I just took my GMAT yesterday, so below are my answers based on my personal experience.
nickk wrote:
- How do you enter the schools that you want to send your score to? Do I have to memorise the GMAT code of each school, or will there be some sort of search box, etc.?
No need to memorize. You can search for the schools based on country, state, province, school name, etc. It's fairly easy.
nickk wrote:
- If I, for example, finish the AWA section early, will I have a longer break before the quant section?
No, you won't have more time for breaks of for sections if you finish early. My breaks were 8 minutes each, and they were optional. When you finish the section, it will ask you if you want a break. If you hit "yes", you'll have 8 minutes until you have to start the next section. You raise your hand so that the invigilator will come get you and escort you out.
nickk wrote:
- Someone recommended bringing earplugs. I think this would help me, but I heard that they were pretty strict about what you're allowed to bring into the exam room. Will they be a problem?
I was offered earplugs and earmuffs (headphones that block out all sound). They were on the desk, so I could use them if/when I wanted. Not sure if this is how it is at all test centers. You can always bring some and ask prior to your test.
nickk wrote:
- How long does the check-in/check-out procedure take?
Depends on the center and time I guess. Mine took 2 minutes.
nickk wrote:
- Have any of you had trouble adjusting to the boards & markers they give you (as opposed to the paper & pen most of us use to study)?
I made sure to use the Manhattan boards during my prep so I was used to them, as well as the markers. I'm sure it won't make too big of a difference if you haven't. It's like writing on acetate. You get two markers, so during the debrief (instructions), test if they work properly. You can raise your hand, holding the marker, if it doesn't work and the invigilator will come replace it for you.
nickk wrote:
- Is the whole process at the test centre self explanatory? I don't want to waste time & energy trying to figure it out.
Yea, it was really straight-forward.
osbornecox wrote:
I personally hated my test day experience.
Air conditioning was chilly.
Couldn't stand the Pearson VUE laminated paper and felt tip marker.
Found the fat admin b*tch's dental alignment offensive.
Like an idiot, completely underestimated the impact of spending 50 minutes on the AWA before hitting Quant
Definitely some good points. Make sure to dress in layers so that you can take off clothes if it gets hot, but so that you're ready if it's a bit friskier. The markers and laminated paper weren't a big deal for me, but if you don't feel comfortable with it, try getting some laminated sheets and marker for 1 prep or so. Definitely factor in the fact that your brain may get a bit tired after an hour of writing prior to the quant and verbal sections. I made sure to take my breaks, splash cold water on my face, go to the bathroom and drink some Gatorade. Forget about the sections that you just wrote and concentrate on the next one.
Overall, the experience was much simpler and less stressful than I thought it would be. Just go in there confident!
Good luck!