Questions about DAT Test Administration

[BalooTheBear]

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I took the Computerized MCAT and when I was taking the actual test, I had some moments of frustration from the way the test was administered, mainly because of the computerized format of the test. I was wondering if you DAT veterans could help me out so I can avoid similar stress.

1) During the test, how easy is it to jump around (within a section) between question sets? I ask this specifically for the PAT section because I plan on doing the easy sections first (cube counting, hole punching) and the difficult ones last (form development).
Is there a answer key page that shows the questions you have not answered (or marked) and allows you to click on the number and go to the question?
Or do you have to start from question 1 and scroll through?
Most of my practice tests have had a page where they explain what to do for each PAT section within the test, do they do that for the actual DAT?

2) Does the dry erase board come with an eraser? (stupid question, but i've never heard anyone address it)

3) I'm left handed and usually smear ink when I write. Am I going to have a problem when I'm writing fast during RC outlining? Or does the marker not smear much?

4) What size is the board and the markers? Is there any recommendation for a board/marker I could buy so that I could practice with them prior to test day?

 

[TheWiredNerv]

1. You can move from question to question. When you finish the last question at the end of the section then you can go back to certain questions.
2. I had paper when took it.
3. See 2
4. Usually a laminated piece of paper.

 

[hrndawg]

1) During the test, how easy is it to jump around (within a section) between question sets? I ask this specifically for the PAT section because I plan on doing the easy sections first (cube counting, hole punching) and the difficult ones last (form development).
Is there a answer key page that shows the questions you have not answered (or marked) and allows you to click on the number and go to the question?
Or do you have to start from question 1 and scroll through?
Most of my practice tests have had a page where they explain what to do for each PAT section within the test, do they do that for the actual DAT?

2) Does the dry erase board come with an eraser? (stupid question, but i've never heard anyone address it)

3) I'm left handed and usually smear ink when I write. Am I going to have a problem when I'm writing fast during RC outlining? Or does the marker not smear much?

4) What size is the board and the markers? Is there any recommendation for a board/marker I could buy so that I could practice with them prior to test day?

1. First off all, I would recommend not skipping around in the questions. It wastes time, and in the pat you're already in a monster time crunch. I thought of doing the cube counting first myself, but then decided it wasn't worth it.
2. Yes they gave me 2 erasers actually, but every test center is diff (but it's a safe bet to assume youre given an eraser of some sort)

3. It's a regular dry board marker so if you normally smear your handwriting it will be no different on the test.

4. They gave me 2 double-sided laminated sheets of paper. Theyre the size of (or maybe a little bigger) than a regular piece of lined paper. But the 4 total sides is plenty of working space. If you just buy a normal sized personal dry erase board and can work off of that, you will be more than prepared come test day.

 

[DRKNM]

Hey, TheWiredNerv!!!!

I have been asking a lot of people and still did not get an answer for my question. I see that you respond to a lot of answers and think that you will finally answer mine.

from this thread it seems like we are given a marker and laminated sheets to use. what is the most effective way to use these during the test, RC section, and do you recommend to practice for this part?

if anybody has anything they would like to share then please feel free to do so.

thanks.