PC configuration for GMAT Online

Question

HI.
I urgently need some help regarding PC configuration for GMAT Online. As per the guidelines "Mac OS 10.14 – 12.2.1 (MAC OS 10.13 and below and MAC OS above 12.2.1 are not compatible). " 
My computer's specification is : MacBook Air (M1, 2020) , mac OS monterey,Version 12.5.1. Will this not work?? I could successfully download the software and install it though.

bb · Answer

Granted that technical requirements may regularly change and there could be modifications to the software that may happen any day, I have not seen any issues with people using more advanced operating systems than what was provided in the specifications.

Even immediately when the online version of the test came up and you could take the GMAT online, people immediately had questions with the latest Big Sur version of the operating system. Supposedly it was not supported but it worked just fine.

As long as you can download the software and pass a test for your computer, you should be fine. You mentioned that you have downloaded it, have you done a test of the system?

In the worst case scenario, which is unlikely, if the test does fail for a technical reason, with a bit of nagging and complaining, you will be able to retake the test without having to pay.

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

Personally, I find a lot of the requirements confusing or unenforceable. For example, The official requirements do not allow the use of a hotspot for the GMAT online. Why? We do not know but this rule is not enforced and it clearly is impossible to enforce it since it’s impossible to figure out how the Internet is provided.

Second, you’re not allowed to wear headphones when taking the test online. If you have a desktop, and you don’t have speakers in your monitor, it makes it pretty tricky.

You cannot use external monitors but they work if your laptop lid is closed. 🤷‍♂️ Seems like a list of rules that should’ve been recommendations rather than absolutes.

Posted from my mobile device

Athena22 · Answer

HI Evan! I downloaded and tested the Lockdown Browser OEM software and it ran just smoothly ( not a single issue). I think GMAC has not updated the specifications in that case. Honestly, I don't really understand the rationale behind most of these restrictions, especially the hotspot thing, its so much better to rely on it when you don't have a reliable wifi connection. And thanks for your tips, I'll keep them in mind (especially the nagging and bargaining one

)

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Great to hear! Good luck with your exam.

bb · Answer

Did it work for you? Someone else is having the same question…. I assume it was OK?

Posted from my mobile device

Athena22 · Answer

Hi Evan...I also mailed the team asking for the same reassurance and to my horror, they replied that my PC won't be compatible, so I had to arrange for a second laptop just a day before...Surprisingly, my Macbook with advanced configuration worked fine. Two deductions from my online experience with regard to PC config and why one must not be swayed by what is explicitly mentioned on the website:

1) Probably GMAC hasn't updated the config on the website so what one really needs to ensure is that the lockdown browser is successfully installed in the system and specifically displays 'ready' in each of its subfields.
2) If one has a slightly advanced config, it is good to go...but if one opts to go for a retake, just as I am planning to, I would not advise further upgrades at least before one is really done with the GMAT.

Hope it helps.

bb · Answer

Thank you! It does!

P.S. GMAC also responded to the other person and said "try" without confirming or denying and it seems to be working just fine so just as you said, seems like it is an old requirement that is outdated but causes confusion.

The other data point:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-online- ... l#p3077216

PMitchell · Answer

Hi guys ! 
I know this thread is a little bit old, but I need some help.
I run a macbook air M1 on macOS Sonoma 14.0.
Of course (I mean, in the sense that it would be too easy if it worked instantly), the lockdown browser does install, but I can't open it (it shut downs instantly). So I'm afraid it won't work on test day.
I see that the lockdown browser version that the GMAC requires us to download (can't put links... it's on the page "taking the exam online" with system requirements, ID requirements, etc.)
is not the latest one, it's v12.1.1.00 and since then, the software provider updated it to v12.1.1.07, compatible with macOS Sonoma 14.
I've emailed GMAC about that issue, waiting on their feedback.

Has anyone here been able to run a GMAT Online on macOS 14 Sonoma ?

Thanks a lot,

Stan

bb · Answer

GMAC has changed their secure browsers a few times as they have updated the software/security sometimes making updates compatible with the latest OS versions.

Silly question - the test to check your system - does it pass/fail? or it does not start because of the secure browser?

PMitchell · Answer

So, it's all good on Chrome, but on Safari the "operating system" says "Not Ready". And under the secure browser it says "Secure Browser: This page does not check for installation of the secure browser. If you have not already installed the secure browser, please follow the instructions under "System Requirements" here."

Update: GMAC support people just informed me (well, it's already said on their website actually), that it won't work on macOS 14, so I need to find another computer....
I don't understand, since the latest version of the lockdown browser  does work  on macOS 14 (I have tried with a link I found on a university website).

bb · Answer

Wow. That was a very fast reply from them but not surprising. They will only tell you what is written on their website….

Usually if you attempt to test and you have a technical difficulty, they will allow you to reschedule for free but in this case if you attempt to test without meeting technical requirements they may be stickers about it…

I searched around for other reports since the same software is used for many other online examinations but I haven’t done anyone to find a solution yet.

Posted from my mobile device

PMitchell · Answer

Thanks for your help. I'm quite confident that once they'll update the browser they send to GMAT takers to the latest version, it will work fine. But you know it's a big machine/administration, can't expect them to be flexible or whatsoever, I understand. as you rightfuly said, If I don't meet tech requirements, I'm not going to play with fire ! 
Let's hope it will work on my wife's computer ! I'll find a solution, not too worried.
Thanks again !

nivivacious · Answer

Hey  PMitchell  : I have an M2 running on 14.1.1 - the system requirements say, it works.
But as for secure lockdown browser, it installed without any issues, but it does not open. Says needs a link from another browser
Would you happen to know if this Mac would be compatible + Chrome? My alternate is windows - will check system requirements on that as well, but its a touchscreen laptop.. Any insight would help a lot!

PMitchell · Answer

Hey Nivivacious ! 
Thanks for your reply. After I read your message, I've updated my mac to 14.1.1, and now it works. I mean, the software launches, and it also says that it needs a link from another browser. I think it's the regular way things work: once comes test day, you click on your exam link on safari or chrome, and it launches LockDown browser. can someone confirm ?
Now the only thing i wonder if all the rest will still work properly? I've read here and there and some people had trouble having their camera work properly on test day, despite the system check says it's all good.

Anyone around here who had a 100% working Online GMAT with a M1 or M2 mac on Sonoma (masOS 14+ ?)

Thanks

nivivacious · Answer

Same query - I have mailed them as well. But unsure of their quick response.
The lockdown browser OEM mentions the same: Need to open this link from another browser (This is on Mac Air M2, 14.1.1)
My secondary laptop is Lenovo Yoga 6 : The lockdown browser actually opens here. But this laptop is a dual one (touch + keyboard) so I don't know if this is allowed (passes system requirements check)
Again mailed all this to them - but nervous about their response time.

bb  Will your comment on this post, help with reach for this topic? Or would you know? We both would appreciate any inputs from anyone who has successfully done so.

PMitchell · Answer

Hi Everyone !

Everything worked well on my Macbook Air M1 running on Sonoma 14.1.1 .
Actually, my internet connexion broke down two times (1 during Quant and 1 during Verbal), which disturbed me quite a lot actually, but the proctor was each time very nice and permitted me to continue the test.

Cheers !

Ria256 · Answer

How do you all deal with the chances of the internet going down? What are your strategies for a simultaneous backup internet connection? I'm a mac user, considering taking the test online.

bb · Answer

Do you know why the connection broke? Was that on your side or the GMAT side?

Posted from my mobile device

PMitchell · Answer

So, I have no solution for you. Actually, if you never encountered internet issues at home, you should not be too worried. Maybe have your phone ready with the possibility to share your connexion if the electricity goes down ? Otherwise I don't know.

It was on my side. My internet connexion has been unstable for several weeks now, but there is nothing I can do. Sometimes I can have a full day with no interruption, sometimes not... I can't blame these interruption for my lack of performance, but still, I lost focus, and after the first one, I knew at any moment it could re-occur anytime... and it occurred...

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