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Hey guys, I am a MCAT Princeton Review teacher. Now that the MCAT has switched to a computer based test, you might have some questions. Recently, I attended a training class for PR which gave insight into the new CBT exam. In order to eliminate threads asking about changes, this thread can function as a need to know basis for the CBT exam.
Basics
Physical Sciences
*note* The 10 minute break is optional but if you choose to take it you must time yourself! If you don't, the next section of the test will start without you.
Verbal Reasoning
Writing Sample
Biological Sciences
Important features:
On the computer, your screen should be split into two halves. On the left half, you should see your entire passage. On your right half, you should be able to see all your questions. When you view your review screen with all your answer choices, by clicking on one response, you will be directed back to only that question with the passage on the left half of the screen. During the test, you should be able to flip back and forth between passages as you wish.
I hope this information is useful and good
. I will update periodically.
Basics
- Some form of ID (at least 2); no ticket required
- Snack; no more lunch break
- No paper and pencil; a dry erase board will be given to you at the test center on which you can do all your work
- No notes or flashcards
- You will start around 8 a.m. in the morning
- You will be given noise reduction headphones
- At each station, there will be an electronic thumb-print used to register you
- There will be no proctors of the exam; you will need to proctor yourself
- Before the exam starts, there will be a short tutorial that is optional. The tutorial will go through the tools available for the exam—like how to use the keyboard, mouse, etc.
- Electronic signature—not 100% sure as to how this works but currently I am told that you will sign your name electronically after each section (I will update later)
Physical Sciences
- 70 minutes
- 52 questions; about 8 to 9 passages
- approximately 50% physics and 50% general chemistry; multiple versions of the test
- 10 minute break follows
*note* The 10 minute break is optional but if you choose to take it you must time yourself! If you don't, the next section of the test will start without you.
Verbal Reasoning
- 60 minutes
- 40 questions; 6-8 passages; topics can vary from language arts, poetry, science, etc.
- Features to be discussed later
- 10 minute break follows
Writing Sample
- 2/ 30 minute essays
- 2 prompts
- typed
- 2 graders(I will update)
- 10 minute break follows
Biological Sciences
- 70 minutes
- 52 questions; 8-9 passages
- Approximately 2/3 biology and 1/3 organic chemistry; again different versions of test
Important features:
- Notes feature: To take notes on a passage you use the "right-click" on mouse over the section or area you wish to take notes on. A note pad will appear where you can write your notes
- Highlight: To highlight a section use the "left-click" on mouse and drag over section—this will appear as yellow
- Search Tool: Each section of the test will have a search tool bar at the top of the passage where you can search for a particular word. The function of this feature is similar to the search feature of internet explorer.
- Strike out feature: To strike out an answer choice, "left-click" over the answer choice you wish to strike out.
- Mark box: If you are not sure about an answer choice, there will be a mark box next to each question. You can check these boxes if you feel you are not sure. The test will not register your answer as a guess—there is no guessing penalty on the MCAT. Rather, as I will discuss in a bit, it makes it easier to review the answers you are sure about from the ones you are "iffy" about.
- Review feature: After each passage, there will be a review button. If you click it, you will be sent to a review screen where you can see all your answer choices and marks (That is the feature of the guess box). If you click on a particular answer, you will be directed to that question. After each passage, you can also choose to review just the answer choices/guesses for that passage. If you click any response from the review screen, you will be sent back to that question, and only that question.
On the computer, your screen should be split into two halves. On the left half, you should see your entire passage. On your right half, you should be able to see all your questions. When you view your review screen with all your answer choices, by clicking on one response, you will be directed back to only that question with the passage on the left half of the screen. During the test, you should be able to flip back and forth between passages as you wish.
I hope this information is useful and good
. I will update periodically.
