heat pad in test center?

[BenZq]

Does anyone know if I am allowed to wear a heating pad on my neck during the MCAT? I'm asking about one of those air-activated single-use ones that you stick to your back/neck. I've developed some severe study neck, and im concerned that this may be a huge problem.

PS. I've been using ibuprofen as well during practice tests, but 2x800mg pills spaced out during practice tests hasn't fully done the trick.

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[ru4real1666]

Completely depends on the people managing the test center. I'm sure if you insist it shouldn't be a problem but there are always jerks who stick to the script 100% and don't allow you with any leeway.

 

[NinjaMed]

It would probably help your case if you bring one that is sealed in it's original packaging. Also, it would help to mention it early on. You may even want to visit the test centre a few days before to speak to the staff beforehand. Are you able to see a doctor and get a note for that?

 

[nadaba]

Does anyone know if I am allowed to wear a heating pad on my neck during the MCAT? I'm asking about one of those air-activated single-use ones that you stick to your back/neck. I've developed some severe study neck, and im concerned that this may be a huge problem.

PS. I've been using ibuprofen as well during practice tests, but 2x800mg pills spaced out during practice tests hasn't fully done the trick.

I would be surprised if they let you. My testing center was very, very strict. You can use a pad before the test and during breaks, which might help a little

 

[wholeheartedly]

Those things last for quite a long time. Would it really be a problem for the OP to put it on under a turtle neck before leaving the house and not remove it until after leaving the test center? I think the rules for sweatshirts and coats are that you can't remove it during your test. Maybe call and ask what the rules would be if you had it on under your clothes when you came in and didn't touch it.

Might not be a bad idea to talk to someone about how to change your posture and reduce this. You've got years of intense studying ahead of you yet.

 

[BenZq]

Might not be a bad idea to talk to someone about how to change your posture and reduce this. You've got years of intense studying ahead of you yet.

I've been receiving treatment from my physical therapist for the last couple of weeks, but the problem is ongoing. It's crazy how physically taxing studying can be. lol

I'm considering just wearing it under my clothing and not mentioning it at all, but I'm just a bit worried that the adhesive would fail during the exam and I'd be caught. I'll probably give them a call this week and see what their policy is. Does anyone have experience with the Glendale, CA Prometric center?

 

[ilovemcat]

I've been receiving treatment from my physical therapist for the last couple of weeks, but the problem is ongoing. It's crazy how physically taxing studying can be. lol

I'm considering just wearing it under my clothing and not mentioning it at all, but I'm just a bit worried that the adhesive would fail during the exam and I'd be caught. I'll probably give them a call this week and see what their policy is. Does anyone have experience with the Glendale, CA Prometric center?

Just in case it does fall lol, wear a white shirt or something and have it tucked in. That way if it falls, it doesn't fall to the floor. 😛

 

[ridethecliche]

You can buy packs that have velcro that you can wrap around. I'd try those so you can just like fasten it around your neck.

 

[ru4real1666]

Also, there is athletic tape nowadays so you can just put that on top and that will DEFINITELY stay in place.

 

[SmurfinUSA]

Hi Ben,

I have the same problem with the bad neck. What really helped for me was to do neck stretches, throughout the day and even between passages. If you are familiar with EK's 5 second break between verbals, I do something like a 3 second neck stretch before each passage including PS and BS. I used the neck stretches recommended at mayoclinic's website.

I also visited my prometric site, and they seemed VERY strict about everything.

good luck!

 

[SN2ed]

Call the test center where you'll be taking the test. They're the ones with the say on whether you can or can't wear one.

 

[Frank Nutter]

OP, this sounds cliche, but have you tried exercise to fix this problem? I mean just regular 'ole cardio 30-40 mins per day, 5-6x/week. Better find a way to fix the real problem now because it's only gonna get worse in med school.

 

[AmicaVera]

I get a seriously sore neck and back sometimes, and Tiger Balm paired with ibuprofen does wonders for me. Also, take a shower the morning of, alternating as hot as you can stand with as cold as you can stand. It's the best for sore muscles.

If you can go with some sort of lotion instead of a heat pack, that might fly better. Besides, don't those heat packs wear out after an hour or so? A cold heat pack that you can't take off because it's under clothing might be distracting.

 

[Gheorgia]

Does anyone know if I am allowed to wear a heating pad on my neck during the MCAT? I'm asking about one of those air-activated single-use ones that you stick to your back/neck. I've developed some severe study neck, and im concerned that this may be a huge problem.

PS. I've been using ibuprofen as well during practice tests, but 2x800mg pills spaced out during practice tests hasn't fully done the trick.

If it's at a Prometric testing center I think they'll be super strict about it and not let you bring in anything - not even pens or pencils. If you neck pain is so bad that you have to use a heating pad - I would look into cancelling or delaying your test until you start feeling better. You really don't want to sit through a 6 hour test if it's bad enough that you have to use ibuprofen and a neck pad

 

[BenZq]

I called Prometric today and was referred to the AAMC accommodations office but they were closed when I called. I honestly don't know anything about accommodations on the MCAT, but I'm concerned that having this noted with my score may reflect negatively on me somehow. Again, I don't know how this works, so I'm purely speculating that there might be an asterisk near my score or something like that.

If anyone has experience with accommodations from AAMC I would love to hear how this works. I'm planning on calling tomorrow when they're open. I have a doctors note if needed.

I get a seriously sore neck and back sometimes, and Tiger Balm paired with ibuprofen does wonders for me. Also, take a shower the morning of, alternating as hot as you can stand with as cold as you can stand. It's the best for sore muscles.

If you can go with some sort of lotion instead of a heat pack, that might fly better. Besides, don't those heat packs wear out after an hour or so? A cold heat pack that you can't take off because it's under clothing might be distracting.

8 hours, and there are ones that last for 12. I'll be getting a massage the day before the test. Hoping that pays dividends.

OP, this sounds cliche, but have you tried exercise to fix this problem? I mean just regular 'ole cardio 30-40 mins per day, 5-6x/week. Better find a way to fix the real problem now because it's only gonna get worse in med school.

Since the problem has become severe, yes I have started to exercise. Best advice I would give to someone about to start studying for the MCAT would be to take care of your physical health.

 

[ahavah]

If anyone has experience with accommodations from AAMC I would love to hear how this works. I'm planning on calling tomorrow when they're open. I have a doctors note if needed.

I emailed AAMC accommodations for my prior MCAT exam and received a quick reply granting my request.

Email them to have a documented response. If your request is approved follow their limitations (if any) to the tee, and bring a print out of the correspondence with you on test day. It is also in your best interest to arrive earlier, and call the center manager before hand to make them aware of the heat pad... you could get the proctor from hell that thinks you're BS'n and totally throw you off your game.