the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) with exclusive tools like the TFE Visualizer and PAT Generators for creating unlimited practice questions, as well as dedicated resources for floating cubes practice. You get 10 practice tests, 1,499 questions, and over 850 instructional videos with Bootcamp.
Verdict: Narrow Edge to DAT Booster
Practice Questions
Both courses offer a fairly similar number of practice questions, and both of them offer representative questions that mimic the questions on the DAT.
DAT Bootcamp
Here you have up to 8800+ practice questions, and that sure is a lot. It’s fairly certain you won’t run out of questions during your 90-day access. That amounts to almost 98 practice questions per day on average. Again, the questions are quite similar to what you might expect in the real DAT.
DAT Booster
Here you have around 8900+ practice questions. That gives you almost 99 questions per day for the 90-day access period. That’s just 1 more practice question per day, on average.
The DAT Booster practice questions are similarly exceptional. In fact, this is especially true for the practice questions in the Biology section of the prep course. Many student who have taken the DAT after going through the DAT Booster course have reported that some of the questions they encountered in the real DAT were word for word the same as the practice questions they tried on the DAT Booster.
The same goes for the quality of the PAT study section. The questions are extremely representative, and you’re even allowed to manipulate the images in the questions. And the PAT section even offers an unlimited number of PAT practice questions. If you’re initially having trouble with the PAT before you went through the DAT Booster, then this particular section will certainly help. You just won’t run out of practice questions.
Verdict: Tie
Both Bootcamp and Booster offer almost equal number of practice questions. In the past, we held Bootcamp’s practice question a notch above Booster, but lately, Booster has been receiving rave reviews for the quality of its practice questions.
Having realistic practice is important to build proper skills and confidence, so this is another point in DAT Bootcamp’s favor compared to Booster.
Full Length Practice Tests
It’s best if you try the practice tests throughout your 90-day access period. That way, you can track your progress so you’ll know if you’re getting better (or not, though that’s very unlikely). You can also identify your weak points, and you can devote more time to these particular subjects.
DAT Bootcamp
Here you have 10 full-length practice tests. You should be very familiar with the real DAT once you go through these tests. That’s enough to make sure you can track your progress and identify your weak points throughout the 90-day study period.
DAT Booster
You get 12 full length practice tests with DAT Booster and that should really hammer home how the real DAT will feel like, plus you’re able to monitor your current progress more accurately.
Verdict: Slight Edge for Bootcamp
Both the tests are quite representative of real tests and it is highly recommended to try both if you have time.
Interface Quality and User Experience
It’s true that there’s really no objective way of comparing prep courses according to this factor. It all boils down to individual preferences and personal tastes. But it’s also true that you can survey large groups of users (or read their reviews) to note the general user experience.
DAT Bootcamp
Personally, I find the DAT Bootcamp interface just a bit better (though new DATBooster’s interface is equally good). Sure, the interfaces are similar. But somehow, going through the DAT Bootcamp prep course feels somewhat faster and smoother. Everything is prompt and quick. In addition, you can download the DAT Bootcamp mobile app, so you can do some practice questions any time you have a few minutes free. This is certainly a lot more convenient, as most people don’t have their laptop with them all the time. So, when you’re out on a date and your date is late, you can just whip out your smartphone and use your waiting time for a few practice questions.
DAT Booster
The quality of the new DAT Booster interface is great as well. They have released both android and iOS app. I found the apps interface to be quite modern and easy to use.
Verdict: Tie
Though DAT Bootcamp used to have better overall digital platform and user experience, the new DAT Booster interface gives it a tough competition. Both platforms are modern, clean, and intuitive with great functionality. Everything is easy to navigate and use.
Also, there’s no mobile app. So if you’re determined to study every time you have a few minutes free, that means you need to have your laptop with you all the time. And isn’t that a bit inconvenient?
Final Verdict
That wraps up our detailed comparison of DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp. So, which course do we recommend?
DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster have different strengths, so choose based on your priorities.
Booster pros: Strong biology/PAT, updated study materials, representative practice tests, Ask AI feature
Bootcamp pros: Useful chemistry videos/markup tool. Overall comprehensive DAT Prep Course
If you can afford it, you can use both and it could be ideal to get all the benefits. But for most students, picking one course based on your needs is necessary.
If you are just starting your DAT preparation, DAT Bootcamp is the better overall course.
DAT Booster does have some great advantages, like its Biology videos, PAT resources and limited tutoring. However, DAT Bootcamp has more pros:
- Higher-quality video lessons and solutions
- More realistic practice questions and larger question bank
- Better study materials and platform
- Ask AI feature to answer your query instantly
- Best PAT and Biology section in the market.
- Realistic Practice Test.
- Impressive PAT problem creation and analysis tools.
- Engaging video lessons in easily digestible portions
- Excellent comprehensive study materials with visual aids, such as graphics
- Around 9000 Practice problems that closely resemble the real thing
- Ask AI feature to address your query instantly.
- Limited one-on-one coaching with expert tutors
- Offers a guarantee for a higher score
- Anki deck from Booster is quite useful for Chemistry.
- Apps for both Android and iOS with modern interfaces.
- One of the most popular DAT programs known for its Bootcamp approach.
- High-Quality Video lectures. Chemistry lessons are top-notch.
- Customizable practice questions and study plans. Helpful video explanations for hundreds of questions. Good for visual learners.
- Most realistic practice test compared to others.
- Bootcamp Pro $497, Plus Plan $897
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Review Summary
User Reviews
Relied exclusively on Booster
I relied exclusively on Booster attained good AA and did great. While using both resources has its merits, from a cost-efficiency standpoint, Booster was excellent.
Given your timeline, you could spend your winter break, around 4 weeks, on content review, then begin practice tests in January, adjusting your schedule as needed. During this period, make sure to consistently review Anki decks.
My preparation was an intense two-month period focused solely on content, which I found incredibly effective. However, if your circumstances don’t allow for such an approach, I’d suggest using the time you do have to deeply understand the content by dedicating uninterrupted study sessions to absorb what you need to know.
Go with Booster
I exclusively used Booster and got great results. I faced the same dilemma, seeing many people juggling both programs and wondering if relying solely on Booster would suffice. But from my experience, I can assure you that selecting one comprehensive program and thoroughly exhausting its resources can indeed yield a solid score. My advice? Go with Booster. There’s no need for crash courses or additional materials if you diligently master the notes, practice problems, and practice exams they provide.
Prefer Booster
I personally don’t believe Bootcamp is worth the additional $200. Initially, I invested in Bootcamp but had to postpone my exam because juggling full-time school and part-time work left me with less study time than anticipated. When I prepared to retake the test, I chose DAT Booster instead, partly because it was $200 less expensive, and I must say I’m pleased with my decision. Now a few weeks into studying with DAT Booster for 6-8 hours a day, six days a week, I haven’t really seen a significant difference in quality. Both programs offer practice problems, exams, videos, notes, and study schedules. In fact, I’ve found more value in the Feralis-Booster notes provided by DAT Booster.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting DAT Booster is currently developing new Organic Chemistry videos set to be released later in 2023. I’ve been relying on their notes, which I find incredibly helpful and straightforward.
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