Can you bring medications to the MCAT?

Pills (e.g., Tylenol or aspirin; must be unwrapped and not in a bottle or container). *Note: Candidates may bring pills that are still in the packaging if the medication states that it MUST remain in the packaging, e.g., nitro glycerin pills that cannot be exposed to air. Packaging may be subject to visual inspection.

What are you allowed to bring to the MCAT?

The following items are the only items allowed in the testing room during the MCAT^® exam: Photo Identification. Center-provided noteboard and marker. Center-provided storage key.

Can you bring eyedrops to MCAT?

Items that don't require previous approval:

Auto-Injectors, such as an EpiPen or Insulin Pen. Glucose tablets. Eye drops. Cough drops (must be unwrapped)

Are you allowed to bring your phone to MCAT?

Do NOT access your cell phone or any other electronic device. Better yet, leave these devices at home or in your car. Even holding or touching an electronic device is considered a violation of MCAT policies and will be treated as such. Do NOT access any notes or other study materials.

Can you get extra time on MCAT for ADHD?

The types of accommodations that are available vary depending on the disability. For ADHD the most common testing accommodations are: Extended time (25%, 50%, or 100% extra time) Private testing room.

When is the Latest I Can Take the MCAT to Apply this Cycle?

How hard is it to get extra time on MCAT?

Extended testing time is granted on the MCAT exam when more time is needed to access and/or process the test content. To support the need for extended testing time, your application should document normative impairment in an area of functioning that is consistent with the need for more time for actual test taking.

Do med schools care if you take the MCAT more than once?

Retaking the MCAT only once, even twice, and improving your score each time won't impact your chances of admission. However, retaking the MCAT excessively or scoring lower each time you take it may negatively impact your application.

Can I chew gum during MCAT?

Can you chew gum during the MCAT? Nope. You are not allowed to chew gum when you are in the physical testing room in front of the computer. You can, however, chew gum when you are on any of the three breaks.

Can I drink water during MCAT?

Very little is allowed in the actual MCAT testing room, and nearly everything you're allowed to have with you is provided by the testing center. Your belongings, including jackets, smartphones, smartwatches, snacks, lunch, and water, will be safely locked away outside of the testing room.

Is there a dress code for the MCAT?

Dress for Comfort: You'll be at your MCAT testing center for nearly eight hours, and you can't leave once testing begins. Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers, so you can adjust your outfit if temperatures change throughout the day.

Can you use the bathroom during the MCAT?

You may also leave the testing room during the break to access food, drink, or medicines, or to use the restroom. The remaining time from a section you finished early or a skipped break will not carry over to the next section of the exam.

Can I bring my passport to the MCAT?

The Test Administrator (TA) can accept:

State driver's license (with all above requirements) Passport (with all above requirements) Passport card. Permanent resident card (green card)

Do you get a mouse for the MCAT?

Use scratch paper and pencil to do all of your work. Use a mouse instead of a laptop trackpad. The testing centers will have a mouse with a regular desktop computer. It may seem minor but you will want to get used to using the left click to select your answers and right click to strikethrough wrong answers.

Can you wear earplugs during MCAT?

You aren't permitted to bring your own earplugs to the MCAT. However, the testing center will have earplugs and/or headsets available for you to use.

Do you get breaks during MCAT?

During the MCAT exam, you will have two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute mid-exam break.

How early should I arrive to MCAT?

On the day of the MCAT, arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the exam. This will give you time to check in, store your belongings, and get situated.

What if I have to pee during MCAT?

Go to the restroom right after your check-in and during all your breaks, even if you do not feel you have to. This way, you will not have to take time away from your actual testing to go to the restroom. If you do feel you have to go throughout a section, you can still do so.

Can I wear Apple Watch during MCAT?

The only items you may bring into the test room are as follows: your ID and a pair of foam earplugs provided by the test center. All personal items, including jewelry and watches, must be placed in secure storage prior to the test (as directed by the test administrator).

Can I wear a headband to MCAT?

No barrettes or hair clips that are larger than 1/4 inch (1/2 centimeter) wide and headbands or hairbands that are larger than 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) wide are allowed in the testing room.

Is a 500 MCAT score good?

The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale.

Why is the MCAT 7 hours?

The actual MCAT is over 6 hours long. But allowing times for breaks, check-in, and arriving early at the exam center, expect it to take at least 8 hours on your test day. Update for 2020 - NEW MCAT Timing: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAMC has temporarily shortened the MCAT to 5-hours-and-45 minutes.

Is taking the MCAT 3 times a red flag?

Unfortunately, there are some schools that may discourage applicants who have taken the MCAT more than three times, which can be disappointing. Ultimately, you did your best and have what you have, so let the medical schools make their decisions based on their own criteria.

Should I retake a 502 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 502? If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 502.

Do med schools look down on retaking MCAT?

If you're able to show an appreciable score jump from one test to the next, the majority of medical schools won't see having retaken the MCAT as an issue. (Note: This answer also applies to the question, “Do medical schools care if you take the MCAT twice?”)

Does taking the MCAT twice look bad?

Again, medical schools don't care if you have multiple MCAT tests on your application. Just make sure that if you screw up the first time, know why so you can prove the next time.