MCAT Noise Reduction Headsets

[Shawnpremed]

Does anyone remember the type of headsets that prometric test centers provide? Are they crappy ones like on the left that cover 75% of your ears, or like earmuffs on the right that cover your entire ear?
Did they help?
I'm trying to get a similar pair so when I practice my tests in a location with headsets on, it will mimic the exact test condition noise levels.



A)

b)

Thanks!

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[newtonsfriend]

Sorry I cannot help you with picking the right image b/c i still have not taken the test....However, my friend just did and he said the headphones blockout most noise, but if you use your own earplugs and the headphones given then you can essentially hear nothing...so i would buy ur own earplugs for additional noise blocking ( make sure they are in original package when u take ur test tho) hope this helps

 

[birdzo2k2]

Sorry I cannot help you with picking the right image b/c i still have not taken the test....However, my friend just did and he said the headphones blockout most noise, but if you use your own earplugs and the headphones given then you can essentially hear nothing...so i would buy ur own earplugs for additional noise blocking ( make sure they are in original package when u take ur test tho) hope this helps

this is so true. if you can, just get the ear plugs and once you put on the headsets....you'll block out 99.9% of noise. i did that on june 18, but towards the end, i just used the ear plugs because i needed a little break from the noise.

 

[phEight]

just find some comfortable earplugs..

 

[Shawnpremed]

Ok but do any of you guys know if they cover your ears entirely or not? My test center actually doesn't allow you to bring your own earplugs. THey only provide these 'headsets' which I haven't seen.

 

[Tizoc]

My test center offered earmuffs that looked something like this:

I didn't like the feel of them, so I ditched them after the PS section. YMMV.

 

[dragon529]

would these be a good/cheap option?
http://www.amazon.com/ETYMOTIC-RESE...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246088856&sr=8-5

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

Ok but do any of you guys know if they cover your ears entirely or not? My test center actually doesn't allow you to bring your own earplugs. THey only provide these 'headsets' which I haven't seen.

You're correct that you're not allowed, technically, to bring in ear plugs. The picture posted above is a good one. I do think they surround the ear. They are plastic (the part that wraps around your ear) and have a kind of mystery echo to them...like a seashell. Mine made so much noise that they were a little distracting.

The best thing you can do to avoid noise...listen up cuz this is great advice..is to show up very early so you're the first one there...like 45 minutes. Here's how it works: They let you in one at a time...in the order you get there. It takes a few minutes between each test taker. The last people to enter the room will move on to the verbal section as the first half of the group has begun slapping away at the keyboards writing their essays. It's very, very distracting. I took the MCAT twice and was murdered by the verbal (7) the first time because of this...and the crappy headphones. The second time I was the first person there and had no trouble (11).

Showing up super early is also not so bad because they actually start letting people in like 15 minutes before the test technically starts...but you start as soon as you sit down. Also, if you show up late, you'll actually spend more time waiting before your test than if you show up an hour early...because it takes so long to process everyone one by one.

The other advantage to being early is you can watch everyone come in all nervous and stuff. It's kind of fun and takes the edge off. And it's a great idea to go ahead and get some of those plastic earmuffs..you'll be super-prepared. Good luck

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

After googling, I'm pretty sure the headphones they use are quite literally construction ear muffs.

 

[KiwiBruin]

would these be a good/cheap option?
http://www.amazon.com/ETYMOTIC-RESE...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246088856&sr=8-5

I was told you can only use those cheap foam ones. When I brought my headphones, the prometric people wanted to see if it was in a wrapper and make sure it was a foam one. I think limit you to the foam ones because they think you are cheating if you bring one of those fancy looking things...

Use something like the one shown below to be safe or bring both types. Maybe your test center won't be as picky.

 

[dragon529]

I was told you can only use those cheap foam ones. When I brought my headphones, the prometric people wanted to see if it was in a wrapper and make sure it was a foam one. I think limit you to the foam ones because they think you are cheating if you bring one of those fancy looking things...

Use something like the one shown below to be safe or bring both types. Maybe your test center won't be as picky.

Where can I buy those?

 

[HelloGoodbye]

Ok but do any of you guys know if they cover your ears entirely or not? My test center actually doesn't allow you to bring your own earplugs. THey only provide these 'headsets' which I haven't seen.

I had a problem with my test center letting me use earplugs, because this is a new thing. This is the first year the AAMC allows you to use earplugs. It is in the "2009 MCAT Essentials." If you really want to use earplugs, contact the test center, talk to a manager, and refer them to the MCAT Essentials.

Best of luck!

 

[bigboyrk87]

I took my first mcat April 4th and it was a nightmare. Im very noise sensitive, so when i got home I researched whether or not earplugs are permitted. To my delight the essentials manual states you can bring them, but they must be in their original sealed packaging and they must be presented to the testing administration at the prometric center. Well when I got to my second test June 18, they told me I could not use earplugs, so i gave them AAMC's phone and number they verified that it was allowed. If they give you problems fight for it! It would be a "testing inconsistency" if they did not allow you (i.e. the testing center would be in trouble)... earplugs = awsome difference

 

[phEight]

Ok but do any of you guys know if they cover your ears entirely or not? My test center actually doesn't allow you to bring your own earplugs. THey only provide these 'headsets' which I haven't seen.

Refer them to MCAT Essentials. It's clearly stated ear plugs are allowed as long as they are in their original packaging. To whoever said technically they are not allowed is incorrect, they are allowed.

 

[amc8f3]

I brought earplugs to my test center on 5/28 and they would not allow me to use them. I was really mad and even said I read online you could, but the proctor said the website was outdated and would not allow me. The noise canceling headphones were okay, kind of old, but they covered the whole ear.

 

[phEight]

I brought earplugs to my test center on 5/28 and they would not allow me to use them. I was really mad and even said I read online you could, but the proctor said the website was outdated and would not allow me. The noise canceling headphones were okay, kind of old, but they covered the whole ear.

Damn that's messed up. I'm going to call my testing center and make sure with them. That would piss me off. What's wrong with those idiots, the essentials file is labeled 2009 essentials.