What will/did you take with you on the big day? Suggestion for ear plugs?

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SxRx

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Ear plugs
1st aid
snacks/Gatoraide

Maybe my ear canals are narrow....but the normal foam types hurt after a couple of hours. So I bought the moldable ones. But, they are uncomfortable as well after a couple of hours. In addition they are hard to put on and off incase a media question comes up.
What worked for you guys?
 
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Taking mine on Saturday.

Planning on a bottle of water, a diet coke, and some snacks - protein bar, granola bar, etc.

Probably will not take any books with me.

Of course, my permit and driver's license.

I imagine I will probably take a 5-10 min break following each block rather than one big break at some point. I seem to work better that way.
 
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Venti Iced Coffee
Sandwich, Protein Bar, bag of almonds
Couple micro/pharm cards that I'm weak on + some renal/biostat equations


I tried studying with earplugs - but after a while I get anxious that I can hear myself breathing, lol. it's weird. Plus, like you said, it would be a little time consuming to take them out if a media question came up and then roll them up again to put back in.
 
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I don't think they let you bring in your own ear plugs. I heard they either have some at the testing center, or have earmuffs.
 
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What about studying materials? What can we do during our breaks regarding reviewing material?
 
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You can bring whatever you want for testing breaks as long as it can fit in a locker(some centers also have a fridge), I brought FA(didn't open it during breaks though just the minute before first section, why stress), tuna sandwich, 2 bananas, 2 quaker protein granola bars, 1 fiber one bar, surprisingly got around to eating it all too.
 
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I haven't taken mine yet - another 3 weeks - but I plan on bringing a bunch of snacks and water to leave in the locker.

For those of you bringing earplugs - I've heard that the testing sites will allow you to bring them only if they are still wrapped... not 100% positive but honestly it makes sense
 
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doctorbaker said:
I haven't taken mine yet - another 3 weeks - but I plan on bringing a bunch of snacks and water to leave in the locker.

For those of you bringing earplugs - I've heard that the testing sites will allow you to bring them only if they are still wrapped... not 100% positive but honestly it makes sense
Click to expand...

Unless they've changed their policy this would be incorrect, I tried it and it was a no-go...
 
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i took the exam yesterday - you can wear ear plugs but have to throw them away afterwards.
 
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RaraBovis said:
Does it really get disturbing? And, what does? The mouse clicks?
Click to expand...

I had a guy that sniffled every 10 seconds during a recent final. Oh, once I had this girl who read aloud (well more like a whisper) during the entire exam. 🙁 And yeah, she is a med student and not a jr high kid. I never considered wearing earplugs until those experiences.

Anyway, I normally get quite a bit of post prandial sleepiness. Does anyone else? And will you be eating small amounts a couple of times during the day to prevent this?
 
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SxRx said:
I had a guy that sniffled every 10 seconds during a recent final. Oh, once I had this girl who read aloud (well more like a whisper) during the entire exam. 🙁 And yeah, she is a med student and not a jr high kid. I never considered wearing earplugs until those experiences.

Anyway, I normally get quite a bit of post prandial sleepiness. Does anyone else? And will you be eating small amounts a couple of times during the day to prevent this?
Click to expand...

Holy crap! Even I get miffed and distracted by those things--like reading out loud. Anyway, I just hope the ear plugs will EFFECTIVELY banish all unwanted sounds.
As for post-prandial sleepiness, yup, I think frequent small snacks is a good idea, as is coffee.
 
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i've used ear plugs all throughout this year in all my exams and it helps so much. i actually like hearing myself breathe. because its like a rhythmic background that keeps you flowing. i HIGHLY RECOMMEND shooter's ear plugs. you can go to any sports store and they are usually bright orange. you squish them up a bit and put it in your ear and they expand in your ear and block out everything. (its not painful or dangerous or anything, lol)

as someone said earlier, just buy them and bring them unopened but try them out too before just to be safe
 
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SxRx said:
Anyway, I normally get quite a bit of post prandial sleepiness. Does anyone else? And will you be eating small amounts a couple of times during the day to prevent this?
Click to expand...


Oh hell yes.. I wish POWER THIRST! was real.. it sorta is.. my afternoon ritual is a can of amp.. evry single day.. i cant imagine what its doing to my kidneys but its only for a month.. lol
 
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SxRx said:
I had a guy that sniffled every 10 seconds during a recent final. ?
Click to expand...

Lol, that was me not too long ago.Poor dude sitting behind me....:meanie:

If you have someone like that next time just offer some tissues-and a red faced glare.
 
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I am taking my exam at the same location I took my MCAT. I remember they had these big headphone/ear muff things. I used those. Not as comfortable as earplugs, but it gets the job done. I cannot stand hearing other people typing... as in MCAT essay section. I hope I don't have any MCAT people during the time I take Step 1.
 
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The so-called noise canceling headphones that Thompson had for the MCAT were terrible. I was better off with them off. I had the annoying air-wooshing noises when I had them on. Plus it certainly didn't shield off noises. Hopefully by now the test center has better head phones (and better computers with better monitors for that matter).
 
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I'm going to bring ear plugs with me just in case the prometric noise canceling earphones don't work. Plus I don't like the feeling of having my head in a vise while taking an exam. Stressed out enough as it is.
 
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killinsound said:
i'm an ear plug afficienado (not a spelling one so don't correct that word), by far the best ear plugs are :

http://www.hearos.com/products/ultimate-soft

trust me, better than custom ear plugs... literally.
Click to expand...
Ok, so I tried them out. They are really comfy! I even tried out a pair of moldable ones made by another company thinking that ones molded to the shape of your ear canal would be better. But these Hearos are definitely softer, more comfortable and allow you to wear them for hours and hours without becoming uncomfortable. I highly recommend them. I bought mine at Walgreens.
 
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SxRx said:
Ok, so I tried them out. They are really comfy! I even tried out a pair of moldable ones made by another company thinking that ones molded to the shape of your ear canal would be better. But these Hearos are definitely softer, more comfortable and allow you to wear them for hours and hours without becoming uncomfortable. I highly recommend them. I bought mine at Walgreens.
Click to expand...


Probably a dumb question, but since I don't think you can use earplugs that aren't in their original packaging or wrapper or whatever, wouldn't you have to buy another package (assuming you've apparently already opened this one)?
 
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GuyWhoDoesStuff said:
Probably a dumb question, but since I don't think you can use earplugs that aren't in their original packaging or wrapper or whatever, wouldn't you have to buy another package (assuming you've apparently already opened this one)?
Click to expand...

Yup. I bought 2 packs!
 
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Does anyone know if you can chew gum or have hard candy in your mouth during the exam?
 
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badasshairday said:
Don't forget the red bull.
Click to expand...


I'll probably do a 5 hour energy. I used to be skeptical and think those things were all hype and no delivery, but after trying them I have yet to find anything that helps me stay alert and concentrated without unwanted side effects. They're great.
 
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GuyWhoDoesStuff said:
I'll probably do a 5 hour energy. I used to be skeptical and think those things were all hype and no delivery, but after trying them I have yet to find anything that helps me stay alert and concentrated without unwanted side effects. They're great.
Click to expand...

Good idea. They get you the caffiene without the excess fluid. I need to give one of those a try, as I have been drinking mostly coffee during this study peroid.

What about food stuff? I'm thinking of bringing a cliff bar, peanut butter jelly sandwich, and 2-3 bananas. Also some gatorade to wash that stuff down.

Also, it is very important to bring an NSAID or Tylenol incase of headache.

I think that is all that is absolutely necessary.
 
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Not something I am taking on test day but something I am gonna do before it: Go to Futureme.org and set a nice 'feel good' email loaded with 'you did best you could' kinda thingy to be sent to myself at end of test day so that it'll help me cope with the PTSD that will come later.😉
 
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Just a heads up about taking in the foam ear plugs-

I called my actual testing center, and asked her if they needed to be in their original packaging. She actually laughed, and said no, we just have to show them to the check in person before we enter.

I was having a bit of a freak-out, since my test is tomorrow and I would have to run to the store to get a new package of ear plugs! But at least for me, that isn't necessary- just squish them down before you go in to show you haven't hidden a ear piece in there!
 
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