Score canceled for using noteboard during breaks

Question

Hello all,

I just received a notification from Pearson VUE, 2 months after I took the exam, canceling my scores (710 Q48 V40) due to noteboard usage during the break. 
I contacted the test center and they told that it is not against the norms to use noteboard during the break, and they filled a case against Pearson VUE. Reviewing the GMAT Handbook and all other relevant rules I have not found anything either.

The only somewhat related rule I found is that you are not allow to use any prohibited item (e.g., phone, books, etc.) during the exam or during the breaks. However, if the noteboard was to fall in this "banned items repository" everyone would have their scores canceled because they would be using it during the test... ?

Does anyone know where specifically is it prohibited to write on the noteboard during the break?

Has someone had a similar experience?

Thank you,

Princ · Answer

emmmv

Sorry to hear that,
I hope it does not affect your applications.
They should have told you earlier.

Md231 · Answer

This is quite scary. I heard a similar incident around 2 weeks ago from a friend (she was referring to have heard of such an incident). I am not sure whether she was referring to you or someone else.

I had never heard of this rule until 2 weeks ago. If it is this serious, I would expect the test center administrators to tell about it or receive such communication from GMAC in advance.

CAMANISHPARMAR · Answer

This is very shocking! COuld you please elaborate as to what actually happened?

I hope it does not affect your applications.

Kindly keep us posted!! All the best and I hope you get the final decision in your favour.

emmmv · Answer

1min before the start of the quant and verbal sections (so during timed instructions and during break) I wrote the time tracker table on my pad.

No one reported me at the test center. In fact, I talk to them and they told me it was fine to use the notepad.

2 months after the test I get an email from the security team of Pearson VUE in NYC telling me my scores have been canceled because I used the notepad during the break.

I call customer service and they tell me there is nothing written on this, that the policy depends on the test center.

I go to the test center and they tell me that it's the first time they hear about this but that the team in NYC had requested all videos one month ago - and that they were reviewing scores 700 and above ( I had a 690 the first time and was not canceled , even if I did the same)

Test center opens a ticket to Pearson telling them I did not violate center policy by writing on the pad and please to review decision.

Now waiting - but in the meanwhile in my scores a 'Policy Violation' pops up with no scores. Not good for my applications :/

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

Hi. This is an odd thing. Seems just someone made it up unless you took the noteboard out of the test room rather than sitting in the test room and doodling (or better drawing a grid). Hope this got resolved in your favor.

Thanks!

Thanks!

Kumar Utkarsh · Answer

hey,
Sorry to hear that, hope verdict comes in your favour. However, your case might be the reason that Pearson instructors are giving verbal instruction to not touch pen or pad until first question pops up on the screen. i appeared in december and all test takers were told the same. Nonetheless, it is not a written rule anywhere as of yet.

Thanks & best regards
Kumar utkarsh

GyMrAT · Answer

emmmv  Sorry to hear about your situation, I hope it is resolved now and your original score is reinstated.

kumar  Utkarsh can you please provide the city/location of your Test center.

Thanks,
GyM

bb · Answer

PS. When I was saying someone made it up, I meant that a test center person made a rule up. Not that this is not accurate or did not happen.

PS. Many prep companies and tutors recommend using the scratch paper during the break in the room to draw a grid or to write down some notes, acronyms and personal reminders.

Posted from my mobile device

Gladiator59 · Answer

Exactly what went through my mind when I first read this. Using the scratch pad in the break (just before the timed sections begins) is taught as a strategy - especially before AWA when you can jot down structure/important words which you wanna forcibly use

etc.. So very scary to know that something like this can be so serious as to lead to score cancellation. Hope the verdict goes in our favor. Best of luck. Regards, Gladi

bb · Answer

My guess is it is a hoax and since we have. It heard back, likely just some confusion with an inexperienced proctor.

Happy New Year!

Posted from my mobile device

Amelias · Answer

hi ! 
I am so sorry to hear that! I have never heard of this rule before.

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Score canceled for using noteboard during breaks

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