GMAT Testing Center Physical Environment

How did you contact GMAC? Email or web form?
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Web form - https://www.gmac.com/gmac/Service/Contac ... e=GMATExam

Also here is a video tour of a typical test center along with description of the procedures by GMAC:
video-tour-of-the-gmat-testing-center-very-interesting-90032.html
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So here was my experience taking the GMAT last week. I paid for 2 months of tutoring through Princeton Review, and not once during my tutoring sessions was I informed that watches were not allowed. In fact, I was encouraged to wear just a regular watch *nothing fancy* to my test to help me keep time. Nowhere on the mba website (other than a small link to a bulletin posted I don't know when) states that watches are not allowed. I went to take my test and due to nerves I barely read through the guidelines provided to me at the beginning of the test, I just signed, and went in to take the test. When I got to the proctor, clearly he saw that I was wearing a watch. He didn't mention anything to me about this. So I went in and wrote my two essays, not once even bothering to glance at my watch. I raise my hand for my break after the essays were complete, and a new proctor, a nasty old woman, comes over to me, and as I get up to leave she says to me "Why are you wearing a watch? You are not allowed to wear a watch". So, I told her that no one had told me I couldn't wear one, and that it was evident to the previous proctor that I had a watch one when I entered the testing room. Regardless, I finished my test without a watch on, because I took it off as soon as she told me to. I did poorly on my test, only receiving a 500, so I planned on taking it again. So this morning I receive an e-mail from GMAC security saying that my test scores were CANCELLED because I wore a watch. I spoke to the superiors at Princeton Review, and many other people, and they cannot understand why this happened. They said that this is unheard of. I am so frustrated with this. GMAC has made me feel like I am a huge cheater for wearing my watch when no one told me I couldn't. GMAC has footage of me taking my test, and of me never looking at my watch, and of me taking my watch off when I was told. I just think it is so unfortunate that this is how they resort to getting more money out of someone. I didn't even get a worthy score. Had I received a 600, then perhaps I would have understood. But I am just appalled, I find this so ridiculous. Anyways, I just needed to rant because I am so upset over this. Thanks.

I would add that when you get there, there is a long process to check security (photo, palm print, etc.) and there might be a lot of people ahead of you, so be prepared for that.

Also, check the pens are working before you go in, see if they will give you two.

Where did you keep the laminated pad while you worked? Was there room to put it on the desk or did you have to keep it in your lap the whole time?

My testing center looked exactly like the pictures on the previous page, and there was more than enough room to comfortably use the exam booklet on the desk. Be sure to buy and use an exam booklet during your prep so that you are used to it. It really is quite a bit different than using pen and paper.

great post!!!!! thanks for sharing the pic

Sorry if this is necro'ing a post. I wanted to know, do all GMAT test centers offer headphones or earplugs? I read some advice posts to buy your own earplugs.

My advice is to atleast bring your own, and ASK if you can use them. If they say no, then they will have to provide you with some type of noise cancelation. I have heard that all test ceners provide you with either ear plugs or ear phones.
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Hi all,

I took my GMAT today. I faced around 5 minutes of power outage during my verbal section.

I want to know whether there is something I can do about it (complain to GMAT, recording ). Will it be of any use?

(Scored 700 : VA35, QA 49)

Hi premkrishn,

I'm sorry to hear about the technical problem you faced during the Exam. Did you register any type of complaint while you were at the Testing Facility? Also - to clarify, did you LOSE 5 minutes of Test-time or was it just a 5-minute power outage?

All things considered, a 700/Q49 is an outstanding score (it's right around the 90th percentile overall), so you can apply to any Business Schools that interest you.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Thanks Rich.

No, I didn't register any complaint at the Testing facility. It was a power outage but, my computer was on and I didn't loose on my test. However, I was sitting in dark unable to using scratch paper and anticipating when the computer would die.

I have sent a mail to GMAC saying that I just want to notify that this happened with me today.

Hi premkrishn,

Registering an official complaint is probably a good idea. Since your Test wasn't technically interrupted though, I'm not sure if you're going to receive any type of recompense for this situation.

Since I'm sure that others would be interested in hearing how all of this goes, you should plan to post back here once you hear back.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

hello, can anyone please tel me if a test taker can read questions a little loud? I mean if I read the questions so I can hear myself, is that against the rules? and will it distract other test takers even though they are using ear plugs?

I did my test in Singapore and the center looks a lot like this picture

EDIT: Picture wasn't quoted but it's basically the first post here