Keeping energized throughout the DAT

[polarmolar]

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Since this seems to be where most of the post-DATers are at, I wanted to seek some advice 🙂

I am taking my DAT on the 15th of this month and I will be fasting for Ramadan. I made sure I scheduled my exam the earliest possible, 8am, since I wake up before sunrise to eat. That would put my ending time around 12ish or so, the time I usually

What are some nutrition options I can take advantage of to keep hunger from effecting my performance?

just don't want my tummy to start talking to me during the QR section 😀

 

[supraman]

Man I am not going to fast that day, so you moved your time to end of the month huh?

 

[sz07]

To tell you the truth when you start doing the test and your brain starts working your body's energy will be used up fast. This just cannot be avoided.

I say go with something you are comfortable with eating and something that you know will fill you up good. In my case I drank my custom protein shake before taking the test: 1 cup milk, 2tsp peanut butter, 1/2 scoop protein powder, 1 banana, and 1/2 cup oat bran. I drank this 2hr before the exam and did not feel very hungry. Your mileage may vary.

Also avoid eating junk food and instead opt for fruits, vegetables, and other good stuff. And try not to get too stressed. If you are calm and focused on the test, your hunger should not bother you that much. Good luck!

 

[polarmolar]

To tell you the truth when you start doing the test and your brain starts working your body's energy will be used up fast. This just cannot be avoided.

I say go with something you are comfortable with eating and something that you know will fill you up good. In my case I drank my custom protein shake before taking the test: 1 cup milk, 2tsp peanut butter, 1/2 scoop protein powder, 1 banana, and 1/2 cup oat bran. I drank this 2hr before the exam and did not feel very hungry. Your mileage may vary.

Also avoid eating junk food and instead opt for fruits, vegetables, and other good stuff. And try not to get too stressed. If you are calm and focused on the test, your hunger should not bother you that much. Good luck!

That protein shake sounds good, but idk how my stomach will react to that 😉.

I am thinking of eating a nice carb filled dinner the night before. I think it will mostly depend on the before sunrise meal though.

 

[prydA]

my advice is don't do anything you're not used to right before the test, i.e. drinking some weird energy drink or taking some supplements you've never taken before... the sheer thought that this test is the most important test in your life so far and its weight on the chances of your admissions should keep you awake enough... lol. gluck!

 

[Andrew324]

Thats quite a shake, unique, I took a gatorade and some water...

 

[polarmolar]

my advice is don't do anything you're not used to right before the test, i.e. drinking some weird energy drink or taking some supplements you've never taken before... the sheer thought that this test is the most important test in your life so far and its weight on the chances of your admissions should keep you awake enough... lol. gluck!

Yea def I won't lol. Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[doc3232]

Protein shakes are loaded with carbs, sometimes 130 grams.
This is what I would do. Eat a light breakfast and take about 400 mg of caffeine or more. but it depends on the person, when I am on a lot of caffeine, I am able to focus an incredible amount.
During the break, take another 200 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine is a diuretic so you might end up in bathroom longer than you think.
hence, don't eat OR drink too much.

 

[Andrew324]

I dont caffeine at all, and I agree with the suggestion above, dont do anything to out of routine

 

[Jake8]

Before my test I had half a sub and a cup of coffee which was my normal lunch back then. When the test was going on I was so hyped and psyched that I didn't even notice my stomach. Do what makes you comfortable and happy.

 

[klpennin]

I noticed I was getting hungry in the middle of the QR section (my stomach was growling), but I didn't really focus on it, I went about my business. But when I got my score back it showed. I had eaten eggs, toast and apple juice for breakfast, had 2 excedrin before the test because I get headaches randomly, and then a almond bar and gatorade at the break. I was starving by then end so i would suggest eating more than I did. You need lots of carbs for the brain.

 

[UCSF2012]

A cup of OJ and 2 croissantwiches from BK. That gave me enough energy to last that entire test without a crash. You know what school I'm at, so you know I don't play around!

 

[Neuro178]

I carbo loaded like craaaazy the day before (Kaplan says to do this, and I think it works). They also told us to do this in track in high school - carbo loading the day before affects you the next day.

That morning I ate a piece of toast with cinnamon sugar (I never eat breakfast, but I made myself) and water. During the PAT I started to get hungry. I ate a peanut butter sandwich during the break. I was really hungry again by the time I got through the QR. I don't usually eat a lot (I'm a pretty small girl) but I think you use a lot of energy during the test, esp with the added stress.

Stay positive!! That will keep your stamina up more than anything! 😉 GOOD LUCK, polarmolar!!!

 

[Neuro178]

A cup of OJ and 2 croissantwiches from BK. That gave me enough energy to last that entire test without a crash. You know what school I'm at, so you know I don't play around!

You have a seriously ridiculous quote in your signature.

Sorry for the tangent, but I just noticed that. HAHA

 

[shoombol tallah]

Hey man I respect the fact that your muslim and your fasting trust me but this test is very important and I think you should not fast that day. A lot of this test depends on focus and mental stamina and if your hungry or dont eat during your break your doing a big disservice to yourself. BTW good luck 🙂 👍

 

[supraman]

You have a seriously ridiculous quote in your signature.

Sorry for the tangent, but I just noticed that. HAHA

that one IS ridiculous indeed. The best is:

Oh, Once One Takes The Anatomy Final, Very Good Vacations Are Heavenly!

 

[polarmolar]

I carbo loaded like craaaazy the day before (Kaplan says to do this, and I think it works). They also told us to do this in track in high school - carbo loading the day before affects you the next day.

That morning I ate a piece of toast with cinnamon sugar (I never eat breakfast, but I made myself) and water. During the PAT I started to get hungry. I ate a peanut butter sandwich during the break. I was really hungry again by the time I got through the QR. I don't usually eat a lot (I'm a pretty small girl) but I think you use a lot of energy during the test, esp with the added stress.

Stay positive!! That will keep your stamina up more than anything! 😉 GOOD LUCK, polarmolar!!!

Thanks for the kind words!! I am going to take that carb advice.