MCAT....what time to take it at?

[Maverick41899]

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I'm trying to figure out what time to take the MCAT but I need to register for the test ASAP before slots close for August. I want to take it at 12 noon rather than at 8 AM but, I want to get something straightened out. Does the test difficulty vary, meaning, is the test somewhat easier for people taking it at 8 AM than compared to at 12 noon? Idk, possible dumb question but this thought has been killing my decision. Thanks.

 

[justapremed]

From what I gathered from this forum, general consensus is: the curve will work out the difference in difficulty level of the test. Don't overthink "oh is this section going to be harder?" Take it when you are ready.

I personally should have done the noon. I was -not- awake at 8 🙁

 

[RySerr21]

taking it at noon was aweeeeeeeesome. seriously, if you have opportunity, sign up for the noon one. you are likely going to be unable to sleep for quite a few hours after getting in to bed. i always fall alseep quickly and the night b4 i had troulbe getting to sleep. i probably fell asleep around 1:30 even tho i got into bed at midnight. If i had taken the 8am test i would have gotten less than 6 hours of sleep (you should get to the test early). Since i had my test at noon, i slept til like 930 (8 hours of wonderful sleep), woke up, ate a nice breakfast, relaxed, left for the test at 11 and got there pretty early. it was relaxing and no stress.

 

[SN2ed]

Just sign up for whenever you think you'll be ready. I wouldn't be concerned with the time. I'm a sleep in late person, but I did fine with the 8 am. I just got into the right sleep pattern a couple weeks before the test. The difficultly varies with every MCAT version because they are different; however, the curve evens things out.

 

[jazzdude87]

I second the above post. The right sleeping pattern is key for either time. I took the noon test, which was great for me, but I made sure to get in a decent sleeping pattern even for the noon test about two weeks prior to the exam date. Also, taking practice exams at the scheduled time also helps you mentally prepare for either test time. Best of luck!