Computer-Based MCAT (CBT)

[Phil Anthropist]

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Moving to the MCAT Discussions Forum

 

[Phil Anthropist]

Thanks. Sorry about that.

No prob.

But it looks like we're having server problems. My posts are getting rearranged...

I guess you're stuck in Pre-Allo for the moment!

 

[Arsenic]

right now i think the CBT scores are available 1 month after the test instead of the standard 2 month wait. when the AAMC starts the computer mcat only policy in a couple of years the wait time will only be 2 weeks.

you can read about it here:

http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/feb05/mcat.htm

 

[IRV]

How long does it generally take to receive scores from the CBT (assuming it's different from paper test score reporting)? Are CBT raw scores scaled separately to 1-15 and not using the paper administration curve? If anybody wants to hear my impressions of the computer MCAT, I'd be happy to share.

Thanks.

 

[indynshrty]

I don't know too much about the computer MCAT, but what did you think of it? like it, dislike it?
Thanks!

 

[IRV]

Moving to the MCAT Discussions Forum

Thanks. Sorry about that.

I don't know too much about the computer MCAT, but what did you think of it? like it, dislike it?
Thanks!

I thought it was pretty weird, because I didn't really get good practice for the computer format. The testing company provides a tutorial, but it is more of a pointing-and-clicking tutorial than anything else. They don't really give you a sense of what information looks like on the screen or how long it will take to move through test passages. Further, the tutorial was online and only partially compatible with Macs (Internet Explorer 5.2 had the best compatibility on the Mac side).

However, there are features that are discussed during the tutorial that are helpful. For example, you can mark and return to particular questions (though there is no way to make a notation about why you're marking it other than on provided scratch paper). Also, cut, copy, and paste are available while you're typing the essays.

The computers where I took it were kind of old and slow, and the screens were older CRTs that had an uncomfortable glare from the white background. It was disconcerting to hear the computer grind to get to a new screen.

The testing day is a lot shorter. You can start when you get there, and the breaks are optional. That could help with staving off exhaustion.

You don't have to click too carefully with the test; clicking on the text answer will select that radio button. But, it was not reliable with some graphical answers.

There is a review system for you to go back through marked and incomplete questions, but I didn't feel very solid using it.

As the test day went on, the test got better and better for me, because I felt more used to the computer. I wish I would have checked for a computer-based practice test.

I'm undecided if I would take the test on computer again if I had to make that choice. I think, all in all, the advantages to disadvantages ratio is about the same for both formats.

 

[Sundarban1]

Do you get your scores at the end of the testing day or do you still have to wait 60 days like the pencil/paper people?

 

[Arsenic]

Do you get your scores at the end of the testing day or do you still have to wait 60 days like the pencil/paper people?

right now i think the CBT scores are available 1 month after the test instead of the standard 2 month wait. when the AAMC starts the computer mcat only policy in a couple of years the wait time will only be 2 weeks.

 

[Arsenic]

bump

database issues as we're setting up the new server, bear with us guys

 

[pseudoknot]

CBT scores still take 60 days.

 

[Willow]

For those taking CBT in the future I highly recommend doing the AAMC's tests online at www.e-mcat.com. They would be excellent prep for the real thing.

 

[IRV]

Do you get your scores at the end of the testing day or do you still have to wait 60 days like the pencil/paper people?

I got my scores 59 days after taking the test. Also, in retrospect, I would take the computer test again, because it takes so much less time. It would be hard to focus for a few extra hours as with the paper test.

It was disconcerting, because I got a fuzzy monitor at first and needed to switch computers. Then when the test started, I had to adjust the screen because the left edge was cut off.

 

[spo01]

i like the idea of taking it on a computer for the following:
a) the big thing for me is i'm a bit ocd, so i don't have to worry about filling in those damn bubbles so perfect 🙂
b) my hand writing is horrible. i mean, horrible. i'm assuming you can type the written part and this would make it SO much easier with being able to type and insert/delete without making it look messy
c) quicker results, quicker test time
d) something about taking it on a computer that just makes it more relaxing. i guess i'm so used to standarized tests it brings back bad memories. i'm on the internet so much surfing and doing homework that i'm used to looking at a screen for long hours.
e) i have the problem of going back when i have the extra time and changing a few of my original answers. statistics show that your first answer is usually correct so this always took away a few points. i'm less likely to do this on a computer.

reasons i wouldn't like it:
a) can't go back to fill in an answer as easily if i skipped over a question
b) can't write on the test and scratch things out. on a lot of physics problems and such i would like to actually draw on the diagram/chart and put in values.

 

[dataman]

i like the idea of taking it on a computer for the following:
a) the big thing for me is i'm a bit ocd, so i don't have to worry about filling in those damn bubbles so perfect 🙂
b) my hand writing is horrible. i mean, horrible. i'm assuming you can type the written part and this would make it SO much easier with being able to type and insert/delete without making it look messy
c) quicker results, quicker test time
d) something about taking it on a computer that just makes it more relaxing. i guess i'm so used to standarized tests it brings back bad memories. i'm on the internet so much surfing and doing homework that i'm used to looking at a screen for long hours.
e) i have the problem of going back when i have the extra time and changing a few of my original answers. statistics show that your first answer is usually correct so this always took away a few points. i'm less likely to do this on a computer.

reasons i wouldn't like it:
a) can't go back to fill in an answer as easily if i skipped over a question
b) can't write on the test and scratch things out. on a lot of physics problems and such i would like to actually draw on the diagram/chart and put in values.

pretty much all I wanted to say BUT I dont like the CBT b/c I need to note things on the sides of the tests paper and paragraphs... draw things on it ... devide it to parts .. write a summery or reminder by its side...

you know I dont think I would do CBT..

The only pro I can think of is getting your result back faster and be ahead of others.. but if that will cost me.. a point or 2 I would stick with the last paper format...

don't you think so?!