Feedback on my GMAT Test Center

Question

Hello all,

I took my first GMAT in December 2021 and scored a 650 (AWA 4, IR 7, Q50 and V28). I am disappointed with my AWA and Verbal scores so trying to practice these sections well and retake the GMAT soon.

A particular feedback I would like to share is the hand sanitizer that was used at the test center was scented and I am allergic to these strong smells. Since I was asked to sanitize my hands every time I walked in or out of the testing room, the strong scent triggered my nasal passage and threw me off my focus. So in addition to GMAT prep, I need to somehow manage my allergies for my next GMAT.

Any advise or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks and Regards.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi  gmatbalar ,

You may wish to consult a doctor if you're thinking about medication, but a properly fitted N95 (or better) respirator could also help in this kind of situation. It'll have to be tight (no leaks!) and you may have to wear it for extended periods before the test to become comfortable wearing it.

All the best for the retake.

gmatbalar · Answer

Thank you  AjiteshArun . Would it be a good idea for me to contact GMAC and request them to consider using non scented sanitizers?

Posted from my mobile device

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi  gmatbalar ,

They definitely try to accommodate requests from test takers who need medication, but I'm not sure whether they'd be open to changing the type of sanitizer they use.

It doesn't hurt to ask, so you should definitely reach out to them. First check with Pearson directly, and then once you know their position, with the test center.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I think you could call GMAC, but I'm not sure they will be able to help you out in regards to the hand sanitizer used at the test center.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmatbalar,

I'm sorry to hear about the health-related issue you faced when you took your Official GMAT; since that's not an issue that's too common, my guess is that the individual Testing Facilities do not have a standard 'response' for this type of event. Can you go into a bit more detail in terms of the 'reaction' that you had to that sanitizer? Were you sneezing? Did you have trouble breathing? Etc.

In addition to the advice that you've already received, you might consider two additional options: First, have you considered taking the At-home version of the GMAT? In that way, you could avoid the hand sanitizer 'issue' altogether. Second, if you choose to retest at a Test Center, then you might consider bringing a bottle of your own hand sanitizer to the Test Center. If you explain your situation (and the Center employees are sensitive to your situation), then the staff might simply allow you to use that sanitizer instead.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

gmatbalar · Answer

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC,

Great idea of at-home GMAT and getting my own sanitizer to the test center. Hopefully I can call the test center in advance to see if they accommodate this.

Btw, I had stuffy nose and was constantly on the verge of sneezing, which made it hard for me to focus.

Thank you!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmatbalar,

Since it's now been almost 2 months since you took your last Official GMAT, are you planning to retest sometime soon? In addition, while you did not mention it in your initial post, do you have a specific Goal Score?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

gmatbalar · Answer

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC,

I'm planning for late March for my retest and targeting 720+.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmatbalar, I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

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