If you lived a moderate distance from MCAT site, did you get a hotel room?

[optimistic3]

I live about 50 miles from my MCAT test site and my test is at 8 am. It's in the city so there is a ton of traffic at that time, of course. Since it's the city, hotels cost around $300 - $400 per night + parking and tips, etc. so it gets very pricey. My dad has offered to drive me there and pick me up but of course then I worry about not only being late but just being tired in general from having to wake up and leave so early (we'd probably have to leave around 5 or 6 am, not sure yet).

Should I bite the bullet and spend that money on a hotel room nearby or suck it up and make sure I get to bed early and leave early? I know the AAMC gives a 5% hotel discount for us but I mean, that's practically a joke. I'm not sure why they even bother with that.

If you were in this situation, what did you do and how did it work out for you?

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[ocist1121]

I drive about 40 miles in traffic to work almost everyday. It's not so bad. Personally I think staying at a hotel is overkill but if you are not a morning person and fear waking up an hour earlier is going to affect your scores go for it. You are in for a rude awakening in med school though.

 

[optimistic3]

I drive about 40 miles in traffic to work almost everyday. It's not so bad. Personally I think staying at a hotel is overkill but if you are not a morning person and fear waking up an hour earlier is going to affect your scores go for it. You are in for a rude awakening in med school though.

oh, come on. With something as important as the MCAT, I don't really want to take any chances but I'm just weighing out my options here.

 

[Kayce]

I have the same issue as you; I will be taking my MCAT about an hour or so away from my hometown. I was planning on waking up around 5 a.m., which is pretty much a joke. Thankfully, I have decided to stay at a friend's apartment the night before. I suggest you stay in the city, so you can get the adequate sleep you need, in addition you won't have to stress out about commuting as much.

 

[ocist1121]

I'm just being tough on you, don't take what I say to heart. I'm accustomed to waking before sunrise and driving in horrible traffic in the early hours of the morning. I personally wouldn't spend that money for 50 miles. I would get a good nights sleep, wake up extra early and make sure I get their on time. Can't say everyone is the same though and you are right, the mcat is probably the most important test you have taken yet. Like a said do what you must. I wish you good luck on the mcat.

 

[reapplicanthelpme2014]

You don't want any hassles the day of the exam...it's better for you to stay close and get there easily

 

[baxt1412]

i think it's worth it if it has the possibility of helping you.

however, sometimes sleeping in a different environment throws people out of whack too.


if i had to drive that far, and i was worried about it, i'd get the hotel.

 

[dcguthrie7]

I drove 100 miles to take mine, drove up and back in the same day

 

[baxt1412]

I drove 100 miles to take mine, drove up and back in the same day

gross. i mean if i had to, i could. but.... ew.

 

[dcguthrie7]

2 hour drive, not that far.. unless you never drive anywhere for anything I guess. I'd say 50 miles is def nothing to complain about

 

[anon01]

If there is any possibility of a hassle getting there, spend the money and stay in the hotel. You can learn to wake up early when you do well enough on your MCAT to start med school.

 

[Seth Joo]

I live about 50 miles from my MCAT test site and my test is at 8 am. It's in the city so there is a ton of traffic at that time, of course. Since it's the city, hotels cost around $300 - $400 per night + parking and tips, etc. so it gets very pricey. My dad has offered to drive me there and pick me up but of course then I worry about not only being late but just being tired in general from having to wake up and leave so early (we'd probably have to leave around 5 or 6 am, not sure yet).

Should I bite the bullet and spend that money on a hotel room nearby or suck it up and make sure I get to bed early and leave early? I know the AAMC gives a 5% hotel discount for us but I mean, that's practically a joke. I'm not sure why they even bother with that.

If you were in this situation, what did you do and how did it work out for you?

I had a hotel room across the street from where I took my MCAT.

 

[Major]

For the peace of mind, the extra money is well spent...

 

[avivace]

I'd get the hotel if you can afford the cost and think it will help you (for example, if you're not a morning person and are likely to stress about traffic or car trouble). I live a bit over 100 miles from my testing center and stayed at a hotel because of the reasons I gave above, but to be fair the hotel cost about $50. If you can't afford a hotel near your test site, plan ahead and go to sleep early. Good luck on your MCAT!

 

[Gundam00]

I live about 40 minutes away from my testing center and I had to get a hotel because traffic is horrible in the AM. I know AAMC has a deal w/ Hampton Inn that gives you about 5% off your stay if you use the code on their website.

 

[kelminak]

There's really no super-ghetto hotel you could just stay one night in? I definitely wouldn't risk it and would stay the night somewhere so that I can maximize my sleep and be ready to roll in the morning.

 

[fkt24]

Maybe instead of staying in the city, stay somewhere 10-15 miles away? That might make the hotel cost more bearable. This way you are saving money and don't have to wake up at 5ish to make the 8am test. I don't know just a suggestion.

 

[optimistic3]

Thank you all for your input. I actually just switched my test to December 6 which is at 1 pm so it's not longer an issue : ) I'm SO happy they released that extra date.