I actually just took my test and was going to post some info in a new thread. I started getting sick half way through the test so that probably skewed my opinion, but it was BRUTAL. During the first few blocks I felt great but the last few it took everything in me to not just pick answers. Keep in mind by that point I was freezing (already in jeans and a hoodie), had chills, etc.
I would NOT study the day before. If you do, just something you are already comfortable with. You need to come in fresh and confident the next day. Obviously get a good night's sleep.
(1) How did you split up your break time
(a) How do you keep track of that 1 hour break, wrist watch?
I took a very short break between the first two blocks just sitting in my chair. Not sure if I should have taken longer, but I wanted to have a longer "lunch" break after the 4th block. Every other block I took a ten minute break (except the longer lunch break was like 20 minutes). Some blocks I had a few extra minutes at the end, some other ones I didn't have enough time (to review my marked questions well).
You are not allowed to wear watches inside the test area so I just used the clock mounted on the wall. In between blocks it also tells you how much break time you have left so that is helpful.
(2) What did you do about caffeine? (I was planning on coffee in a thermos)
Are you addicted? Personally I weened myself off coffee before the MCAT because I didn't want to risk getting a headache. Now I drink decaf and have one Pepsi a day (so somewhat addicted still). For normal school exams I'll have caffeinated coffee in the morning to help wake me up that day but I didn't want to risk it "wearing off" or getting a headache so I skipped it. I doubt the coffee will stay warm in a thermos for the entire test, either.
For what it's worth, my test center had a coffee pot in the break area.
(3) Food?
I just brought a ****load of stuff cause I didn't know what I would want. Banana, fruit snacks, yogurt, turkey sandwich, one of those "Naked" smoothie drinks, water bottle (they have a water cooler there), Oreos, and those orange PB crackers. I ate at least something on every break to ensure I wouldn't start getting hungry during a block.
(4) What did you do during your breaks? (I was planning on bringing my tablet to watch something during lunch to clear my brain)
I just tried to relax a little and flipped through some magazines they had there. Walked around as much as possible to avoid those DVTs, as well.
(5) Is the interface pretty much like UWorld, any surprises? Can you really skip the tutorial
Pretty similar. On the shelf exams I took they had a "review" button they would allow you to consecutively go through your skipped or marker questions and this browser didn't have that. Other than that it is pretty similar I wouldn't sweat it. If you have used a computer for a year or more you will be fine. I just watched the tutorial enough to test the headphones.
(6) How did you use the marker/whiteboard
Didn't really use it much. Sometimes I would jot down notes (trying to recall a pneumonic or something). I used the notes section on the browser to type in stuff for when I went back to review the question. For example if I figured out it was Lesch Nyhan but couldn't remember the mechanism at that time I would write down Lesch Nyhan.
(7) Did you bring your own ear plugs, (I think they provide large ear protectors...can you wear both?)
I'm sure you could use both. The ear muffs they provide are the same one you used for the MCAT. They work ok but aren't real comfortable and make your ears sweaty as hell. I just went bare back.
(8) Any other advice?[/QUOTE]
See what I said above. If I think of more, I will edit the post.
