MCAT test day

[mud91]

Hey all,
I'm taking the MCAT and it's at 1PM. What did you guys eat before your test? What kinds of snacks and drinks should I take with me? Also I heard from some of my friends that the ear plugs are not that good and they let you bring your own if they're not opened. Any ideas on good ear plugs? Do you guys recommend taking breaks after every section? I can't decide that on my own because when I take practice tests, I had to take breaks for some and not for the others. Any help would be great Thanks!

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[flatearth22]

Just make your first couple MCAT trial runs (like Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19 or something). Go to the test, try out different things, and void your score. Then when you have a routine make the test count.

inb4 "ZOMG that's so expensive!!"

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your med school applications and tuition.....a couple hundred won't kill you.

 

[waterpolo480586]

They gave me noise canceling headphones at my center but that may just have been because there was construction going on elsewhere in the building. I had an omelet and orange juice for breakfast along with a piece of toast (some protein with carbs and some sugar). I brought a large gatorade to drink during the breaks and brought a bag of peanut M&Ms. Make sure you take a practice test where you simulate the test conditions as close as possible.

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

I suggest taking the breaks to break up the stress of the test. I snacked during breaks, other people don't.

The weirdest things for me were 1. writing the essays on an older-model, clackety keyboard and 2. using a dull #2 pencil on pink scratch paper... it was kind of hard to see my work when I was used to black ink on white paper.

I certainly wouldn't take the test with the intent to void it just to establish a routine, but then again Flatearth is known around these parts for his solid advice 🙄

 

[waterpolo480586]

Just make your first couple MCAT trial runs (like Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19 or something). Go to the test, try out different things, and void your score. Then when you have a routine make the test count.

inb4 "ZOMG that's so expensive!!"

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your med school applications and tuition.....a couple hundred won't kill you.

This seems a little pointless even if money is no issue. Just go in and do your best and know that no test experience will be perfect or the same. Try not to change your routine that day although I would suggest wearing layers as my test center choose the artic setting on their thermostat.

 

[flatearth22]

This seems a little pointless even if money is no issue. Just go in and do your best and know that no test experience will be perfect or the same. Try not to change your routine that day although I would suggest wearing layers as my test center choose the artic setting on their thermostat.

Problem is....more schools are probably going to start averaging MCAT tests based on that paper that was published. It's more important now than before to take the MCAT once and make it count.

 

[Whatyousay]

Just make your first couple MCAT trial runs (like Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19 or something). Go to the test, try out different things, and void your score. Then when you have a routine make the test count.

inb4 "ZOMG that's so expensive!!"

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your med school applications and tuition.....a couple hundred won't kill you.

You realize that you're only allowed to take the test 3 times in a calender year, right?

You're also suggesting that the OP should take a seat away from a person who might legitimately need to take the test for this application cycle. Just...no.

 

[CodeBlu]

You realize that you're only allowed to take the test 3 times in a calender year, right?

Flatearth is missing a vital neurotransmitter between the common sense portions of his cerebral cortex...

Eat light OP. Bring a thirst quenching beverage. I'd suggest eating complex carbs the night before. Bring a roll of bread with you, and some granola bars and a banana. You'll be gold.

 

[Whatyousay]

Hey all,
I'm taking the MCAT and it's at 1PM. What did you guys eat before your test? What kinds of snacks and drinks should I take with me? Also I heard from some of my friends that the ear plugs are not that good and they let you bring your own if they're not opened. Any ideas on good ear plugs? Do you guys recommend taking breaks after every section? I can't decide that on my own because when I take practice tests, I had to take breaks for some and not for the others. Any help would be great Thanks!

(1) Eat something that has a high energy density (i.e. energy bars, beef jerky), but won't upset your stomach (no, seriously, trust me on that).
(2) Just go to CVS and buy some of those foam earplugs. They work like a charm (especially if the test center gives you some over-the-ear types of earmuffs... two layers of noise isolation)
(3) Take breaks even if you don't "need" to. Use the time to refocus your energies on the next section.

 

[minerva3121]

You realize that you're only allowed to take the test 3 times in a calender year, right?

You're also suggesting that the OP should take a seat away from a person who might legitimately need to take the test for this application cycle. Just...no.

In addition, it will be almost impossible to obtain a seat for 3 consecutive MCAT exams. You are locked out of the registration system for 48 hours after each test (regardless of whether or not you score it). And most test dates have no seats left even a month in advance.

 

[mud91]

I'm not voiding it or doing trial runs. I'm only taking it once or twice if I have to. I know how it can be when someone needs to take the test and can't find a seat.

 

[Whatyousay]

I'm not voiding it or doing trial runs. I'm only taking it once or twice if I have to. I know how it can be when someone needs to take the test and can't find a seat.

In terms of a drink, I would suggest bringing either water or a sports drink (i.e. Gatorade).

Just try to acclimate your body to the testing schedule. Start waking up at the same time as you would on test day, eat at the same times, etc. You'll be surprised at how much being "ready" on test day can improve your testing experience.

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

I ate scrambled eggs, yogurt, and a granola bar for breakfast I think. Just bring snacks and maybe an emergency 5hr energy. Take ALL breaks, and make sure to use the restroom. I had to pee SO bad for the last 20 minutes of the BS section and it's an ordeal to check out of the room so you don't want to waste time (or be distracted by your bladder either).

 

[flatearth22]

In addition, it will be almost impossible to obtain a seat for 3 consecutive MCAT exams. You are locked out of the registration system for 48 hours after each test (regardless of whether or not you score it). And most test dates have no seats left even a month in advance.

You can't register for more than one date months in advance?

 

[kpcrew]

I brought foam earplugs and they gave me noise canceling headphones. It's really useful for when people start the essay section because the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard can get grating and it goes on for at least an hour.

 

[minerva3121]

You can't register for more than one date months in advance?

Nope. You can only register for one test date at a time. In fact, I had one friend who was planning to take his MCAT at the end of June, but he didn't feel ready and wanted to push it to early July. He had to ask me to use my account to check if any July dates were available (otherwise he would be giving up his June seat only to find no seats available in July).

 

[flatearth22]

Nope. You can only register for one test date at a time. In fact, I had one friend who was planning to take his MCAT at the end of June, but he didn't feel ready and wanted to push it to early July. He had to ask me to use my account to check if any July dates were available (otherwise he would be giving up his June seat only to find no seats available in July).

Ouch.

Well disregard then my post, OP.

 

[Whatyousay]

I brought foam earplugs and they gave me noise canceling headphones. It's really useful for when people start the essay section because the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard can get grating and it goes on for at least an hour.

*clicketyclacketyclicketyclackeyt...clickclickclick*

 

[rhesuspieces]

I had toast with peanut butter and a banana for lunch before the exam, then I brought a couple Luna bars and a bottle of powerade (the sugar free kind) and ate/drank during the break. As another poster said, it's very very important to take the whole break to rest up before the next section. I brought a stupid magazine (cosmo) to read during my break to clear my head.

When you take your practice exams, try going to a library so you can have the experience of sitting at a computer terminal. Eat all the same snacks between sections that you will eat during the test itself. That way you'll know if anything gives you stomach problems. Don't use test day to try a new flavor of energy bar for the first time.

Finally, don't waste your time with earplugs on test day unless you're already accustomed to using them as you work. You don't want to be fumbling around with uncomfortable ear plugs as you're trying to work on a section. You can always grab a pair and use them in case of emergency (e.g. a cougher in the testing room, weirdly buzzing air conditioner, etc)

 

[StudyShy]

I had toast with peanut butter and a banana for lunch before the exam, then I brought a couple Luna bars and a bottle of powerade (the sugar free kind) and ate/drank during the break. As another poster said, it's very very important to take the whole break to rest up before the next section. I brought a stupid magazine (cosmo) to read during my break to clear my head.

When you take your practice exams, try going to a library so you can have the experience of sitting at a computer terminal. Eat all the same snacks between sections that you will eat during the test itself. That way you'll know if anything gives you stomach problems. Don't use test day to try a new flavor of energy bar for the first time.

Cosmo? lol 🙂

 

[Geekchick921]

Don't listen to flatearth, as everyone else has already pointed out.

My test was in the morning, so I only had coffee and a breakfast sandwich beforehand. IIRC, I brought a PB & banana sandwich and a granola bar. I just drank water.

I did leave for every break (I had a little stomach bug), and I would definitely recommend getting up, using the bathroom, getting a drink, and just walking around and stretching your legs and moving a little bit.

Good luck!

 

[rhesuspieces]

Cosmo? lol 🙂

Nothing clears all that silly knowledge from your head like an article entitled "dirtiest sex secrets" and three full pages of affordable summer sundresses. I liked going into each section with a head purged of all knowledge stored from the previous section.

 

[aSagacious]

Don't listen to flatearth, as everyone else has already pointed out.

Can we make this a sticky?

 

[CuttingCorneas]

Cosmo? lol 🙂

Whoa. Don't knock Cosmo. The "Red-Hot Read" at the end is the highlight of my month.

 

[Geekchick921]

Also, the noise-cancelling headphones at my center were fine, though I don't think I used them a whole lot anyway.

Oh, and I am moving this to MCAT.

 

[Melomare17]

Nope. You can only register for one test date at a time. In fact, I had one friend who was planning to take his MCAT at the end of June, but he didn't feel ready and wanted to push it to early July. He had to ask me to use my account to check if any July dates were available (otherwise he would be giving up his June seat only to find no seats available in July).

NOPE. u can still see if there are seats left without giving up your seat. you only lose your seat once you pick the new date AND pay the $60 fee for it, otherwise you are still stuck on your old one

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Just make your first couple MCAT trial runs (like Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19 or something). Go to the test, try out different things, and void your score. Then when you have a routine make the test count.

inb4 "ZOMG that's so expensive!!"

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your med school applications and tuition.....a couple hundred won't kill you.

You're a ****ing nutjob. You didn't answer the question at all.

Eat a normal breakfast, or something light for lunch. Bring a granola bar and gatorade and you'll be golden.

 

[enTropeeeeeeeee]

Twix. I rarely eat candy bars, but decided to reward myself during MCAT practice/actual days with my favorite candy bar. By the way, don't ask me for a piece...2 for me, none for you!

 

[zohahunt64]

You will find a ton of discussion on the MCAT forums sites for these questions. MCAT study guides thought to be easier for mcat preparation as far as previous knowledge of material than the real MCAT. (But the actual MCAT now is heavy on reasoning and logic in all sections.) The prevailing opinion on SDN is that the real MCAT tests (3-10) that you have to purchase are the best, and the later ones are closer to the computer based test currently used. Are you guys taking any mcat study guides or online course for reference.