Online GMAT: Internet

Question

I have been using Mobile Hotspot for my Internet requirements at home.

GMAT Online specifically prohibits the same.

Due to COVID-19 Lockdown restrictions, it is impossible to buy a new wired/ wifi connection.

Can anyone suggest what can be done? What is the criteria behind not allowing Mobile Hotspot?

bb · Answer

Hi. I was not aware of the rule prohibiting

I don’t think the proctor would know if you are using a hotspot if it is not tethered via a usb cable?

They would never know if your Wi-Fi connection is provided through satellite or a hotspot as long as you don’t have to touch your phone or have it nearby.

Posted from my mobile device

ayushkumar22941 · Answer

wifi or mobile hotspot are allowed , there is no rule mentioned by gmac prohibiting any such usage .also there is no way of gmac knowing if you are using wired connection or mobile hotspot

poojakhanduja3017 · Answer

Oh that's a good question. But yes Mobile Hotspot should be allowed. 
 The thing to take care of will be speed. Hence, I recommend you to disable all the apps to use the mobile internet so all the speed can be for the laptop. 
And put it on DND, so no one can call.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi RiseAndShinee,

Where did you find out about that particular rule?

RiseAndShinee · Answer

We recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network.

Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited.

Above as per GMAT online system requirements page. PL check.

RiseAndShinee · Answer

But it says :" explicitly prohibited" 
As per system requirements page

RiseAndShinee · Answer

GMAC might not know. I am not sure.
But there is such rule mentioned.

AdityaWahi · Answer

Hi,
Any updates in this regard? Did anyone use hotspot for giving the exam? I have my exam on 2nd and am worried if I should cancel and book a center appointment instead.

Posted from my mobile device

RiseAndShinee · Answer

Patience  AdityaWahi , I was just going to respond to your PM.

It is better not to use a mobile hotspot. Because it is prohibited. Though, they're probably not going to find out.

In my GMAT Online, I did not tether my laptop to my phone. As such for a good signal, you need to hotspot to be closer, and keeping a mobile in your arms reach is not allowed. So, it is better to use a dongle/ Mifi.

P.S.: Mifi such as those of Jio or Vodafone (writing since your name appears to be Indian, so you may be familiar) are as such hotspots run on sim card. But, they are allowed. You can buy them, they can be delivered instantly.

I guess even if you use wifi tethering to mobile phone, they will not know. But, up to you. Btw, rescheduling is free as of now if you have to.

AdityaWahi · Answer

Haha sorry. Last few days to exam and I wanted to have clarity whether to consider rescheduling or not. Thank you for your response. Mifi sounds like a good option. I'll look into that

Btw since the proctor can call me regarding any issues during the exam, I will still have to keep my mobile with me right? Posted from my mobile device

rohit1607 · Answer

Hey,  AdityaWahi  what did you use finally, your mobile hotspot or the wifi dongle and did the proctor stop you from using it? I am planning to give my gmat soon and am facing the same internet issue. Also how was your exam?

AdityaWahi · Answer

Used a wifi dongle and there were no issues. The exam was fine, haven't recieved the score yet though. Can't say much. All the best for yours

Posted from my mobile device

Vikram21 · Answer

How was your test?
Also, did you keep your phone nearby? how did the proctor connect with you?

AdityaWahi · Answer

The test went fine. Scored 690, but will mostly be retaking since I expected higher than that.
I kept my mobile in the same room, but behind me- so that if proctor would have called me, he'd have been sure that I was in contact with him only while using the phone.
Anyways, he didn't call or anything. Just sent a message in the chatbox a couple of times.
All the best for yours

Posted from my mobile device

karanbce · Answer

Hi, I too am facing failure in the internet speed test. Can you help me out?

My WiFi speed at home shows around 6-10Mbps in both upload and download on a couple of speed tests, but I am getting the error. Is this by any chance something to do with megabytes/megabits difference?

In any case, can you tell me which wifi dongle you used and what specification speed it was?

AdityaWahi · Answer

I used the Airtel My-Wifi dongle. You can check its specifications online, I don't remember them currently. However you would want to get one whose service provider works best in your location. Airtel works best where I live, it might be Jio or some other service provider for you. Good Luck!

Posted from my mobile device

karanbce · Answer

Okay great. Thanks for the info. I will have a look.

Salimbarakat · Answer

So guys let me get this straight. It is allowed to use a wifi dongle for the exam right?

Thank you,

AdityaWahi · Answer

Yes. It's is allowed to use a wifi dongle.

Posted from my mobile device

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