Genuine Score canceled due to "Testing Issue"

Question

Hello everyone.

I attempted the exam online on 6th of February and received a mail shortly after which stated    "We are writing to inform you that your GMAT Focus Edition exam delivered online XXXXXXXXXXX on February 05, 2025 is undergoing a routine security review that may take up to 20 business days. Once this review has been completed, you will be contacted only if we have any questions concerning your scores. Otherwise, you will receive an email that your results are available and can select schools / programs to send your scores.    
  
    Please note that this is part of normal business and assessment operations at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and helps to ensure the quality and the validity of our exams. In order for us to complete exam reviews in a timely manner, we ask that you wait 20 business days from your exam date before requesting an update"

However, 2 days later , I received another mail which stated   "In our analysis of your testing experience from   2025-02-05  , we noticed irregularities that are inconsistent with the GMAT terms and conditions as described in the GMAT Online Policies and Procedures you agreed to when you registered for the test.

After careful consideration, your score has been canceled. You will not be able to schedule an appointment for an online exam for a period of 1 year from the date of your recent exam, but we will grant you a voucher to attempt the exam at a Test Center instead.  "

I am in complete shock as I strictly adhered to all the rules and policies of the Online exam at all times, and the exam process was fairly smooth as well, neither did the proctor had any problem with anything. I ensured to confirm all my actions constantly with the proctor, and complied to all instructions promptly.

There was only one minor inconvenience, that occurred before the commencement of the examination, i.e., my computer crashed unexpectedly before the exam, while I was connected to the proctor, I ensured to act only under his guidance, and followed all the given instructions and managed to restart my computer, and joined the meeting again. I still ensured with the proctor whether everything was alright from my end, to which he confirmed at all times. The exam process thereafter went absolutely smoothly. I don't think this problem should've translated into something as major which would make them CANCEL my genuine score and BAN me from the exam for 1 year.

I originally wanted to apply for Round 2, but I was unable to score my best in 2 attempts so I decided to opt for Round 3 instead. Now, even if I try and manage to give the exam again, I would not be able to make it before the deadlines.
My previous scores are as follows -

1st Attempt -  555    - In this attempt, I scored a very low DI score as I was not thorough with the strong penalty that is imposed for leaving the questions unattempted and as a result, ended up leaving 3 DI questions. (I also created a post from this experience on GMATClub after the attempt)

2nd Attempt -  595    - In this attempt, I did not leave any question, but strangely got a very low Q score despite only getting 4 questions wrong, whereas in my previous attempt I only had 3 questions wrong and got a 83. Strange, but I did not complain and went back to prepare for DI, and planned another attempt.

3rd and Final Attempt -  665    - For this attempt, I had been preparing for the DI section as my priority as it was the one troubling me the most in my last 2 attempts. After finally managing to secure my desired score, it is heartbreaking to see them cancel it for no apparent reason.

Although, simply looking at the overall scores, it may seem like a big jump, but looking at the scaled scores, and their breakdown reflects a bigger picture, and my journey.

I also mentioned my detailed preparation journey, and my most recent GMAT Official Mock result which was 665 as well.

The reasons that the Test Center Voucher is meaningless for me are as follows:
 
 I have a very busy schedule as a Lawyer and I can barely even make time on the weekends, and  
 the closest Test Center from my location is over 300 kilometers, it would be impossible for me to able to manage it all within time and attempt the exam given the busy work life and the travel time, and 
 the test center only has early morning slots, and finally 
 it would just not let me be in the right state of mind to be able to score my potential best again.

I have already sent an appeal, and have also mailed the same to the official test security, but looking at other similar posts, it seems that the appeal system rarely leads to actually reinstate the test scores. I would love to hear your views on this situation, and would be open to your suggestions and advices.

bb · Answer

Hey! Sorry I have missed your post yesterday. This is crazy. Check this post:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/online-score ... 40911.html

Two more cancellations last week!
I have no comment that I can make besides that this is a SPIKE - we have not seen anything like that. Yours, 2 more in the link, and there is one more from 2 weeks ago, so 4 cancellations in a matter of a month. That's perhaps how many cancellation posts we have had over a year!

bb · Answer

I would add to say it seems there is a new process / procedure that has been introduced that is knocking people's scores down. Not sure what it is or why but this is a patter that i can see which was not observed in the past.

KHsidequests · Answer

Did not face any such problem earlier despite having the exact same setup in my last 2 attempts. Maybe it's due to the improved score, seems unfair.

GMAC Test Security has received my appeal and will send a response to my appeal within 15 business days.
I also contacted Examity, and they have replied that there were "No Violations" as seen in the proctor comments.

bb · Answer

This is pretty annoying and I’m sure very discouraging.

I’m hoping it’s not just because of a higher score but I think the Security team would look pretty dumb if they try to cancel the score that was actually lower. Which would be like hey this guy cheated and we should cancel his lower score wait a minute.... Did he cheat really?

Anyway, I hope you get an improved reply. Unfortunately my contact has left GMA and there’s not really anyone I have access to anymore though even before they really did not like to talk about security 😬

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi KHsidequests,

I'm sorry to hear about test day. Hopefully, everything works out with the appeal. Let us know when you hear back from GMAC.

SarfrazAP · Answer

Hi KHsidequests

Any update on your appeal? Did you hear back from the GMAC?

bhargavhhhhhhhh · Answer

Check with gmac team, they would support

NextstopISB · Answer

Hey you had very bad experience, hope everything goes good, all the best

Gmat750aspirant · Answer

I completely understand how challenging it must be to balance a demanding career as a lawyer with the constraints of test center availability and travel. Given your situation, it seems unfair that the voucher system does not accommodate such logistical difficulties, especially when your ability to perform at your best is compromised. If the appeal system has a low success rate, you may want to explore alternative options, such as escalating the issue through official channels, reaching out directly to GMAC for further clarification, or considering legal recourse if necessary. In the meantime, staying persistent and documenting all communications may help strengthen your case. Wishing you the best in resolving this matter

Echodrift · Answer

Hi bro,

I can understand your frustration let us know if the score has been reinstated.

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Genuine Score canceled due to "Testing Issue"

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