What is the testing environment like?

[phdnumbaone]

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Hey guys, I have never taken anything test on a computer before, needless to say the MCAT, so I was just wondering if anyone can tell me what it is like? How many people are around you? Are you blocked off from the rest of the examinees? Is it distracting with all of the typings? Thanks.

I am aware that some testing sites may be different from one another, but I just want to know generally what it is like.

 

[SketchLazy]

Hey guys, I have never taken anything test on a computer before, needless to say the MCAT, so I was just wondering if anyone can tell me what it is like? How many people are around you? Are you blocked off from the rest of the examinees? Is it distracting with all of the typings? Thanks.

I am aware that some testing sites may be different from one another, but I just want to know generally what it is like.

That was my biggest problem with taking the MCAT in April. I'm am no stranger to being on the computer because I used to want to be a computer programmer. But I found the experience of taking the CBT test totally different. When I studied, I did a mix of paper and pen practice exams and online exams, but I focused a little more on the pen and paper one since the material covered was the same and I had more of those practice tests. When I actually took the test I found it a little disorienting because I kept wanting to look down to read the passages instead of staring up at the screen. If you can, take your practice tests strictly CBT, so you are well prepared for all the little different mannerisms that you would do on a CBT as oppose to a traditional pen and paper. The test I took was at a Thompson prometric test center so I think it was pretty standard. Each test is setup like a cubicle in a library. In case it gets too loud from people typing they have huge ear muffs that will keep the sound out and quite possibly the blood from going to your head. Don't know never used them. It's not like the old SATs or other standardized tests where there's a group orientation and you all start at the same time. Everyone starts at different times. So at times there will be empty seats next to you and at times there won't be. One last thing to add is that even though they reduced the amount of time for the test and there are less questions it is an exhausting test. I knew that there would be no lunch break ahead of time, but there is only a ten minute break inbetween sections. That is nothing when you compare it to how long the test is. I found it hard to snack, drink, and clear my head of the insanity in the previous section in ten minutes. If you can, take a few practice tests with little break in between to see how you do. Anyway, that was only my experience, so your results may vary. Good luck and practice practice practice.

 

[ieatrice]

environment sketchlazy explained seems to be standard.

cubicle with computer. they give you a booklet for scratch paper. and you have the option of wearing these huge orange headphones to block noise. i felt they didnt do anything for me and they were quite uncomfortable so i didn't have them on for very long.

people do start at different times so people are often getting up to go outside the room for their break at different times as well.

only noise you really have to be concerned with is the typing during the writing section, but you're going to be typing as well. otherwise only other possible noise is the clicking of the mouse, but i don't think that bothers very many people.

i think as long as you've done practice tests cbt format style, you'll be good to go. you're going to be so focused on your test, you're going to zone out everything else.

however, if you happen to get distracted by noise easily, i suggest doing a few passages from a paper and pencil test at starbucks or similar cafes. once you get through a starbucks and are able to zone out all the people, you'll be golden on the real test.

just relax and good luck.

 

[rcd]

Where do you go on your breaks? Can you go to the bathroom? Can you go outside for some fresh air?

Also, what are the seats like? Could you lounge and put your legs up on the desk near the computer while taking the test?

Thanks 🙂

 

[ieatrice]

Where do you go on your breaks? Can you go to the bathroom? Can you go outside for some fresh air?

Also, what are the seats like? Could you lounge and put your legs up on the desk near the computer while taking the test?

Thanks 🙂

for breaks, you're pretty much limited to the waiting room you will be in to register and the bathroom. ours didn't let you leave the building.

dont remember what the seats were like. as for the lounging, not sure but i'd assume they'll probably say something if you did. i doubt the mouse will even reach far enough for you to stretch out your legs on the table as you sit back.

 

[SketchLazy]

Where do you go on your breaks? Can you go to the bathroom? Can you go outside for some fresh air?

Also, what are the seats like? Could you lounge and put your legs up on the desk near the computer while taking the test?

Thanks 🙂

Breaks: At the testing center I was at, there was a waiting area where you could sit, or you could go outside. The bathroom was down the hall. It was relaxing at the one I was at because there was a fountain outside the testing center and it calmed my nerves a bit. But they are pretty rigorous about making sure your not switching with a genius friend when you go on breaks. They take your fingerprint when you go in and out of the room for breaks, they compare your picture and they make you sign out. I felt like I was in the movie Gattaca. I'm surprised they didn't take blood and urine samples.

Seats: Seats were comfortable because I'm usually fidgety in most seats and I didn't even notice these (probably because I was immersed in the test). I don't know if you can lounge because if you rest your feet on the desk you would have a view of the computer screens next to you. There are cameras in each row so I'm sure if they saw that they would say something, maybe even accuse you of cheating.

 

[phdnumbaone]

... I felt like I was in the movie Gattaca...

hahah that's what I was thinking