VOICE OPINION on MCAT Computer Based Testing.

[firebody]

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personally i think it'll suck. verbal would suck ass. and i'd rather do well on the exam than get it scored sooner. i'm sorry if you took it in august and was waiting forever for it, but i really think computer based MCAT would absolutely blow. i don't care if the USMLE's are on computers now...they are two different exams that require totally different needs and testing modes.

can you imagine staring at the screen for 6 hours straight. along with studying for months and months on the computer screen just so you can get use to reading long passages for verbal, etc., etc.

I VOTE NO!!


p.s. this thread is being read by the MCAT admistration

p.p.s reason i'm doing this is because of this link.

http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/advisors/

look at the NAAHP 2004 .pdf file and there plan for the implentation of this type of exam to ALL administrations

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

Reading from a computer screen really is not much more difficult than reading from paper, and it would force testakers to actually READ the passage, not highlight and circle and all those other useless techniques that the test-prep courses teach. If I could get my score back in less than a month, I would vote an emphatic YES on computer-based MCAT testing.

 

[Doc 2b]

I vote NO on the way the test is currently written. However, if the test were adapted to be more computer friendly I would say yes. I don't think there is really a way to test it the way it currently is on comp. In fact I would vote to just revamp the entire test and do away with the MCAT as we know it. I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

[fahimaz7]

God that would be horrible. I'm so glad I'm not taking it again.

 

[thinkpositive]

I say yes if it means getting my scores back faster... 😎

 

[freesolo]

faster scores why not! Hey nobody likes the comp testing, but were all at with the same disadvantage, the scores might be a little lower, but i think hte adcoms will realize that. How are we suppose to do calculations for PS do we get scratch paper?

 

[NinerNiner999]

Get used to it - every board exam in medical school is computerized and yes - they are a general pain in the ass.

THINKPOSITIVE - Go tigers! I'm a Clemson Alumni. Holla sometime...

 

[chess_king]

I voted no, but it would be nice for the writing section. I have concerns on my poor handwriting.

Especially if I could type the essays in a Microsoft Word type setting that automatically changes "hte" to "the". I am so used to this that I no longer bother putting letters in the correct order.

 

[browniegirl86]

Will it just be on the computer, or will it be a computer adaptive test like the GRE?

I say no; if it IS in the same format as the GRE, there's no skipping around and prioritizing easier questions. And that would really suck on the MCAT. I would much rather suck it up and wait for scores.

 

[MEG@COOL]

I think that they should keep the 2x a year paper administration, but possibly allow the willing to use a computer to take it on a more dates and recieve results faster.

 

[RAwe]

OMG, that would be so annoying, can you imagine the clikkity klack cklack when everyones writing their essays? maybe its fine in the library....not cool during a test

 

[ElKapitan]

I would say no, 6 hours in front of a computer screen is way too much. Furthermore, I had tests on computers in college and it just feels different; for some reason my brain processes questions differently when they are on a computer screen. 👎

 

[Quakkilla]

I vote no. I don't think it would speed up score returns, you wiat so long now just for pure torture. The way the test is now is more intimidating, and I think that if you don't do well in the enviroment they are testing now, then how will you do on boards? Plus it is a right of passage, I had to endure it, everyone else should too. It sucks but that is part of the whole process. Just my .02 cents

 

[MEG@COOL]

I vote no. I don't think it would speed up score returns, you wiat so long now just for pure torture. The way the test is now is more intimidating, and I think that if you don't do well in the enviroment they are testing now, then how will you do on boards? Plus it is a right of passage, I had to endure it, everyone else should too. It sucks but that is part of the whole process. Just my .02 cents

Good job being coherent. Why if I was that coherent I would run for president.

 

[Lindyhopper]

I actually liked taking the GRE's. But it seems to me that my vote is just one of many in a ready data pool of GRE takers. But it was really nice to be able to schedule the test anytime & get your multiple choice scored immediately.

 

[HistoRocks]

The whole idea sounds bad to me... don't they take into account sore eyes? And the justification - tests graded faster - isn't the greatest either. Given that med is a lifelong endeavor, the rigor of a long test - one which tests "tries the mind", so to speak, is a good prelude.

 

[QofQuimica]

personally i think it'll suck. verbal would suck ass. and i'd rather do well on the exam than get it scored sooner. i'm sorry if you took it in august and was waiting forever for it, but i really think computer based MCAT would absolutely blow. i don't care if the USMLE's are on computers now...they are two different exams that require totally different needs and testing modes.

can you imagine staring at the screen for 6 hours straight. along with studying for months and months on the computer screen just so you can get use to reading long passages for verbal, etc., etc.

I VOTE NO!!


p.s. this thread is being read by the MCAT admistration

p.p.s reason i'm doing this is because of this link.

http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/advisors/

look at the NAAHP 2004 .pdf file and there plan for the implentation of this type of exam to ALL administrations

I voted yes, for a couple of reasons: one is that moving just about everything we do to computers is inevitable anyway. It is wiser to reconcile with our society's greater reliance on technology rather than to be dragged along kicking and screaming, or even worse, get left behind altogether. Most of the people who are currently college students have grown up with the internet, email, etc. and are comfortable with using computers. I would guess that their children will be even more computer-savvy than they already are themselves. Those of us who are older can be trained to use computers; I've seen my parents do it so I know that I sure don't have an excuse!

The other reason is that taking tests on the computer is not as bad in practice as it sounds in theory. When I took the GRE, they were just starting to offer the computer tests, and it was optional to take it on the computer. I chose to do it, and I was very pleasantly surprised. The test was shorter, I got my results right away (this was before they added a writing section; I don't know how long it takes now), and as other people have mentioned, you can take the test on a day and at a time that is convenient for you rather than being at the mercy of the AAMC or the weather. (Here in FL we all took the Aug. MCAT two weeks late because of Hurricane Charley.) Our friends applying to dental school already take their test on the computer. If they can do their PAT (perceptual ability test) on line, surely we can manage with the MCAT too. Their reading passages are much longer than our VR ones are, BTW, and they manage by using scratch paper and taking notes.

 

[Preet]

Computer testing - NOOOOOOoooooooo!! I took the paper-based GRE when it was offered for the last time and a couple of months later, I took the computer based one. I scored 200 points lower on the computer based with even more time to practice the second time around. In the past two years, I have taken 9 standardized tests for my nursing courses at the same testing centers. Even though I am used to taking tests on the computer but I still DO NOT support computerized MCAT. Whenever I've gone to the center to take the exam, the whole process is very annoying. There are 15-20 people taking exams at the same time. They have big ear phones that you can use to mask out any noise but they really hurt your ears. When you don't have them on, you hear every click in the room - people clicking answers, some typing away passages depending on the type of exam they are taking. Moreover, in the past two years, I've been used to getting the scores as soon as I finish the exam and walk out of the room. But even if I have to wait what seems like countless weeks for the paper-based MCAT scores, I DO NOT mind.

Someone mentioned that USMLEs are computerized so we should get used to it. Let me clarify a little since I have many friends and family members who have gone through and still attending med school. Most of the people I know who are currently going through med school tell me that they now take computerized tests for most of their courses. These are 4 good years of getting trained to take these type of exams before you even embark on the USMLEs. So, I really don't think taking computerized boards is going to be such a problem. Even in my case, I don't think its going to be such a big leap to the nursing boards after I've taken 9 nursing exams on the computer. On the contrary, a lot of undergraduate institutions still administer paper based testing for most of their courses and still DO NOT provide ENOUGH skills to take AGONIZINGLY LOOOOONG computerized MCATs, no matter how computer-savvy you are.

 

[Preet]

I received this email from AAMC when I inquired about the paper based MCAT testing in 2006. At least we now know that paper based MCAT will still be administered in 2006.


[email protected] wrote:

Thank you for contacting the AAMC.

Yes, you will still have the option of taking the MCAT by paper and pencil in 2006.

Please contact us again if you have any other questions.

Thank you and have a great day.

-AAMC

 

[2DEG]

While I would say no as well, I must say 6 hours in front of a computer screen is not that bad. Computer programmers and other professionals routinely spend more than 6 hours/per day looking at the computer screen.

I do like paper based format better though. My hand writing is bad but isn't bad hand writing a pre-requisite for future doctors?

I would say no, 6 hours in front of a computer screen is way too much. Furthermore, I had tests on computers in college and it just feels different; for some reason my brain processes questions differently when they are on a computer screen. 👎

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

I can't find a page on the AAMC website that shows changes for 2005. Anyone have a link? Will it be all computer based for 2005?

 

[Sunflower189]

Eww. Computer testing.

I hate doing passages on the computer. I'm very visual, so when I read a passage, I unconsciously keep track of info by where it is on the page. Thus when I go back while doing a problem, I think something like "OK, I need the mass...those were in the table at the bottom right...here it is." Computers make that harder. They also never make the screens big enough, so if you want to read at any reasonable rate (much less skim), the lag takes over and all you can see is a blur.

I'm also one of those people who likes looking at the big picture on tests. I use info in the question stems to answer other questions, go back and check my set of answers for logical consistency with each other...and play statistical games with the answer distribution if I'm really in deep 😀 Only one question at a time = I actually have to know what I'm doing = 😱

Granted, it might keep my writing score from sucking so badly, but it will also keep everyone else's writing from sucking so badly, so it will probably just take away my excuses.

 

[OTheHorror]

Computer MCAT would be absolutely horrendous...that totally sucks for future premeds...

For me, puttin my head down and reading on paper is almost relaxing compared to holding my head up and staring at a brigh computer screen. You even see all the distractions to your sides...yuck

GRE sucked...MCAT verbal was fine

 

[naus]

I did 7R practice test on the computer. It was horrible compared to 6R on the paper. I can't visualize where things are after reading, because everything is a damn scroll! And for a science based test such as the MCAT, it's crucial to have maximal field of vision and freedom for direct scratch work on figures and diagrams.

 

[reddirtgirl]

4 more shots on pen & paper. suck!

Why can't they do something like give the test taker a paper copy to mark up and then bubble answers in on the computer. after the test taker is done, the booklet can be turned in.

While this may present some security challenges, there has got to be a way. Personally, I comprehend alot less/ slower when reading off a screen. I need the tactile p&p.

No choice but to get weaned off p&p, since boards are computer based too.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

I don't like the idea of Computer Based Testing. I recognize the advantages of receiving scores sooner and more available test dates. I also write much faster when I type than when I use a writing utensil--this would save me from inevitable writers' cramp. However, I feel the disadvantages are greater.

I would agree with firebody that the USMLE and MCAT are different in many respects. If you've ever seen practice USMLE questions, these questions are pretty different from MCAT questions. I stumbled upon a BRS Physiology book when I took an undergrad Human Physiology course and while some of the questions were obviously beyond my level of understanding, some of the questions were answerable and helped me to better understand the concepts. Anyway, I felt these questions were reasonable for computer-based testing. I don't feel the same way about MCAT questions. [On a somewhat related note, the osteopathic COMLEX is still paper-based.]

When I take reading comprehension tests, I annotate little (if at all) in the passage itself. However, I do make extensive markings on answer choices (e.g., crossing out during process of elimination and identifying distractors). And for the Physical and Biological sciences sections, it is helpful for some people to be able to mark their mental notes about graphs, figures, etc. on the test booklet. On other standardized tests (e.g., ACT, SAT, SAT II, AP) I would work out calculations on the test booklet itself. I don't like the idea of having to pull out scratch paper to work my calculations. I feel this would be somewhat distracting. Also, the slightest chance of the computer crashing would scare me to death. Even if it is highly unlikely, I would hate to be one of the few people that did experience computer problems. I think there's a certain sense of security in having a hard copy.

However, I would support computer based testing on a grand scale (even as the primary means of testing) on the condition that the MCAT is still offered in paper-based format in April and August. I realize the current push for utilizing technology for standardized testing and the convenience that computer-based testing would provide the AAMC, but I would still want to take the paper-based test. In fact, I would even be willing to pay a reasonably priced extra fee to take the MCAT in a paper-based format.

 

[OSUdoc08]

My #1 & 2 problems on the MCAT were:

-Time spent filling in bubbles
-Having to write out my essay in illegible handwriting (I'm much more efficient on the computer, and corrections can be made much more efficiently and quickly.)

-----------------------------------------

If you like to "write things out," then get some scratch paper.

 

[reddirtgirl]

My #1 & 2 problems on the MCAT were:
-Time spent filling in bubbles
-Having to write out my essay in illegible handwriting (I'm much more efficient on the computer, and corrections can be made much more efficiently and quickly.)

-----------------------------------------

If you like to "write things out," then get some scratch paper.

writing out then typing it over to enter it in??


GRE gives the option of typing essays in or turning in a handwritten copy.

Perhaps CBT MCAT 2007?

 

[gujuDoc]

My #1 & 2 problems on the MCAT were:

-Time spent filling in bubbles
-Having to write out my essay in illegible handwriting (I'm much more efficient on the computer, and corrections can be made much more efficiently and quickly.)

-----------------------------------------

If you like to "write things out," then get some scratch paper.

Well said. I think my biggest thing is time

Also, I think the only real disadvantage of computer based testing is that they'll make it shorter, so that means it will be graded harder.

however, if scratch paper is provided, then I don't see the problem.,

Oh and the only other problem I see, is that it will mean increase in money to take the test cuz they are going to need a load of money to develop testing centers that are highly secured, rather than using universities and community colleges as testing sites.

 

[OSUdoc08]

writing out then typing it over to enter it in??


GRE gives the option of typing essays in or turning in a handwritten copy.

Perhaps CBT MCAT 2007?

Not the essay, that wouldn't make any sense. I'm talking about written work for the problems---especially in the physical sciences section.

 

[Thundrstorm]

I can't find a page on the AAMC website that shows changes for 2005. Anyone have a link? Will it be all computer based for 2005?

It's available in certain cities this April. I'm considering whether I'd like it... but I only have a week to decide before the registration deadline. From the website:

"Computer Based Testing (CBT)

In April 2005, the AAMC is offering the MCAT in a Computer-Based Format (CBT) in a limited number of U.S. cities:

Baltimore/Towson Testing Center, 8501 LaSalle Road, Suite 115 Towson, MD 21286-5919
Boston Testing Center, 27-43 Wormwood Street, Fort Point Place, Boston, MA 02210
Chicago Test Center, 20 North Clark Street, 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602-5001
Washington DC Test Center, 1660 L Street NW, 2nd Floor, Suite 204, Washington, DC 20036-5603
Atlanta Test Center, 5909 Peachtree Dunnwoody Road, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30328
Dallas Test Center, 12400 Coit Road, Suite 502, Dallas, TX 75251-2004
San Francisco Test Center, 400 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 101, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Denver Test Center, 5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Englewood, CO 80111
Manhattan Test Center, 1 Penn Plaza, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10119
Seattle Test Center, 22002 64th Avenue West, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Seating is strictly on a limited, first-come, first-served, basis. To register and sit for the MCAT CBT, you must read and agree with the information below.

And please, please double- and triple-check your e-mail address when registering. Confirmations are sent to the e-mail address you provide. An incorrect e-mail address will prevent you from receiving a confirmation.

About the Format
Minimal computer proficiency is required for the CBT. Content and time limits administered are identical to the paper administration. A tutorial introducing the format and navigation for the CBT will be provided prior to test day. CBT allows self-pacing through each of the sections, with the abilitiy to skip and return to questions within a test section. Writing Sample essays are entered via keyboard, as opposed to by hand.

Registration Requirements
As with the traditional examination, the MCAT program requires a government-issued picture identification (such as a driver's license or passport) and fingerprints when registering on test day. These measures help to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the examination. Sites using computer-based testing will capture these data electronically, allowing rapid identification and re-entry to the testing facility during breaks. These data will be retained by MCAT and will be available for future MCAT administrations, if applicable, or for future identity verification purposes.

Note: To sit for the MCAT CBT examination, you must comply with the registration requirements and procedures. Selecting the link below will start the registration process and certifies that you understand and agree to the registration requirements and procedures described above."

 

[bottles999]

As some taken the GREs paper based and working again taking them CBT I much prefer that Paper based version for 2 key reasons:
1. Score Determination
2. Ease of test taking

Score Determination
One think I havent seen mentioned is that the way the scores are determined on CBTs are much different than on Paper. I assume all of us have seen totaled the # right and did a simple look up table to see where we did. That doesnt apply to a CBT. CBTs are weighted up front. So each question is worth more "points" more early on. That is as the CBT itself 'learns' where you score. In addition, the CBT chooses an easier of harder question for the next depending on IF you got the current question wrong or right respectively. It would really cause quite a change in the approach to the MCAT itself. This also assumes that similar mechanism applying to how GREs work will be applied to the MCAT.

Ease of Test taking
Another real key difference is that fact that you CANNOT go back to previous questions. To me this is a basic flaw. I dont see why I cannot be allow to scroll back to previous questions to check my work or come back to it. I know I typically have 10-15 min or so after I have gone through some of the sections and can back and hit questions I didnt or wanted to spend more time one working through the problem. In the CBT once you 'click' next - you NEVER see that question again. The MCAT is challenging enough as it is.

IMHO I much prefer to wait the 60 days for the results than take a CBT version of the MCAT. Yea, it would be nice if there wasnt nearly as much delay in getting the results back, but that alone doesnt justify the negatives that come along with it.

Ugggg I am glad I am hitting the paper version now.

 

[RUscrewed]

Computer testing only makes sense if it is a computer adaptive test. I don't understand what the point of having a nonadaptive test is, and why it would be faster to grade. Is it that hard to put the scantron into the bloody machine?! Unless someone comes up with a computer algorithm to grade the writing sections, which I don't see happening any time soon, this makes absolutely no sense. However, if the test becomes adaptive, I am all for it.

 

[xdopaminex]

I am very adept with computers but I totally hate the introduction of this CBT. They should at least offer a choice to test takers. I would rather take an 8 hour written test rather than a shorter computerized one.

The positive effect of this new CBT is that I'm finally going to register for the August 2005 MCAT. I was debating between taking it this year or later, but now that I know that this is my last opportunity to do it on paper, I am rushing 🙂