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headofthetable
Joined: 25 Jan 2021
Last visit: 07 Dec 2024
Posts: 242
Given Kudos: 693
Location: India
Schools: INSEAD Jan'24 intake (II) Cornell '25 (A)
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V44
Products:
Updated on: 19 Aug 2021, 11:34
Originally posted by headofthetable on 18 Aug 2021, 23:28.
Last edited by headofthetable on 19 Aug 2021, 11:34, edited 3 times in total.
Last edited by headofthetable on 19 Aug 2021, 11:34, edited 3 times in total.
Kudos
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Dear GC community,
I have had the experience of taking the exam in both modes – physical center and online. This is a post to alleviate the fear of test-takers who are contemplating taking the test online. Allow me to share both the experiences and this might help you decide between the two modes.
PHYSICAL CENTRE – 14th July – 710 (V36/Q50)
I was scheduled to take the test at 9.30 AM at Pearson New Delhi. There were no network interruptions but I was not at ease in that environment. Before entering the testing room, I was asked to empty my pockets, turn inside out my mask, get my glasses scanned, pat myself to satisfy the proctors that I wasn’t carrying any study material etc. I understand that all this is important, but these checks added to my burgeoning stress levels.
I started my quant section late by 60 seconds as I was made to undergo the comprehensive security check again. I didnt realize how much time I could afford in my break (silly me).
ONLINE EXAM – 15th August – 720 (V39/Q49)
I decided to go for the GMAT online exam based upon one theme only – stress management. GMAT essentially is testing us to solve problems in a timed manner. There is zero scope for anxiety or stress in those 3 hours.
I started practicing on the white board and made plans to avoid network interruptions on test day. Overall, the experience was smooth and I recommend everyone to opt for the online exam. I could practice a few questions a hour before the exam and this way my mind was ready for the upcoming battle. I meditated (recommend headspace app) for 20 mins just before the exam link opened up.
I used Lenovo Slimpad laptop (8GB ram/256SSD hard disk). I used a wired Ethernet connection and had an internet connection with a speed of 250 MBPS.
Check in was smooth and the test started around 11.35 AM. I had no interruptions until the AWA section. I was logged out unexpectedly and the Procter didn't respond for 5 minutes. However, I didn’t lose any time and could resume from where I left.
Overall, I had a pleasant test-taking experience – unfortunately, I didn’t get my target score.
My target score is a 760 and I need some time off before I give my re-re-take. I got b/w 740-770 in my 6 official mocks but I am not able to replicate this performance in the actual test. Anyways, the journey continues!
Difficulty levels in ONLINE and PHYSICAL CENTRE modes
I felt RCs were longer in the online test but SC and CR questions were of the same level. Quant was similar in difficulty and as I dropped a point (Q50 to Q49) - I must have done avoidable mistakes.
I promise to share a detailed post after my retake in Sept/October. I took the e-GMAT course for my preparation and I whole heartedly endorse their offering. Its the best product - especially for a non-native! Make sure to attempt all their mock tests.
The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory..
Setup related points
I bought the following to be exam ready
USB type C- to - ethernet adaptor – TP link
Ethernet cable – pick length as per requirement - Bluerigger CAT 6
Fine tip markets - Expo DryErease Finetip and MUNGYO Power Line Marker
A whiteboard as per allowed specs
PS – Do not apply too much force while writing on the whiteboard orelse the marker’s tip will become bold and defeat the purpose of buying a fine tip marker
I have had the experience of taking the exam in both modes – physical center and online. This is a post to alleviate the fear of test-takers who are contemplating taking the test online. Allow me to share both the experiences and this might help you decide between the two modes.
PHYSICAL CENTRE – 14th July – 710 (V36/Q50)
I was scheduled to take the test at 9.30 AM at Pearson New Delhi. There were no network interruptions but I was not at ease in that environment. Before entering the testing room, I was asked to empty my pockets, turn inside out my mask, get my glasses scanned, pat myself to satisfy the proctors that I wasn’t carrying any study material etc. I understand that all this is important, but these checks added to my burgeoning stress levels.
I started my quant section late by 60 seconds as I was made to undergo the comprehensive security check again. I didnt realize how much time I could afford in my break (silly me).
ONLINE EXAM – 15th August – 720 (V39/Q49)
I decided to go for the GMAT online exam based upon one theme only – stress management. GMAT essentially is testing us to solve problems in a timed manner. There is zero scope for anxiety or stress in those 3 hours.
I started practicing on the white board and made plans to avoid network interruptions on test day. Overall, the experience was smooth and I recommend everyone to opt for the online exam. I could practice a few questions a hour before the exam and this way my mind was ready for the upcoming battle. I meditated (recommend headspace app) for 20 mins just before the exam link opened up.
I used Lenovo Slimpad laptop (8GB ram/256SSD hard disk). I used a wired Ethernet connection and had an internet connection with a speed of 250 MBPS.
Check in was smooth and the test started around 11.35 AM. I had no interruptions until the AWA section. I was logged out unexpectedly and the Procter didn't respond for 5 minutes. However, I didn’t lose any time and could resume from where I left.
Overall, I had a pleasant test-taking experience – unfortunately, I didn’t get my target score.
My target score is a 760 and I need some time off before I give my re-re-take. I got b/w 740-770 in my 6 official mocks but I am not able to replicate this performance in the actual test. Anyways, the journey continues!
Difficulty levels in ONLINE and PHYSICAL CENTRE modes
I felt RCs were longer in the online test but SC and CR questions were of the same level. Quant was similar in difficulty and as I dropped a point (Q50 to Q49) - I must have done avoidable mistakes.
I promise to share a detailed post after my retake in Sept/October. I took the e-GMAT course for my preparation and I whole heartedly endorse their offering. Its the best product - especially for a non-native! Make sure to attempt all their mock tests.
The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory..
Setup related points
I bought the following to be exam ready
USB type C- to - ethernet adaptor – TP link
Ethernet cable – pick length as per requirement - Bluerigger CAT 6
Fine tip markets - Expo DryErease Finetip and MUNGYO Power Line Marker
A whiteboard as per allowed specs
PS – Do not apply too much force while writing on the whiteboard orelse the marker’s tip will become bold and defeat the purpose of buying a fine tip marker
19 Aug 2021, 09:58
Kudos
Bookmarks
Nice suggestions and comparison between test center and online modes of GMAT exam !
headofthetable
