#2 pencils...are they necessary?

[daijobu]

On a standardized test, have you ever skipped using a #2 pencil and just used a mechanical pencil with HB lead?  I understand it doesn't make any difference what kind of pencil you use, but I've been too chicken to use anything else.  

[Teachin'Mine]

I think either the SAT or ACT specify that mechanical pencils can't be used, but they don't say why.  I'm not sure if it's a matter of scanning, or some other reason.   Dd said she has always seen some using mechanical pencils without incident.  I think they'd be a distinct advantage on the essay writing, but we were too chicken too. 

[Brenda in MA]

I think either the SAT or ACT specify that mechanical pencils can't be used, but they don't say why.  I'm not sure if it's a matter of scanning, or some other reason.   Dd said she has always seen some using mechanical pencils without incident.  I think they'd be a distinct advantage on the essay writing, but we were too chicken too.

I've heard this, too, but don't have a specific reference. I think they might be worried that you can disassemble a mechanical pencil and hide things (albeit small ones) inside of it. It sounds like some tests/proctors might let you use mechanical pencils, but I would always show up to the SAT/ACT with a supply of at least some traditional pencils. I sent my son with 4 pencils to the SAT, and he said there was no sharpener available, so he had to use them very carefully. Next time, I think I'd send 6 or 8 sharpened traditional pencils, at a minimum.

 

Just FYI,

Brenda

[G5052]

Mine went with "guaranteed to scan" mechanical pencils to the PSAT. They were taken away to another room along with the cell phones.  

 

Thankfully the proctor had traditional ones to loan!

 

[Elisabet1]

#2 pencils are better for scantrons because they are not as sharp and literally, it takes less than half the time to fill in a bubble with a #2 than a mechanical pencil. Those seconds could mean the difference between a scholarship and not. Or a national merit, or not. Those seconds add up when you are talking about that many problems.