How do breaks work at testing center?

[thesituation559]

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I want to be as prepared as I can even though this might be a stupid question. If we finish a section early can we take a break? or only at the midway point? If i finish a section 5-10 even earlier I want to utilize that time to keep my mind fresh for the last couple of sections. Any feedback appreciated!

 

[pcat 95]

is the break after the chem section and it is 15 min?

 

[Cantremember]

Break is 15 minutes following chemistry. That is a scheduled break. You ARE allowed to take unscheduled breaks, but it isn't worthwhile. Between times of raising your hand, waiting for the proctor, and then finally leaving the room and fingerprinting, you have wasted 5 minutes. My suggestion is to finish the section, go over it and relax. You most likely won't have the time to take an unscheduled break.

 

[thesituation559]

Break is 15 minutes following chemistry. That is a scheduled break. You ARE allowed to take unscheduled breaks, but it isn't worthwhile. Between times of raising your hand, waiting for the proctor, and then finally leaving the room and fingerprinting, you have wasted 5 minutes. My suggestion is to finish the section, go over it and relax. You most likely won't have the time to take an unscheduled break.

Thanks for the feedback! This sounds like a good idea. I'll probably just sit there and relax a bit. I don't want to rush. I know i'm gonna get in the mood where I get in a zone, but I don't want to do that. THe reading comp and math are towards the end? So I wanna stay fresh for those.

 

[HelloPanda22]

Thanks for the feedback! This sounds like a good idea. I'll probably just sit there and relax a bit. I don't want to rush. I know i'm gonna get in the mood where I get in a zone, but I don't want to do that. THe reading comp and math are towards the end? So I wanna stay fresh for those.

I actually took 3 unscheduled breaks. The lady there looked at me as if I was crazy. I was so dehydrated each time because they don't allow you to bring in water and I'm use to drinking a lot of water. 🙁 I got a 93% composite so I don't think it affected my score too much and in the end, I think being comfortable meant more to me than having extra time. I think my bathroom plus water break during my reading comprehension section messed me up though. On practice tests, reading comprehension was always one of my best subjects and on the real PCAT, it was BY FAR my worst. In my opinion, if you need to take a break, then do it even if it's unscheduled. It's better than sitting at the computer half distracted from needing to pee/drink water. Personally, I need to be fully comfortable to successfully take a test.

 

[kcwang]

The proctor was busy explaining the rule to new people, by the time I got my break I only had 3 mins left. But it's all I need for a short restroom break.