GMAT Online score shows "Testing Issue": Help!

Question

Hey all,

Just wanted to share my experience and wanted to know if someone else has gone through the same because I'm tantalizingly anxious now.

I gave my GMAT online exam on 23rd December 2022 and the unofficial score was 770. The next day I got an email saying the test was flagged for review, however I did not make much of it because my previous GMAT online attempt (6th December, 2022) was also flagged for review and back then I had scored 700. That review,however,was completed within a week and I got my official score on 13th December when they sent me an email saying my official score was available.

I randomly checked my GMAT profile on 27th December and I was shocked to see "Testing Issue" written where my score should be. There was a "T" violation mentioned. I tried reaching out to GMAC via phone but there was no response. I raised a ticket online and after 24 hours they responded saying that my score was still under review and that I could see multiple status changes while it was being reviewed.

I am planning to apply to business schools in round 2, for which the deadlines are 4th/5th January and as of today I don't have a concrete score to go by!

I would really appreciate any insight about what I can expect and about the next steps I should take.

Thank you.

EDIT: GMAC cancelled my score citing a "test anomaly". The did not agree to disclose the reasons as to why they did something like this. They provided me with a test voucher for an attempt at a test center.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you've already appealed, the process has already started. Fair to say you may want to wait until the deadline before submitting. In case the 770 doesn't become Official, consider when you might be able to quickly retake so you can update any apps you send.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi bschoolboy98.

Do you have any idea why they are reviewing your test?

Also, I'm wondering whether you should take the test in person during the next few days to have at least an unofficial score with which to apply.

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Hi  MartyTargetTestPrep  thank you for your response.

From what I have read on all the forums, GMAC is flagging all the tests with scores above 700 and my best guess for why they're scrutinizing my test is probably because of the 70 point jump in 17 days as nothing went wrong during my test, the proctor didn't call out any behavior or warn me about anything. That is exactly why I'm puzzled.

There are no test center appointments available in my city for the next 1 week.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

That makes sense.

What a drag that you have to go through this.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

It's not uncommon to go into review. Had a 6-hour Verbal student who similar to you already had a 700 (V41). They retook the exam (Online) in about 10 days and got a 760 (V45). The score went into review and became Official in about 2 weeks.

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Hi  GmatTutorKnight

It's just not the review I'm worried about. The status on my GMAT profile shows "Testing Issue" even though GMAC has said that it is still under review, I'm not sure how likely they will be to change the status and reinstate my score. Just hoping that the process is expedited now that holiday season is over!

hvs827 · Answer

I gave my test on the 29th Dec,2022 and the test was smooth. The proctor did not interrupt or asked anything. It went smooth. I got a 700 score with V35 and Q50. But few days later I received a mail stating the score is undergone review, by this time I was fine but suddenly when I checked the test status today it shows testing issue. Despite not having any problems during the test it has gone into testing issue. What is the way forward ? I am planning to apply for the round 3 for MiM schools

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Hi hvs827

I'm so sorry this happened to you as well.

My score got cancelled after being in about 1.5 weeks of review when it showed testing issue. You should drop an email to store@mba.com asking for the status and why it happened. I would also advise you to be prepared for another attempt at the test center. Was there a big jump in your score?

Feel free to reach out in case of any more questions, I understand how tense this situation can be.

hvs827 · Answer

So my first attempt was a test centre attempt I got 610 but it was way back in Feb, 2022. I am not sure how to proceed because there was no disturbance in the test and the proctor did not say a word in regards to disturbance and neither did I take the optional breaks. So wanted to ask is there any chance that I would get my score despite going into testing issue ?

bschoolboy98 · Answer

hvs827  That is very unfortunate. One can't really be sure of the outcome in such cases, it may go either way but I would suggest that you mentally be prepared that there is a high chance that the score will be cancelled. I'm speaking from experience since I went through the same situation this week.

Drop an email to the ID I gave explaining that you need to submit your score to colleges. In case they do cancel the score, they will give you a test voucher for an attempt at the test center.

Hope this helps!

hvs827 · Answer

Okay will send the mail. Anyways thanks for your help.

av1901 · Answer

I also gave the exam online and got a 710 and got the mail the next day from the gmac team that my test is under review and the status on mba.com is showing pending
Is pending a normal status for scores above 700?

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I think it may just be because of your score as well. That said, did you try calling the folks at GMAC?

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Hi  ScottTargetTestPrep

I got an email from them saying that the cancelled the score due to a "Testing Anomaly". They refused to elaborate on what the anomaly was and on why they decided to make this decision. They asked me to appear for an exam at the test center and provided me with a voucher for it. I'm appearing for my exam tomorrow!

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Hi  ScottTargetTestPrep

I think I missed your reply because it shows "post has been deleted by the author". Just wanted to update you on my score.

I got 730 (Q49, V40) in my next attempt! Even though it isn't a 770 I'm pretty happy with my score. I really wanted to extend my thanks to you and everyone at TTP for curating such a detailed quant course. When I started my prep I was at Q39 (I had not done any math since high school) and I religiously went through all the material on TTP. Wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys!

I'm in process of writing a debrief of my GMAT journey, highlighting in detail how I used TTP, and will share it as soon as it is done. Thanks again!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Congrats on a job well done!! I’m so happy TTP was able to help:).

	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $79 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $325 $200 Discount + $79 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	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

GMAT Online score shows "Testing Issue": Help!

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