How should I prepare for Kaplan free practice DAT?

[Kef318]

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I'm going to take the test cold--I'll be taking the real test in June and studying for 2 months prior to that.

I'd like to try to create the actual DAT testing environment as closely as possible.

Having never taken the test before, I guess I'm wondering about breaks, snacks, etc.

Any tips?

 

[sjv]

There is a 15 min optional break after the PAT (2nd section) which would be your ideal snack time. However, you can always get up in the middle of a section (with the timer running) and go to the bathroom but NOT access your personal items you've stored in the locker.

 

[kingenamel]

If you are taking it on a laptop, I liked connecting a Usb mouse when I took practice tests

 

[Kef318]

Is that because when you take the actual test, you'll be using a mouse?

If that's the case (which I'm guessing it is), thanks for that tip--I wouldn't have thought of it!

 

[sjv]

Is that because when you take the actual test, you'll be using a mouse?

If that's the case (which I'm guessing it is), thanks for that tip--I wouldn't have thought of it!

Yeah, you have a mouse and full size keyboard although you don't really use it for anything.

 

[kingenamel]

Is that because when you take the actual test, you'll be using a mouse?

If that's the case (which I'm guessing it is), thanks for that tip--I wouldn't have thought of it!

exactly, I never really use a mouse because the trackpad is a lot more convenient but I just helped emulate the testing conditions a little better. also depending on your testing center the calculator can be hit or miss. some people have no issues some have pretty shady calculators. I had a calculator that was not very user friendly, it was very laggy and it took about a second to register each number so i had to actually wait for the numbers one by one to get inputed after each click. it was annoying but overall it didn't mess me up too much

 

[Kef318]

So is the calculator "built in"? Do you bring you own?

 

[sjv]

So is the calculator "built in"? Do you bring you own?

Its part of the test screen, people have had mixed experiences but numbers and functions do not readily respond immediately so you need to be a little careful when using it. You also use the mouse so its a little slower due to that compared to if you had a calculator in your hands.

 

[kingenamel]

I think the only thing you can actually bring in with you is your drivers license or whatever Id you use that day and the laminated sheets and marker that they provide to you.

 

[Kef318]

What is the laminated sheets and marker used for?

 

[sjv]

What is the laminated sheets and marker used for?

Scratch work for PAT/Math section.