Pre-writing during tutorial/agreement is NOT allowed!

[catzzz88]

EDIT: The topic title is false. I was incorrect.
CONCLUSIONS FROM THE THREAD: Several people called/emailed AAMC and rules are very clear about technically allowing pre-writing during the tutorial and user agreement. However, some test centers and/or proctors enforce different rules and will directly tell you not to pre-write. If you are wise, you will be prepared for the possibility of not being allowed to pre-write during your MCAT.

Hi all,

I just wanted to let everyone know that when I went to my test center and checked in on test day, I was specifically told (without asking) that I was not allowed to write anything until the first MCAT question appeared on my screen. I pre-wrote last year since I asked and they said it was fine.

When the proctor said that, I was quite surprised and asked her if she was sure. She said yes, that AAMC made a new rule book since they found out that students were writing during the trial section.

I then asked her if we were allowed to write during the 10 minute breaks. She said she would check the AAMC manual and get back to me. She then said she couldn't find anything about writing during 10 minute breaks so it would be ok if I wanted to do that.

This didn't affect me too much since I usually only use this time to write out my timing guide and passage tracker. So, I took 1 minute once I clicked "start" to complete my timing scale for PS and then drew out VR and BR during my 10 minute break.

I just wanted to share this story with everyone because if you are dependent on being able to pre-write formulas and such, it could really put a dent on things. My suggestion would be that since you never know whether a particular proctor will allow pre-writing and since there is apparently a rule from AMCAS now, you should plan to NOT be able to write anything (even a grid or timing scale)!

Didn't want anyone else to be surprised. Hope this helps!

Best,
C

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[Heplayer92]

Thanks for this, but can anyone else vouch for the same deal?

 

[Jepstein30]

Different testing centers have different policies.

If you're hell bent on writing during the tutorial (I personally don't see this as a useful technique), clear it with your testing center in advance or risk not being able to.

 

[sbhav]

I experienced the same thing as OP at my testing center (although I was never planning to pre-write anyway). My friend at a different testing center didn't tell her, so she started writing equations on the scratch paper. The testing center staff then told her she could not do that, and they took the paper away.

 

[QrtrLifeCrisis]

This is not necessarily true. Like a previous poster mentioned, it depends on the testing facility. I even called AAMC to confirm this because I was told the same thing during my first administration of the exam (which I eventually voided). There is no rule in the AAMC manual prohibiting writing during the tutorial section. (Prove me wrong, guys).

It may not be necessarily helpful to write all of those equations down during the actual exam, but I had been doing it for all of my practice exams, and not being able to do it threw off my mojo.

 

[GUH]

Why would someone do that? You probably won't use most of the forumlae anyways.

 

[Mehd School]

Why would someone do that? You probably won't use most of the forumlae anyways.

I was told the very same. My pencil was not to be in my hand unless the section timer was clicking down. I accidentally did anyway, and nobody said anything to me. I just wrote my timing schedule down and some reminders that helped me. It just became habit after doing it each time for practice tests.


With that said, I took my test (5/30) at the same center I took it at last summer (voided). Last summer they were super relaxed. This time they were extremely overbearing. Last summer I was allowed to look at notes between sections, do whatever I wanted to do with my food, and go to the bathroom whenever I wanted. This time I wasn't allowed any notes, food couldn't travel more than 10 feet away from my locker, and I had to get permission to use the restroom each time.

I asked them what the hell was up, and they said that the AAMC was really cracking down on centers not strictly enforcing their policies. I mean, I understand that, but if I want to take my granola bar with me to the bathroom I should freakin' be able to. It made the atmosphere pretty tense, where it was nothing like that last year.

They even reviewed all of my notes that I wrote on my scratch paper before they let me leave. Yeesh.

 

[catzzz88]

Different testing centers have different policies.

If you're hell bent on writing during the tutorial (I personally don't see this as a useful technique), clear it with your testing center in advance or risk not being able to.

This is FALSE. Different testing centers have different levels of ENFORCEMENT of the AMCAS policy. These are two very different things.

The proctor actually pulled up the rule booklet by AMCAS on her computer and showed it to me. The AMCAS booklet she showed me specifically says that students are not to write anything at all until the first question shows up. So, even if you "clear it with your testing center," you are still at risk of being penalized. Sometimes people's scores are held back until a proper review of the case if complete. So, if you want to take the risk, go ahead, but you should at least know the AMCAS policy and also know that everything you do within the center is recorded by video.

Plus, even if you call your testing center ahead of time and the person you speak to says its ok to pre-write (out of ignorance of the AMCAS rules), you could have a different proctor on the day of your test. All I am saying is that it is probably wise to prepare for the event where you are specifically told not to pre-write on test day. It would be wise to prepare for your MCAT as though you cannot pre-write, just to play it safe!

I even called AAMC to confirm this because I was told the same thing during my first administration of the exam (which I eventually voided). There is no rule in the AAMC manual prohibiting writing during the tutorial section. (Prove me wrong, guys).

I don't know when this AMCAS rule booklet was made, but the proctor I spoke to said it was very new. Not sure when you called, but the rules may have been updated since then. I saw the PDF with my own eyes and the rule was very clearly written. Back in May of 2012, I called AAMC as well and they said no rule existed that prohibited pre-writing. I pre-wrote on my first exam. Thats why I was so surprised when the proctor told me otherwise when I went to take the test this year. I was so shocked, in fact, that she pulled up the file on her computer and showed me the rule!

Luckily, it didn't affect me during the test, but it would have been good to know ahead of time. Thats why I posted the OP; so other people could be prepared for enforcement and not shocked to the point where it could affect their performance.

Best,
C

 

[Jepstein30]

This is FALSE. Different testing centers have different levels of ENFORCEMENT of the AMCAS policy. These are two very different things.

The proctor actually pulled up the rule booklet by AMCAS on her computer and showed it to me. The AMCAS booklet she showed me specifically says that students are not to write anything at all until the first question shows up. So, even if you "clear it with your testing center," you are still at risk of being penalized. Sometimes people's scores are held back until a proper review of the case if complete. So, if you want to take the risk, go ahead, but you should at least know the AMCAS policy and also know that everything you do within the center is recorded by video.

Plus, even if you call your testing center ahead of time and the person you speak to says its ok to pre-write (out of ignorance of the AMCAS rules), you could have a different proctor on the day of your test. All I am saying is that it is probably wise to prepare for the event where you are specifically told not to pre-write on test day. It would be wise to prepare for your MCAT as though you cannot pre-write, just to play it safe!

Seriously? Let's think about this for a little bit.

"Different testing centers have different levels of ENFORCEMENT of the AMCAS policy"

Oh.. so they have different policies regarding how they follow through with what AAMC (not AMCAS..) tells them to do?

Right.. sounds familiar.

Call the testing center and they will tell you right away yay or nay. Get a name. Before you get there, ask again. Tell them so and so said you could.

End of the day though.. you seriously shouldn't need to write down all the equations. If you want to get yourself in game mode, sit at the start screen for a few minutes.

 

[Member 886]

I just called my testing center and asked about this and was told that as long as there is a timer on the screen, we are allowed to write on the paper. So I guess call your center and ask them what their specific policies are on this

 

[b05010445]

I just called my testing center and asked about this and was told that as long as there is a timer on the screen, we are allowed to write on the paper. So I guess call your center and ask them what their specific policies are on this

I went to visit my test center yesterday and asked, they looked it up in their rule book and this is precisely what it said. As long as there's a timer you can write, not on your name screen not on the screen saying begin verbal/physics/bio

 

[kmp0410]

Well I did it on 5/18.

You can argue whether or not it helps all you want, but it was what I was used to. I like to be able to quickly glance and get a formula, as I will usually write it down to make sure I don't get it backwards in my head anyways.

 

[QrtrLifeCrisis]

I don't know when this AMCAS rule booklet was made, but the proctor I spoke to said it was very new. Not sure when you called, but the rules may have been updated since then. I saw the PDF with my own eyes and the rule was very clearly written. Back in May of 2012, I called AAMC as well and they said no rule existed that prohibited pre-writing. I pre-wrote on my first exam. Thats why I was so surprised when the proctor told me otherwise when I went to take the test this year. I was so shocked, in fact, that she pulled up the file on her computer and showed me the rule!

Luckily, it didn't affect me during the test, but it would have been good to know ahead of time. Thats why I posted the OP; so other people could be prepared for enforcement and not shocked to the point where it could affect their performance.

Best,
C

I called last month before I took the 5/11 administration. The AAMC rep said that there was no explicit AAMC policy against writing during the tutorial time. She even apologized for my experiences during the 4/26 administration at another testing center. One could argue that the tutorial is when the exam actually begins because the timer does begin to tick down from 10 minutes. Also, from what I remember reading (and combing through) in the 2013 MCAT manual, there was nothing explicit written about pre-writing during the tutorial. I doubt that they would institute a new policy without reissuing a new manual. Again, prove me wrong by linking us with something tangible and in writing.

For all of those who still have to worry about this issue, I would just ask on exam day. Some testing centers are more uptight than others. I don't believe that AAMC itself would penalize you for formula vomitting before the exam. Otherwise, a lot of other people would have gotten dinged and this would be a bigger issue.

 

[Nogo]

Anyone know where we can get a copy of testing center regulations? I want to see what it says EXACTLY.

 

[gettheleadout]

OP is wrong.

Call the AAMC yourself and ask personally if you want to hear it for yourself. 202-828-0690

Prometric is a terrible company for not establishing equal conditions across their testing centers.

You have a right to write whatever you want once you've taken your seat, and I recommend clearing this with your test center, with a statement in writing from the manager to bring with you to your test date, months in advance.

 

[doctorrotcod]

Why all the speculation? I inquired about this to AAMC, and this was their response:

Thank you for contacting the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) program.

You may use your scratch paper during any point of the exam. To clarify, examinees can begin using scratch paper as soon as the exam is launched and the timer is counting down in the tutorial. However, it is important to note that the timer is counting down, so you should be aware that if you run out of time on the Examinee Agreement, your exam will end and cannot be restarted. We regret that refunds are not provided for this occurrence. Also, according to the MCAT Essentials, examinees can use their scratch paper on their breaks.

The test center will provide scratch paper, ear covers (industrial), and pencils. No other testing aids are allowed. Please note that the Test Center Administrator will collect your scratch paper before you leave.

 

[gettheleadout]

Why all the speculation? I inquired about this to AAMC, and this was their response:

Same response I got when I emailed them previously. 👍

Dear _______:

Thank you for contacting the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) program.

The test center will provide scratch paper, ear covers (industrial), and pencils. No other testing aids are allowed. You may use your scratch paper at any point after you have checked into the testing center. However, please note that the Test Center Administrator will collect your scratch paper before you leave.

To help us to continue to provide quality service, we would appreciate it if you could fill out a brief survey about your email experience. The survey will take under 10 minutes to complete and will provide the insightful feedback needed to improve our services to you: [survey link redacted]. If you have already completed this survey, thank you and please disregard.

Please let us know if you have questions or are in need of any additional assistance.

Warm Regards,
Tia Norrington

The MCAT Resource Center
Association of American Medical Colleges 2450 N. St. NW Washington DC 20037

General Inquiries: 202-828-0690
www.aamc.org/mcat

 

[gettheleadout]

I just called the AAMC myself and spoke to a very nice man named John.

He made it very clear that we are absolutely allowed to write whatever we want on our scratch paper during both the tutorial and examinee agreement.

I mentioned hearing of proctors taking different measures on this, and he even said that the AAMC has tried hard to make it clear to them that we are allowed to use the scratch paper because he had heard of similar reports.

My conclusion: OP is trolling.

0/10 would not waste my time again. 👎

 

[SN2ed]

I don't think OP is lying about not being able to write during the tutorial because of the proctor. This topic has come up numerous times and I've seen a number of people say the same thing as the OP. I believe it just shows that some proctors don't have a good understanding of the rules the AAMC has laid out and that there's poor communication between Pometric and the AAMC regarding this issue.

 

[gettheleadout]

I don't think OP is lying about not being able to write during the tutorial because of the proctor. This topic has come up numerous times and I've seen a number of people say the same thing as the OP. I believe it just shows that some proctors don't have a good understanding of the rules the AAMC has laid out and that there's poor communication between Pometric and the AAMC regarding this issue.

Oh no I don't doubt that she was prevented from writing, but the proctor happened to have some regulations from the AAMC that supposedly explicitly address this issue in the exact opposite manner to all other AAMC materials and the most up-to-date word of an AAMC representative? No way.

 

[Captain Sisko]

maybe it's just apathy from having taken the test already, but i don't see why people are getting so impassioned about this. odds are if you've memorized the equations to regurgitate at the start of the tutorial, you can regurgitate them during your exam.

it's what happened with me - someone on sdn said you could write a crib sheet upon arriving, I'd planned on it, was told i couldn't, but still did ok on the first section. all that hogwash about forgetting stuff on your exam, it's nothing but that. if you're going to forget it on your exam because of nerves odds are you'll forget it during the tutorial too. I'll tell you, in my exam that was my most nervous part, when the exam started i calmed right down.

 

[gettheleadout]

maybe it's just apathy from having taken the test already, but i don't see why people are getting so impassioned about this. odds are if you've memorized the equations to regurgitate at the start of the tutorial, you can regurgitate them during your exam.

it's what happened with me - someone on sdn said you could write a crib sheet upon arriving, I'd planned on it, was told i couldn't, but still did ok on the first section. all that hogwash about forgetting stuff on your exam, it's nothing but that. if you're going to forget it on your exam because of nerves odds are you'll forget it during the tutorial too. I'll tell you, in my exam that was my most nervous part, when the exam started i calmed right down.

For me it's not that I plan on dumping a bunch of equations or anything onto the page, it's that

1) spreading misinformation is dumb

and

2) it's worth knowing the truth about prior to your exam, because everyone can make their own decision about how to utilize the time.

I think the idea of writing a timing schedule out in the corner of the scratch paper could be useful, and wasting any amount of time during the actual content of the test to do something you could have done without a question in front of you is dumb.

 

[Captain Sisko]

For me it's not that I plan on dumping a bunch of equations or anything onto the page, it's that

1) spreading misinformation is dumb

and

2) it's worth knowing the truth about prior to your exam, because everyone can make their own decision about how to utilize the time.

I think the idea of writing a timing schedule out in the corner of the scratch paper could be useful, and wasting any amount of time during the actual content of the test to do something you could have done without a question in front of you is dumb.

guess I'm dumb, then, or did dumb things on my exam. wonder how I'd have done if i were smarter...

 

[gettheleadout]

guess I'm dumb, then, or did dumb things on my exam. wonder how I'd have done if i were smarter...

Well, it would have been smarter to check with the test center ahead of time and then provide them documentation from the AAMC so that you would be allowed to write whatever you wanted right when you sat down, since you obviously planned on writing something.

But I didn't say that to call you dumb, but to point out that it's not the most efficient way to do it. Who knows going in if they'll feel rushed for time on a section? A minute more could mean a point.

 

[catzzz88]

My conclusion: OP is trolling.

0/10 would not waste my time again. 👎

Really? That's your conclusion? That I am a troll? You think I am "a person who sows discord on the Internet by trying to start arguments and upset people... posting deliberately inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a forum, chat room, or blog, with the intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion." I was simply sharing my experience in order to HELP PEOPLE and prevent them from experiencing exactly what I experienced. It is idiotic to call me a troll.

Maybe that proctor was wrong about the AMCAS booklet (perhaps she was showing me a totally different booklet?). I don't know. Regardless, there was nothing I could say to convince her that I should be allowed to write during the tutorial. So... it doesn't really matter what the actual rules are because in the end you cannot control the people in the test center.

I guess that from everyone's response, AAMC is actually pretty clear on the rules such that even if the proctor tells you not to write during the tutorial, you can completely ignore them and hope that they don't see you writing? One person I heard had their paper taken away after they were caught writing.... What would you do then? If it really isn't against the rules, they can report you all they want but you will not get in trouble. Yet, what would you do if they forced you to not write and you had gone through every practice with pre-written material? All I am saying and the purpose of my OP was to BE PREPARED TO BE THWARTED. If you are 100% ignorant about the fact that a proctor may prevent you from pre-writing (against AAMC recommendations) and you prepared to pre-write for 15 minutes, would your test score be affected in the end? Most likely, yes!

Its rather aggravating to come onto a forum like this to post something that I thought was true for the sole purpose of trying to help and prepare others where I was not prepared, get corrected gently by some people about the rules, and then completely blasted and called names by other (obviously immature) individuals. To the people who called/emailed, thanks for clearing up the rules of AAMC. However, the actual problem still stands... Not only did the proctor genuinely believe that the rule was not to pre-write, she even pulled up the booklet on her computer (which she said was from the makers of the MCAT, but I never saw the front cover) and I read the rule for myself. I have no idea what booklet she had, but there was no way that I could have pre-written since she was so strict.

Conclusion: AAMC rules directly allow pre-writing during tutorial and user agreement. However, some test centers and/or some proctors enforce different rules and will directly tell you not to pre-write. If you are wise, you will be prepared for the possibility of not being allowed to pre-write during your MCAT...

That should end the thread.

 

[gettheleadout]

If you are wise you will clear up the possibility of any issue with your test center beforehand. The rules do matter and you're just justifying your frustration because you left it to chance; of course you couldn't convince the proctor otherwise, you were already there and had no proof.

It is also wise to consult the AAMC before posting threads regarding their regulations.

 

[catzzz88]

If you are wise you will clear up the possibility of any issue with your test center beforehand. The rules do matter and you're just justifying your frustration because you left it to chance; of course you couldn't convince the proctor otherwise, you were already there and had no proof.

It is also wise to consult the AAMC before posting threads regarding their regulations.

Thanks for the attempted psychoanalysis... but I am not frustrated, nor am I "justifying" anything. Like I said, it did not affect me very much at all because I wasn't very dependent on pre-writing. I was mostly just shocked/surprised when she was so adamant that the rules said I could not pre-write and then showed me a document stating just that. In the OP, I was simply sharing my experience with others and sharing my understanding of the situation. When people kindly corrected me and got better facts, I accepted and understood the changes and adjusted the OP to reflect the community's corrections.

There is absolutely no reason to berate me in such a rude way in a public forum when I made my good intentions clear from the very beginning. This thread makes you feel so emotional that you have to attack me as an imaginary "troll." It's okay, I can take the hit. You could have easily been more kind when clearing up an incorrect statement on my part. Even when I made it clear to you that I am not a troll and that it is immature and inappropriate to say that, you come back with some snide remark rather than an apology and/or explanation.

Have you never in your life posted something on SDN that ended up being incorrect? That was rhetorical. Well, as least I outwardly recognized that I was wrong and tried to clear things up on the front line. I expect no such thing from you ... calling me a troll (incorrect) and then once corrected simply berating me further in an underhanded manner... 😡

Going back to work now...

 

[DocE305]

Guys you can write down on the scratch paper AS LONG AS TIME IS TICKING. This meaning, time is ticking during the agreement and the tutorial. I worked in Prometric for 3 years I would know. The problem is a lot of proctors are not informed of this or just forget. If you are going to take the test and not allowed to write down stuff on your scratch paper, say this "can you show me on the client practice where it states that!" Do not start until you are allowed to write, or its your loss.

 

[DocE305]

She pulled up the client practice which is what test centers are provided to follow. I worked for prometric for 3 years and have seen that client practice about a million times. It does say you can write.