<p>I am thinking of using some inconspicuous in-the-ear soft foam plugs to help drown out some of the air-conditioning noise, coughing, sniffling, etc. I don't wanna get thrown out of the test center though for "not being able to hear the directions"- although I can hear voices perfectly fine with earplugs in. Another thing they might say is "you can not hear when time is called"- although I time it myself with my digi-watch. Is there any rules whatsoever that could even possibly be interpreted to disallow for earplugs.</p>
<p>I know that the test ppl do like to liberally interpret their rules...I was not allowed to use a wrist watch on my desk because they say "clear your desks". Conveniently the proctor doesn't say that it is ok as long as it is on your wrist.</p>
<p>I'd think they wouldn't be, but I don't know for sure. I don't think they would be because they might resemble earphones/IEMs or some other sort of device where you can receive information (proctors have to make sure that there's no cheating going on to make the playing field level for everybody, even if it means not being able to use earplugs). Also, the proctor cannot be sure that you will indeed be able to hear him/her tell you when to start, stop, etc.</p>
<p>They say no bluetooth allowed. They might think its a bluetooth piece receiving information. Thats why this test is "fair," if one person in the room hears an ambulance outside, everyone hears it.</p>
<p>i think they will think that it is a communication device of some sort and it really is not worth the embarassment because they will make a big deal out of it</p>
<p>NONONONONO, you are NOT allowed to put the watch on your desk. They say specifically "Clear your desk of everything except..." My beef was that the proctor didn't let me use it because it was a "timing device (against the instructions)" and that "my room has a clock, so you are not allowed a watch". When I complained to the ACT people, they gave me this "we are covering our ass response" with the whole "clear your desk thing".</p>
<p>As a second comment, for the SAT I/II, I was permitted to put my watch on the desk (I didn't ask the proctor though). And what if I had a pocket watch? Should I clear my desk of all dust particles too? I am pretty sure people in Iowa are just retarded.</p>
<p>Oh, and I e-mailed CB with my question too since I guess no one has ever tried to use ear plugs. I am betting that if I told the proctor what I was planning to do, and showed her the earplugs, she wouldn't have any problem. Sniffling drives most people crazy, but for me it is those breathing-down-your-neck air conditioning vents. The ones that sound like gas is leaking/a 50 foot dude is stuck in the ductwork and is running low on air.</p>
<p>This is amusing. What proctor in a sane mind would mistake foam earplugs for a big honking Bluetooth? The things we're talking about here are the size of a pencil eraser. I'm sure they wouldn't care, even less so if you don't tell them.</p>
<p>Email form CB:
We received your e-mail regarding the SAT. Please be advised that you are not allowed to use ear plugs during the test because students are required to follow the proctor's announced instructions. In order to follow directions, you must be able to hear them clearly.</p>
<p>i asked my proctor if i could wear bose headphones to block out all noise so i could concentrate but he said that he couldn't allow it because of the new high tech ways people have of cheating</p>
<p>If it is on your wrist then yes. And it also can't make any loud noises/alarms. Mine makes a barely audible beep when I start and stop the timer ability, but no one but me can hear it.</p>
<p>They could be wireless transcievers, used along with a microscopic camera glued to your forehead, allowing your party in your secret house of conspiracy to recieve images of the test while giving you all the correct answers. They will see through it; I am certain.</p>