Test Center Rules

[floweriepot]

Hey guys,

I was wondering about the rules regarding the MCAT test centers. What was the procedure for you guys?

The test center where I wrote my MCAT, the lady asked me to search my religious head scarf and I felt a little uneasy that I was at an extra inconvenience that others didn't have to go through...she also searched my little ear plugs (by squishing them with her fingers

) and I was really shocked, because that is not only gross, but its so strange?! What can you possibly hide in those ear plugs?

I went to the washroom in the first break to wash my face, and in my second break, I went again but she followed me, and asked me to leave the washroom stall and go back to the room because I was not allowed to go to the washroom in that break....is that right?

I was already nervous and didn't need that treatment....I wonder if this is the standard procedure?

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[Dr Evil]

Wow. You got lucky. My test center guy frisked me before letting me go in the room. I was prepared for that, but then he did a full anal probe which was pretty weird, imho.

Did anyone else get anything like this?

btw i was wearing a headband... maybe this was the problem.

 

[ilovemcat]

Hey guys,

I was wondering about the rules regarding the MCAT test centers. What was the procedure for you guys?

The test center where I wrote my MCAT, the lady asked me to search my religious head scarf and I felt a little uneasy that I was at an extra inconvenience that others didn't have to go through...she also searched my little ear plugs (by squishing them with her fingers

) and I was really shocked, because that is not only gross, but its so strange?! What can you possibly hide in those ear plugs?

I went to the washroom in the first break to wash my face, and in my second break, I went again but she followed me, and asked me to leave the washroom stall and go back to the room because I was not allowed to go to the washroom in that break....is that right?

I was already nervous and didn't need that treatment....I wonder if this is the standard procedure?

What a chelba. I say sue her a`ss.

 

[deleted74029]

Only thing I had to do was turn my pockets inside out before going back in every time.

 

[startswithb]

They squished my earplugs too. The lady told me that someone in California had put a device in them. I also wore pants without pockets so they wouldn't have me empty them constantly. Really, it's for our benefit that they are so strict about possible cheating.

 

[ru4real1666]

It's like we're taking a test for the CIA or FBI instead of medical schools. At least that's how it feels.

 

[TrueBlood]

Nobody should be following people into the bathroom... on breaks... on suspicion of cheating.

Seriously, what are they going to do in a bathroom. I suppose they could try to cram some more studying in... but anyone who thinks an extra 5-10 minutes will be helpful is disillusion. Not to mention, as long as they make sure people start the exam around the same time... you shouldn't have to worry about early birds giving the answers away.

And I can understand squeezing the earplugs (although... doubt many employees care to do that)... but there is no reason to remove head gear or anything. They have cameras in the cubicles for a reason. If they suspect something... they can simply rewind and check to see if you managed to hide all 8 of TBR books under your bra.

 

[shh2333]

when I take exam in class rooms setting, I'm so used to putting paper on lap to do scratch work for math problems or circle answers on the exam form prior to transfer on scantron. Does anyone know the consequence of such behavior in pro-metric testing room. I have heard they are very strict on placing paper on desk.

 

[hiyaman]

when I take exam in class rooms setting, I'm so used to putting paper on lap to do scratch work for math problems or circle answers on the exam form prior to transfer on scantron. Does anyone know the consequence of such behavior in pro-metric testing room. I have heard they are very strict on placing paper on desk.

They'll tell you to put it on the desk.

They have a strict policy that everything remains on the desk in view of the cameras as all times including locker key, ID, etc.

 

[klaostima]

i suppose i went to a more relaxed testing center. i wasn't frisked and all they did was ask me if i had anything in my pockets. with the video recording and all it's not like you wouldn't get caught if you did have something on you. breaks was cool except i had the urge to walk outside the room for some fresh air and the door beeped and i was called back inside.

tl;dr - it depends on your testing center!

 

[starstarie]

umm im pretty sure you are allowed to go to the bathroom on your breaks... they cant expect you to go 5 hours without going peeing. I mean, I can but I def. know people who cannot!

 

[ProTCA]

I was a test center administrator at a Prometric site for 3 years. To answer your original question - yes we are required to see your earplugs. Actually you are fortunate they let you use yours, because our rules actually stated they needed to be in an "unopened sealed package" to be used. In the past, test takers were not even allowed to bring their own earplugs - they had to use the fairly clunky headphones provided. And yes - they squished them looking for any hidden electronic devices. Also - the rules we follow state that any tester wearing any religious headdress must be asked to remove it and it must be examined to verify that nothing is hidden in it. However! There is nothing in our rules that prohibits people from taking a bathroom break during allowed break time. You are well within your rights to file a complaint about that. Hope this helps clarify your issues.

 

[wild2taz]

they searched my pockets and i had to turn them inside out every time i took a break. the thing that made me mad was the scrap paper. why the hell was it pink and the pencils they gave us were crap. it was dark in the room and every time i wrote something on that paper i could barely read it