DAT on 8/8, ADVICE!

[warriorsinc]

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Hey guys,

I am taking the DAT this thursday and have used the most common resources that people post on here to study for it.

I was hoping to get some advice as to what to write on the dry erase sheets. If you can please be specific. So far, I plan on writing the PAT tips for the hole punching and cube counting sections.

I was wondering if you guys can be specific with what else to write on it. Thanks for all your help ahead of time!

 

[s2unny]

During the tutorial I wrote down a trig chart (sin, cos, tan for common angles) because I didn't have them memorized; or you can draw the special triangles out too [sheet #1]. Then I did all my work for the sciences in the 2nd sheet of paper, so I can have that one replaced during the break and keep the first sheet with my equations on it for the 2nd half of the test. That being said, I only used half the sheet of paper for PAT, so I'm not sure how much space you need. Good luck!

 

[warriorsinc]

Thanks a lot! I don't think the PAT will take up much space either. From the practice I've done, seems like half a page will do. One table for the cube counting, plus a few 4x4 for the hole punches

 

[ckgibbs115]

During the tutorial I wrote down a trig chart (sin, cos, tan for common angles) because I didn't have them memorized; or you can draw the special triangles out too [sheet #1]. Then I did all my work for the sciences in the 2nd sheet of paper, so I can have that one replaced during the break and keep the first sheet with my equations on it for the 2nd half of the test. That being said, I only used half the sheet of paper for PAT, so I'm not sure how much space you need. Good luck!

I agree, when I found out about this trig chart, it made things so much easier to figure out since I didn't have to rack my brain to remember it

http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/trig-magic-hexagon.html

Aside from the cube counting tables and hole punches, theres not much else to write down unless you wanna write some general math and chem equations.

 

[s2unny]

whoa I never heard of the hexagon method before. looks intricate!

mine was a lot more fundamental and off the special triangles haha
looked more like this:
http://easycalculation.com/trigonometry/trigonometry-tables.php

whatever method works for everyone 🙂

 

[warriorsinc]

You guys are the best!
I just was going through the hexagon and I feel awesome. I dont have to memorize all of those.
Thanks!

 

[sakthivs]

i think ada changed their rules and wont allow you to write anything during the tutorial. At least thats what I heard.

 

[Faux]

Sakthivs: That is absolutly incorrect. You can do whatever you want during the tutorial. I was drawing pictures on my whiteboard to help calm me down and relax. I realized with like 3min left of the tutorial that I should probably write something down. In regards to the PAT: You do not need any whiteboards for this section. By the time you take the test, you should be able to mentally do every component of the PAT in your head. This means counting cubes, ranking angles, and all of the other fun stuff the PAT has to offer. Trust me it saves a whole lot of time and its the proper way to attack this part of the DAT

You shouldn't be suggesting people to do PAT in their head during a stressful test such as this.

 

[001]

in regards to the dry erase boards, do they only let you use a certain number? I like to write everything down when I do problems.
how does it work?

 

[Dentpat]

Does it say any where on the ada website that rules have changed about writing during the tutorial? I personally called a couple of pro metric centers in CA and they told me that there was absolutely no writing on boards during the tutorial? Personally I think it makes it harder to not be able to draw grids during pat section. I surely need that extra time. Don't know why this rule changed all of a sudden?! Has anyone been able to write during their tutorial time in CA? I'm hoping to take this test in the next couple weeks.

 

[aznriptide859]

in regards to the dry erase boards, do they only let you use a certain number? I like to write everything down when I do problems.
how does it work?

First, they're not really "boards" - they're just laminated sheets of paper, double sided. Second, Prometric has started phasing out "erasable" markers, and have started using fine tipped semi-permanent ones. However, on my test (taken 8/3) I was able to smudge off markings.

You get two for the first two sections (SNS and PAT) then two new ones for the last two (RC and QRT). They are marked like graph paper, so writing small definitely benefits.

You can, however, run outside and switch your papers if you really need the extra space/if you run out; do note if you do during a test and not during the 15-minute break in the middle, you'll lose time on your actual test, so this isn't really suggested.

Does it say any where on the ada website that rules have changed about writing during the tutorial? I personally called a couple of pro metric centers in CA and they told me that there was absolutely no writing on boards during the tutorial? Personally I think it makes it harder to not be able to draw grids during pat section. I surely need that extra time. Don't know why this rule changed all of a sudden?! Has anyone been able to write during their tutorial time in CA? I'm hoping to take this test in the next couple weeks.

Don't think this was a rule; as Getatme said, you can write whatever you want during the Tutorial (I was numbering my boards as per my strategy, and no one came in to tell me I couldn't). Of course this was in Texas, though I would be baffled why the ADA would set different regulations for different states.

 

[themrn]

i went to my testing center about 3 weeks ago to check the rules and location. mine's gona be on the same dat as you tho (so nervous!!).

but they said "the rule" has been changed (they actually checked the policy posted on the website. We are not allowed to write anything during tutorial nor 15 min break. so i guess i'll just go w/ it or i'll use the time left during science section.

 

[Dentpat]

Yeh maybe I'll check the Ada website again, but I don't think I saw this rule anywhere. Sux well I guess we have to try and work extra extra fast to have time to draw grids. Ahh this makes it unfair, it's already stressful as it is.. I'm a little bummed.. I had a friend that was trying to write during tutorial and they came in and told her she was unable to, I think that made her more nervous during the test. So I guess just expect the unexpected. Good luck to you all and thanks for all the advice and feedbacks. I'm new to this but I'll keep in posted. 🙂

 

[Illuminati33]

When I took at the DAT yesterday I wasn't allowed to draw anything until the actual test started. Since the board already had lines I just used that for my grids.