Learn how taking a GMAT practice test differs from the actual GMAT Test Day.
In my last post, I provided an overview of Kaplan’s free online GMAT practice test, which is a computer-adaptive exam. Taking this practice test is very much like taking the actual GMAT, with some important distinctions to bear in mind:
Analytical Writing Assessment
During a Kaplan instructor-proctored exam, you will be instructed to skip the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA, the essay) and begin the test with the second section, Integrated Reasoning. Because the essay is scored by a human, Kaplan cannot provide you an immediate score, so we skip the AWA and move into the computer-scored sections.
When you take the actual GMAT exam, you won’t receive your AWA score on GMAT Test Day with your other scores, but at a later date. Though you will skip the AWA during a Kaplan-administered practice test, you will have access to the AWA prompt and can use it to practice with at a later time.
Home sweet home vs. Kaplan’s Official Test Day Experience
Most of the time, if you sign up for Kaplan’s free online practice test, you will take it in the comfort of your own home. That means you will be able to have a snack, wear comfy clothing, and adjust the thermostat. Keep in mind that on your real GMAT Test Day, you won’t have these comforts, so think about how the change of environment might impact your score.
Some of my students report scoring lower at home because they get distracted. These students are better off utilizing Kaplan’s Official Test Day Experience to take a Kaplan practice test at the testing center to boost their confidence and comfort while testing under realistic conditions.
Connectivity issues on GMAT Test Day?
If you use a wireless connection to take the free practice test, you may experience an occasional drop. This WILL NOT happen on GMAT Test Day. Your workstation at the testing center will be hard-wired and connected, so do not worry about losing the connection when it counts.
Check back again soon; my next posts will talk about using the Kaplan free online practice test to help work out your timing strategies in each section.
GMAT Test Day on the horizon? Sign up for a free GMAT practice test to gain winning insights into your performance.
The post Land Your Score: GMAT Practice Test vs. GMAT Test Day appeared first on Business School Insider.
