Test day questions

Question

Hi,

I have my first GMAT on Monday and I have a few questions:

- How do you enter the schools that you want to send your score to? Do I have to memorise the GMAT code of each school, or will there be some sort of search box, etc.?
 - If I, for example, finish the AWA section early, will I have a longer break before the quant section?
 - Someone recommended bringing earplugs. I think this would help me, but I heard that they were pretty strict about what you're allowed to bring into the exam room. Will they be a problem?
 - How long does the check-in/check-out procedure take?

Thanks

lagomez · Answer

- Search box will be available. You will not need to bring codes

- Yes, but not if you exit the AWA section. In other words if you submit the AWA then you lose the time. The only way to take a longer break would be to remain seated and then make sure you hit submit prior to time expiring

- Earplugs and headphones were made available at my test center but I am not sure about others. Check with your test center ahead of time

- Depends on location. Mine took 2 minutes

nickk · Answer

Thanks.

- Have any of you had trouble adjusting to the boards & markers they give you (as opposed to the paper & pen most of us use to study)?
 - Is the whole process at the test centre self explanatory? I don't want to waste time & energy trying to figure it out.

msand · Answer

Hi nickk ,
board and markers will not give you trouble.
test centre people will help you with the process.
Go little bit early to the test centre.
All the best .

lagomez · Answer

I found out the hard way but I would suggest that as soon as you are seated make sure to test the markers to make sure the tips are not dull and that the marker isn't dry. You will get two pens but it's better to be safe so as not to waste time. I know I used both markers and one happened to have a dull tip. I had to ask for another during the exam and it was kind of annoying.

osbornecox · Answer

I personally hated my test day experience.

Air conditioning was chilly.
Couldn't stand the Pearson VUE laminated paper and felt tip marker.
Found the fat admin b*tch's dental alignment offensive.
Like an idiot, completely underestimated the impact of spending 50 minutes on the AWA before hitting Quant.

My own fault for being incredibly nervous, and allowing myself to get dehydrated on a soccer match in the sun 48 hours earlier.

he4dhuntr · Answer

I just took my GMAT yesterday, so below are my answers based on my personal experience.

No need to memorize. You can search for the schools based on country, state, province, school name, etc. It's fairly easy.
 
No, you won't have more time for breaks of for sections if you finish early. My breaks were 8 minutes each, and they were optional. When you finish the section, it will ask you if you want a break. If you hit "yes", you'll have 8 minutes until you have to start the next section. You raise your hand so that the invigilator will come get you and escort you out.
 
I was offered earplugs and earmuffs (headphones that block out all sound). They were on the desk, so I could use them if/when I wanted. Not sure if this is how it is at all test centers. You can always bring some and ask prior to your test.
 
Depends on the center and time I guess. Mine took 2 minutes.
 
I made sure to use the Manhattan boards during my prep so I was used to them, as well as the markers. I'm sure it won't make too big of a difference if you haven't. It's like writing on acetate. You get two markers, so during the debrief (instructions), test if they work properly. You can raise your hand, holding the marker, if it doesn't work and the invigilator will come replace it for you.
 
Yea, it was really straight-forward.

Definitely some good points. Make sure to dress in layers so that you can take off clothes if it gets hot, but so that you're ready if it's a bit friskier. The markers and laminated paper weren't a big deal for me, but if you don't feel comfortable with it, try getting some laminated sheets and marker for 1 prep or so. Definitely factor in the fact that your brain may get a bit tired after an hour of writing prior to the quant and verbal sections. I made sure to take my breaks, splash cold water on my face, go to the bathroom and drink some Gatorade. Forget about the sections that you just wrote and concentrate on the next one.

Overall, the experience was much simpler and less stressful than I thought it would be. Just go in there confident!

Good luck!

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