Alright.
Just putting this out there, this is probably one of the most awkward posts you’ll read on CC, but hear me out .
I have 2 AP tests coming up. I also have a ridiculously fast metabolism. Both tests are roughly 4 hours. Fast metabolism= frequent use of bathroom. Frequent use of bathroom + 4-hour long test with a 10 min break= DISASTER. I typically #2 about 3-4 times during the course of the school day. I don’t think I can survive not using the restroom for such an extensive period of time. X_x
My question is, will the test administrator allow me to use the restroom if it’s an extreme emergency, or would that be considered a testing irregularity? This is my first time taking the AP test, and I REALLY do not want to sh*t my pants in a room full of teenagers. And yes, I am genuinely and seriously concerned about this issue, and serious answers would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, you can use the bathroom, however, that comes out of your time. Only during the 10-minute break is the bathroom time not taken from testing time.
Also, (depending on your school), they may only allow a single person to use the bathroom at a time, which can prevent you from doing so if there are 20-30 kids.
If you can medically prove that you are disabled, then I am pretty sure you can request extra time (but that is an administrative decision/request).
I believe that it would indeed be a testing irregularity if you tried to leave to go to the bathroom while there were kids technically in front of you waiting for their turn.
Tension and test stress may slow things down in your digestive track, and you may be able to hold off. Consider eating lightly the night before or stop eating earlier in the evening before so that you can take care of most of your business more completely the next morning, then perhaps eat lightly for breakfast. A little bit of coffee in the AM may help trigger things to move along more completely (unless you do not drink coffee for religious or cultural reasons). I am not telling you to starve, you can always eat heartily after the exams are over. Perhaps try to see what foods at the largest culprit for you (dairy/milk/cheese? wheat/bread or gluten? fast food?). Try practicing eating this way for a few days before test date so you can have greater predictable and hopefully more controllable results. (experience: family member with fast metabolism and slight touch of IBS, who has since cleaned up their diet and now has better control)