I thought I would alert you to a real problem for those of you readying
for the August and September MCAT. As you know, Prometric test centers
are being used to administer the exam.
Many of these centers have old computers. Old
computers mean that scrolling back and forth will be a challenge and your
ability to highlight may be non-existent!
Please check with your center and find out what type of computers will
be in use and see whether or not you can see the machines and maybe fiddle with
them in advance so that you know what you are dealing with (this may not be a
realistic suggestion but give it shot).
I have heard horror stories around the country: scrolling problems,
flashing screens, highlighting unavailable, network crashes that stop the exam
for several hours, testing personnel showing up late and then taking attendance
while the test is in session already!
I could go on and on but the bottom line is that medical schools are
not hearing the complaints of advisors about this issue (so they will not take
a bad score even it MCAT documents there was a problem) so you need to be
prepared for any problems that arise.
The MCAT folks offer to have
you void the test if there are any such problems and retake it at no cost at
another time.
THIS
OPTION MEANS POTENTIALLY SITTING OUT A YEAR AS THERE ARE NO MORE SEATS LEFT ON
THE EAST OR WEST COAST FOR ANY DATES BETWEEN NOW AND THE LAST TEST DATE FOR
2007, September 8TH.
SOME SCHOOLS
ARE NOT TAKING September SCORES! (Downstate is one of
them--I am trying to find out about other schools but so far have not gotten
that information) so September testers should contact the schools they are
interested in applying to so as to not waste money applying somewhere that will
not take your September score.
I am not trying to frazzle you further but I want you all to be
prepared for the possibility of a problem. If you do have a problem,
register a complaint! Do not act as if everything is fine. Note the
name of the proctors as well and be specific about the problem. Make sure
I get a copy of any complaints filed.
Good luck and God Bless! Mrs. Wood-Hill