Timekeeping and hydration during the MCAT

[CanMed]

Hi all

I am a Canadian Pre-Med new to this website. I am writing the MCAT this weekend too.

I was wondering if we are allowed to use digital watches with the stopwatch function as long as they don't beep?

Also I read somewhere that water bottles are not allowed during the exam.
Is that true?

A reply would be greatly appreciated.

And yes one more thing: Canucks kick ass!!

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[mustangsally65]

Hello!

I don't know about the watch/timer thing, but I can answer your question about the water bottles.

When you come into the room they make you put all your stuff except your pens/pencils in the front of the room. No exceptions. You can only drink water during breaks when you can get up and go to your stuff. Although I suppose if you started coughing uncontrollably during the exam they'd probably let you get to your water.

What I did was bring plenty of gum, and put in a new piece before each section started. That way I didn't miss my water too much, and didn't have to worry about coughing etc.

 

[Wrigleyville]

I don't think you can have digital watches, or digital anything for that matter. If you really need to keep track of time just bring an extra analog watch, have it set to the nearest hour, and start it when they start the block. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

 

[Hurricane95]

There was another thread on this subject (timing devices) a few days back. Digital timers are allowed as long as they make no noise whatsoever. Actually digital watches, sorry. I used a digital watch in april and it was perfectly fine. Look it up on the aamc site. It just can't make noise or it gets taken away or you may be disqualified form the test, depending on how anal your proctors are. As for the water, nope, you can't have a bottle during the sections. You have to leave everything usually at the front of the room while testing and not during breaks.

 

[CanMed]

Thanks to those who replied.

I don't understand the point of not allowing water bottles during the test. 😡

Regarding the digital watch situation, I am in a dilemma of sorts. My watch only beeps when I press go and doesn't beep any other time.

Would that be allowed? Can I take it off my wrist and put it my pocket to muffle the initial beep?

What do u guys think?

 

[~CDN Pre-med~]

I remember being allowed water bottles...maybe depends on the test centre..

 

[adiddas125]

I remember being allowed water bottles...maybe depends on the test centre..

Do you know if we can bring backpacks in??? I am getting a ride to my test center so I can relax in the car without stressing about driving...

If we can bring backpacks in, perhaps we can put anything in our bags?

 

[jon0013]

Do you know if we can bring backpacks in??? I am getting a ride to my test center so I can relax in the car without stressing about driving...

If we can bring backpacks in, perhaps we can put anything in our bags?

i have never eaten in the test room but i did bring snacks in my backpack to eat during breaks.....but it depends on your proctors...some (esp those at major universities) are anal bastards...others are real chill....but just bring somethin in a bag...