GMAT Misconduct (got kicked out from test)

Question

During the second break in the test, I turned on my cell phone, got caught, and kicked out of the test center. I have no idea why I turned on the phone.. No Intention of cheating at all. It was more like a habit. It is totally my fault.

I called GMAT, and they told me that it will show "Test cancelled because of Misconduct" on the report.
 
C (self-cancelled)
O (old cancellation)
M (misconduct)
T (testing issue)
S (serious violation)

I will retake the test, but I am really worried about the "M" on the report to business schools. I know that Business schools want ethical people, not cheaters. I still can't believe that I turned on my cell phone during the break. I was doing really good on AWA and Math, but...

I may not get into Business schools because of this stupid behavior.

Should I mention this in the optional essay..?
HAve you or do you know anyone who had same experience? (I guess not, since this is really stupid)

gmat700hope · Answer

I'm glad I'm from Brazil and things are way more leniant here. Man, you did nothing wrong. I mean technically you did but it isn't that much of a big deal! You turned your cell phone on during break. How could you be trying to cheat? You had finished the quant section and had no idea what the verbal was going to be like, how would your phone help you cheat?

I say the test center was a little harsh on you considering I definetly looked at my phone during break and even exchanged a few bbms... Inside my purse on the locker. So did most of my friends who took the test. And nobody was cheating... it was kind of a "hey, tanked quant, bye". I had to contact my boss via e-mail about some important work issues as well.

vwjetty · Answer

yeah that seems a bit harsh but i guess it all depends on how much of a pain the test proctor is.

bakfed · Answer

If I were you, I'd put it in the optional essay if the optional essay is given a space to explain any abnormal/aberrant situations. I'm sorry for what had happened, but unless you are going to apply to b-schools five years from today, that record will be there and you're probably going to want to explain to the admissions committee rather than to leave them with their imaginations.

vicksikand · Answer

Thats extreme !!!! Turning on your cell phone to cheat ? That doesnt even make sense. Misconduct? How? To a normal person it may seem unfair, but then you have to realize you are playing on GMAC's turf and they set the rules. Sorry to hear it happened !

gmat1011 · Answer

Sorry to hear. From what I know here in hong kong they don't even let you take the phone inside. They give you a locker and everything (except your clothes) goes into the locker...

Posted from my mobile device

thmgoodw · Answer

Maybe i'm in the minority here...but the rules are usually pretty clear (keep the phone in your locker, and you can't access it until it is over), and how hard is it really to just wait till the exam is over to use your phone? Just lock everything up, and up up the locker when the exam is over and you have your score.

To the OP: What is done is done, and I would definitely discuss it the optional essay.

lagomez · Answer

I think they are afraid you would call somebody and give him/her questions that you remember. Anyway, I almost got kicked out because I accessed a snack from my locker.

vicksikand · Answer

Yeah, but one can very well divulge the questions after the entire test if over, agreed the the amount of data will be lost as you pack in more stuff (something like LIFO:Last in First Out). As for accessing snacks from a locker - I think people at your center were over-zealous. Nobody was present in the locker area - in my test center. I ate a candy bar, drank coffee etc. and got back to the test room.

walker · Answer

I would explain in an optional essay: very briefly but it would be better than let adcom guess what "Misconduct" means in your case.

mainhoon · Answer

GMAC should at least say what M standsfor.. Does not make sense to leave it at M.. What if the adcom does not believe my story..

bmoore99 · Answer

I also got kicked out today! I'm very curious about how YOUR situation turned out (the re-take, your acceptance into schools, how far you went to explain it)

I'm a complete idiot. I accessed my notes during the break between the Math and Verbal. I had no idea that was a no-no. I didn't think twice about it. The test center was not very welcoming and informative when I arrived. I got there an hour early as I wasn't sure of the directions or traffic. I explained that I would just study my notes until my scheduled time. The lady just gruffly said "you can't do it in here - you'll have to go outside." I just wish she had added " also when the exam starts you may not access your notes again (i.e. on breaks)." But she was not a wealth of information nor did she possess any semblance of personality.
 
After the Math section, I left for my break, went to my locker which was 10 feet in front of the desk lady and took out my notes and headed out to the restroom. There I met a distraught test taker who had just finished a nursing exam. We chatted about how these long exams are the worst but at least we were heading into the wkd (blah, blah, blah). 
 
ANYWAY, I walked back in the check-in area and put my notebook away (unread) and headed back to the testing room before the break time was up. The desk lady walked up as I was being led back into the testing room and said I had accessed my notes and she would have to report the incident. I wasn't sure what to say other than, I was sorry - I didn't know that was against the rules. The other attendant still escorted me into the testing room. As I started taking the Verbal section (3 questions in and a little distracted by the whole incident), the desk lady came in the room and tapped me on the shoulder to come out. I then learned the GMAC folks instructed her to dismiss me. I was in shock. I had no idea that reading notes during the break was not allowed. I'm certain it was part of the fine print on the agreement page at the beginning of the exam, but I obviously missed it as I'm sure I was anxious to start the exam. It was definitely MY FAULT for not knowing this, but I'm bummed none the less.
 
I plan on mentioning it in my extra essay as I assume the Misconduct "M code is there ono my record for 5 years.

I'd really like to hear of any similar predicaments and how it panned out. I'm very worried!!!

AbhiJ · Answer

Moderators please make this thread sticky and place it at the top. Should ask the GMAC to explain what M stands for in detail - as the ADCOM may not believe you . These things are not that stupid. Its only human to err.

bb · Answer

I am really sorry to hear about your experience bmoore99.

AbhiJ, I will plan on writing up a thread on this in the next few weeks and sticky or promote widely. Thank you for a valuable suggestion.

Also, if you have any feedback (please be courteous), here is a thread to make your input for the GMAC: what-do-you-want-to-ask-the-gmac-119821.html

aisha12 · Answer

I'm very sorry to hear what you had to go through. It all seems a bit too harsh to me. Just mention it in your essay.

prateekbhatt · Answer

I am really sorry to hear this......I do agree with most of the gmater's here you did nothin wrong..Moreover you cant cheat on a section without seeing questions....Thats is little kiddish..

But i believe even The proctor has to abide few rules....dont get upset...Nothing is wrong....do write it in the optional essay if you can.......dont think about this too much rather prep for a BIG BANG SCORE.....

Everything will be alright...

openbox1 · Answer

If I'm not wrong, they give you a laminated sheet with the rules before you take the test, together with the disclaimers when they sign you in. I forget the exact contents, but I do remember it explicitly stating that "YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE HANDPHONES OR CONSULT YOUR NOTES." Maybe not in those exact words but the meaning I believe was clear.

The invigilators are probably paid minimum wage or close to it as it isn't exactly a senior value-add position so you can't expect them to go above and beyond the call of duty. Remember, not everyone is paid front office investment bank wages.

Anyway bad luck, but I really can't believe that schools will care that much if you explain clearly. Its not like they caught you getting someone else to take the test (Which I know of one person who brags he did although I have no idea one way or another whether he's telling the truth beyond the fact that he's an idiot with terrible English and a 770 score).

kingme · Answer

Hi there!

Really sorry to hear the unfortunate incident. Can you give GRE a try? Most of the schools accept GRE these days and you're preparation with GMAT can help you with GRE too.

minu1 · Answer

Hello sir,
I was giving gmat on 22/08/14 12.00 PM slot. I finished my AWA , IR , Quant section successfully. After finishing quant, during 8mins break i came near my locker - i ate chocolate & unknowingly picked up my mobile , which was kept on my bag..but phone was switched off condition. When pearson guy observed my mobile , i was with phone .That time only i came to knw i am having phone. I was not having any intention to use phone. i don't know how it happened . i haven't accessed my phone . Gmac can see it in video but i touched mobile & got kicked out from exam center . I have reported this case to customer care. I am very much worried about B school admission impact .Please guide me

minu1 · Answer

Hello sir,
I was giving gmat on 22/08/14 12.00 PM slot. I finished my AWA , IR , Quant section successfully. After finishing quant, during 8mins break i came near my locker - i ate chocolate & unknowingly picked up my mobile , which was kept on my bag..but phone was switched off condition. When pearson guy observed my mobile , i was with phone .That time only i came to knw i am having phone. I was not having any intention to use phone. i don't know how it happened . i haven't accessed my phone . Gmac can see it in video but i touched mobile & got kicked out from exam center . I have reported this case to customer care. I am very much worried about B school admission impact .Please guide me

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GMAT Misconduct (got kicked out from test)

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