Testing Centers and 10 minute breaks

[doc4you]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Since watches aren't allowed in the testing room, how did you time yourself on breaks when out of the room? Also, do the lockers have those time-consuming combination locks?...and last question, would you recommend bringing a snack...is there enough time to eat one??

 

[jochi1543]

1) There was a clock hanging in the hallway, so it wasn't an issue. But I'm sure it differs from one test center to another. I'd take a watch with you to the test and just keep it in your pocket - no one will know it's there. Then once you're outside, you can look at it. But, this 10 mins flies by quickly.

2) My test center had a lock with a key.

3) Yeah, I'd definitely bring a snack...the whole she-bang can take up at 5 hours, including registration time, so you need to keep your blood sugar up. Don't bring anything that needs preparation/heating, though. I know my test center had a microwave, but no one used it, and I don't know if other test centers have it. I just brought a Subway 6 inch, and my 10 min break was just enough to run to the bathroom and then eat.

 

[lawnboy313]

Each section doesn't start timing until you click to begin it, so technically you could go over 10 minutes and still be fine. Do practice tests with the breaks and you'll get used to how long 10 minutes feels during an actual MCAT.

The locks probably vary by center, but mine were lock and key.

Definitely bring a snack. Unless you're Joey Chestnut, keep it to a sandwich or a powerbar or an apple or something...save the 7 course meal for after the test.

 

[soccerpunk60]

i was allowed to wear a watch when i took it in may??

 

[mdinatx]

The test doesn't start until you click start. So if you need more than 10 minutes, by all means. Take 30 if you want; no big deal.

 

[quiksilver87]

The test doesn't start until you click start. So if you need more than 10 minutes, by all means. Take 30 if you want; no big deal.

wow great, that means people are going to be walking around me when im taking the test...If I wait untill everyone sits down, then Ill have people walking around during the end of the PS section! 👍

 

[supersash]

when itook it in august, it wasnt just people taking the MCAT, so be prepared for lots of walking around, people in and out at different times, and lots of typing.

we had ear muffs, which were fine to block out the noise, lockers with key locks, and i definitly wore a watch into the test. hope this helps 🙂