Silent Timers for the MCAT

[nasya]

Does anyone know what kind of wrist watch I can buy with a silent timer so I can wear it during the MCAT and time myself without the alarm going off?

 

[MoosePilot]

Does anyone know what kind of wrist watch I can buy with a silent timer so I can wear it during the MCAT and time myself without the alarm going off?

You can use pretty much any watch chronograph you want if you push the button at the same time the proctor starts his. Most people won't be able to start a timer that probably makes a noise and track you down by your one single beep at the same time...

 

[Phil Anthropist]

Try opening your wristwatch (i.e. unscrew the back as if you were replacing the battery). If you see a little flap of metal sticking up, that part is often used to make sound. If you either cut it off or tape it down with a piece of electric tape (less destructive), the sound should be disabled. And then of course, put the back of the watch back on. This works on many watches...

 

[karlin009]

try ebay!!!!

 

[VPDcurt]

Try opening your wristwatch (i.e. unscrew the back as if you were replacing the battery). If you see a little flap of metal sticking up, that part is often used to make sound. If you either cut it off or tape it down with a piece of electric tape (less destructive), the sound should be disabled. And then of course, put the back of the watch back on. This works on many watches...

Yeah that's what I did too. It's either a little flap of metal or a really small spring. I just used needlenose pliers and plucked it out. The watch never made a sound again.

 

[45408]

Just reset your watch to noon, and for PS, you've got until 1:40 for time. It's not rocket science.

 

[moogy]

I use this timer when I take practice passages/tests. You can easily silence it by using the methods mentioned above.
Would I be allowed to bring something like this into the actual examination?

Just reset your watch to noon, and for PS, you've got until 1:40 for time. It's not rocket science.

 

[VPDcurt]

I use this timer when I take practice passages/tests. You can easily silence it by using the methods mentioned above.
Would I be allowed to bring something like this into the actual examination?

Nope. Read the MCAT Essentials Publication.

 

[tigress]

Nope. Read the MCAT Essentials Publication.

my husband used a kitchen timer similar to the one in that link; he opened the back and cut the cord to the sound.
He was allowed to use this on the MCAT and I believe was following the advice of his instructors in TPR

 

[gdk]

fyi, if you're really worried about it and don't want to break your watch components.... just open the back up and put a piece of scotch tape (or a few peices thick) on the inside of the watch back plate. that should silence the beeper

good luck.. man, i'm glad i don't have to take the mcat ever again!

 

[me_771]

Go to Walmart and buy a Digital timer from there, it ranges from 5$-7$. just open the back and cut the wires to the speaker and you'll be fine, Good Luck.

 

[lane113]

You can also order a silent timer on line. Check out www.timerdude.com. I think a silent timer is about $14 with free shipping and handling.

 

[Tinker Creek]

Quoting aamc:

Due to advancing technology and the widespread availability of digital image capturing equipment, no timers are allowed for the MCAT, except wristwatches (and we prefer analog watches).