What is the resolution of the computers for the CBT?

[Rolling]

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I know this might seem like an odd question. So far I have been doing practice exams on a 1024x768 resolution, but to be honest I find it a lot easier when I'm working with a higher resolution because I can read more text at once and do not have to do as much scrolling. Call it a mental thing, but it makes the exam and the questions seem a lot less imposing.

Does anyone know if the monitors generally used are CRT or LCD? Historically LCDs used to be at their optimum when used at 1024x768, that's not really the case now. However, I still would like to know if I might be able to go to a higher resolution say 1280xsomething. If this isn't the case, then I will obviously keep preparing using the lower resolution. I'm sure some people will not know immediately what I'm referring to when I mention this. I suppose those who are more computer savvy may be able to give me some advice. Thank you.

I know that some changes can be made to accomodate the user's preference, but I assumed that is limited to moving the actual monitor forward, back, up and down. Perhaps enhancing the brightness/contrast. I don't know if you ARE allowed to change the desktop resolution or if there is a GUI that they provide you with that allows you to do so. I'm assuming that you are restricted to the MCAT application. If I'm wrong please let me know. Thank you.

 

[SN2ed]

The monitors in my testing center were ancient CRT monitors that flickered like crazy. The resolution was NOT adjustable and set for a fairly low resolution such that I had to scroll to read all of the passage and all of the questions.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I know this might seem like an odd question. So far I have been doing practice exams on a 1024x768 resolution, but to be honest I find it a lot easier when I'm working with a higher resolution because I can read more text at once and do not have to do as much scrolling. Call it a mental thing, but it makes the exam and the questions seem a lot less imposing.

Does anyone know if the monitors generally used are CRT or LCD? Historically LCDs used to be at their optimum when used at 1024x768, that's not really the case now. However, I still would like to know if I might be able to go to a higher resolution say 1280xsomething. If this isn't the case, then I will obviously keep preparing using the lower resolution. I'm sure some people will not know immediately what I'm referring to when I mention this. I suppose those who are more computer savvy may be able to give me some advice. Thank you.

I know that some changes can be made to accomodate the user's preference, but I assumed that is limited to moving the actual monitor forward, back, up and down. Perhaps enhancing the brightness/contrast. I don't know if you ARE allowed to change the desktop resolution or if there is a GUI that they provide you with that allows you to do so. I'm assuming that you are restricted to the MCAT application. If I'm wrong please let me know. Thank you.

i had the exact same question when i was prepping - not an odd Q at all. i believe each center is slightly different. in my center in Boston, i had flat screens that were hinged to be very mobile (tilt, rotate) and had a resolution that seemed to be about 1024. you can't change it, you have to make do with what you got. i would not think any of the centers have 1280+ resolution

 

[Mattabet]

The centers will vary with respect to hardware. You are definitely not allowed to change the resolution or appearance of the test - it'll look the same on every computer there.

If you're really curious, I'm sure you could call your local prometric center an ask. CRT (especially if they have a lower refresh rate) displays do sometimes bug me, so I understand where you're coming from. But on the day of the test, my equipment was fine.