Timer at Testing Site

[geeyouknit]

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Hey ,

Is there a standardized timing system used in the MCAT testing sites?
I know that we aren't allowed watches.
Is it like on the CBTs, that there's a countdown clock at the bottom of the test window?

Thanks

 

[PingPongPro]

There is a timer built into the interface of the test. Also a little (annoying sometimes) popup telling you when you have like 5 minutes and 45 minutes remaining.

 

[snorlax]

There is a timer built into the interface of the test. Also a little (annoying sometimes) popup telling you when you have like 5 minutes and 45 minutes remaining.

I also found those popups annoying.

 

[Kangaroo Paw]

On the AAMC practice tests, if you DON'T click ok on these popups, time actually freezes, I've noticed. Does this also occur on the real MCAT, or should I not experiment, haha?

 

[kehlsh]

Make sure you take a break within 10 minutes as you are supposed to.

 

[snorlax]

There is a hypothesis that if you take longer than what is on the break (staying on the sectional start page after 10 minutes mark has been finished), the computer might internally count differently than what the clock timer represents.

So make sure you take a break within 10 minutes as you are supposed to.

Seriously? I would like to know if this is true. I always felt rushed during my breaks to get back within the 10 minutes...

 

[PingPongPro]

Seriously? I would like to know if this is true. I always felt rushed during my breaks to get back within the 10 minutes...

Well I don't think there would be a large number of people that can help you here, since most people would not risk taking a break longer than 10 minutes. I suppose it does seem reasonable since there is a reason why the break is 10 minutes long. If they had a timer that stopped counting after 10 minutes, and only started the next section once you pressed continue, then that would defeat the whole purpose of having a 10 minute break. I suppose it could be more of a guideline for how long your breaks should be, but just learn to keep your breaks under 10 minutes, and you should be fine.

 

[ak21]

timer on the real MCAT does NOT stop when there is a pop-up like it does in the practice tests.
ur breaks can be "longer" than 10 minutes if u choose. the next section cannot be started without the test-taker clicking "next". that being said, if you are gone way longer than 10 minutes your proctor will most likely become suspicious

 

[kehlsh]

timer on the real MCAT does NOT stop when there is a pop-up like it does in the practice tests.
ur breaks can be "longer" than 10 minutes if u choose. the next section cannot be started without the test-taker clicking "next". that being said, if you are gone way longer than 10 minutes your proctor will most likely become suspicious

nvm

 

[ThereSheGoes]

on the real thing if you leave the pop-up screen there the clock will keep ticking...lol that's only a bug in practice tests

and nothing happens if you take more than 10 mins on your break...sometimes the proctors are busy and can't swipe you in on time..i mean, surely if you disappear for 20 mins they will begin to worry.

proctors were extremely laid back.. they are friendly people who want you to score well. no worries. i had an overweight proctor who was more involved in his ham sandwich than anything else. knowing they want you to do well kept me loose on test day.

 

[sillyether]

i had an overweight proctor who was more involved in his ham sandwich than anything else.