<p>Do we write with pencils or pens on the essays?</p>
<p>pencils only</p>
<p>All of these tests are #2 pencils.</p>
<p>are mechanical pencils OK? im pretty sure they are "# 2"</p>
<p>I've heard of cases where ACT proctors haven't allowed mechanical pencils, even though they're #2. So I guess just bring both to be safe.</p>
<p>mechanical pencils are discouraged...when i took the ACT they actually made us use the regular number 2 pencils b/c the marks made by the mechanical pencils are harder to read by the machine...so if you use mechanical you run the risk of delaying your scores...but yea I would bring a mechanical just in case, if you think you're more comfortable with it...but be sure to bring some regular #2</p>
<p>Definitely bring a regular pencil in case your proctor is snatchhappy. But I wouldn't recommend using a mechanical pencil on the multiple-choice section. It should be fine for the writing.</p>
<p>Agreed. One of my proctors made me use a stick kind of pen.</p>
<p>i brought 4 pencils--one for each section. i also brought a sharpener too (a manual one) so during the test, i could quickly sharpen my pencil rather than raise my hand and wait 5 minutes for the proctor to wake up and see or get up and sharpen it in the front of the room</p>
<p>ok, on the test, i used the mechanical pencils that were number 2. is it ok?</p>
<p>Yeah you'll be fine. I did it on all of my SAT's and every multiple choice test in my life and there has never been a problem.</p>
<p>is there a reason (other then strict procters) that #2 mechanical pencils won't work?</p>
<p>i've used a mechanical pencil on every state and national exam i have taken which required the use of a #2 pencil...never ever had a problem, so its fine 2 do it (unless forced 2 not use it, otherwise)</p>
<p>Mechanical pencils often don't erase as well. They may also contribute to problems with your marks rubbing off on another person's test.</p>
<p>In my experience, it takes longer to fill in the bubbles with a mechanical pencil.</p>
<p>can you explain why mechanical pencils "leave marks that were harder to read". Mechanical pencils leave darker marks than normal number 2 pencils. However they both are quite similar</p>
<p>My S & D have ALWAYS only used mechanical pencils for all exams, including SAT I, SATII, ACT, & everything else. They've never had problems with it, at the test site where they go to HS or alternate test sites, where they have also taken exams.</p>
<p>To be safe, it does sound like a good idea to bring sharpened #2 pencils & an eraser + your mechanical pencil (tho my kids never have).</p>
<p>ive never had a problem using a regular mechanical pencil.. and ive taken ACT 5 times, SAT 3 times, and 3 subject tests... but id bring a regular one just in case</p>
<p>i was feeling a bit iffy using a mechanical pencil on the MC, but i flipped out when on the essay it said " soft lead pencils ONLY (even though its graphite)" in huge bold, underlined, capsized letters and i was forced to write my essay w/ a dull wooden pencil. is it ok if i write essay with a mechanical pencil next time? no points taken off ? <-- thats what i was scared of.</p>
<p>btw, .05, or .07? i used .05</p>
<p>I wrote my essay with mechanical pencils. I can't use regular ones.</p>