GMAT Online - What We Know [Master Topic]

Hello,

So this is my first post on Gmat Club and I would like to thank everyone, especially the moderators at GC, for building such a helpful community which is so conducive for tackling the GMAT.
Day before yesterday I gave my first GMAT attempt which was on the Enhanced GMAT Online. The information on the new Enhanced GMAT Online is scarce as of now and that is why I wanted to post my experience here.

Starting with my score, which was a 700 (Q50 V35 IR 7 AWA 5), was lower than my expectations and I will definitely give one more attempt as my target is 760. I have not given the in-centre test yet so I cannot compare the difficulty with the in-centre test. But here are some procedural tips which might be helpful to boost your score a bit:

• My order was Verbal Quant IR AWA (which I feel I should have changed). The check-in procedure may or may not take time. In my case it took a lot of time almost 45-50 mins and when the questions start, they just pop up. This 45-50 min break might pose some problems at the start in terms getting in the flow despite of doing warmup before the quiz. So, I would suggest starting with your stronger section as getting the flow might take some time. For me, I should have started with quant as the first few questions of quant were extremely simple (first question as simple as arithmetic addition) and helped me get in the flow more.
• My very first hiccup started at the examity page where I could not see the link despite refreshing the page several times. I then got on chat support and they were reviewing it but by this time it was the time for my appointment so I refreshed the page once again and even lost the chat support. As a last ditch measure, I closed everything, logged back on the GMAT site and there in future appointments I saw the launch exam link which led me to the examity page with the connect to proctor link.
• The proctor was super friendly and helpful and answered all my queries right from the stupidest things.
• A debrief that I had read initially said that his proctor monitored him on zoom so having it installed a priori might be helpful. But for me the software was different. Although as the setup file was very light, the installation didn’t take much time. It has an interface similar to that of any other video calling application, so you won’t face any problems there. However, one big change that I feel with the Enhanced GMAT is that you can talk to your proctor if you want, rather than sending him a text thus making everything faster and clearer. All of the procedure will be orally dictated by the proctor. This includes verifying your identity to showing your room and surroundings.
• You will be asked to take a photo of your PC (both front side and back side) so you might require your phone for that. You don’t have to upload the photo anywhere but just show the phone screen through your webcam to the proctor.
• My check-in process might have taken some time due to the ambiguity of the rules as initially the proctor was okay having my phone in the same room (although in a cupboard), but later asked me to put it outside the room.
• Although the site says that drivers license etc would be okay, I suggest you have your passport with you, as in my case I had to go out of the room and fetch my passport despite of having my driver’s license and aadhar card with me which was already linked.
• But rest assured the proctors are really supportive and will make you feel at ease (this was at least in my case :p)
• The optional breaks are 8 mins each which are inclusive of the time required to show your whiteboard twice (once before getting up and once after coming back) and show your room and area under the desk. This process requires somewhere close to 2 mins so I suggest you plan your break accordingly
• You can have even two water bottles with you on the condition that they must be clear. One of my bottles had a label so he asked me to remove it. In one bottle I had an energy drink so it is not necessary that it must have water only as long as the bottle is clear.
• An important tip is regarding the camera positioning. The proctor will ask you to come back in frame the moment you start swaying away from it (which generally happens as we take notes or lower our head to think). So, keep your camera position such that you will be in frame despite of these movements (the farther the better).
• You can have the air-conditioner remote in the same room but not in an arm’s reach and can use it only in the breaks to change the temperature.
• The score flashes as soon as you are done with the AWA but you cant write it down. My report was up on the official website in around 5-6 hours.
• In case the connection breaks, the secure browser will shut down with your progress saved. You can reconnect to the internet and join back. (This is what at least the proctor told me)
• I suggest no matter what question or action, run it through the proctor by calling out for him. They are very prompt in addressing it.



In terms of prep I would score around a Q50-51 in all tests and V37-45. One major difference that I felt while attempting the GMAT was the level of the questions, especially in quant. After the 15-16th question or so there will barely be any question where you will be able to recover time. Almost all questions will require around 2 mins to solve. Some might even have really big question stems. Hence, time management is extremely critical, especially at the start.

Also I had a question, is it possible for me to order the ESR for the GMAT Online? If yes, how can I do it?

All the information that I shared was my experience, so I would suggest you to cross check, if you have any doubts, with the necessary authorities.

That being said, I wish you all best of luck for your GMAT and your future endeavours and hope you get the dream score that you want!

Thanks and Regards
Kidbeat