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I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT...

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meshackb
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I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   05 May 2015, 16:04
I've read the OG and what it says about what to expect on test day, but I have some questions that weren't answered and I haven't found answers anywhere else. Hopefully someone with some test experience can answer these

The AWA, is it typed or handwritten? I'm assuming typed, since the rest of the test is typed but I just want to be sure.

I usually like to hand-write my notes on essays of that format. Do they give you a scratch pad for this part of the test?

What is the deal with the scratch pads? Do you only get one for the whole test? Are you limited to one per section?

Some of the things I've read about what you can bring with you are confusing. GMAC says no personal items, but read something somewhere that suggested ear plugs are ok. I was planning to bring earplugs... are they ok to bring?

Breaks. I assume people will finish sections more or less around the same time. Does that mean there is a rush of people getting in and out of the testing room?

Also, what if people do not finish sections at the same time, or if you finish early for example? Is everyone on the same clock for the test, or does each individual have their own timer?
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I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   05 May 2015, 16:57
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The AWA, is it typed or handwritten? I'm assuming typed, since the rest of the test is typed but I just want to be sure.
Typed indeed

I usually like to hand-write my notes on essays of that format. Do they give you a scratch pad for this part of the test?
The only thing you will have is the scratch pad and you will get this at the beginning of the test

What is the deal with the scratch pads? Do you only get one for the whole test? Are you limited to one per section?
Scratch pad is 10 pages, if you run out raise your hand and they will give you another one

Some of the things I've read about what you can bring with you are confusing. GMAC says no personal items, but read something somewhere that suggested ear plugs are ok. I was planning to bring earplugs... are they ok to bring?
Yep you can bring your earplugs

Breaks. I assume people will finish sections more or less around the same time. Does that mean there is a rush of people getting in and out of the testing room?
Depends on the test center, you should visit yours to find out how big it is, for example the one I went to usually only have 4-5 people doing the test at the same time.

Also, what if people do not finish sections at the same time, or if you finish early for example? Is everyone on the same clock for the test, or does each individual have their own timer?
Each computer is timed individually and the timer starts when you start the test. You might end at different time depending on how fast you complete your test compared to your peers that is doing it at the same time.

Hope this helps!
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   05 May 2015, 17:23
Ok, thanks for the reply. Just to clarify one thing... if you run out of space on the scratch pad you get a new one. So does that mean I don't need to worry about how much space I take up per problem? In my practicing, worrying about how much space I take up solving a problem ads just a bit of stress and increases the chance of making mistakes. I'd rather not have that stress, but if I need to I will continue practice getting problems done with limited space.
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   05 May 2015, 17:29
Yes and no, technically you have no restriction in terms of how big you write, but I mean if you use 1 whole page per question that means every 10 question you will have to ask for a new notepad, that will be a big distraction to actually doing your GMAT.

Therefore my advice for you is to go and buy a scratch pad that mimic the test one (they are exactly the same) and practice and plan what space is going to be used for what.

For example, one might use the first 4 pages for Math, remaining for verbal etc. Divide accordingly to how big you write and how much space you want to use. This effort is more of planning than anything else.
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   09 May 2015, 23:18
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The best approach with the scratch pad is to swap it out at the breaks. (You may need to replace a bad pen, too.) Unless you use a lot of space, 10 pages should be enough to get you through a section. Otherwise, you have to raise your hand to get a new pad--not the end of the world, but not something you want to do unnecessarily.
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I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   11 May 2015, 11:27
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I think I've read about people bringing their own earplugs to the test center, but my understanding is that it's not supposed to be permitted - the official GMAC response here:

says 3. You cannot bring ear plugs with you to the exam. Test centers should have ear plugs as well as noise cancelling headphones that they can provide you with. You may want to contact your test center in advance of your appointment to ensure they will have some in stock.

And test centers administer several different tests, so everyone in your room will be on a different time table, and some won't be taking the GMAT at all. You'll be free to take your break whenever you complete your section.
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   13 May 2015, 17:55
One other question, as long as this thread is still getting traffic. How do you know how long your break is? No watches or phones are allowed. Do you have to mentally guess when your 8 minutes are up?
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   13 May 2015, 23:48
meshackb wrote:
One other question, as long as this thread is still getting traffic. How do you know how long your break is? No watches or phones are allowed. Do you have to mentally guess when your 8 minutes are up?

Is it confirmed that "watches" are not allowed inside? I looked at the following link:

https://www.mba.com/india/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/plan-for-test-day/gmat-administration-rules.aspx

It says that "watch calculators" are not allowed, but does not say anything about "watches". So, perhaps analog watches are allowed, not digital. Can someone confirm?
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   14 May 2015, 11:48
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Hi meshackb & sukanyar,

You are not allowed to take anything into the Computer Lab with you, not even a watch. As it stands, the Test has a count-down timer on it for each section, so you won't need a watch.

8 minutes is NOT a lot of time - and since it takes time to get in and out of the computer lab, you don't really have 8 minutes outside of the lab. That is enough time to grab a quick snack and drink and run to the bathroom, but that's about it. If you have to think about whether 8 minutes have gone by or not, then your break time is probably up and you should go back into the lab.

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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink] New post   20 May 2015, 22:58
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:
Hi meshackb & sukanyar,

You are not allowed to take anything into the Computer Lab with you, not even a watch.

This is indeed slightly surprising. I think meshackb had a valid point that in absence of a watch, it will be quite a headache if the expectation is to "guess" when 8 minutes have elapsed.

But I think what is possible is that when we are on our way out (in the break), we can pick up our watch and then put the watch back on our way in!
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Re: I have some specific questions about taking the GMAT... [#permalink]
20 May 2015, 22:58

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