What is it like to actually sit for the MCAT? Test taking center questions

[DontBanMeBro]

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Hi I'm finishing up with content review for sn2ed schedule and will be taking practice tests from AAMC soon. Any tips on where to take these practice tests to simulate what it will be like at the test center?

What is it like when you show up for the exam? I remember for the SAT you have to listen to the proctor and the proctors schedule.. I'd always be rushing to bubble in my last name and stuff, hoping I wasn't falling behind. Is the MCAT more based on your own schedule? Like you can show up at the assigned time and then the computer will time you?

Thanks

 

[TopTomato]

Hi I'm finishing up with content review for sn2ed schedule and will be taking practice tests from AAMC soon. Any tips on where to take these practice tests to simulate what it will be like at the test center?

What is it like when you show up for the exam? I remember for the SAT you have to listen to the proctor and the proctors schedule.. I'd always be rushing to bubble in my last name and stuff, hoping I wasn't falling behind. Is the MCAT more based on your own schedule? Like you can show up at the assigned time and then the computer will time you?

Thanks

This is more likely to vary from testing center to testing center. Where I went was, as soon as your registered you sit down and begin your exam. I was one of the last people to be registered for some reason, so I was just about the last person to leave. When you take the exam you go at your own pace, which basically means if you want to take breaks or not. I think a mistake of mine was not fully utilizing my break time. I was too much in a rush to start other sections. But yeah you don't have to worry about running on the "proctor's schedule" like you mentioned.

 

[Spitphire]

This is more likely to vary from testing center to testing center. Where I went was, as soon as your registered you sit down and begin your exam. I was one of the last people to be registered for some reason, so I was just about the last person to leave. When you take the exam you go at your own pace, which basically means if you want to take breaks or not. I think a mistake of mine was not fully utilizing my break time. I was too much in a rush to start other sections. But yeah you don't have to worry about running on the "proctor's schedule" like you mentioned.

So how exactly are you timed? I imagined it to be like taking the SAT. Can you do the test at your own pace or do you have allotted time for each section? I always thought you only had a certain amount of time per section. 😕
Edit: Nvm, I was assuming it was paper written for some reason lol

 

[cyberchicken001]

Here's the deal:

1) You walk in, sign in, and are given a locker.

2) You wait your turn to be called to a desk where they take your photo and fingerprints.

3) You go back to the waiting area and wait to be called in to the testing room. (separate from the waiting area)

4) You sign your name and they check your pockets.

5) You are assigned a seat in the testing room. The room fills up one student at a time. They give you a pencil, paper and these noise reducers which you may or may not find uncomfortable. Then you start your test. The timer starts only when you click start.

6) At every break, you must sign in and out and have your fingerprint taken. This chops off about two minutes from your 10 minute break.

That's about it... Good luck!

 

[Benedictus123]

Here's the deal:

1) You walk in, sign in, and are given a locker.

2) You wait your turn to be called to a desk where they take your photo and fingerprints.

3) You go back to the waiting area and wait to be called in to the testing room. (separate from the waiting area)

4) You sign your name and they check your pockets.

5) You are assigned a seat in the testing room. The room fills up one student at a time. They give you a pencil, paper and these noise reducers which you may or may not find uncomfortable. Then you start your test. The timer starts only when you click start.

6) At every break, you must sign in and out and have your fingerprint taken. This chops off about two minutes from your 10 minute break.

That's about it... Good luck!

This is pretty much the way it went for me (except they didn't fingerprint me every time I entered or left).

The AAMC FLs are almost exactly how the real one feels in format, and you'll have a timer. I got like this blue loose leaf paper and a pencil - I had to leave them behind afterwards of course. The sound muffling headphones are alright but my ears got all hot so I took them off for the BS. It's a stressful time for sure, but honestly it wasn't too bad!

 

[IncognitoGuy]

I also have a writeup on the test center experience in my MDApps. YMMV but I imagine they want to keep it as consistent as possible.

 

[Roxas]

The 2 people working at my testing center were incredibly rude the whole time. Doesn't seem like that big of a deal but on top of being really stressed, having to get fingerprinted and felt up multiple times by an overweight woman who hates her job can be a littler un-nerving.

 

[Elevencents]

All testing centers will be mildly different but the general idea was laid out nicely previously. My proctors were super nice and we'd BS during breaks as I snacked. I didn't feel rushed at all and often went back in early just to get it over with.