Pencil Sharpeners???

[SpOrTsChIc]

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This might be a stupid question, but in the PCAT candidate information book it says that you're only allowed to use regular old-fashioned pencils, not mechanical ones. So will the test center have a pencil sharpener there, or are we supposed to bring the little hand held ones?

 

[KUMoose]

I think it depends on the location of the test. I know the location I took the test had a couple. I would strongly suggest bringing several pencils and a hand-held sharpener.

 

[vicky336]

omg i have to go buy normal pencils and a sharpenerrr!!

 

[jemc2000]

Does it actuall say that somewhere? I used mechanical pencils when I took it last year. Has it changed? I just made sure I used lead comparable to #2 pencils.

 

[cheesygal]

Does it actuall say that somewhere? I used mechanical pencils when I took it last year. Has it changed? I just made sure I used lead comparable to #2 pencils.

It says so on our admission ticket, but at the test site, the proctor said it was ok to use lead pencil if it was HB.

 

[bananaface]

They make mechanical pencils with #2 lead. Are you sure you read the manual correctly? Many students bring mechanical pencils to the exam.

 

[SpOrTsChIc]

They make mechanical pencils with #2 lead. Are you sure you read the manual correctly? Many students bring mechanical pencils to the exam.

Take several sharpened number 2 pencils (also called HB pencils) with erasers to your Test Center. For accurate scoring of your answer sheet, only number 2 (or HB) pencils can be used. Mechanical pencils, ink pens, felt-tip pens, or ballpoint pens cannot be used.
I was thinking about just taking mechanical pencils since it said right on the package that they contained #2 lead, but I figured I better be safe and just do what it said. I really don't think it woulda mattered if I did tho...

 

[SpOrTsChIc]

And I use mechanical pencils on scantrons in school all the time, but oh well.

 

[ndearwater]

Wow, last year and this year I used the same brand of mechanical pencils (they are my good luck BIC's in metallic colors). I'm a little superstitious with those... 😛
I had no idea there was a policy against those pencils. However, my test was scored just fine last year and no one told me I could not use those pencils at the test. Several other test takers used mechanical pencils as well.
Just FYI, for those who take the PCAT in the future- at both testing sites I was offered pencils from the proctors (they read this part aloud from their "script" so I think it's pretty standard) and an electric pencil sharpener was plugged into the room.
It's always good to think ahead and be prepared. But with these standardized testing situations there is usually a back up plan in place. I'm sure if there was a problem the proctors would have made an announcement just like they did about turning off electronic devices etc. NO WORRIES 🙂