Testing centers at UNM may be lacking the proper facilities to help students excel in the LSAT and MCAT tests, according to Kaplan Test Prep.
In 2002 Kaplan surveyed more than 7,000 LSAT and MCAT test takers to find out their favorite testing centers -- UNM was not among them.
In fact, UNM ranked 146 out of 150 schools in December for the Law School Admissions Test testing centers and 179 out of 192 schools for the Medical College Admissions Test in August. The criteria Kaplan used for the ranking was the quality of the proctors, how quiet and comfortable the test location was, the overall site experience, and the amount of desk space.
The most common complaints from UNM students were that the desks were small and uncomfortable in both the law school, where the LSAT is held, and the Graduate School of Management, where the MCAT is held. Most reviews also complained of the temperature being too hot or too cold, disruptive proctors, and poor security.
According to UNM Test Administrator Lisa Delgado, this low ranking is unsubstantiated
"We do surveys for those issues and if there is an issue we respond from that survey," she said.
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"That hasn't been the case so far."
She added that the law school testing center for the LSAT test is a "really nice facility." In the one year she has worked at UNM, Delgado has not heard a single complaint about UNM's testing facilities.
She wasn't the only person at UNM to disagree with Kaplan. Ethel Ortenburger, a law school administrative assistant who sets the testing centers up for students taking the LSAT, said that the law school facilities are beautiful rooms and are provided free, while other places on campus charge for the use of their rooms.
"I'm not sure that I would pay attention to Kaplan," Ortenburger said.
She added that the law school has tables instead of desks to provide more room for students, creating a more comfortable test-taking experience for them.
Ortenburger said the temperature issues are a temporary problem. The law school is going through renovations that have disrupted the temperature levels, but officials hope to get it fixed soon. Delgado said that she works to get better control over testing facilities heating, but she said that it is always good to come in layered clothing in case there is a problem. Twelve UNM students were surveyed during three different tests -- only one was completely positive.
The goal of Kaplan's project is to provide test site feedback for future test takers so they can make the best decisions possible in choosing their test site.
