Are you taking the MCAT for the first time? Are you worried about everything you should and shouldn’t bring to the examination center? Well, trust me, I have been through this pre-exam anxiety, which funnily enough isn’t even related to the actual MCAT questions!
Moreover, the first time I took my MCAT exam, I couldn’t find a straightforward answer to what I should and shouldn’t bring to the examination center. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will save you from all that trouble.
This post is all about what to bring to MCAT and what you can expect on your test day.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Find Out What to Bring to the MCAT
What Are You Allowed to Bring to Your MCAT Exam?
There are a few things that you can bring and many things that you cannot bring to your MCAT. First, let’s talk about the things that you are allowed to carry to your MCAT examination.
1. Valid Identification Proof
I cannot stress this enough – valid identification proof is the most important thing to bring to your MCAT testing center. It is the only document that you can bring inside the actual test room.
You will find many stories of MCAT students forgetting to bring their IDs or sometimes, bringing invalid IDs. If you don’t want to have one such story, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The first and last name mentioned in your MCAT registration form should be exactly similar to the one mentioned in your ID proof. No misspellings or nicknames are allowed.
- Your ID proof must be issued by a government agency and should have validity. If your ID has expired, you will be denied entry.
- The ID should be in English and should have your proper photo for identification purposes.
- The ID should have no extension stickers or show any signs of tampering.
The table below displays both valid identification proofs and invalid identification proofs.
Valid or not? | What it includes |
Valid Identification Proof | Driver’s license Canada health card (Only valid for Ontario and British Columbia) Consular ID card Canadian aviation card Employment Authorization Document Passport Passport card Permanent resident card or green card |
Invalid Identification Proof | Birth certificate Credit card Employee ID Library cards (all types) School ID Social security card Veterans ID (VIC) Virtual or digital ID IDs containing extension stickers or renewal paperwork ID application receipt |
2. Other Items With No Prior Approval Needed
Along with a valid ID proof, there are a few other items that you can bring inside the test room. You don’t need to get approval for the below-mentioned items.
- Auto-injectors (EpiPen)
- Braces, Casts, and Slings
- Canes, Crutches, and Walkers
- Eyeglasses (without the case and require visual inspection)
- Inhaler
- Insulin pump
- Pillow or Cushion
- Pills (unwrapped with no bottle or container) or any form of medication (eye drops, nasal drops, cough syrup, etc..)
- Wheelchairs
I highly recommend checking out the official document by AAMC if you have any questions about specific items.
3. Food and Drinks (Not Allowed in the Testing Room)
MCAT takes about seven hours and 30 minutes, including breaks. This is a long time to go without any food or drinks.
I suggest carrying lots of water, along with nutritious food items, such as fruits, nuts, protein bars, and any healthy snack. Stay away from candy or heavy snacks, as they might make you feel too drowsy and impact your focus!
Remember that you won’t be allowed to carry any food or drinks inside the testing room. You can only store these things in your locker and access them during the breaks.
What Do You Need to Bring Vs. What Is Provided
The only thing you must bring to the MCAT testing center is valid identification (ID) proof.
As I mentioned earlier, the MCAT examination lasts for more than seven hours, so bringing food and drinks, especially water, is a must. Trust me, you don’t want to give a test on a growling stomach!
Can You Bring the Periodic Table to the MCAT?
The bad news is that you cannot bring any study notes, including a periodic table, to the MCAT examination study.
The good news is that the MCAT testing centers provide you with a periodic table. It consists of the abbreviations, atomic weights, and atomic numbers of the elements.
There are also a few other items you will be happy to hear that are provided by the testing center.
What Does the MCAT Testing Center Provide?
Your MCAT testing center gives almost everything you need for the examination, including…
- Noise reduction earplugs and headsets
- Adjustable and comfortable chairs
- Scratch paper and pencils
- Lockers for your personal belongings (purse or phone)
- Periodic table
What Should You Avoid Bringing to MCAT?
There are actually quite a few things you should downright avoid bringing to the MCAT testing center. This includes everything from any study material to any electronic devices (yes, including a calculator).
1. Any Notes or Study Material
If you have prepared any flashcards, formula sheets, or notes, keep in mind that you cannot take them inside the testing center or room.
You are only allowed to bring a valid ID, food and drinks, and other permissible items to the MCAT testing center.
Even touching any study material during the breaks is considered a violation of the MCAT rules and strict action can be taken against you.
When I took my first MCAT exam, I kept all of my study material at home. This way, I was able to focus on the examination without worrying about encountering any problems with the MCAT authorities.
2. Any Electronic Devices
You can bring your phone to the MCAT testing center, but always keep it turned off.
If you are caught using your phone even for a millisecond, you’ll be reported. A better option is to keep your phone at home or keep it in your personal vehicle.
Apart from phone, you cannot carry other electronic devices, such as calculators or smart watches, to the examination center. So, always keep them at home instead of risking everything you’ve been preparing for!
What to Wear on MCAT Test Day?
There is no specific dress code for the MCAT test, so choose the most comfortable clothes you can wear for long hours.
I wore a simple crew neck and sweatpants with a pair of comfortable sneakers. You could bring a jacket in case you’ll need it!
If possible, I recommend wearing something with less or no pockets because you will get rechecked every time you re-enter the exam room. So, wearing something without pockets will make the process easier.
Remember that you should wear something that allows you to focus on the test without any discomfort or distraction.
What Not to Wear on MCAT Test Day?
You shouldn’t wear something with many layers like anything with a hood, because you may be subjected to further inspection.
Also, don’t wear headbands, scrunchies, jewelry, or other accessories because they might ask you to remove them.
What Is the MCAT Test Day Schedule?
All tests start at 8:00 AM across the country. I arrived before 7:30 and after waiting in line for the front desk, getting checked by admins, and finding my locker, I managed to start at 8:00 AM.
I highly recommend arriving before 7:30 because the exam is long enough and you don’t want to make it any longer. It is also important to avoid any unnecessary stress.
There are 3 scheduled breaks during the test: two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute. You are allowed to leave the testing room during any of them.
The test lasts for around 7 hours including breaks. So, expect to leave around 3 PM if everything goes right.
What Is the Arrival Procedure for the MCAT Test?
Once you arrive at the testing center, you’ll have to wait in line at the front desk to check-in. They check your ID and make sure that it matches the name you registered with. Then, they direct you to the lockers.
You need to double-check that the name on your ID exactly matches your registration name, including your middle name.
Then, you will need to wait until they call your number. For security measures, they take a photograph and scan your palms to prevent identity fraud. They also check all of your pockets and make sure you don’t carry anything illegal or not allowed in the testing room.
What Are the Bathroom Breaks Policies for MCAT?
You may go to the bathroom during any of the scheduled breaks – two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute.
You can leave the testing room and the time will not count from your test time. However, keep in mind that you will get checked every time you re-enter the testing room. It might get hectic, but it is better than feeling uncomfortable while taking the exam. So, I recommend going to the bathroom on every break if you can!
Also, don’t forget to go to the bathroom right after checking in before the test starts.
If you need to go to the bathroom during the test, you are allowed to take unscheduled breaks but the clock will continue to run, and the time taken will be lost from your exam time. You will also be accompanied by a staff member.
When Should You Arrive for MCAT?
The AAMC email will ask you to arrive 30 minutes before the test. However, I highly recommend reaching the location 45 minutes to an hour earlier. It is better to be early than late and stressed.
Give time to yourself to go through the arrival procedures, find a locker, go to the bathroom, and get checked by the administrators.
Since all tests start at 8:00 AM, unless specified otherwise, you should ideally arrive there by 7:00 – 7:15 AM.
Which MCAT Items Need Prior Approval?
If you have a disability or a functional limitation that may limit your performance on the test or make you less competent compared to other students, you can request for accommodations.
Some of these items include:
- Food and drink inside the test room
- Adaptive mouse
- Adjustable-height workstation
- Large-print materials
- Use of assistive technology
Moreover, nursing mothers could also request extra breaks for pumping. Pregnant mothers could address their limitations in their request and explain why the accommodations they need are important.
You may also request extra breaks that don’t count to your test time so you can take your medications or manage your conditions.
How To Request Accommodations?
You can head to this link and apply for accommodations. Keep in mind that the review process may take up to 60 days.
You will need to submit documentation of your diagnosis, impairments, and how they could limit your performance in the test. You may address how previous accommodations have helped you perform better on the test if you were approved for accommodations before.
Having a diagnosis does not mean that you are automatically approved for accommodations. The review process is holistic, meaning that they review everything you submit thoroughly. So, make sure you submit everything that supports your case.
Final Thoughts – What to Bring to MCAT
MCAT is an important examination for almost all of us. We cannot afford to mess up at any step, as it can easily cost us our time and effort. Therefore, always keep a valid ID with you, food and snacks, and medication as needed.
Don’t bring any electronic devices (such as phones, calculators, or smart watches) or study notes (such as formula sheets, periodic tables, or flashcards).
Once you stay aware of these rules, nothing can distract you from achieving your goals! I hope this guide helps you figure out what to bring to MCAT. You can also read some of the related posts here about MCAT: