DAT testing - break question

[niel23]

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Hi,

Taking the DAT is a long exam.

I've been taking a few practice tests and the first half of the section is 2.5 hr long.

I know it's an endurance test and taking a long test is no problem to me... as long as its in increments.

However, when you're blessed with a neurogenic bladder and very fast metabolism, the bladder and stomach wins over the brain.

Is it possible if you finish the natural science section early prior to time expiration, can you go on a restroom/snack break, as long as you follow all testing rules (i.e. no cellphone use, etc.)?

Please let me know 🙂

 

[BrightTeeth]

In short, no it is not possible to finish the natural science section early prior to time expiration and then take a break.

As soon as your time runs out for the natural science section your PAT section will begin straight away no exceptions.

You will then have a break (mine was 30 mins not 15 mins like is posted on the ADA website).

I would highly caution against going to the bathroom before your PAT section starts (assuming you finished the natural science section) because the whole process of getting checked into and out of the testing room takes quite a bit of time.

 

[8_man]

Just letting you know, if you finish the Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) section with like 15 or so minutes to spare, you'll have enough time to go to the bathroom and take a breather. But no snacks or cellphone use during this time. And the PAT section will automatically begin when the SNS timer is up, so be back at your computer as soon as possible.

 

[BrightTeeth]

Just letting you know, if you finish the Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) section with like 15 or so minutes to spare, you'll have enough time to go to the bathroom and take a breather. But no snacks or cellphone use during this time. And the PAT section will automatically begin when the SNS timer is up, so be back at your computer as soon as possible.

It should be noted though that you have to go through a security check every time you enter and leave the room though. Which can add anywhere up to 10 mins total. So if you finish with 15 mins to spare you still don't have a whole lot of time to go to the bathroom.

 

[8_man]

It should be noted though that you have to go through a security check every time you enter and leave the room though. Which can add anywhere up to 10 mins total. So if you finish with 15 mins to spare you still don't have a whole lot of time to go to the bathroom.

Depends where you're located I guess. My checkouts only took like 2 minutes in, 2 minutes out, so I had plenty of time to chill.

 

[niel23]

Just letting you know, if you finish the Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) section with like 15 or so minutes to spare, you'll have enough time to go to the bathroom and take a breather. But no snacks or cellphone use during this time. And the PAT section will automatically begin when the SNS timer is up, so be back at your computer as soon as possible.

Thanks! This is what I was asking.

I finish anywhere from 20-30m ahead of the timer and it should be more than enough.

You seriously can't eat a snack though during this short breather?

 

[8_man]

Thanks! This is what I was asking.

I finish anywhere from 20-30m ahead of the timer and it should be more than enough.

You seriously can't eat a snack though during this short breather?

Nope, they don't let you touch anything in your locker during unofficial breaks.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[2jz]

I finished the natural sciences section with a little over ten minutes, went to the bathroom and was back with time to spare before the PAT section started. The security personnel was great at smoothly doing the check in and out in a timely fashion.

I wasn't allowed to access my locker except during the half hour break. There also wasn't any restrictions on what I could do during that break; security told me I could drive and go get lunch if I really thought I'd be back in time. I was shocked lol.