What caffeine for DAT?

[SayitIsntSO]

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I'm sure this has been addressed, but I haven't it over the year I have been on SDN. Any advice on the caffeine consumption the day of the DAT, I don't want to have to use the bathroom in the middle of my test. At the same time, caffeine would put me on top of my game (it's probably mental). Like a red bull maybe b/c it is isn't very much liquid. Or maybe those caffeine gum or maybe No-Doze? I am just seeing what some of you tried. I do see a significant increase in my scores throughout college if I have an energy drink in me, but most test are rarely longer than an hour, and I must use the restroom within 2 hours of consumption. Maybe the 15 min. break would be perfect for that...

 

[tinman831]

They do give you time during the middle of the exam to take a break if you want.

 

[kaDa]

Personally, I'd eat something that has complex carbs and have a protein bar during the break...but I do know some ppl who take a caffeine pill before big tests. I think they give ~the amt of caffeine as in a cup of coffee. You might want to give it a trial run b4 taking the test. Best of luck! 😎

 

[Sephisabin]

Another thing to consider is State Dependent Learning... if you take caffeine before the test, make sure you take caffeine everytime you're studying as well... I don't suggest doing anything out of the ordinary for the test... eat breakfast, have a coffee if it's part of your morning routine...

 

[bigsilvo]

if you're worried about having to use the bathroom, caffeine no matter how you take it (pill, red bull etc) is going to make you have to go. It also depends on how much you consume. You do get a break and you'll probably be too stressed to realize you have to use the john. I would recommend a red bull though just to be safe!! I was worried that I'd get sleepy during the test and not be at the top of my game.

 

[starbright]

Another thing to consider is State Dependent Learning... if you take caffeine before the test, make sure you take caffeine everytime you're studying as well... I don't suggest doing anything out of the ordinary for the test... eat breakfast, have a coffee if it's part of your morning routine...

agreed. if u're gonna do caffeine, do it while studying and taking practice exams..the exact way u would do it on test day. see if u need to pee quick or if u can last thru quant reasoning. otherwise drink gatorade, it's a similar pH to ur body so u dont hav eto pee as much.

 

[makwendo]

Caffeine increases urine output period, you don't want to be loaded with it and have to go to the bathroom real bad halfway through PAT. As an aside though, GU/Powerbar energy gel (if you like or can bear the taste) are way better than a straight up cardboard powerbar. Because they get absorbed faster, you wake up/ feel the effect much better especially since you only have 15 mins to recoup before going in for the second half. You want something quick acting. As a word of caution, try this before test day because some people have GI irratability with the energy gels. If you're ok with them, however, they're #1.

 

[SirShagaLot]

I wouldn't worry about it. When your actually there, taking the test, i feel getting tired is almost impossible. I could have slept 2 hrs the night b4 and still focused.....that kind of weight riding on 1 exam tends to, at least for me, induce a nervous rxn that could keep me going for as long the exam lasts...when i got done i felt like i could go run a 26 mile marathon.....i think i went to the bar instead though

good luck 😎

 

[aggie-master]

Can you get up and use the restroom in the middle of a section if you want to?

 

[tom_servo_dds]

Can you get up and use the restroom in the middle of a section if you want to?

I've heard of people being forced to do this, but you don't get your time back. If you walk away you lose that time unfortunately. Best thing to eat is a piece of fruit or a warm cookie (makes you just feel good) 🙂

Best of luck to everyone!

 

[ElDienteLoco]

agreed. if u're gonna do caffeine, do it while studying and taking practice exams..the exact way u would do it on test day. see if u need to pee quick or if u can last thru quant reasoning. otherwise drink gatorade, it's a similar pH to ur body so u dont hav eto pee as much.

Similar pH?...interesting...

Maybe you mean similar osmolarity because of the electrolytes?...

I always laugh at the "pH balanced for a woman" deodorant commercials...Do women really have acidic underarms...Maybe they don't drink as much Gatorade as the guys?...

I'm just playing, but I don't think I have ever heard what the pH of Gatorade is...I just googled it and someone says gatorade is around 3-3.4...

 

[SayitIsntSO]

Similar pH?...interesting...

Maybe you mean similar osmolarity because of the electrolytes?...

I always laugh at the "pH balanced for a woman" deodorant commercials...Do women really have acidic underarms...Maybe they don't drink as much Gatorade as the guys?...

I'm just playing, but I don't think I have ever heard what the pH of Gatorade is...I just googled it and someone says gatorade is around 3-3.4...

3-3.4?! Wow, thats pretty low, isnt that as low as acetic acid or something? I thought Coke was around 2.0, but that makes sense w/ it being made of phosphoric acid. Where would gatorade get its acidity? Also, I agree, I dont think the pH has anything to do w/ the urine, it is the electrolyte concentration of your blood. Gatorade would raise the electrolyte concentration of your blood and therefore would decrease urine output b/c of osmosis in the kidneys to retain water.

 

[SayitIsntSO]

Similar pH?...interesting...

Maybe you mean similar osmolarity because of the electrolytes?...

I always laugh at the "pH balanced for a woman" deodorant commercials...Do women really have acidic underarms...Maybe they don't drink as much Gatorade as the guys?...

I'm just playing, but I don't think I have ever heard what the pH of Gatorade is...I just googled it and someone says gatorade is around 3-3.4...

3-3.4?! Wow, thats pretty low, isnt that as low as acetic acid or something? I thought Coke was around 2.0, but that makes sense w/ it being made of phosphoric acid. Where would gatorade get its acidity? Also, I agree, I dont think the pH has anything to do w/ the urine, it is the electrolyte concentration of your blood. Gatorade would raise the electrolyte concentration of your blood and therefore would decrease urine output b/c of osmosis in the kidneys to retain water.

 

[LIer2010]

I had Starbucks grande iced mocha right before taking it and it worked great for me. You're only sitting there for ~3 hours ... and since you have ample time to finish the test, you can go take a piss whenever you want.

Caffeine and sugar really helped me to concentrate and get great results.