The all NEW (new) GMAT Online!

There are so many factors that one must consider while deciding if GMAT is the next step in their career! If you’re here reading this article, I don’t have to get into the nuances of the considerations one has to take - you already get it! And, until last year, our decision matrix ended right about there.

However, since last April (due to Covid19) the test centers closed all over, making our lives complicated. GMAC upped their game and came to our collective rescue by introducing the all NEW online GMAT- same exam, same format, but with a few tweaks, attempted from the comfort of your home!

With the online GMAT’s success, GMAC decided to continue the online version even after the centers started to open in phases! The at-center GMAT and the online GMAT varied in a few key aspects. That’s when our decision tree extended itself. The whole at-center v/s online GMAT debate added to our existential stress!

However, after many considerations and iterations, it’s been made clear that the online GMAT will simulate a similar experience as the at-center GMAT to ensure more flexibility and bring forth uniformity in both online and the test center experience.

GMAC's Chief Product Officer and General Manager of Assessments, Joy Jones, said, “We're focused on providing the flexibility and support to address the long-term needs of schools and test-takers. As we continue to adjust to uncertainties of the new norm, our online exams become a vital standard option, providing test takers around the world with the confidence to test in a test center or online to meet their business school application needs".

Now that it’s established that the online GMAT is here to stay, let’s understand what has changed? There are primarily 6 major changes in the enhanced online version-

1. Section order:

Previously, the candidate didn’t have the option to choose the order of the sections. The order remained fixed; Quants, Verbal and IR.

However, in the new version, the candidate can select one of the three orders:
Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

Pro tip: Choose your order wisely! Explore with the orders initially during the mocks to understand the order that works best for you. GMAT in itself is an intense exam, hence having a fair idea of the order helps you be your best self on the exam day!

2. Questions

The number of questions in each section remains the same. However, the AWA section is added to the online GMAT.

In response to the addition of AWA, GMAC officials said, “To respond to rapidly changing marketing dynamics, some GMAT features were omitted from the initial GMAT online exam launch, including the AWA section. However, the AWA section has remained an integral part of the GMAT exam, providing business schools with important insight and candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to communicate ideas.”

Pro Tip: Do not skip IR and AWA sections while attempting the mocks. To get a holistic view of the exam and the time and mental stamina required, it is essential to simulate the exam day experience during mocks.

3. Scores

Candidates had to wait for a minimum of three to seven days to obtain the score. However, the unofficial scores will now be available for preview right after the exam just as they will be at the test center exams. No more sleepless nights after attempting the online exam!

4. Breaks

The previous online version had a five-minute break scheduled after the verbal section. However, now, there are two breaks that the candidate can avail in between the sections. Additionally, the break has been extended to 8 mins.

5. Reschedule & Cancellation Fee

Reschedule Fee:
>60 days before appointment: US $50
15-60 days before appointment: US $100
14 days or less before the appointment: US $150

Cancellation Fees:
>60 days before appointment: US $150
15-60 days before appointment: US $175
14 days or less before the appointment: US $200

6. Exam platform (Bonus point!)

Until now, Pearson VUE was the official exam platform for the GMAT exam. There’s news that GMAC is now partnering with Examity for the same. Though we haven’t yet received any comments about the same from GMAC, it will be interesting to see how the new union will affect the candidate’s overall experience.

So, what has not changed in the new online-GMAT version?

1. The price of the exam remains the same at $250.
*Edited*
Please refer to point 5 in the list of the major changes for the recent edit!
2. The enhanced score report (ESR) is still unavailable to the candidates
3. Complimentary unlimited score report sending

Registration for the enhanced GMAT online exam has opened on February 17, 2021, for appointment dates beginning April 8, 2021. Testing appointments remain available for the current version of the GMAT online exam through April 7, 2021.

If you’re not in a hurry, I definitely recommend that you wait until April to attempt the GMAT from the comfort of your home!