Too much noise caused 580

Question

Hi guys,

I have just come from the test centre scoring an unexpected 580 (Q-42 V-29) Everything was going fine till last 40 mins of the test when I had to deal with 20 odd questions of verbal section. There started some band music downstairs on the road and it was so loud to concentrate on the questions. I knew my score is going to go down as I was having real hard time as cud hardly focus on the questions.

I never scored so low on my prep tests. I scored in a range of 660-720. Please help me what to do. I am very disappointed. Shall I write a mail to GMAC? I am really sursprised to see the test centre was not sound proof.

I put in 4 mths of my time for this day and i feel i lost it in last half n hr or so.

Please guys help me asap !!!

karlfurt · Answer

I'm sorry for you. I would become crazy if that happened to me. I think I wouldn't have waited till the end of the test. The proctors can put the test on hold.

Did you speak with the guys from the center? Because they should garantee a calm place. Anyway, you should write/call GMAC to complain and ask for an other appointment in the next days!

Fig · Answer

Sad to hear this story.... I suggest u to reschedule in 1 month.

Just one thing... Did u use earplugs? The center provides u a pair if u ask for it.

kidderek · Answer

You should have complained either during the test or immediately after it. Since you didn't, you should write gmac an email explaining your situation.

tennis1ball · Answer

yes. i suggest you to complain to GMAC. you spend $250 not to go there and be affected by the noise.

GoalTexasTech · Answer

It is only fair to try and get your money back and inform them of what happened.

kidderek · Answer

I would also try to get a proctor to support your complaint. It is pretty amazing to me that they cannot provide a soundproof room. Is it that difficult?

GMATT73 · Answer

Doubt that PVue will give you a refund, but you may have possible grounds for a retake. Had a similiar problem last summer. A guy in the room right next door was giving a lecture to a class and his resounding voice kept eating at my nerves. The second time around I stuffed two wads of damp tissue paper DEEP into my ears and then put the earmuffs on as well. It was so silent that all I could hear was my heart beating :shock:

The double plugs even muffled out my own keyboard tapping! If you think you will be even slightly distracted next time, and don't mind tweezering out some tissue from your ears, then give it a try. As far as I know, under current PVue regulations, "double plugs" do not classify as cheating. Also, it is true that the proctor can stop and restart the test at any point in the exam during such an unusual event.

kidderek · Answer

That is interesting. I did not know this. 

Not to sound too harsh, but sometimes you just gotten toughen up and zone things out. I had one jerk who kept tapping his marker on the desk, and the proctor was yapping away with her friend on the phone. But you really gotta make the best of the situation. 

Of course, the band playing is beyond tolerance.

tobiastt · Answer

I would definetively try to talk and get support from the proctor...else it will become difficult for you to get the refund...IMHO ...good luck!

BLISSFUL · Answer

I am sorry to hear that.
Complain to GMAC dude; give the time, day, exact details; shoot an email right away and also call them. 

and reschedule the test..and try for a refund..

kidderek · Answer

As Matt has said, a refund is probably impossible. At best, justifiably, you will get to re-take with no strike against you for the first exam.

bhalla.sumant · Answer

First and foremost, Thank you all for guiding me. I was so tensed about whether to send a mail to gmac. Now I am writing a mail to GMAC and will ask for a retest. I dont want to loose the opportunity cost also. I need to apply to colleges too. 

Well, I did use the ear plugs but they were useless may be because the sound was too loud. Now lets see what action does GMAC take.

Thanks a lot!

faifai0714 · Answer

bhalla.sumant, where did you take the test?

bhalla.sumant · Answer

delhi india

kidderek · Answer

Let us know what happens.

bhalla.sumant · Answer

I have got a Re sit and since I am taking a re sit, My earlier score will not be considered in my Exam History.

Thanks all for your support now time for me to brush up the concepts again...hope to crack GMAT with Gr8 Score this time :-D

Fig · Answer

Nice end :D

..... Good luck ! :D

Sumithra · Answer

Good for you. All the best!

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Too much noise caused 580

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards