computerized mcats, good idea???

[aye]

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Is this the first time they are doing this?? I'm thinking of registering to take it since i live in between baltimore and dc. And I can also type faster than i can write so it should help of the essay portion. And I read that you can go back to skipped questions unlike the GRE's. Will they provide scrap paper to do the math and all that?? If someone has taken the computer version before, please share some insight. Thanks!

 

[douche]

It should help if you have bad handwriting

 

[Og kingofBashan]

Computerized MCAT? Dear Lord no!!

 

[Preet]

Writing section is only one part of the exam. There are still the other 3 sections. It really depends on the person but I can tell you about my personal experience. I took the last paper based GRE offered and after a couple of months took the computer GRE. I scored 200 less (on all three sections) on the computer based after even having more time to read the second time around.

IMO, it will only be beneficial if all the review materials were on computer too. See, almost all the MCAT materials are paper based and most used to taking the practice tests on paper as well. And what about the added strain on your eyes by staring at the screen for so many hours. So, I'm not sure how the transition will go for a lot of people. I really hope the trend of computerizing all the standardized tests doesn't get to the MCATs. Or if it getting to that, I hope that they will always give people a choice between the two formats.

 

[Og kingofBashan]

man if this is where its going i for one am gonna hurry and take it before it gets jacked

 

[WatchingWaiting]

The USMLE (your med school licensing exam and good residency pre-req) has been computerized for the last five years. The computer format isn't bad once your used to it. The fact that you can re-schedule it at will is a major boon (no more, "I was sick the day I took it" excuses for bad performance though). Also, not having to have controlled twenty or thirty minute sit and listen to instructions periods or controlled breaks are positives. If the MCAT is made computer adapative, like the GRE, the MCAT may also be made a bit shorter in duration as a more accurate assessment of your abilities can be made more quickly. I think the only problem with the computer testing is if you have someone doing a writing section next to you while you are doing some other section-- loud typing can be rather distracting, but you can get annoying people next to you with a pen and paper version too.

You will be a guinea pig if you take it the first couple of times it's offered.