Used a #2.5 pencil

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Riptrix

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I think this verges on what you'd think of as an irrational nightmare. But, I'm looking at one of the pencils I used for the exam right now and realize that it doesn't just say 2...but says 2 5/10/F Medium. I quickly found a #2 to compare in shading. Wikipedia rates the 2.5/F as slightly lighter in shade, I didn't notice a difference considering you press fairly hard on scantron sheets and concentrate the graphite in one area.

Anyone know anything about pencils? This is an absurd subject to bring up, but after feeling relieved that last few days, I now feel like I may throw up.
 
Dude, relax, scantron can even read red ink. I know this from experience.
 
Those scantron sheets are pretty sensitive.

Although it said if you used pens it would probably work.
 
You'll be fine. They recommend a #2 or HB, but they also say that any pencil will do.
 
This is good news to hear. It would be such a shame to study for 7 months and forget the most minute detail we've all been engrained with since grade school.
 
I won't lie- my biggest concern walking out of the test center was that I somehow messed up the scantron sheet, haha. Don't worry, you're not the only one.
 
I think I may have slightly punctured the scantron sheet on one question. That was one of my concerns. Hopefully it's a non-issue.
 
Alright, for anyone else who may or may not have used a Ticonderoga 1388-2 5/10/F Medium pencil.....I think this website explains everything.

http://www.howeverythingworks.org/page1.php?QNum=1529

It comes down to this: If the CFAI still uses scantrons from 1960 when they needed a darkened mark that was opaque to block the light...or absorb the light wave, then you (I) may be out of luck....but

"Modern scantron machines can easily recognize the faint marks made by #3 or #4 pencils and they can usually tell a deliberate mark from a #1 pencil smudge or even an imperfectly erased mark. They can also detect black ink and, when appropriate, blue ink. So the days of "be sure to use a #2 pencil" are pretty much over. The instruction lingers on nonetheless."
 
i didn't think anything of it until i read this thread. I actually used a mechanical pencil (0.7mm) instead of the #2. I always used mechanical pencils in college so didn't think anything of it. Do you think it will read ok? Now i'm worried cause i though i def passed but now i'm scared it won't read properly!
 
I think you're good KarBare...i was ghostly white this morning when i looked at the pencil on my desk and saw that it wasn't number 2. I think that was the last thing on my mind on exam day. Check my previous post, if it's dark you'll be good.

Let's say you score <50 on every section, clearly there was a pencil error and maybe the institute will relook....

....for another 100 bones.
 
The exams are hand graded after being scored via scantron. That's why it takes 1.5 months to receive your results. The $100 is a retabulation if you think the CFAI did not score your exam correctly.
 
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