how do i minimize distraction from people typing during writing section?

[fastfingers]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I think by far the most annoying part of the MCAT is while people type during the writing section of the MCAT. Would the best way of minimizing this distraction be to go to the Exam really early? This way, they could minimally distract me on less on my bio section and even if that, it would be less people?

For those who have tried to get to the MCAT early in order to one of the first one there, how much earlier do you get to the testing center?
Or do you find it more distracting to have people come into the exam while you're taking it?

I took the MCAT once and once people started typing (i was nearly the last one to enter, so people typed during my verbal and my biology section), it was really distracting.

 

[PocketJacks]

This might sound stupid but it might help.
Try doing passages/practice/exercises in a computer lab at school or something... After a while, all the typing/computer noises just become "background noises" that you won't consciously pay attention to anymore.

I haven't actually done this but it sounds logical, you might want to give it a shot.

 

[bambam02]

bring your own earplugs instead of using the ones they give you?

 

[chrissyxf]

They give you headphones to put on that cancel out most noise- I didn't hear a thing. Also, I got there at 730 (for 8 am testing) and the center wasn't even open till 745, we all just stood out there...i ended up being like 14 of 45 and ended up in one of two rooms- the other seats around me were already taken so I didn't deal with the whole people coming in and out around me except for breaks BUT again, i used the headphones.

 

[PocketJacks]

bring your own earplugs instead of using the ones they give you?

You're not allowed to bring your own earplugs.

 

[NoNotYouLionel]

You're not allowed to bring your own earplugs.

Yes you can. The rules that AAMC releases say you can bring earplugs as long as they are still sealed in their original packaging and you show them to the proctor.

 

[PocketJacks]

Yes you can. The rules that AAMC releases say you can bring earplugs as long as they are still sealed in their original packaging and you show them to the proctor.

Oh really that's awesome!
So you can basically buy new headphones just for the MCAT then return them the next day? 😀

 

[fastfingers]

thanks for the replies.

I've used the headphones before, but it seems to me that it creates this wierd hollow sound to me. earplugs also makes this hum or buzz sound to me (perhaps I have a condition, not sure as it doesn't affect me when I sleep and only does if i use earplugs). the sound makes it pretty distracting however.

as for the center opening at 7:45, I guess that would be a tad of a problem if I wanted to ensure I get checked in first. Do people generally lineup in a line outside the door? or did people just gather around and kinda force their way in and go straight for the desk to get signed in.

 

[fastfingers]

one more quick question, do the earplugs have to be factory sealed? I just bought some new earplugs so I could try and see if they're more effective. However, I'd need to take like 2 out of the box to see if it works well. Are procters usually pretty lenient in letting you use earplugs from an open box of many other earplugs?

 

[gunj122]

mine didn't care that they weren't factory sealed. but then again he was really nice and friendly to begin with.

if those earplugs work well and they're not that expensive, just buy another set for the exam. that way you don't have to worry about being allowed to use them or not.

 

[NoNotYouLionel]

one more quick question, do the earplugs have to be factory sealed? I just bought some new earplugs so I could try and see if they're more effective. However, I'd need to take like 2 out of the box to see if it works well. Are procters usually pretty lenient in letting you use earplugs from an open box of many other earplugs?

They're supposed to be sealed, so don't chance it. I've heard some centers are pretty strict, going through your pockets and the like.

 

[NickNaylor]

The headphones that we got at the test center I was at sealed the noise out pretty well. Yes, you could still hear the typing, but it wasn't nearly as annoying as it was without the headphones.

If you're really concerned, I would do an ear plug + headphone combo.

 

[NickNaylor]

The headphones that we got at the test center I was at sealed the noise out pretty well. Yes, you could still hear the typing, but it wasn't nearly as annoying as it was without the headphones.

If you're really concerned, I would do an ear plug + headphone combo.

 

[SN2ed]

There are a few things you could try. First, take some practice material in a computer lab or anywhere near computers so you can get used to the sound of people typing while you're thinking. Another option would be to arrive early to your test center to start your test before others. That way you wouldn't have to deal with people typing for as long. However, I think it's best to just get used to it.

 

[raltima07]

We had some sick noise canceling headphones that got rid of most of the sound. However, it hurt my ears so I only used them when people were working on WS

 

[chrissyxf]

people kinda respected those who got there obviously ahead of others but it was mostly a big group rushing the door when the guy opened it.
and yes, they asked us to turn our pockets inside out at my center.

 

[MizuNoHane]

I would take some new earplugs with you, ones you are sure will be comfortable for you. The sound-canceling headphones can get pretty painful for some (for me, it was like someone was slowly pressing my ears over a juicer) (i.e. it sucked), and the earplugs the test center has for you, although serviceable, might also not necessarily be the best fit for you. So do the research. Find earplugs that suit you best, then bring a completely new, unopened package into the test with you -- don't chance it. Also, if you plan on using your own earplugs during the exam, I would also recommend taking practice tests with them, too, just so the feel doesn't distract you and/or so that you learn to deal with physical distractions.

 

[BHaus9]

people at my test center were actually very civil about it. everyone sort of convened and sat down in a large reception area until about 7:45, at which time people would venture up to the proctor's office / test center anteroom one-by-one, only to be told that it was not yet time to begin. I walked up at about 7:50 and by pure chance was the first one to be admitted. Once people saw me escorted to my station, a line formed at the door. I was first one in, and seated closest to the door, but really I was so intent on the screen that I didn't perceive the comings and goings. It was nice being able to be the first one to start clicking furiously away at my keyboard, and I think it was somehow easier to know that that part was already behind me when I started hearing other people typing. I will say, however, that absolute silence drives me nutty (b/c then each cough or pencil scratch becomes a deafening explosion), and so the pretty consistent white noise of the writing was not all that bad.

 

[fastfingers]

THanks for all the advice. Unfortunately for me, I just ordered 3 types of earplugs on amazon that comes today and my test is in 2 days, so its going to be impossible for me to order another box if one type is nice. Maybe i'll call them and see what their policy is.

Do all prometric open at 7:30? For those who took the 8am test, what time would you recommend I get there by in order to be one of the first one in?

The getting use to the noise is just something I can't do since my exam is in 2 days and my experience with turning noise into background noise takes forever.

 

[ahmadh007]

THanks for all the advice. Unfortunately for me, I just ordered 3 types of earplugs on amazon that comes today and my test is in 2 days, so its going to be impossible for me to order another box if one type is nice. Maybe i'll call them and see what their policy is.

Do all prometric open at 7:30? For those who took the 8am test, what time would you recommend I get there by in order to be one of the first one in?

The getting use to the noise is just something I can't do since my exam is in 2 days and my experience with turning noise into background noise takes forever.

If your serious about using earphones, sign up for an amazon prime account using a student email and pay $4 for overnight shipping. (Prime is free for students w/ an edu email, they get free 2 day shipping and $4 for overnight)

If that doesn't work, Home Depot sells these as well ($1.50-$2) in smaller packs

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

good luck

(Amazon student prime link)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info

 

[whiteshadodw]

thanks for the replies.

I've used the headphones before, but it seems to me that it creates this wierd hollow sound to me. earplugs also makes this hum or buzz sound to me (perhaps I have a condition, not sure as it doesn't affect me when I sleep and only does if i use earplugs). the sound makes it pretty distracting however.

as for the center opening at 7:45, I guess that would be a tad of a problem if I wanted to ensure I get checked in first. Do people generally lineup in a line outside the door? or did people just gather around and kinda force their way in and go straight for the desk to get signed in.

i think that's called tinnitis?

 

[Supisak]

I went to the drug store and bought a cheap pack of ear plugs, tried them out, liked them and then bought a second pack of the same kind to open in front of the proctor at the test center
the head phones they had at my test site hurt my ears, were old and kind of gross and really hurt when you have glasses (like I do)
.......so I used head phones for first mcat (27 booooo) and then the ear plugs for second mcat (30 yeahhhh)
not sure if there was a connection but it was more comfortable and less of a distraction with the ear plugs that I was able to fit and try first...