GMAT Online - What We Know [Master Topic]

Hi immensitas,

It can sometimes take up to a couple of weeks for the AWA from a Test Center-based GMAT to be graded, so it's possible that what you're looking at is NOT actually an Official Score Report for your recent At-home GMAT. An AWA of 0 would typically mean that you 'skipped' the Essay; assuming that you actually did write the Essay, it's possible that you either did not properly 'submit' your Essay at the end of the AWA section or that there was an technical error and it wasn't submitted (even though you wrote it and attempted to submit it). If the Essay-grading team simply hasn't gotten to your Essay yet, then you might not have anything to worry about - but if you still see a 0 for your AWA in a few days, then you should reach out to Customer Support to ask.

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

Just sharing my experience, I took the GMAT online yesterday. I took it on an internet connection with 40 Mbps speed as tested on fast.com. During the test I had zero glitches, and I had a really kind proctor. I seem to be in the minority here with a smooth experience, but I do think maybe the internet speed might play some role in it?

On the other hand, I got a 730 on the online exam, while was getting 740, 760 and 760 on mocks. I did find the quant questions more difficult than the mocks, and froze on some questions as I had no idea how to answer.

Hello guys.
I took GMAT online on 17 July and although I had some technical issues (i.e. Verbal froze twice, restarted my PC twice etc), I confirmed with Examity that my exam was successfully completed. (The auditor have already approved my exam.)
However, my account status classifies my attempt as a "technical error". Have anyone experienced the same issue? I emailed Customercare but no reply so far. I am still waiting for the official score report, but I’m a bit worried GMAC might cancel my score.

Many thanks.

Yep, this was the exact issue that I faced. Also, since my mac was fully locked and out of my control, you won't even be able to change the wifi unless you reboot your system.
For this reason, I found a quiet spot in my house where my 4g network was consistent in my mobile and unchecked "connect automatically" for my home wifi. I took my exam while being connected to the mobile hotspot data.
And thank the lord that I did that! My roommates who were on the upper floor mentioned to me later after the exam that, because of rains, the wifi network was going crazy and was randomly going off. Although everyone may not face these issues, this is something definitely worth considering.

Hello Everyone,
I have a query... Can we order ESR for GMAT Enhanced online?
MBA.com shows that ESR code cannot be applied for online exams... Just want to make sure before I make the purchase..

1) yes

2) yes

3) No, you just have to be visible on the camera...not necessarily looking at it

Posted from my mobile device

It's a popular misconception that you have to look directly at the camera / computer screen the entire time you are taking the GMAT online: of course it's not possible to do so if you plan on taking any notes using your permitted whiteboard, block eraser, and dry-erase markers.

Nearly every GMAT test-taker will need to look away from the screen from time to time to take notes, or even just to give their eyes a rest due to "screen fatigue." The key is that the test-taker's face stays fully on screen at all times (I recommend pushing your screen / webcam as far back as possible for this reason), and that their eye movements follow a predictable pattern.

In addition to the human proctors, AI software is also used to your eye movement during the proctoring video for any signs of suspicious activity, so try not to look around too much: my first GMAT online attempt was cancelled due to my "looking off screen" before the exam had even begun!

If your eyes need a rest, but you don't want to risk looking away from the screen, then I suggest looking at the wall directly above and behind your camera. This technique is especially helpful during the test check-in process, when you are on camera and must follow all test rules, but the exam has not started yet.



Source: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-online/p ... y-measures

Hi SubhamRanjan99,

Most test takers don't face any major issues. I say that on the basis of a relatively small sample (my own students), so I may be wrong.

mcelroytutoring Yes, I believe they are still quite prevalent. My friend wasted 2 of his attempts because of the technical issues. In his second attempt, he could not even start the test. These were of mid August.

I also gave my test online on 27th August. I also faced lag in each of my section. But luckily, it wasn’t a lot. At max a minute per section. But in AWA, it really annoyed me. It hung at least 10 times in AWA, for 5-6 second each time. It really broke the flow.
But I guess I was lucky that I finished every section satisfactorily, I doubt that would be the case with everyone. Better to go for offline if possible.
Also, my internet speed was more than enough, I even used a lan cable. My laptop was new only and had minimal softwares on it. So I made sure there will not be an issue from my side. Even then there was some lag. It’s probably because of the secure browser software.

Posted from my mobile device

Sir I recently gave GMAT Online on 7th Sept 2021 and faced no issues . There was no single glitch. My wifi speed is 40 MBPs. Important is to have internet with strong network and good speed. Also I purchased laptop in Feb 21 as per latest configurations and majority of space in processor is unoccupied.

My entire process was smooth except during Quants section end phase wherein my proctor told me once to sit little more down on chair as my face was not visible on webcam properly once due to my height. Having said that there were no technical glitches. This was just a one off thing.

Thanks for your feedback, yasharoraa and vasuca10!

It's nice to hear some positive stories in addition to the horror tales. I will say, however, that I have heard about these lag problems even from private students with super-fast internet connections, so I don't think one's connection speed is entirely to blame. Rather, it appears to be somewhat "luck of the draw" as to whether you experience any lags or other technological challenges during your GMAT online.

Thus, given the GMAT online's continued lack of an ESR option, along with its infamous reputation for technological hurdles, overly strict exam security, and lag issues, and the overall unpredictability of its content—especially on Quant—my advice for my private GMAT students remains the same: take the test-center GMAT if at all possible.

I agree with you. It appears to be a " luck of the draw". The first time I attempted the GMAT Online (enhanced), I faced no lags at all. But, my second attempt was horrible! I used the same system and the same wired internet connection for both the attempts. I had no issues with my internet speed. Even after reading so many instances of lagging, I scheduled my second attempt for the GMAT online, because I had no issues in my first attempt. Nothing had changed from my side. But, still the second attemtp was not a pleasant one.
So, after terminating my second attempt I secheduled a third attempt using the vouched code I had recieved from GMAC. This time I used a new laptop with the same wired internet connection. This attempt was little better. Although there were cosiderable lags, I went ahead with the test.But, it got worst as soon as started the AWA section. As I started typing, the cursor would stop responding for 10 to 15 seconds and then again start responding, and the timer kept on going all the while. The proctor took ten minutes to respond to my calls. And after seeing the issuse, even he could do nothing about it. I was not able to type even 100 words in the 30 minutes.
I have requested GMAC to cancel my attempt and let me take the test centre GMAT. Lets see.

I feel that even if I gave your their personal details, home addresses, and all other information that I obviously do not have, it still not be enough

Hi Aditya9270,

I don't think this will be an issue. Try not to bring it up though.

All the best!

Changes Coming to GMAT Online on Oct 20, 2021

Just announced by GMAC:

• You can take GMAT Online up to 8 times (all attempts can be online)
• Up to 5 attempts in a 12-month period
• GMAT Fees going up in some markets
• Online Test will be limited to 5 free score reports, additional will cost $35, just like the traditional GMAT

We continue to focus on enhancing the exam experience and supporting your application goals.


Beginning October 20, 2021, the number of times you can take the GMAT™ exam delivered online will increase. Online exam attempts will continue to count toward your overall GMAT™ exam attempt limits – 5 in a rolling 12-month period and 8 in a lifetime. You can take all of your exam attempts at a test center or online, or a combination of both – the choice is yours!

Effective October 20, 2021, the price of new, online appointments for the GMAT™ exam will be updated to align with test center appointment pricing. See the GMAT™ Location-Specific Pricing page for pricing in your location.


Starting October 20, 2021, the GMAT™ exam delivered online will include 5 free score reports. Once your official GMAT™ online score is made available via mba.com, your 5 free score reports must be used within 48 hours. Additional score reports can be purchased for US$35 each. For any exam taken on or after October 20, 2021, this new score sending policy will apply.


Takeaway: if you are ready, take the test before the 20th. This will provide you with unlimited GMAT score reports which will save money if you apply to more than 5 schools. However, don't just rush to take it.




You can also see the original confusing email to the US test-takers here:

The email I saw seemed to suggest that as of October 20th the number of possible online attempts was increasing. The wording was ambiguous and I don't see the info on mba.com, but it implied that all 5 attempts could be taken online as of Oct 20th. Does anyone know if that is correct? And does anyone know what that would mean for retakes? I am assuming the ability to take the online test and in-person test less than 16 days apart is going to be eliminated, but maybe not if the online test is still going to be treated as a separate exam with a separate question pool?

Hi bb

For the aspirants who appear for GMAT Online before 20th Oct '21, do they get only 2 online attempts in total or they have 6 more such attempts even though they have appeared for 2 Online GMAT's before 20th Oct '21?