If you're one of the thousands of aspiring doctors out there, the MCAT can be your biggest hurdle between you and medical school. A thorough MCAT prep schedule is essential, as is familiarizing yourself with the requirements of the test day itself. Here is a quick list of seven things you may have been wondering about, but not known the answer to:
1. Bathroom breaks are permitted during the MCAT. However, you must sign in and out every time you leave the MCAT testing area. And don't leave the testing room without your ID, you'll need it to get back in.
2. MCAT centers scan your fingerprints, and use them to determine that you are who you say you are. It sounds very James Bond, but the MCAT examining centers are determined that no underhanded business mars the propriety of the testing.
3. There is a timer on your computer monitor. This timer gives you a countdown to time-out. Get used to test-taking this way. It'll make the actual MCAT day a little less stressful.
4. You can't bring in earplugs with you. Each MCAT examining center does, however, provide "industrial ear covers" for each test taker. Practice wearing these while you go through MCAT samples, so you'll be used to the feel on the big day.
5. Don't dress too warmly. If you think wearing several layers to the MCAT center is a good idea to ward against a chilly room, think again. If you have to take off your sweater, you can't just leave it at your seat. Each center provides a secure area for personal effects. You'll be expected to take your jacket or sweater out to the secure locker and the time will be lost from the section you were working on.
6. If you finish one MCAT section early, you can move onto the next section. This only applies to the section immediately after the one you've done, however. You can't carry over extra time to use on sections where you think you may have more difficulty.
7. As soon as the MCAT examination begins, you are considered to have taken the test. No matter what. So if, one minute into the test, you vomit on your table and have to leave, you are considered to have done that sitting of the MCAT.
Knowing all the minutiae of the MCAT testing day isn't going to ensure you ace your test. Only slow and steady MCAT prep will do that, and getting very strong in all MCAT subject areas. But having an idea of what to expect on the big day can ease your anxiety somewhat, and make it easier for you to do what you set out to...ace the MCAT. Good luck!
1. Bathroom breaks are permitted during the MCAT. However, you must sign in and out every time you leave the MCAT testing area. And don't leave the testing room without your ID, you'll need it to get back in.
2. MCAT centers scan your fingerprints, and use them to determine that you are who you say you are. It sounds very James Bond, but the MCAT examining centers are determined that no underhanded business mars the propriety of the testing.
3. There is a timer on your computer monitor. This timer gives you a countdown to time-out. Get used to test-taking this way. It'll make the actual MCAT day a little less stressful.
4. You can't bring in earplugs with you. Each MCAT examining center does, however, provide "industrial ear covers" for each test taker. Practice wearing these while you go through MCAT samples, so you'll be used to the feel on the big day.
5. Don't dress too warmly. If you think wearing several layers to the MCAT center is a good idea to ward against a chilly room, think again. If you have to take off your sweater, you can't just leave it at your seat. Each center provides a secure area for personal effects. You'll be expected to take your jacket or sweater out to the secure locker and the time will be lost from the section you were working on.
6. If you finish one MCAT section early, you can move onto the next section. This only applies to the section immediately after the one you've done, however. You can't carry over extra time to use on sections where you think you may have more difficulty.
7. As soon as the MCAT examination begins, you are considered to have taken the test. No matter what. So if, one minute into the test, you vomit on your table and have to leave, you are considered to have done that sitting of the MCAT.
Knowing all the minutiae of the MCAT testing day isn't going to ensure you ace your test. Only slow and steady MCAT prep will do that, and getting very strong in all MCAT subject areas. But having an idea of what to expect on the big day can ease your anxiety somewhat, and make it easier for you to do what you set out to...ace the MCAT. Good luck!
Author, Kell Laurence: "If you're looking for tips and tricks for MCAT Prep, then stop by http://www.mcatprep.info and see if there's anything new there you haven't read. Best of luck"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kell_Laurence
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