Distractions during the test

[eo]

I get distracted very easily during the test. I get even bothered by people shaking their legs during the exam. Now that MCAT is computer based, I am a bit scared about the typing noise. I am planning to use all the break time which means that others might be in the writing section while i'm still doing my verbal section.
I was wondering how the computers are set up in the testing center. Are you in a individual booth or is it like a giant computer lab? If people end their exams early, do they get to go hom early?

[admin]

Good questions.

All testing stations include noise-reduction headphones already at the computer (some students complained that these headphones were huge, some said uncomfortable). Some sites also offered ear plugs.

You can see the general setup at the link below (of course your center may vary the setup but this is an average layout):

http://www.ipem.org/sylvan_test_info.htm

Note: some students also complained that the monitors were ancient, some flickered a bit, etc. Most students did not complain about their monitors nor the noise reduction headphones or ear plugs.

If you end your exam early, you get to go home early. But of course, that's not your objective! Be patient, try to relax and go over your test to look for the "dumb" mistake(s) that you may have overlooked.

[eo]

I just wanted to know if people will start moving around the place while i'm still taking the test... Most likely i'll take the ENTIRE TIME~!

Thank you!

[admin]

At most centers, the other students sitting next to you will be doing other tests (ie GRE, etc). The length of their tests, their break schedules, etc, will be different from yours. So on the one hand, they may be getting up and moving during your test, on the other hand, there may be only a dozen or so students in your room so there will be long stretches of peace and quiet! (except, of course for other students typing on their keyboards)