Earplugs=Higher MCAT Score?

[gilbertjgreen]

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Figure this one out. . .

I'd taken 7 practice tests before today, including the AAMC CBT3 and 6 Kaplan PTs (don't take the Kaplan online PT if you want a confidence booster), never getting higher than a 30. But then again I'd never used earplugs before. . .

Today I popped 'em in and got a 35 on AAMC CBT8!

So, for all those of you like me who need some help. . . try them out. Seriously. I'm one of those who are easily distracted and brought away from my task at hand, and these 99 cent wonders are apparently just the thing I needed to get the damn thing done.

 

[EECStoMed]

Figure this one out. . .

I'd taken 7 practice tests before today, including the AAMC CBT3 and 6 Kaplan PTs (don't take the Kaplan online PT if you want a confidence booster), never getting higher than a 30. But then again I'd never used earplugs before. . .

Today I popped 'em in and got a 35 on AAMC CBT8!

So, for all those of you like me who need some help. . . try them out. Seriously. I'm one of those who are easily distracted and brought away from my task at hand, and these 99 cent wonders are apparently just the thing I needed to get the damn thing done.

Wow, congrats. I gotta try them out--I study at starbucks and it's hella loud. Nonetheless I just zone it out as best I can, but sometimes it does get distracting. If you don't mind, what was your break down?

 

[gilbertjgreen]

PS: 11
VR: 13
BS: 11

Perhaps VR is helped the best by the added quiet? I had never gotten above a 10 on VR before.

 

[gujusnike]

I like the headphones because you can sort of whisper to yourself or mutter the passages as you read without disturbing others provided that they use the headphones as well. And I know most of us have a habit of doing that anyways.

 

[gilbertjgreen]

do you have to use headphones in the testing center if you want to use something?

 

[gujusnike]

you can use the headphones that are given to you at the testing center. However, it is completely voluntary. For me, I love them.

 

[gilbertjgreen]

why headphones, wouldn't earplugs work just as well?

do they pump in ABBA or something? maybe some Yanni?

 

[DrShoshana]

Huge fan of earplugs. But they don't let you take your earplugs in with you to the testing center. Boo! The earphones work well, however, if someone is typing their writing sample while you are doing verbal, it doesn't drown out any of that noise whatsoever. Also, during my test they were doing serious construction work in the room above the testing center....didn't drown out any of the jackhammers either.

 

[hferdjal]

My testcenter didn't give a crap about my earplugs, lol. I walked in and out of the testing center with my big orange earplugs and didn't get a peep from anyone. And that's how it should be. If anyone gives you trouble about the earplugs, they seriously don't have a soul. I mean, you're taking the hardest test of your life so far, and the last thing you need is a busy-body test-examiner telling you how to "technically" follow the rules. I would have seriously considered leaving if they told me to take them off, lol.

But yea, the earplugs COMPLETELY drained out the people who were doing their writing sample too. It was amazingly helpful. If you're too shy to be as brazen I was, you can try putting them on after your computer is assigned. NOONE will bother you while you're taking the test. I think it's against MCAT policy.

The headphones were **** though, at least for me. They didn't drain anything out and they also emitted that "ocean sound" that really agitates me while I'm concentrating. Earplugs >>>>>>>>>>>>> Headphones any day.

 

[Despina]

My testing center had earplugs and noise reduction earphones. I chose to use the earplugs. I wonder why all the testing centers are inconsistent with this...I kind of worry because I am retaking, but NOT at the same testing center. The computers all have super loud fans, so I hope I get them again.

 

[hferdjal]

In fact, I liked the earplugs so much that I think I'm going to use them for every test from now on too. Although I'm going to custom-fit my earplugs next time. Don't get me wrong, the "all-size fits all' ones work perfectly for the MCATs but if you repeatedly use them (i.e. consecutive days), they start to make your ears ache. That's the only I hated. Hopefully custom-fit ones will work better.

 

[hferdjal]

My testing center had earplugs and noise reduction earphones. I chose to use the earplugs. I wonder why all the testing centers are inconsistent with this...I kind of worry because I am retaking, but NOT at the same testing center. The computers all have super loud fans, so I hope I get them again.

Yea, it's irritating. The official AAMC handbook even says "ALL TEST-SITES should have earplugs", but they also go on to say that "if your testing site lacks earplugs, don't make a fuss about it and continue taking the test". Whatever AAMC, I'm bringing my own! lol.

 

[DrShoshana]

Okay so I'm retaking next Thursday. Should I be ballsy and just go in there like I didn't know any better or should I ask the proctor if I can take them in there? This is a stupid question but I just don't want to get written up!

 

[DrShoshana]

hferdjal, which earplugs did you use?

 

[beauregard]

I've always used foam earplugs to study. My theory is that it doesn't let my brain leak the info through my ears. 😀

 

[WurangBlang]

i like the earphones better... i liked the ringing noise it makes. Somehow i concentrate better with that.

 

[nikegrl23]

Someone had a question about bringing them in with you... I'd call the center. I'm taking mine on Tuesday and I wanted to know if I'd be allowed to take them in because MCAT Essentials says otherwise and so do my friends. I called my center and they said that they offered those huge orange construction worker-like headphones but that I could bring earplugs with me if I wanted. They'd better stick to this when I'm taking the exam or I'm going to kill someone. I've been practicing with earplugs and they are a godsend.

Call the center, get an answer, and then get a name. This is an important test and if you seriously are bothered by noise, you might as well be sure...