Writing out an equation sheet before the test

[computerdorkdan]

Anyone thought about writing out some kind of equation sheet before the test? We have 10 mins, right?

I would think you'd want to include a table of values for sin/cos/tan. Random equations you might have trouble with, and mnemonics to help you with other things.

Am I weird for thinking about trying this?

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[YellowDiamond]

Definitely not a bad idea. I think I wrote down a couple physics equations (i.e. different wave types) just to make sure I didn't mix anything up.

 

[joegrind]

Most people do that. Def helps on the physics. I've also heard of people quickly scanning before they start the BS and then put OChem stuff on the draft paper

 

[Wheee]

I feel like an idiot. To write everything down during the tutorial didn't even occur to me. That would've been such a good idea! Oops.

 

[ftrflyr29]

I did it. I completely suck at physics, so wrote down every formula I could remember on one of the practice sheets. In fact, I practiced writing the formulas out on a single sheet a couple of times at home before even going in. It helped on a handful of questions on the test. It also helped calm my nerves and enabled me to not panic as I didn't get into the vicious cycle of....."oh no, I don't know the answer. Oh no, now I'm completely blanking out on anything. On no, that's it, it's over, I'm gonna get a 3 on PS......." etc, etc, etc--you get the point. One other thing--you get the 10min tutorial, then you get 5 min to answer some question that I don't remember, so you get a little less than 15min. BUT.....don't forget to answer that last question--if you don't, you test will shut off and not even the testing center can restart it for you that day--you are done.

 

[rockaction]

that's a really good idea...but i don't know if it would have helped me much on the real thing. i pretty much remembered the formulas i needed when it came time to use them. i did write out the 5 kinematic equations though, and that was very helpful.

 

[mkracker]

I did this and the scratch paper was taken away from me. I was flustered. Was told scratch paper was to be used during the exam and not before.

 

[KiwiBruin]

Do we get new pieces of scratch paper for each section of the test? Or can I write like some writing format stuff during the 10 minute tutorial?

 

[Wheee]

I got a booklet of about 8 pages of scrap paper and used the same packet the whole test. Could have gotten more if I'd needed it. I'm really glad I didn't get dry erase boards, like I've heard some people have.

 

[Dr Gerrard]

What formulas did you all put? What are the wave equations you were speaking of diamond?

 

[Bernoull]

I wrote this downs but didn't use even 1!! I was shaky on optics sign conventions but luckily had not optics..
Wat u'll realize is that by the time ur ready for ur test, u would have memorize pretty much all the equations u need... but this can only help so why not!!

 

[computerdorkdan]

I agree that by the time you take the test you'll know all the formulas. The point is, you don't have to worry about remembering them during the test...allowing you to free up some brain space for more important matters.

Man, I'd be PISSED if I wrote some stuff down then had it taken away from me.

 

[ftrflyr29]

I agree it's hit or miss how much from a formula sheet you will actually use on the exam, and in reality I probably only referenced the sheet 5 times max, but for me it provided a sense of comfort, in that, it was one less thing to worry about. I think that's a bunch of bologna (yes, I did just sing the song to spell it 😀) they took your scrap paper away. I have found it interesting, there seems to be some variation in the different testing centers. Mine allowed ear plugs--thank goodness, because I was in the verbal section when the people around me were pounding away on their keyboards for their essays.

 

[sv3]

I agree that by the time you take the test you'll know all the formulas. The point is, you don't have to worry about remembering them during the test...allowing you to free up some brain space for more important matters.

Man, I'd be PISSED if I wrote some stuff down then had it taken away from me.

Jeez thats harsh. It is kinda odd that they can't start everyone at the same time (they did this for my GMAT). So some people are sitting around after registering, better than to be on VR while someone is a punching their keyboard.......speaking of punching..........not sure how i'd react if some proctor took my scrap paper away......i think i'd have enough adrenaline as it is pumping through my body that it could put me over the top!

 

[YellowDiamond]

What formulas did you all put? What are the wave equations you were speaking of diamond?

I was mainly talking about the frequency equations like f=n(v/2L) n=1,2,3 and f=n(v/4L) n=1,3,5. You can figure out these equations fairly easily with a couple drawings, but I knew that doing so could cost valuable time. I had them straight in my head right at the beginning and just wanted to have them for reference. Of course, they were not needed on the test.

I was able to keep my sheet throughout the entire test. I also jotted down the embryonic layers with one or two examples in each. I think this strategy is best for a few equations/ concepts that can get confusing in the middle of the exam.

 

[ahs4n]

My test proctors said I could not write on the sheets during the tutorial. Suffice to say, this really ruined my gameplan. I wasn't about to do it anwyay and risk getting kicked out of the mcat.

 

[computerdorkdan]

My test proctors said I could not write on the sheets during the tutorial. Suffice to say, this really ruined my gameplan. I wasn't about to do it anwyay and risk getting kicked out of the mcat.

Anyone think it's worth calling the testing center to see if they'll let you do that?

 

[DrDre2001]

Anyone think it's worth calling the testing center to see if they'll let you do that?

If you have major problems remembering equations and things I think you should just call them up.

It is certainly a lot better than not calling them up, and then writing things down on the scrap paper during your breaks while being very paranoid that someone is watching you and might say something about it. I didn't think we were allowed to write things on the scrap paper during breaks when I took the test. But during the end of the breaks, I really wanted to write down my check point times, so I just did it. But while i did it, I was very paranoid that someone was watching me and would call me out on it. This paranoia was some unneeded extra stress put on me. In fact, I only did this for one section because i was scared to do it the other times. And all i was doing was writing about 6 numbers down on the paper. If i was trying to write 10 equations down I would have been even more paranoid.

 

[cher25]

It's absolutely absurd that some of you guys weren't allowed to write on your scratch paper before the test. They empty your pockets and make sure that you don't take anything into the testing area so what's the problem? I took my exam today and I spent nearly 20 minutes writing down physics formulas, gen chem formulas, as well as bio and orgo stuff (i.e. spectroscopy, germ layers, fetal circulation stuff). Though I obviously had the equations memorized, I referred back to my formula sheet several times. It saved time because I grouped them by topic and it helped me integrate equatoins for those problems that required multiple plug and chug type questions. I did all of this even BEFORE the tutorial. How can they dictate how you use your scratch paper????

***I also used this time to write down the time points for each passage in the three sections.

 

[MaryLennox]

I did this and the scratch paper was taken away from me. I was flustered. Was told scratch paper was to be used during the exam and not before.

that is insane. and in my opinion unfair. since it isn't enforced widely, other people are certainly doing it, and you're at a disadvantage.

you obviously don't have anything ON you to cheat from. if writing down formulas THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW helps you clear your mind, why can't you do it? if you want to spend the ten minute tutorial picking your nose to help you clear your mind, are they going to stop you? or folding your scratch book into a paper crane???? before verbal, i spent the last five min of my break time doodling on my book to help me relax . . . did i break the MCAT law?

you should complain about that. seriously.

 

[letaps]

did anyone try calling the testing center/MCAT service because i was thinking of doing the same thing, as it would save me some time on the PS. Although, i don't want to do it if they do not allow it...

 

[landerman]

I took the 6/18 am test and they also did not allow me to write equations on the scratch paper during the tutorial or during the breaks!

 

[Red Leader]

It may be just me, but if you can remember the equations long enough to write it down, why can't you remember it during the exam? It's not liek you are memorizing these equations the night before or anything. :\ I'm confused at this "tactic." And it looks like the majority of places don't allow it anyways. They have cameras to monitor you. Those little half black orbs in the ceiling are cameras.

 

[computerdorkdan]

It may be just me, but if you can remember the equations long enough to write it down, why can't you remember it during the exam? It's not liek you are memorizing these equations the night before or anything. :\ I'm confused at this "tactic." And it looks like the majority of places don't allow it anyways. They have cameras to monitor you. Those little half black orbs in the ceiling are cameras.

I agree that if you can write it out you should already know it. It's just a strategy to relax - having stuff written out in front of you.