Online GMAT vs. in-center GMAT

Hi All,

I'm writing this post to share my experience between the online and the in-center GMAT. (Waited to get my official score report before posting)

TLDR:
If you have the option to take it in person, I strongly urge you to do so. I think the online GMAT scoring algorithm is fundamentally different (in a worse way) than that of the in-person test.

Mocks:
My official mock scores (OGMAT) ranged from 700-730 (5 mocks, strict exam conditions)

Online Test:
When I took the test, I thought I did really well. BUT, I actually scored a 640 on my GMAT online. My verbal dropped from a V38-42 to a V31. Quant score stayed relatively the same.

In Center Test:
I took the GMAT in an exam center one week after my online GMAT. During that time, I barely studied. My score jumped by 80 points (overall score was in-line with my practice tests). Score breakdown (Q47/V41/IR8/AWA5 --- 720)

Additional Info:
(1) I thought I performed much better in the online GMAT vs. the in-center exam, but my score in the online GMAT was 80 points lower.

(2) I was much more nervous/jumpy during my in-center exam. I had my lowest quant score across all practice tests as a result (quant is usually my bread and butter). I had to reset myself during the break, and actually took ~9 minutes to regroup! I lost ~1.5 mins of my verbal section, but still managed to score 10(!!) points higher than the online GMAT (V31--->V41). Very odd.

Conclusion:
If you are able to take the GMAT in person, I would highly recommend you do so. I think the online GMAT is scored differently than the in-center GMAT.

I hope this helps.

Please message me directly if you have any questions. Always happy to help

Good luck to all.

-KatSihm