[Suggestions] Problem with the Dry erase pen (Marker) during the test

Question

bb ,  Bunuel ,  GMATNinja , others]

Comrades,

I have my exam next week. During my last attempt, I got frustrated while solving quants because the marker pen dried many times in between. After every few seconds, I had to put the cap back to keep the pen from drying.

Any suggestions?

1. Can an examinee ask for 3 to 4 pens?
2. Is there a way to solve the above problem? (or do everyone face it without worrying about it?)

ju9999 · Answer

Yes, you will be given three pens before you start your exam, if not provided with, do not hesitate to ask for additional pens

Posted from my mobile device

AjiteshArun · Answer

There is no rule against politely letting them know that you had a bad experience last time, and asking them for additional markers. That said, I don't know if they'll actually agree to give you 4 markers.

They should definitely give you two markers though. Make sure you test them before taking your seat. You can also ask for replacement markers after each section (this is something that they're supposed to do without being asked).

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

In addition to what has been said, just make sure to thoroughly check the markers provided, so you can ensure that you won't have the pen issues that you had on your last GMAT.

Good luck!

cool16 · Answer

SpiritualYoda

I had the very same problem during my last test . Although invigilator gave me 4 markers but all of them had the same issue . they were getting dry in 2-3 minutes ,had to rub a lot of time during the exam in quant section in between test.

I want to know how did your gmat go? Also how did you tackle this problem , ( PS my test center was jaipur Center = terrible experience)

rbonito · Answer

I was very disappointed with this variable. I took at a test center in NYC and the pen drying up was a very real issue for me. I also noticed the amount of pressure you put on the pen affected (I had to write alot more delicate than I was used to resulting in sloppier than normal handwriting). I can think of two instances on the exam where I had to redo calcs because I couldn't read my own handwriting (never happened to me in any prep). I am taking again in a month and plan to politely explain what happened last time and ask for 3 pens. I also raised my hand a few times during my exam to get a new pen, and NOBODY NOTICED so i just kept going (i saw her phone out when I exited so I assume she was texting and not doing her job of looking at the cameras). Even when my break started, it took me a full 90 seconds of raising my hand and nobody noticing, I said screw it and got up and just walked to the exit. This was probably just a bad experience but for an exam that's really strict on rules you'd expect the test center employees to be a bit sharper.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi rbonito,

Sorry to hear how things went for you. I suggest giving the pens a real “test drive” before accepting them from the proctor. If you find any issues with the pens, just ask for some new ones prior to going to your seat.

AjiteshArun · Answer

I think you should let Pearson know about this.

Applicant22 · Answer

rbonito

Just checking if you reported to Pearson on this matter and got any response. I've struggled with the same issue on my GMAT exam attempt.

Applicant22 · Answer

Team, I have another question.

I faced a similar issue. The test markers didn't work and I did not receive the markers even after requesting them.

I accepted the score at the test center yesterday, and have lodged a case today with customer care. Should I cancel the score in the meantime or let it be? I wouldn't want to notify my target schools with a lower score.

P.S.: I scored 730 on the online attempt and 720 at the test center. Score tanked partly due to this operational issue. Hence, even if I cancel, I do have a backup.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Did you end up keeping or canceling your score?

Applicant22 · Answer

ScottTargetTestPrep

I ended up keeping my score.

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Thank you for the update.

ajay0520 · Answer

i gave test at pearson veu andheri, and everytime i stopped writing for even 10 sec the marker would dry and i had to rub it on sheet a lot only then it will start writing and again after 10 sec of pause it kept getting dried, during my exam i raised my hand asked for other markers, still the same problem with that one too, this was very much distracting for me. i think it would be better of gmat starts providing ball pen or any other substitute for the same.

bb · Answer

Hi. I do not disagree with you. Even a pencil would be better. 
However, a quick reminder that you are not the only one using the marker and it is not just yours that dries up, so we are all suffering equally (some more who get duds at the beginning), so while everyone agrees with you, at the same time, you did not get it worse than everyone else.

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[Suggestions] Problem with the Dry erase pen (Marker) during the test

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