Are earplugs allowed?

[Spinach Dip]

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I'm generally a good test-taker, but the one thing that can break my concentration is loud or unexpected noise. I did a search for the answer, but could only find info that was years old.

So... Are earplugs allowed when you take the MCAT?

 

[Redpancreas]

S

I'm generally a good test-taker, but the one thing that can break my concentration is loud or unexpected noise. I did a search for the answer, but could only find info that was years old.

So... Are earplugs allowed when you take the MCAT?

EDIT******

Yes they are.

Thanks SN2 for correcting me. Sorry for the inaccurate info. Please see SN2ed's post for further details

 

[Poetic Silence]

Thank god I'm deaf. 😎

 

[SN2ed]

Yes, earplugs are allowed. Per the AAMC:

Scratch paper, ear covers (industrial), and pencils are provided. You may bring your own earplugs for additional noise reduction. If you bring your own ear plugs, make sure they are in an unopened package and present them to the Test Center Administrator for inspection. No other testing aids are allowed.


https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/taking/85604/taking_regulations.html

 

[hkcwushu]

Yes, ear plugs are allowed on the test, and I highly recommend them. The girl behind me was so nervous during my test that I could hear her sighing every 10 seconds even with my ear plugs in. It was that loud, and other complained about her also. Thankfully I was able to drown out some of the noise.

Another thing, if you plan to go in with ear plugs, I also recommend getting used to wearing them. At first it was super uncomfortable, ear wax would build up and it would get itchy; it was more of a nuisance than help. But after studying with them for 2 months, and learning how to place them in comfortably, I didn't notice them at all. It was like, the moment I put my earplugs it, it was focus time, haha.

 

[zipnogg]

I'm generally a good test-taker, but the one thing that can break my concentration is loud or unexpected noise. I did a search for the answer, but could only find info that was years old.

So... Are earplugs allowed when you take the MCAT?

The testing center I was at had headphones available at each station, but it hurt pretty bad after a few minutes of having them on.

Then the lady at the front told me that the center provides ear plugs. So I would call the testing center, if I were you, and ask.

 

[Dystopian]

Definitely bring your own earplugs, especially if you wear glasses. The headphones they provide are industrial size and heavy, weighing down on your glasses and pinching you lol.

 

[Spinach Dip]

No they are not allowed.

Thanks for the response... but please make sure you know what you are talking about before you give such a definitive answer.

Yes, earplugs are allowed. Per the AAMC:

Scratch paper, ear covers (industrial), and pencils are provided. You may bring your own earplugs for additional noise reduction. If you bring your own ear plugs, make sure they are in an unopened package and present them to the Test Center Administrator for inspection. No other testing aids are allowed.


https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/taking/85604/taking_regulations.html

Thank you very much!

Yes, ear plugs are allowed on the test, and I highly recommend them. The girl behind me was so nervous during my test that I could hear her sighing every 10 seconds even with my ear plugs in. It was that loud, and other complained about her also. Thankfully I was able to drown out some of the noise.

Another thing, if you plan to go in with ear plugs, I also recommend getting used to wearing them. At first it was super uncomfortable, ear wax would build up and it would get itchy; it was more of a nuisance than help. But after studying with them for 2 months, and learning how to place them in comfortably, I didn't notice them at all. It was like, the moment I put my earplugs it, it was focus time, haha.

Oh yes. I already use them (almost) daily as I live on a busy street and have trouble sleeping at night. Long ago they would hurt my ears, but now I can wear a pair for 12+ hours straight with no problem.

I would add that you don't want to use the uber-cheap earplugs. But rather, get used to the slightly more expensive but far more comfortable and effective ones.

Definitely bring your own earplugs, especially if you wear glasses. The headphones they provide are industrial size and heavy, weighing down on your glasses and pinching you lol.

I do wear glasses, so thanks for the extra advice!

 

[seojohn]

I'm generally a good test-taker, but the one thing that can break my concentration is loud or unexpected noise. I did a search for the answer, but could only find info that was years old.

So... Are earplugs allowed when you take the MCAT?

Yeah I think per AAMC rules you can bring your own but unopened and they have to be checked by the administrators.

The test center I took at had noise cancelling headphones but yeah like the other post said, they hurt after a bit and also ruined my hair so after the test, at the end of the day, I went out to drink with a cramped hair style which is not fun after suffering for 4 Hours 🙁