Computer screen too bright & huge font on exam day?

Question

Hello,

Does anyone know if the font size and/or screen brightness can be adjusted at the Pearson test centre? When I made my first GMAT attempt I found the screen to be wayyy too bright, which was hard on the eyes. In addition, the actual monitor was huge, probably just shy of 30 inches, so the font on the screen was giant. It took me until about halfway through the test to get used to the brightness and the giant font - I think this impacted my score a bit.

By the way, I took the test at the Pearson centre at Yonge & St. Clair in Toronto.

Does anyone know if any accommodations can be made?

Many thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Anonamy,

This sounds like a request that you should directly contact the Center about. While the brightness of the monitor might be something that the center staff can adjust, my suspicion would be that the center employees aren't necessarily going to be tech savvy enough to change the font size of the program.

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

Anonamy · Answer

Thanks Rich. I was trying to avoid putting another phone call in to Pearson (it wasn't fun last time). I'll just pay a visit to the centre and ask them. I'll report back what I find out.

On second thought, you said that the folks at the centre aren't tech savvy so maybe I'll give the Pearson call centre a call.

It's strange because I think I've been seeing people report on here that the typical test monitor is around 13 inches.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

I do not think you can do much about the size of the screen at a centre. They have what they have. However, you certainly can adjust the brightness of the screens.
You can ask the centre representative to do so.

If you are worried about the size of the screen, may be you can visit another centre in your vicinity and have a look at the screen size.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Anonamy,

Individual Testing Centers can potentially have slightly different variations of the standard testing 'environment' (including the types of computer monitors). For example, some Centers offer headphones as a way to block out noise while others offer ear-plugs. I've never heard of a center offering a choice though - you have the one option that the Center provides.

You should absolutely try contacting Pearson about this issue, but my guess is that the home office leaves the general administration of the Exams to the local sites.

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

Anonamy · Answer

Thanks Rich, I will contact them. At this particular centre they did offer both ear plugs and headphones. I was so focussed on the test however that I didn't notice the headphones sitting on the computer desk until I had finished the exam...

I didn't even notice the sizing of the other monitors in the room.

jenhong219 · Answer

I experience a similar issue at Pearson. the font was pixelated/bolded/stretched wide/large and questions spanned the *ENTIRE* width of the monitor (~28 inches). Made it very difficult to read.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jenhong219,

How did that Testing Environment impact your overall performance on the Official GMAT? And how did you Score compare to those that you earned on your practice CATs? Since you're posting here, I assume that you're continuing with your studies. If you're looking for advice, then I'll be happy to answer any questions that you might have, but it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) How did you score on the Official GMAT (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to retake the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Computer screen too bright & huge font on exam day?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards