gmat online/ gmat offline

Question

Hello Gmat family!

I have my exam next week and i am confused whether i should opt out from the offline exam and book an online exam since online exam is offering unlimted scores to colleges , also there is retake.

thanks
Which is better?

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

Do you mean that if you take online test then you can send your score with  free of cost  to the unlimited business school?

aviddd · Answer

I was in a similar dilemma until 15 mins ago.

I caved and booked an offline exam date. I didn't want to take a risk with online - too many rules and the whole discussion about physical/virtual board had my head spinning.

Offline sounds less riskier to me - show up at the center.

bb · Answer

Interesting debate. I have heard surprisingly good things about test center tests in the current conditions despite having to wear a mask. The only times I’ve heard of horror stories is people booking tests on the first or second day of the test center opening. That is not recommended.

At the same time, the online format makes a pretty convenient for taking it at home but you are playing the lottery with the software. You never know what it is going to crash and what issues it may cause. It seems the probabilities with crashing and not huge but I would still estimated probably about 5% of a crash and 10% of some kind of a disruption. That’s meaningful.

Posted from my mobile device

aviddd · Answer

I did read the reviews on the forums from people who have taken online exams.

Software crashing is one of the fears I have. The bigger one is loss of connectivity. There have been power fluctuations in Bangalore recently, owing to the rains we have been getting, and for my bad luck, I might end up experiencing one, when I am in the middle of the exam.

logro · Answer

I second the views of bb

It’s better to give it at the centre with a peaceful mind than to go through the online GMAT

Posted from my mobile device

karert · Answer

but getting 2 chances(retakes) for the same amount in an online exam is a big advantage over the offline exam plus unlimted scores to colleges is also an add up.
i understand that some issues might come up while giving the exam but you can report that to gmat.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi karert,

Assuming that you won't run into any technical problems if you take the At-home GMAT, the more relevant issues are ultimately about how well you have trained for whichever version of the Exam you are going to take and how close you are to your overall Score Goal.

The 'format' of the At-home Exam is fixed (Quant, then Verbal - with no break in-between, then an optional 5-minute break, then IR). Having to take Quant and Verbal in one sitting is challenging for many Test Takers (especially if you've been taking your CATs with an 8-minute break between sections). If you choose to take your GMAT at a Test Center, then it's likely that you will have to wear a face mask during the entirety of your Exam - and that might also take some getting used to. Either way, you will probably need some time to practice for the exact format that you will face - and if you have not been doing that, then you might want to consider pushing back your upcoming Test Date.

Before I can offer you any additional advice, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi karert,

I think the most important question you need to answer is where do you feel more comfortable taking the GMAT? At home or at the test center?

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