Do I need to bring pens to the MCAT?

Some students are surprised to receive a laminated notepad and a marker (“wet-erase pen”) instead of scratch paper with a pen or pencil when they take their computer-based MCAT at Pearson VUE. A few tips and a little familiarity with your new exam tool will help you to treat it like a friend and not like your enemy!

Should I bring pen to MCAT?

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

Are you allowed pen and paper on MCAT?

Before you begin your exam, you will receive a white laminated noteboard booklet and a fine point marker. Includes a cover page (that can't be used for notes) followed by 9 total graph-lined pages for you to write on. The booklet is wet erase, so you won't be able to erase your writing during the exam.

What do you need to bring for the MCAT?

What pen is used for the MCAT?

This MCAT Prep Notepad product follows the preceding guidelines and the 1 marker included with this product is the current brand being used for the real exam: Staedtler Lumocolor non-permanent marker with fine point, black, made in Germany. The latter is also referred to as a “wet-erase pen”.

5 Things I Wish I Knew About the MCAT

Do you bring your own pencil to MCAT?

Scratch paper and pencils are provided at the test center.

Can I drink water during MCAT?

During your scheduled breaks, you may access only food, water, and medication.

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.

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.

Is there a dress code for the MCAT?

Choose clothing you are comfortable in. It's a long test, and you'll want your attention focused exclusively on the exam, not on what you're wearing.

Can I bring a backpack to MCAT?

If you need to access items from a backpack or purse you must ask the test center staff before doing so. All violations associated with the MCAT exam are thoroughly investigated.

Can you wear earplugs during MCAT?

If your wheelchair requires a height-adjustable table, please apply for accommodations so we may better serve you. Facial tissues (must be provided by the testing center). Earplugs (must be provided by the testing center). * • Noise reducing headphones (must be provided by the testing center).

Do medical schools see if you void MCAT?

Do Schools Know If You Void an MCAT? No, medical schools will not know if you void an MCAT. That said, this attempt will count in your total number of MCAT attempts. You can take the MCAT up to three times in a year, four times over two years, and seven times in a lifetime.

Is it OK to fail the MCAT?

Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.

Do you bring your own laptop to MCAT?

You will not be allowed to bring any electronic devices into the exam, nor can you store them loose in the storage unit that you access during break. Instead, all electronic devices will be sealed in a bag that will be unsealed by a test administrator at the conclusion of the exam.

Can I wear a necklace to the MCAT?

Any personal items, including jewelry and watches, must be removed before entering the test, so it's best not to bring them with you at all. Everything on you will be examined, and any unnecessary items must be stowed in the secure storage area provided by the testing center.

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 use the bathroom during MCAT breaks?

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.

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.

How rare is a 528 MCAT?

While test designers make it difficult, it is possible to achieve a so-called “perfect score” on the MCAT. According to the AAMC, out of the approximately two hundred thousand students who take the exam each year, between 30 and 70 achieve the highest score of 528 on the MCAT.

Has anyone got a 528 on MCAT?

Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam.

Is 510 MCAT too low?

However, if you want to get accepted into a top medical school, you will probably need to aim for a score significantly higher than this. A great score is 515 to 528 (the maximum possible score), while an average score is 502 to 508. In contrast, a poor score is 501 and below.

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).

Should I shower before MCAT?

Create an MCAT Prep Schedule

0600-0800: Wake up, perform morning activities, shower. 0800-1100: Study for the MCAT (practice questions, test reviews, or chapter readings) 1100-1300: Take a break, eat lunch.

Do they take your picture at the MCAT?

On Test Day

You will be asked to sign-in, present valid identification, have your palms digitally scanned, and have a test-day photograph taken. To be admitted into the testing room, you will need to present an ID that meets the AAMC's requirements for valid identification.