MB for Standardized Tests...

[hcsk8ter]

Hi,

 

If you were taking a standardized test: SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc...

 

Would you use a fountain pen? Have you used a fountain pen on one?

 

In addition, I also used, I bleieve its a MB 114, the mechanical pencil, would that be the same as using a #2 pencil?

 

Just asking because, I use fountains daily now and a nice pencil, and to pull out a bic and #2 on that day would stink, but I'm aware of possible mishaps.

 

Ink leaks, you have to refill.

 

Look what you've done to me. I'm a writing implement snob!

 

What do you think. Please share your experiences and opinions.

 

Much obliged.

Edited March 26, 2009 by hcsk8ter

[FredRydr]

If you were taking a standardized test: SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc...

 

Would you use a fountain pen?

 

No. There's no way I'd want to be distracted by the needs of a pen over the needs of the test. Imagine if it leaked, was too scratchy or wet on cheap paper, ran out of ink, etc. Don't screw around; go simple and concentrate on doing well.

 

Fred

Edited March 26, 2009 by FredRydr

[niksch]

I did the entire GRE on the computer a few years ago.  Didn't even need a pencil.

 

Hi,

 

If you were taking a standardized test: SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc...

 

Would you use a fountain pen? Have you used a fountain pen on one?

 

In addition, I also used, I bleieve its a MB 114, the mechanical pencil, would that be the same as using a #2 pencil?

 

Just asking because, I use fountains daily now and a nice pencil, and to pull out a bic and #2 on that day would stink, but I'm aware of possible mishaps.

 

Ink leaks, you have to refill.

 

Look what you've done to me. I'm a writing implement snob!

 

What do you think. Please share your experiences and opinions.

 

Much obliged.

[hcsk8ter]

I did the entire GRE on the computer a few years ago. Didn't even need a pencil.

 

LOL! :ltcapd: That is funny. I've never taken a test on a computer thus far. Why start now.

Edited March 26, 2009 by hcsk8ter

[Blade Runner]

If it's just fill in the dots with lead, I just use whatever lead pencil they dictate and carrry a nice eraser.

In college blue book exams that required writing I used a Parker 51 aero, but those tests weren't long, and you were allowed to use ink (most used a bp).

[HedgeMage]

The only ones I took are the SAT and ACT, but I used a mechanical pencil on both. Both are of the scantron type (little fill-in-the-bubble things), so ink of any kind is not picked up as well as pencil lead. The most common pencil lead on the market is #2 lead anyway, and I can't stand a dull pencil, so mechanical was the way to go for me.

 

--Susan

[Solomander]

I would use pencil for a standardized test. This would allow you to review and change your answers, if you have the time. If there is an essay session and you bring a fully inked fountain pen, you could probably get away with it. I personally would put my full energy into the test itself and not the accouterments of test taking. I would bring a mechanical pencil, a good eraser and a Pilot gel pen.

 

Joel

[Darius]

If you use a reliable pen that you have used before and had no problems with then you should be ok. If i leaks, then that's just terrible luck. I think a cartridge pen would suit exam situations better if the amount of ink is an issue - just carry extra cartridges. You could use a piston pen with extra ink in a traveling ink well or something, but do you really want to mess around with inking a piston filler in an exam situation? Another concern about ink would be permanence, water resistance, etc. should a desaster happen and someone spils something on the papers before graing them or get the exposed in the rain or something.

[Pravda]

I would use an ink pen on exams if i am writing essay questions etc.. but for circling on cards multiple choice etc the ink drying, smearing, skipping.. i personally would rather not and like earlier said stick on concentrating on ur exam and doing ur best.. and good luck

[TheWalrus]

No. Take something reliable. I also wouldn't risk taking the mechanical pencil since there isn't a guarantee that it's the same as a #2. And if you do terrible on the test schools don't care what kind of excuse you have.

 

If I recall my own LSAT correctly there really wasn't any point where you could use a pen either. Maybe the written section, but why bother?

[scoli83]

I did the entire GRE on the computer a few years ago. Didn't even need a pencil.

 

LOL! :ltcapd: That is funny. I've never taken a test on a computer thus far. Why start now.

 

Examinees that take the Texas Bar Exam on computer consistently score higher than do those who hand-write the exam.

If it's a long essay exam you would be crazy to hand-write it.

[chicagoben]

I wrote my SAT II writing test in high school using an MB.

I wrote my grad school quals with a Pelikan 400 and Conway Stewart 27 (then furiously typed them).

 

In both cases, I did very well. It can be done.

[Dennis B]

Not exactly a standardized test, but I wrote the essay portions of two State Bar exams with a Montblanc Classic ballpoint (and I passed both on the first try).

 

Dennis B

[Moose]

MCAT I took a while back was all computerized. If I am not mistaken, there is no other option.

 

That being said, I have used Safari Pencils for all the scantrons I have had to take. Usually have a couple backups (cheap mechanicals) and make sure they have HB #2 lead in them.

[yachtsilverswan]

If you can take the test on computer (and still have scratch paper available for calculations), then take it on computer.

 

If you are forced to take the test on paper, then bring three or four #2 pencils and a big gum eraser. Not #3 pencils, not #4 pencils, not mechanical pencils. The scanners are calibrated to detect #2 pencil lead. Don't tempt fate.

 

Fountain pens and ballpoints and rollerballs are inappropriate for tests where you will likely need to completely erase initial and erroneous answers.

 

#2 pencils. Several. Gum eraser.

 

Good luck.

Edited March 27, 2009 by yachtsilverswan

[ProfMike]

If you can take the test on computer (and still have scratch paper available for calculations), then take it on computer.

 

If you are forced to take the test on paper, then bring three or four #2 pencils and a big gum eraser. Not #3 pencils, not #4 pencils, not mechanical pencils. The scanners are calibrated to detect #2 pencil lead. Don't tempt fate.

 

Big +1 for both of the above comments.

 

I have taken (and administered) more standardized tests than I care to remember and if I had the opportunity to take them (or give them) on a computer, I did. The editing capabilities alone make it well worth the time away from our pens. Destress after you're home by writing a journal entry with your favorite pen/ink combination!

 

Yachtsilverswan is also 100% correct in that most answer document scanners are calibrated to read #2 pencil and #2 pencil only. Some newer machines can pick up pen or other types of pencil, but it's not worth the risk IMHO. As boring as it may be, it's best not to buck tradition and stick with several old-fashioned #2 pencils and a big eraser.

 

Good luck on the upcoming exam!

Mike

[fuchsiaprincess]

If you use a reliable pen that you have used before and had no problems with then you should be ok. If i leaks, then that's just terrible luck. I think a cartridge pen would suit exam situations better if the amount of ink is an issue - just carry extra cartridges. You could use a piston pen with extra ink in a traveling ink well or something, but do you really want to mess around with inking a piston filler in an exam situation? Another concern about ink would be permanence, water resistance, etc. should a desaster happen and someone spils something on the papers before graing them or get the exposed in the rain or something.

 

 

That was my concern, so I tried out about 20 different rollerball pens, gel ink pens, etc. and bought about 5 of them when I found one that wrote ok when I did my exams.

 

The other thing you can do is fill your favourite pens with a bulletproof or archival ink for the exam.

 

Of course, if it's the computerised multiple choice 'bullet'-type ones, I take my own favourite pencil(s).

 

Good luck and all the best!

 

[nullnull10010]

Well, here's my perspective as a high school senior who's now done with standardized tests (hopefully...):

 

If it's a pen that makes you feel good when you write with it, use it. You'll probably do better work. Just bring a back up pen that you know will never fail. For my APs this year, I'm planning on using my MB 146 (graduation gift), but I'll have a couple of Safaris with me just in case. As far as pencils go, I've never even used one that hasn't been a #2, and indeed every scantron test I've taken has required it, so I'd check with MB to see if your pencil lead is #2. Otherwise, my favorite #2 mechanical pencils (which I find best mimic the comfort of using a FP) are these: Papermate Clearpoint

Edited April 2, 2009 by tisfortorrey