Test day question

[SkylineMD]

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At the center, are you allowed to have a drink with you while you take the exam? I was told that they don't let in snacks like cookies/crackers but nothing about drinks.

Also, sometimes while going through qbank i use a piece of paper to calculate stuff out. Its a lot faster than typing it into the Note Taking box provided especially when you want to line up things properly to calculate. Do they allow this or will I have to do most of this in my head

 

[leverp2000]

No food or drink while testing. You can store it in the lockers and have it during breaks. Basically, the only thing you can bring in to the testing area is your ID and locker key.

They provide you with a dry erase board and some markers. I've heard that some test sites may provide paper/pencil.

 

[beastmaster]

are you allowed to visit the test center before your exam, without paying for a practice test or anything? can you just show up and have a look around?

 

[joe6102]

are you allowed to visit the test center before your exam, without paying for a practice test or anything? can you just show up and have a look around?

No. If you come within 500 feet of the center, then you won't be allowed to take the test there.

just kidding...of course you can go and check it out. I'd recommend it.

 

[domer621]

are you allowed to visit the test center before your exam, without paying for a practice test or anything? can you just show up and have a look around?

Definitely check it out. I went to go look at mine a few days ago and breathed a big sigh of relief - the computers were all new and CRT monitors looked good. It was also fairly small - maybe 30 computers. I've heard nightmare stories about test centers with crappy, flickering monitors.

One thing I found annoying was that the test proctor is supposed to walk inside the testing area and "look around" every 5-10 mins... talk about being a distraction during the test!

 

[beastmaster]

One thing I found annoying was that the test proctor is supposed to walk inside the testing area and "look around" every 5-10 mins... talk about being a distraction during the test!

That's actually my concern about visiting the center. I want to take a glance inside the room (if even through a window), scope out the entire floor, the bathrooms, etc, since I'm taking 2 exams there in quick succession (usmle/comlex). I don't want to waste 3-4 hours of my life going there only to run up against an overprotective set of proctors (ie "sorry, only test takers"). And of course I myself don't want to disturb the test takers.

 

[goodies]

no drinks? wtf, i can't function without coffee.

 

[akpete]

Our school just did some pilot NBME test this past week, and the NBME people even made people take off zip-up sweatshirts/cardigans.

 

[medicalmarvel]

no drinks? wtf, i can't function without coffee.

get some sense in buddy.. 😎 how can you expect coffee to be allowed in the test room. ok even if it is, who is gonna fetch it very hot for you ?

 

[domer621]

I want to take a glance inside the room (if even through a window), scope out the entire floor, the bathrooms, etc, since I'm taking 2 exams there in quick succession (usmle/comlex).

The lady said that no one except test-takers were allowed inside the room, but there was a big glass window there anyway, so I could look in. She also had a monitor in front of her with video cameras on every computer.

They're basically paid to be overly anal.

 

[bjackrian]

no drinks? wtf, i can't function without coffee.

I think it would give you an unfair advantage on questions about the physiological effect of caffeine. And diuretics. 😀