Policy Violation on the GMAT

Question

Hi,

I received a "P" indicating a policy violation during one of my previous GMAT attempts, and I am genuinely worried about how this may impact my chances of being admitted to my desired M7 schools. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could shed more light on how admissions teams perceive such incidents.

Just FYI: The reason for the policy violation was as follows: I encountered an individual whom I had no prior acquaintance with, attempting to open my locker using their key. In response, I simply informed them that the locker belonged to me and, in a lighthearted manner, remarked, "Taking exams like the GMAT can certainly make us feel anxious. Is this your first attempt? Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Archit3110 · Answer

violation in an exam is at times taken as serious by adcoms , and the score stands cancelled only.
your case since its 'P' , I hope that you were or are allowed to re take exam... 
you can highlight about this in the the optional essay if required so at the time of application submission , so that adcoms do not outrightly reject your application.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Fair to say if you were allowed to take future attempts, a person will not think the policy violation was very severe.

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MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Have you appealed the violation? I'm curious what exactly you violated. The whole thing seems bizarre.

bb · Answer

This seems silly for them to sing you or out violation for the sake of simply speaking. You are not supposed to have notes or phone and can’t access them during the test time but talking is just plain silly.

As to the violation, I hardly think it matters much. Your score report will not be scrutinized and if you are concerned you can use 3 sentences to mention this in your optional essay to have it in the clear. However, the whole thing seems to be ridiculous and you should have put a good chance of appealing it though in reality, no organization likes to reverse its own decisions…. And admit their mistake.

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi KRajput1,

Have you tried contacting the folks at GMAC to discuss all this further?

KRajput1 · Answer

I did raise an appeal and they rejected it by mentioning that a test taker is not allowed to speak to a fellow test taker

KRajput1 · Answer

Thanks... I did raise an appeal and as you mentioned, they did not reverse their decision. It is just frustrating to have a policy violation for something like this.

KRajput1 · Answer

Yes I did. I raised an appeal and received a response from them after nearly 2 months. They cancelled by appeal and mentioned that it is a policy violation if you speak to a fellow test taker during the break. It is like they have no filter in judgement for people who actually discuss questions in the exam versus people who just have a casual conversation.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If it still concerns you, consider reaching out to some of the schools you're interested in to ask what their thoughts/guidance may be. There may also be some MBA events you can sign up to in which, for example, adcom speak to multiple potential applicants on Zoom and invite questions.

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Policy Violation on the GMAT

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