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Question

I have a confusion between Online GMAT exam and test that are been taken at center. Which is better? If I choose the latter, will I have the AWA part in my exam?

I am planning to take my exam in Dec'20.

Please guide me
TIA

Sara989 · Answer

Hi, whether the online or test center is better really depends on your preferences. There are a number of articles you can refer to online about this. Do check them out but this is my two cents on this.
Firstly, in test center you can choose your order of sections but in online exam you cannot. So if you feel a certain order (apart from the default) is best for you than go for the test center.
For test center you have to take AWA, but for GMAT online you do not have to. So unless AWA is a deal-breaker for you, this aspect shouldn't really be your deciding factor.

Most importantly, the situation in your place. If the Covid cases are high outside, and it's very risky to take it in a test center, online version would be better. However, because you're planning to take your test in December, you can wait it out a bit and see how the situation evolves and decide accordingly (keep track of booking at your test center even now and then so that they are not full in case you want to go for test center). 
Hope that helps! Good luck for your exam!!!

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi SaiShruthi91,

You can go through this   blog   to understand the difference between Online GMAT and the offline GMAT. Online GMAT has a fixed section order and has only one break. Whereas you can choose the section order in test center GMAT and you will have two optional breaks.

And AWA is not part of the online GMAT whereas you will have AWA in the test center GMAT. Hope it helped!!

ashwink · Answer

AWA is there for in center GMAT. If you think you've a stable enough connection and can for sure ensure no disruptions, GMAT online is a fine alternative.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi SaiShruthi91,

I would not say one test is actually "better" than the other. It really depends on you. Would you feel more comfortable taking the GMAT at home or at a test center? Also, keep in mind that you can actually take the GMAT in both locations if you do wish to do so. Lastly, if you'd like to learn more about the online GMAT, here is a helpful article:

Your Guide to the GMAT Online

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SaiShruthi91,

Both the Test Center GMAT and the At-home GMAT have their own advantages/disadvantages. The traditional approach (at a Test Center) is likely the one that you're used to (especially if you have been taking your practice CATs/mocks in the standard format). However, taking your GMAT at a Test Center will require travel time, (likely) wearing a face mask during the Exam and potential distractions at the Facility. The At-home GMAT removes those issues, BUT the format of the Exam is 'fixed' (Quant, then Verbal - with NO break in-between, then an optional 5-minute break, then IR), which can be challenging for GMATers who are used to the 8-minute breaks that are available after the Quant and Verbal sections when testing at a Facility. In addition, you have to take your Test under a really specific set of technical conditions (with a live Moderator watching you through your computer's camera).

Back in April, you stated that you were beginning your studies with the goal of taking the GMAT in July. Based on this recent post, I assume that you did not take the GMAT as originally planned, so before you choose which format of the GMAT to take, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) What type of study routine have you been following since April? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

SaiShruthi91 · Answer

Hi

Thanks for the making the comparison clear.
Here are my answers to your questions:

1)& 2)I have enrolled myself in E-Gmat course and continuing to learn in their format.I typically study 7-12 hours/week
3) I took one in August in which I scored v32 and Q45
4)My overall goal score is 700-720
5) I am planning to apply for March2021

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SaiShruthi91,

To score at a high level on the GMAT, you have to have a variety of skills (more than just content knowledge) and the only way to properly assess whether you have those skills or not is to take FULL-LENGTH CATs under realistic conditions AND at regular intervals. Since it's been over a month since you took your last practice CAT, you should plan to take a NEW CAT sometime soon (and going forward, you should plan to take a CAT every 1-2 weeks). Once you have your next Score, you should post back here and we can discuss the results and how you might adjust your studies going forward.

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

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