GMAT ONLINE - Mobile Hotspot

Question

Dear Team,

I wish to appear for  GMAT Online exam  from my home. I use  mobile hotspot  which gives a good speed (10-15 MBPS download speed, which is decent) and most importantly is  consistent , unlike Wifi connection that gets disconnected abruptly (even though for a few seconds).

While wifi connection can give me speed in the range of 30-50 MBPS, it is highly  inconsistent  and one can never be sure when the connection will be off, thus leading to chances of my GMAT test getting canceled right at that moment. I have checked all possible internet wifi connections in my area, but there are inconsistency issues with all networks (as these are fibre-optic networks in my locality and there are usually unplanned maintenance works during which the line from server is cut-off)

I am not sure whether there is a rule that a mobile hotspot is not allowed for Internet connection in the GMAT ONLINE exam.

Request someone to please throw some light and suggest me what can be done. Thank you in advance.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi  Pankaj0901 ,

I don't generally recommend it, as wired connections are usually much more reliable, but It is  possible  to use a mobile hotspot to take the GMAT Online. I suggest that you go ahead and take the test online. If you face major issues, you could consider switching to the regular (test center) GMAT.

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Thank you so much  AjiteshArun .

I found information in the  mba.com website  that states "Tethering to a mobile hotspot is prohibited."

However, I second you and I do not understand why mobile hotspot is prohibited as I am in no way doing any cheating, etc via mobile hotspot. I am worried- if I schedule my Online test and just before the test starts the examiner objects and cancels my test.

bb · Answer

Yes for some bizarre reason they prohibit hotspot connection but they have no way of telling or is or isn’t a hotspot and it seems very odd. I have used 4G hotspot connections that could rival Internet at a lot of hotels. Easily downloading over 10 Mb per second…

Anyway, I don’t think anyone will cancel your test in case you use your hotspot. They just will never find out.

PS. Funny enough, someone was taking their GMAT on the desktop which obviously does not have speakers and they would not let them use headphones 🥴

Posted from my mobile device

Pankaj0901 · Answer

This is very very helpful  bb . Thank you!

PyjamaScientist · Answer

Dear Pankaj,

I can assure you that YOU CAN take test on mobile hotspot. I, for a fact, know someone who did just that and completed the entire test without any difficulty on Airtel 4G connection. So, you can go ahead without any concerns, given your service provider does not screw up.

All the best for your exam.

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Awesome PyjamaScientist , thank you. I am also using Airtel 4G only.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Looks like you're all set. All the best.

NavneetKumar7 · Answer

Do you have a backup plan for what happens when you get a call and net connection is suspended?
As it is clearly written as prohibited, it would be better to have a wifi or a wired internet rather than using exactly what GMAC is asking to avoid.
Remember, recent russian hacker scam has spooked GMAC in worst possible manner and now they are flagging almost all high scores on GMAT online version. It would be better to go by book.

Posted from my mobile device

Pankaj0901 · Answer

NavneetKumar7  - Thanks for the advise, but you scared me. Unfortunately, I do not have a back-up. I need to consider traveling to a test center for offline GMAT exam if I am not confident about any aspect of the logistics of Online GMAT.

Another option is to get a fiber-optic wifi connection, which is inconsistent, for the sake of the Online GMAT exam.

Hence, I am evaluating whether I should go for the Online GMAT, which is my preferred option if I meet the logistical guidelines, or an offline test center.

NavneetKumar7 · Answer

If you want to take risk of exam getting flagged(like in my case and many others') , which could happen even without the hotspot and with you following all rules and violating none(like me and many others), it's your decision. But I really regret taking GMAT online and not the test centre one. All because of an expired passport. Renewing it now.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

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