Terrible online GMAT experience

As someone who has taken the online GMAT once before with a smooth experience, I was hoping luck would be on my side again but instead, I ended up extremely frustrated during my second attempt today after having prepared and put in effort for so long.

It took me an hour to actually get in to the test because my first laptop (Mac) was not opening the secure browser at all, despite the fact that I had taken the online GMAT on this same laptop last time. I have no idea why I was not able to open the secure browser and a message saying that "Safari cannot verify this app" kept popping up, and the only options were to "move to trash" or "cancel". After one hour and a switch to a second laptop (Windows), I was FINALLY able to get into the secure browser to take the exam. But the technical difficulties only continued.

After every single question, whenever I clicked next, the test refused to let me through and it continued to lag before going to the next question. This happened every single time, with me having to wait 2 minutes to continue to every question on the test. Not to mention, the time it took to load was being taken away from my test time. Then suddenly, the test shut down and I had to log back in. I kept going but then a dialog box popped up saying "ESSecure Browser is not responding" and at that point, I was just done. There were technical difficulties every step of the way, and I have read so many debriefs about people having terrible experiences with taking the test online. I don't know why these issues with the secure browser have still not been resolved.

I ended up canceling my exam in the middle of only my first section, and will be reaching out to GMAC to reschedule another attempt.

"ESSecure Browser is not responding" - this happened with my online exam as well. My test got stuck for almost 1 hr 15 mins. After that proctor re-entered the new exam key and restarted the exam.
Next time for sure I will be opting for a test center exam.

All the best for your future test.

Happened to me as well. 2 minute lag between questions. You have more patience than I do; I quit after the second question lol. Contacted GMAC support for refund. They took awhile to respond but they were helpful when they did. I can give you the email that worked if you like. Also know that if you plan to take the exam at a testing center, there is NO 16 DAY WAIT PERIOD. You could take the online test one day and the in person the very next day. Hope this was helpful. I understand how frustrating this experience is - I've been through it.

got730butwant760 It's terrible that we both had to go through this. I tried my best to be patient but ultimately it was just not working out and frustrating-- I should have quit sooner like you did haha. I actually did end up scheduling an in-person exam for this week, and hopefully it all goes well. I would love a copy of the email you sent to GMAC if you don't mind-- thank you so much for your help!

I’m sorry you had to go through this, I did too today…

The program didn’t work and took me and the proctor 45 mins to figure out and it was because I had external monitor (my laptop was closed), and they never said you can’t, I did it last time in December 2020.

Then I was like ok let me take off the monitor, then they were like sign back on later then, then I was scrambling un plugging the monitor.

Then I logged back on and the proctor disconnected and I had to contact GMAT and they sent me a new proctor.

Didn’t start my exam until 90 mins after

Then my first 8 min break it glitched and skipped my break (they said I clicked skip) so it started counting down my next section

Then second break, I have to call the proctor before I leave the desk, she answered after 4 mins…

To top things off everything was so laggy so submitting my answers has like a 5-10 sec delays on many questions…

Posted from my mobile device

Oh no, it sucks that you went through this. It gets so frustrating especially during a test where you need to remain focused and calm. I hope things get resolved for you and best of luck!