What to expect at testing center

[sunshine02]

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Is it true that there will be other people taking different exams in there and that nobody starts at the same time so there will be people getting up and leaving, etc?

Also, is it possible to choose your seat so you don't sit close to potential distractions?

What are the headphones they provide like? Do they block out most noise? Usually, with earplugs you can still hear loud typing, coughing, etc...

Thanks!

 

[waywin22]

Pretty much every one took it at different times but not by much. I didn't get to choose my seat either. The headphone will block noises to a point.

 

[waywin22]

The only distraction to me was the testing center people hovering over my shoulders

 

[goft20]

I heard the computer monitors suck.

 

[smpbound]

You don't get to choose your seat. Those headphones are useless to block out noise. Get some good earplugs.

Don't bring pencils or scratch paper w/ you.

If you need coffee during breaks, bring a thermos w/ you.

FYI you can't go outside during breaks. If you need a smoke break in b/w sections, now is a good time to wean yourself off of them.

 

[smpbound]

Those computer monitors absolutely suck.

Take the full 10 minutes before the PS section begins to acclimate and write some notes.

 

[sunshine02]

Those computer monitors absolutely suck.

Take the full 10 minutes before the PS section begins to acclimate and write some notes.

You mean the computer screens hurt your eyes/are static-y or something? Or that they are too dim or too bright?

 

[sunshine02]

You don't get to choose your seat. Those headphones are useless to block out noise. Get some good earplugs.

Don't bring pencils or scratch paper w/ you.

If you need coffee during breaks, bring a thermos w/ you.

FYI you can't go outside during breaks. If you need a smoke break in b/w sections, now is a good time to wean yourself off of them.

I didn't know you couldn't bring your own pencils. I guess they provide them then?

 

[smpbound]

You mean the computer screens hurt your eyes/are static-y or something? Or that they are too dim or too bright?

They were too high and too close from my viewpoint. I had to sit aways from the desk to get a comfortable viewpoint which was annoying. The brightness was fine, but i'm sure you can adjust that.

 

[smpbound]

I didn't know you couldn't bring your own pencils. I guess they provide them then?

yeah. they give you the old school #2s. If you only use mechanical pencils, it wouldn't hurt to get comfortable with the old school pencils.

 

[sunshine02]

I also heard that there's usually a long line at the check-in/out desk during breaks so that you only have enough time to run to the bathroom and then back since you have to wait in line to get back in. Has that been anyone's experience so far?

 

[smpbound]

I also heard that there's usually a long line at the check-in/out desk during breaks so that you only have enough time to run to the bathroom and then back since you have to wait in line to get back in. Has that been anyone's experience so far?

If you're testing near a college, that may be true. I tested in the ghetto. No lines. Plenty of time during breaks to pee, stretch, drink my coffee...

 

[lNVlNClBLE]

yeah. they give you the old school #2s. If you only use mechanical pencils, it wouldn't hurt to get comfortable with the old school pencils.

Man I think you guys are trying to prep for test day too much. I don't think using a regular pencil to write down formulas for one section is going to throw someone off 😛

 

[smpbound]

For people with anxiety issues, during stress situations something as small as a different pencil could throw you off.

Man I think you guys are trying to prep for test day too much. I don't think using a regular pencil to write down formulas for one section is going to throw someone off 😛

 

[sillyjoe]

Is it true that there will be other people taking different exams in there and that nobody starts at the same time so there will be people getting up and leaving, etc?

Also, is it possible to choose your seat so you don't sit close to potential distractions?

What are the headphones they provide like? Do they block out most noise? Usually, with earplugs you can still hear loud typing, coughing, etc...

Thanks!

A full body cavity search upon entry to the testing room. They will repeat the search every time you come back from a break.

The plus side is, it takes your mind and anxiety off the MCAT so you can really focus come test time.

 

[sunshine02]

Also, does your timer for the next section automatically start ticking once the 10 min break is over?

Or is it like the practice aamcs where you have to click "Next"?

 

[DoctorInASaree]

I demand a gigantic teddy bear to hug at the end of the exam session. 😀

A full body cavity search upon entry to the testing room. They will repeat the search every time you come back from a break.

The plus side is, it takes your mind and anxiety off the MCAT so you can really focus come test time.

Seriously?😵

 

[sillyjoe]

I demand a gigantic teddy bear to hug at the end of the exam session. 😀


Seriously?😵

NOOOOOOOO

 

[iforget2]

Also, does your timer for the next section automatically start ticking once the 10 min break is over?

Or is it like the practice aamcs where you have to click "Next"?

+1 I'm curious about this too