When time's up tips (nearing 35 minutes in) Forum

[dontsaywhatyoumean]

Do you know if we're allowed to work on the previous section on the scantron after the time has elapsed on that section?

I know we're not able to be in the previous section in the actual booklet itself.


Also, if I'm down to a minute or so (it's not absolutely clear how much time is left on an analog watch on a quick glance, so I like to stop myself a minute before the actual section ends), am I able to actually bubble in the final question when I hear "pencils down"? Would I finish quickly enough that it wouldn't count as still writing?

Thanks

[Instrumental]

Per the rules, you are not supposed to modify your answers on the scantron for any section that has already been conducted. When they say pencils down, you need to immediately stop filling in answers or risk being disqualified.

[Alexandros]

No. They'll clearly say "drop your pencils" and all that so you know, even if your watch is off. I've heard several cases of people being told to leave for not dropping their pencils immediately.(< 3 seconds) Wouldn't risk that.

[kindofcanuck]

Do you know if we're allowed to work on the previous section on the scantron after the time has elapsed on that section?

I know we're not able to be in the previous section in the actual booklet itself.


Also, if I'm down to a minute or so (it's not absolutely clear how much time is left on an analog watch on a quick glance, so I like to stop myself a minute before the actual section ends), am I able to actually bubble in the final question when I hear "pencils down"? Would I finish quickly enough that it wouldn't count as still writing?

Thanks

Absolutely not. The rules are very clear that during a given 35 minute section, you may only work on the part of the test booklet and scantron that it applies to. Proctors will normally walk the room, or at least have one person at front and one at back, specifically looking for that (among other things).

When you hear 'pencils down' you will not have time to bubble additional answers. If you hear "five minutes remaining" and have questions unanswered (well - I mean, most people will have 2-4 LR/RC questions, and up to a whole game undone at that point) it's on you to have a watch, and be ready in the final seconds to fill in a guess for any remaining.

[Rogah]

On a related note, am I correct in assuming that after "pencils down" that one can't pick up one's pencil and insert it into a pencil sharpener in the brief period until the next section begins -- even if the pencil is held away from the Scantron sheet?

[kindofcanuck]

On a related note, am I correct in assuming that after "pencils down" that one can't pick up one's pencil and insert it into a pencil sharpener in the brief period until the next section begins -- even if the pencil is held away from the Scantron sheet?

Bring three pencils. Sharpen them in the break/when papers being collected & distributed.

Best to have backups anyway, and if you fear it's dulling can just pick up a new one without needing to worry about being accused.

[Nonconsecutive]

I generally operated under the principle of "if I have to sharpen a pencil, I didn't bring enough pencils"

Plus you can build cool pencil forts with your extras.

[SunDevil14]

I generally operated under the principle of "if I have to sharpen a pencil, I didn't bring enough pencils"

Plus you can build cool pencil forts with your extras.

Precisely, just bring a large handful of pencils. For the last few questions in a section (if pressed for time), I tend to switch from group bubbling to individual bubbling. I also like to keep my like to keep my hand and pencil right on the scan-tron next to the final question I'm working on that way you can make a quick bubble before the proctor finishes saying the phrase pencils down.

It may be splitting hairs, but I believe if you can bubble in the answer the in few seconds between the proctor opens his/her mouth, and finishes the phrase "pencils down" then you should be fine. Does anyone know the rules regarding this?