Pens and Notepads at test centers

Question

For those you have taken the actual exam, are you allowed to request additional pads and pens on test day, prior to the exam or do they only give you one pad and pen?

mohater · Answer

You get one of each at a time. If you fill up a booklet/pen stops working, you request another from the test proctor.

shs0145 · Answer

Wait....I thought you got an erasable board? I didn't think you received actual real notepads and pens?

Top5Gun · Answer

That's what it is...an erasable notepad

jko · Answer

i asked for and was given an extra pen on test day.

in my experience, each notepad has significantly more space than i could ever imagine using during the course of a single exam.

MDF · Answer

Definitely ask for an extra pen. It can be a huge hassle to get another pen if yours runs out of ink.

This happened to be the first time I took the GMAT, I couldn't find the proctor and lost at least 60 seconds looking for him to request a new pen. After this happened, I took the GMAT a few other times, and requesting an extra pen at the start of the test was never a problem.

As far as the notebook, I would get a fresh notebook at the start of each section. But for most people, one fresh notebook should be adequate per section. I had a page or two left at the end of both the quant and verbal section. Just make sure to practice writing in an organized manner.

Also, if you need silence -- like I do -- they'll have ear plugs available if you request them from the proctor. This is another item that I requested more of at the start of each section.

abhicoolmax · Answer

2 questions:
1. So you get paper notebook or erasable board?
2. I have started using ear plugs while solving problems to get used to it - as I kind of freak out with the silence. But I also get distracted with the street noise. So best option for me is to start using ear plugs. BUT MY QUESTION:- Can I take mine with me? As I am getting used to this particular kind of ear plugs that I have been using.

MDF · Answer

You get a dry erase board + dry erase marker(s), but don't expect to do any erasing as you'll have nothing to erase with.

And you can't take  anything  of your own into the test center except your ID. So you cannot bring your own earplugs, pens, or even gum into the room with you. I actually brought my own earplugs and asked the proctor about this when I took the test but he reaffirmed that nothing of my own was allowed.

You'll have to ask for and use their pre-packaged earplugs if you want to use earplugs. But really, don't sweat it, they do the trick, especially if you keep changing them out after each section.

abhicoolmax · Answer

Thanks a lot MDF for the info. I ordered these https://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Ultimate-S ... roduct_top earplugs to simulate the same experience of the test day. Could you please tell me if that's what I expect in the test center? I hate the big ones as they make me feel suffocated. Secondly, does anybody know if I can order the earsable scratch pad for practice from anywhere? Does anybody sell them? Thanks.

abhicoolmax · Answer

I found https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... verqui-20/ Can somebody please tell me if that's what we get in the test center?

MDF · Answer

I would say the earplugs look more like this: https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-LPF ... 94&sr=8-16

But I've used both those and hearos and their both equally effective imo.

and yes, that is the same dry erase booklet and market that you'll get on test day.

abhicoolmax · Answer

Thanks again MDF for your responses. Last question, I swear

- Are these ear plugs different from hearos? If I continue practicing with hearos till my GMAT day, do you think it would feel any different on the test day with the ones provided at the test center?

MDF · Answer

The earplugs they give you are a little softer than hearos--probably even easier on the ear--but I highly doubt that the difference would be noticeable enough to throw you off. For the most part, earplugs are earplugs, and the test center is already relatively quiet. The only noise is the clicking of keyboards and people quietly entering/exiting the room, and the earplugs they give you will block out 100% of any noise.

ilya.b · Answer

Sorry if I misread your response but I am a little puzzled about this. Does the erasable board have many pages in it? My handwriting is really bad, and I am used to a thin 0.5mm pencil and regular paper. I am a little scared that I may have issues with the erasable (or in fact non-erasable as there is nothing to erase with) board. I have just ordered amazon com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979017580/cabinfeverqui-20/ in a hope that it will help to overcome the writing challenge. Have you seen this thing? If so, is it the same one you get on the exam day? Thanks in advance. P.S. I am not allowed to post URLs yet and that's why the link is awkward

GMATLA · Answer

This is the best "Scratchpad" on the market: https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GMAT-Si ... 0979017580 Almost exactly the same as test day booklet.

Also, I went to the testing center twice, and each time they had DIFFERENT ear plugs. They were significantly different. So I would advise you to get used to all types of earplugs if you believe this will be an issue for you. IF they are giving you a headache, try not to push them so far into your ears. They don't have to be deep in there to block out enough noise to help.

As far as the pen you receive, it is a very fine tip WET Erase pen. This means you can't just wipe it away with a tissue. If you press hard with your finger right after you put something down, you should be able to use ur finger as a little eraser. I would recommend that everyone purchases a scratch pad, b/c it is definitely different then a pen and paper. Please read my other tips here: 10-tips-to-improve-your-score-app-with-no-extra-studying-124393.html to get a leg up on your competition.

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