Hi all,
Since this seems to be the thread where we can discuss the technical issues with GMAT Online, I would like to post my experience.
I've made an appointment on 5th May. As per the instructions, I sat down for the test 30mins before the scheduled start time. The check in process was relatively smooth with everything from the start of system test to beginning of the test taking less than 10 mins. One thing I noticed in the process of system test is that it didn't accept my ID for the first time and I had to retake a picture of it and submit. I was expecting a proctor to come online and have a small chat before commencing the test, but I was directed to the test without any contact with the proctor (Guess the process went smoothly enough!!)
The problem started when I was asked to press accept on a screen that asks if it is XXXXX (my name) that is taking the test. I tried selecting YES but the radio button just wouldn't get selected. I didn't care about it much and after a few seconds the radio button was on and I proceeded to the next step and began my exam.
Once I started with the test, I clicked on the Whiteboard button but nothing would show up immediately. Its still the first question and thinking that my laptop is still adjusting, I ignored the whiteboard, did some math in my head, and answered the question.
The second question really needed some work, and I had to use the text feature of the whiteboard. It is then I noticed that every action (click of the mouse, typing one key..) took about 10-15 seconds to execute. As soon as I realized this, I raised my hand and alerted the proctor...but my chat window also took a while before it popped up. Proctor asked me "How can I help you?", and then as my keyboard function is lagged too...I couldn't reply to the chat. It took about 3-4 mins for the text "My whiteboard isn't working" to appear on the chat field. I gave up on the chat window, raised both my hands and just waved at the screen asking them to stop the test or whatever.
I received a call from the proctor 15mins into the test. I explained my issue to her and after a brief description, she asked me to reboot the Mac and come back to the test app. I did as she instructed, and everything seems to work just fine now.
I asked her if she could reset the timer or the test as a whole, but since I had already seen a couple of questions, she isn't allowed to reset the test. There was no way I could have completed 29 questions in 40 minutes of the test, so asked her to file a complaint under technical difficulties.
The proctor mentioned that I should just close the test browser, and that I would receive a reply from Pearson with a voucher/code for the retest in 2-5 days. Its definitely been longer than that but going through other comments, I guess I may have to wait a little longer before I hear from them.
After waiting for so long to take the test and be over with it, cancelling the test just right in the beginning kinda sucks!