Recreate a formula sheet during the exam?

[5ng5]

Are you allowed to write out common formulas onto the white board/scrap paper once ur exam starts? I guess im a visual learner and find comfort in having formulas in front of myself or would this not be allowed? keeping in mind im writing this out during the exam not prior.

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[dropper]

Even better, you can write em on the provided scratch paper during the 10 minute tutorial prior to the start of PS

 

[Nandrolone]

this SDN advice is one of the worst...it not only stresses u out when u find out u can't remember a specific formula, but it further stresses u out because u only have 10 mins to recall 95% of formulas which won't even be tested. (I got a 13 on both PS and BS and just skipped the intro/tutorial; in other words, if u know it u know it, if u don't u just don't)

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

this SDN advice is one of the worst...it not only stresses u out when u find out u can't remember a specific formula, but it further stresses u out because u only have 10 mins to recall 95% of formulas which won't even be tested. (I got a 13 on both PS and BS and just skipped the intro/tutorial; in other words, if u know it u know it, if u don't u just don't)

How many formulas or calculation problems did you even have? The intro is now required I hear.

 

[dropper]

this SDN advice is one of the worst...it not only stresses u out when u find out u can't remember a specific formula, but it further stresses u out because u only have 10 mins to recall 95% of formulas which won't even be tested. (I got a 13 on both PS and BS and just skipped the intro/tutorial; in other words, if u know it u know it, if u don't u just don't)

Agree to disagree

 

[drshark]

i did a formula sheet during the tutorial, not stressful at all since most of the time you barely use em during the test, so if you forget one chances are it probably wont be used, no need to stress

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

My test center actually explicitly told me before I even sat down for the test that I wasn't allowed to write anything down during the tutorial or NDA segment. So don't count on that being able to do that. It's pointless anyway; if you're able to recall a formula during the tutorial you can surely recall it during the test. I can only see this hurting your performance since you'll feel compelled to waste time looking for a formula you know on your impromtu formula sheet.

 

[Nandrolone]

My test center actually explicitly told me before I even sat down for the test that I wasn't allowed to write anything down during the tutorial or NDA segment. So don't count on that being able to do that. It's pointless anyway; if you're able to recall a formula during the tutorial you can surely recall it during the test. I can only see this hurting your performance since you'll feel compelled to waste time looking for a formula you know on your impromtu formula sheet.

this...I guess there are just different types of test-takers.

 

[rootz02]

.

 

[Bamfu]

Eh, I wrote down translational motion formulas involving acceleration, distance, velocity, etc. just as it started because I knew they would be used. Sometimes it's easier during a problem to write down what variables you have in a situation and easily see where you need to go. A visual representation of the formulas sometimes lets you see how to solve things a little easier. Those are the only ones I wrote down though. Writing down a ton seems like a horrible idea to me. Like it was said earlier in this thread, most formulas are not needed if you understand the problems. Translational motion is easy to get mixed up on when you're nervous and don't see it everyday.

 

[thelullaby99]

Eh, I wrote down translational motion formulas involving acceleration, distance, velocity, etc. just as it started because I knew they would be used. Sometimes it's easier during a problem to write down what variables you have in a situation and easily see where you need to go. A visual representation of the formulas sometimes lets you see how to solve things a little easier. Those are the only ones I wrote down though. Writing down a ton seems like a horrible idea to me. Like it was said earlier in this thread, most formulas are not needed if you understand the problems. Translational motion is easy to get mixed up on when you're nervous and don't see it everyday.

This 👍 If you want to use the 10 mins (and allowed to), you can recreate a list based on topics you have difficulty with.

 

[AlabamaPop]

My friend just emailed AAMC to ask about it because we both are taking it at the same testing center, so we need to know our rights, before the testing staff tries to make up their own rules and pull a fast one on us.

 

[5ng5]

My friend just emailed AAMC to ask about it because we both are taking it at the same testing center, so we need to know our rights, before the testing staff tries to make up their own rules and pull a fast one on us.

I would be very interested in knowing, and like Bamfu said sometimes its nice to have a visual of the formula, i didn't intend on spending copious amounts of time on making a formula sheet, I've timed myself and it takes roughly a minute to write out all the stuff i wanted. I really doubt this one minute will make or break my overall performance and I think the piece of mind I get from a visual reference works well for myself, hopefully I can work to the point where I don't need to do that though

 

[AlabamaPop]

Ok my friend forwarded the email, and this is what they said:

Hello:

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; [LINK REMOVED] 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,
Amy Phillips

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


I dare the testing staff to tell me I cannot use my paper during tutorial. I dare them.

 

[Ochempwnsme]

Ok my friend forwarded the email, and this is what they said:

Hello:

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; [LINK REMOVED] 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,
Amy Phillips

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


I dare the testing staff to tell me I cannot use my paper during tutorial. I dare them.

Does this mean that if I take shorter breaks (5 mins rather than 10) that I can write on my fresh batch of scratch paper during the break between PS and VR (to number my scratch paper for verbal), as well as on my fresh batch of scrap paper during the break between the Writing sample and BS (to write down ochem rules: degree of unsaturation, sn1/sn2,e1/e2, and for bio to write down just some basic tips)?

Those periods are after I check into the testing center. So I would assume yes. It would be great if wee could find proper documentation for this on the actual AAMC website rather than posted in a forum. If we could find that, we could each print out copies or at least give the URL and document page # to the test center staff if they try to give us crap about it. Just shove it in their face and be like, do you want to deal with the AAMC? Be my guest, because it's at their prerogative that you're even allowed to offer this test.

 

[dropper]

Does this mean that if I take shorter breaks (5 mins rather than 10) that I can write on my fresh batch of scratch paper during the break between PS and VR (to number my scratch paper for verbal), as well as on my fresh batch of scrap paper during the break between the Writing sample and BS (to write down ochem rules: degree of unsaturation, sn1/sn2,e1/e2, and for bio to write down just some basic tips)?

Those periods are after I check into the testing center. So I would assume yes. It would be great if wee could find proper documentation for this on the actual AAMC website rather than posted in a forum. If we could find that, we could each print out copies or at least give the URL and document page # to the test center staff if they try to give us crap about it. Just shove it in their face and be like, do you want to deal with the AAMC? Be my guest, because it's at their prerogative that you're even allowed to offer this test.

I'm looking into it myself actually, I asked AAMC about a formal statement regarding this.

And yesss I'm glad u realize doing this is clutch - I have some bio ones to share during our seshes =D

 

[argama]

took the mcat today and found that although I ended up not using this formula (the degrees of unsaturation b/c I never remember it) I wrote it down during tutorial when it was fresh and I wrote it twice. Then I wrote it before each section so by the time I thought I would need it, I basically had it memorized. Hell I remember it now, whereas this morning I didn't.

And then BS I wrote it again. BY then I had remembered it and I thought I had to use it for one q but I ended up not needing to.

 

[McPhee]

Are you allowed to write out common formulas onto the white board/scrap paper once ur exam starts? I guess im a visual learner and find comfort in having formulas in front of myself or would this not be allowed? keeping in mind im writing this out during the exam not prior.

You have 20 minutes before PS to do whatever you want. You have 10 minutes between breaks (plus time from the WS) for whatever you want.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

How many formulas or calculation problems did you even have? The intro is now required I hear.

Required? How so? It's not like they grade it...

I just skipped it. So let's hope it doesn't void my score 😛

I mean...I already know how to use a mouse

 

[Mehd School]

This has been covered at least 3 times this summer alone.

AAMC States that you can write on your scratch paper the moment it is given to you. When I sat for my exam, this is what I experienced. I made a formula sheet, of which 95% was useless. I used it to check my answers, and actually caught a mistake thanks to it.

When I take the exam again, I will make the sheet again, unless the test center gives me crap for it. You can claim "AAMC Says I can!" all you want, but you're on their time once you check in. They aren't the people to tick off. Just take your test and get out of there.

 

[dropper]

I asked AAMC for a formal statement as to not run into any trouble at the test center. This is what they said.

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

Yes, you are permitted to write on your scratch paper during the tutorial section,
although we recommend focusing on learning about the exam controls and policies
during this time. You can also write on your scratch paper during break, but you
can't take your scratch paper out of the testing room. You may print this email as
your "formal statement."

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: [removed] 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,
John Remski

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"

 

[Hands4Surgery]

Awesome! Well... I used to think that writing down formulas at the beginning would not make a difference, but now I can't see how it wouldn't! Actually, any tool that you can use in your favor should be welcome!

I'd advocate writing the stuff that make you feel comfortable having there to reference. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[hrsraddish]

I just took the test (8/23) and wrote down a couple things: 30/60/90 triangle and the sin cos things for that, and Bernouli's equation. I did it during the tutorial, because then I wouldn't have to think about those things if they came up on the test, I could just refer back. For some reason, I blank on the triangle at the worst of times, so I figured it was good to be prepared!

 

[mushuwu158]

I'm sure you're allowed to, but I doubt it's useful. If you can remember a formula during the tutorial, you can definitely remember it during the PS section. Plus, the more difficult formulas that you'd ever need are generally given to you in passages.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

I'm sure you're allowed to, but I doubt it's useful. If you can remember a formula during the tutorial, you can definitely remember it during the PS section. Plus, the more difficult formulas that you'd ever need are generally given to you in passages.

👍

You guys are over thinking the formulas. They almost NEVER require you to memorize a formula that you haven't encountered over and over and over again throughout your college years.

For example, on the physics section for AMCAS 3-11 the only equation that really comes up over and over again is v = wav*freq. All the other problems either gave you the equation or you could easily deduce the equation, given what you know concept wise.

I used BR to review, and BR goes crazy with equations. As a result I ended my studying with memorizing dozens of equations for PS. Then when I took the practice tests I realized 95% of them were useless...

 

[karafox]

i will use the extra 10 minutes to write down reminders of concepts that confuse me easily/tend to forget or make mistakes on.

 

[McPhee]

i will use the extra 10 minutes to write down reminders of concepts that confuse me easily/tend to forget or make mistakes on.

Yes, and it doesn't have to be just PS stuff either. I did a nice little equation vomit but I also wrote down some anatomy and physiology stuff, especially hormones.