What to Expect on MCAT Test Day

Make sure you give yourself sufficient time before your scheduled check-in time to get to the testing centre. Be sure to check your MCAT registration confirmation email for your scheduled MCAT start time and check-in time.

Before leaving your house make sure you remember to bring: 

• Water 
• Snacks 
• Identification cards 
• Face mask (during COVID) 
• Any other items specified in your MCAT registration confirmation email 

Make sure you are parked in an appropriate area to avoid being ticketed or towed when you arrive at the testing centre. When you walk inside the testing centre, be sure to check-in with the administrator. You will be required to read and sign the examinee agreement.

Next, you will be asked to show a piece of valid identification. The first and last names you used to register for the MCAT must EXACTLY match the names on your ID (i.e. if you registered for the MCAT with the name John Doe but your driver’s licence reads Johnathan Doe, you WILL NOT be allowed to write). Be sure to check that your ID is not expired as this will also not be accepted by the testing centre and be sure that your ID is in English. Most people choose to bring a valid driver’s licence or a passport for their identification. Try bringing both just in case. The AAMC Valid Identification page provides more information on valid forms of identification.

You will then be asked to sign your name on a digital pad (make sure that the signature you use is the exact same as the signatures on your two pieces of IDs). Next, your fingerprints or the veins on your palm will be scanned and a picture of your face will be taken.

You will be asked to place all your items in a locker which will be locked during the duration of the exam and cannot be accessed until you have completed the entire MCAT and have gone through the check-out procedure. This includes all electronic devices and watches (even if not smartwatches!). The only things you should keep with you are your snacks, water, and ID.

You may be given an open cubicle or table space to store your water bottle and snacks. These items will only be accessible during the breaks outside of the examination room. Every time you enter the examination room, you will go through routine security checks (including showing your hands/emptying your pockets/ being scanned by a metal detector/ etc). You will be given a scratch paper and a writing utensil and will be asked to keep your ID with you at all times.

When leaving the examination room during a scheduled or unscheduled break, you must raise your hand and wait for a proctor to escort you out. It is recommended that you only take breaks between the MCAT sections since a lot of time can be wasted in the exam room check-out and check-in procedures.

During the scheduled breaks, you will have the opportunity to use the restroom and access your water/snacks. Make sure you take note of the time you exit the exam room using a clock located outside in order to keep track of how much time you have left before your next MCAT section automatically begins. Take advantage of these breaks, you need them even if you don’t think you do! Give your eyes a break from screen time, get your blood flowing with a short walk, visit the restroom even if you don’t feel like you need to go!

When you are finished with the exam, take a deep breath, it’s over! Stop thinking about it, and go home! Many students spend hours stressing out about their performance and thinking about which questions they may have answered incorrectly – this does nothing but stress you out. Remind yourself it’s over, and try not to think about it how you did, you will receive your score ~1 month after your writing date.

KEY TAKEAWAY

• Make sure you have a valid piece of ID on you at all times!
• You will be asked for your signature, your fingerprints/ palm vein scans, and a picture of your face will be taken
• Keep everything locked-up in your assigned locker except for your ID, food, and water. 
• No food/drinks in the exam room 
• Raise your hand every time you want to leave the exam room 
• DO NOT think about how you think you did after the exam. It’s over! Just wait for your score to come back before you make any decisions.