Can you use the bathroom during the MCAT?

Asked by: Luis Wilderman  |  Last update: December 2, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (27 votes)

Can you go to the bathroom during the MCAT? Yes, but when you should go depends on what portion of the test you are in. You can leave any section of your exam while you are taking it to go to the restroom, but your time will continue to run. So, try to use the bathroom during your breaks.

What is allowed during MCAT breaks?

During your breaks, you are only permitted access to food, water, and medication. Take advantage of these opportunities to rehydrate and replenish yourself. Bring plenty of water or other beverages that will keep you hydrated, as well as a variety of healthy snacks.

Can I use my phone during MCAT breaks?

Leave your phone in the car: If you are seen using your phone during the MCAT or on breaks, you will likely be asked to leave the testing center. The same goes for any other electronic devices – don't risk it. Can't avoid the temptation? Don't even bring it in.

Do you have to leave the room during MCAT breaks?

During breaks, you leave the testing room, and sign out with the time and your signature. You can go to the bathroom during breaks.

Is there a dress code for taking 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.

How I Studied For The MCAT (98th Percentile In 4 Weeks) | My Study Guide

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Can you drink water during the MCAT?

Food and drink are not allowed in the room under standard test conditions; however, these items can be stored in your locker and accessed during breaks. No special approval is required to access food and drink during scheduled or additional approved break times.

Can I wear a hoodie to take the MCAT?

You will be asked to pat yourself down (for example: arms, legs, and waistline) to show there is nothing hidden on your body. If you are wearing layered indoor clothing (for example, a sweater with a hood), the TA may also inspect it.

Do they fingerprint you at the MCAT?

MCAT test day schedule: What to expect

They'll call your name and bring you into a little side room (in between the waiting room and testing room) where they do the security check. They will scan your fingerprints and take your picture.

Can I chew gum during MCAT?

Please remain in your assigned seat until escorted out by a Test Administrator. Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking and making noise that creates a disturbance for other candidates are prohibited during the exam.

Can you drink coffee during MCAT break?

Drink a half or full cup before your exam. Then, sip a few ounces during each break. Even better, train yourself to function on less caffeine. For example, have your daily morning cup before your MCAT, followed by caffeinated tea rather than coffee as between-exam-sections drink.

Can you look at notes during break MCAT?

Do NOT access any notes or other study materials. Do NOT leave the testing center. If you need to access food, water, or medication, make sure to remove the item from any bag, purse, or backpack you may have brought to the testing center.

Is there a lunch break during the MCAT?

The MCAT is a grueling test that lasts for 7 hours. There are a few optional breaks in between and a 30-minute lunch break. In this case, you want to make sure you bring healthy, nourishing food for lunch. Preferably, you want to bring comfort food that makes you feel good.

Can I listen to music during MCAT break?

Definitely use all your breaks to clear your head and mentally prepare for the next section. No you cannot listen to music or look at notes. You can't even go to your car. Bring peanut m&ms and a bottle of water.

Can I bring my own ear plugs to MCAT?

Items Provided by the Test Center

Certain items will be provided to you by staff members on test day. These include: Earplugs (personal earplugs aren't allowed) Storage locker and key.

What should I eat on MCAT test day?

Safe bets are granola, fruit, and yogurt. If you're a coffee drinker, get some coffee. If you're not, it's not the right morning to start. Do what you normally do, so nothing out of the ordinary can sidetrack your MCAT performance.

Can you go to your car during the MCAT?

You may not leave the test center to go to your car or have food delivered during any breaks. 4. Review the many resources available to help you prepare for the MCAT Exam.

What if you have to pee during the MCAT?

A bottle is fine. The proctor just has to visually monitor you while you do to make sure there is no foul play.

What time does 8am MCAT end?

To be on the safer side, the MCAT exams usually begin at around 7:45 and 8:15 a.m. If you start at exactly 8:00 a.m., the MCAT test will end at around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. This all depends on whether you take your breaks or cut them short to proceed to the next test section right away.

Do you get a pencil on the MCAT?

Will I get scratch paper to use when I take the MCAT? Scratch paper and pencils are provided at the test center.

Do you have to be smart to pass the MCAT?

If you've shown that you can work hard enough, study hard enough, and grind hard enough. if you can put in the work to study and sacrifice, then you are doing what you need to do. You do not need to be a genius to get into medical school. You do not need to be a genius to get a good score on the MCAT.

How many tries does it take to pass the MCAT?

How many times should you take the MCAT? It's fine to take the exam 3 times if you're making improvements on each attempt, however, if your score decreases or remains the same, then it can be detrimental to your overall medical school application.

Do med schools look at all MCAT attempts?

Med Schools See All Your MCAT Scores

For those of you new to the medical school application process, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) requires students to report all MCAT scores unless a score has been voided.

Should you take caffeine before MCAT?

Don't Do Anything Crazy Leading up to Test Day

A common piece of MCAT advice is to get off caffeine. That's fine if you can do it about three months ahead of time, but three days before the test you should not be changing your caffeine consumption at all.

Do you wear headphones for the MCAT?

When you're figuring out what to bring to your MCAT test day, consider earplugs. Any test taker is allowed to have either ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones to help them focus in the testing room. Most locations will have these provided for you, and require that you only use the ones they provide.

Do you bring your own laptop to MCAT?

These will need to stay in your storage unit outside of the testing area. No food or drink is allowed in the exam room. 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.