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Lincoln
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 01 Aug 2003, 16:20
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Hi, I read the posts regarding the two 5-minutes break. Some say that the test restarts automatically after 5 minutes ---just like the Kaplan sample test which, I think, uses the computers clock to keep track of time.

It has been my habit to drink a cup of coffee and walk for a few minutes after some intensive work then come back. I don't know if that is possible when I am taking GMAT. The thing I fear most is that I happily to buy a cup of coffee and walk back, then find out that the test has started automatically for 9 minutes, eating my valuable test time.

I know that you need to press a buton when you go to next section. It sounds like there are some flexbility in executing the 5-minute break rule: as long as the supervisor lets you enter again you are fine and still have the whole 75 minutes time. Still, I am not sure if it will cut into the actual test time....Please state your experience...It should be a simple question to answer...Thanks
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 01 Aug 2003, 17:03
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Lincoln
Hi, I read the posts regarding the two 5-minutes break. Some say that the test restarts automatically after 5 minutes ---just like the Kaplan sample test which, I think, uses the computers clock to keep track of time.

It has been my habit to drink a cup of coffee and walk for a few minutes after some intensive work then come back. I don't know if that is possible when I am taking GMAT. The thing I fear most is that I happily to buy a cup of coffee and walk back, then find out that the test has started automatically for 9 minutes, eating my valuable test time.

I know that you need to press a buton when you go to next section. It sounds like there are some flexbility in executing the 5-minute break rule: as long as the supervisor lets you enter again you are fine and still have the whole 75 minutes time. Still, I am not sure if it will cut into the actual test time....Please state your experience...It should be a simple question to answer...Thanks
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My advice is:

Maybe it's true, but don't count on it. Period end.
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 01 Aug 2003, 23:48
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Lincoln
Hi, I read the posts regarding the two 5-minutes break. Some say that the test restarts automatically after 5 minutes ---just like the Kaplan sample test which, I think, uses the computers clock to keep track of time.

It has been my habit to drink a cup of coffee and walk for a few minutes after some intensive work then come back. I don't know if that is possible when I am taking GMAT. The thing I fear most is that I happily to buy a cup of coffee and walk back, then find out that the test has started automatically for 9 minutes, eating my valuable test time.

I know that you need to press a buton when you go to next section. It sounds like there are some flexbility in executing the 5-minute break rule: as long as the supervisor lets you enter again you are fine and still have the whole 75 minutes time. Still, I am not sure if it will cut into the actual test time....Please state your experience...It should be a simple question to answer...Thanks
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Everyone so far who took the test, confirmed that the breaks are longer than 5 mins.

It is due to the fact that you sign in and out of the room and it is not enough even to do what you gotta do. Akamai is playing safe, and I don't say that's wrong, but the breaks are not 5 mins. I have spent 15 mins sitting and enjoying life between the sections. Those are rare moments when you can sum up your life and sort of look around as though you are about to leave this world.. I will probably do it again just before I die. Maybe not.

8-)
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 02 Aug 2003, 01:59
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Lincoln
Hi, I read the posts regarding the two 5-minutes break. Some say that the test restarts automatically after 5 minutes ---just like the Kaplan sample test which, I think, uses the computers clock to keep track of time.

It has been my habit to drink a cup of coffee and walk for a few minutes after some intensive work then come back. I don't know if that is possible when I am taking GMAT. The thing I fear most is that I happily to buy a cup of coffee and walk back, then find out that the test has started automatically for 9 minutes, eating my valuable test time.

I know that you need to press a buton when you go to next section. It sounds like there are some flexbility in executing the 5-minute break rule: as long as the supervisor lets you enter again you are fine and still have the whole 75 minutes time. Still, I am not sure if it will cut into the actual test time....Please state your experience...It should be a simple question to answer...Thanks


Everyone so far who took the test, confirmed that the breaks are longer than 5 mins.

It is due to the fact that you sign in and out of the room and it is not enough even to do what you gotta do. Akamai is playing safe, and I don't say that's wrong, but the breaks are not 5 mins. I have spent 15 mins sitting and enjoying life between the sections. Those are rare moments when you can sum up your life and sort of look around as though you are about to leave this world.. I will probably do it again just before I die. Maybe not.

8-)
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I still wouldn't could on it. What if you get a jerk proctor who's having a bad day? Or if you are counting on it, and it doesn't happen, what is that going to do for your confidence?

Assume the rules will hold. If they don't, then it's a bonus.
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 02 Aug 2003, 10:09
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Look, BB, did you flirt with the Russian blonde, did she talk to you, I hit on her too and of course Brainless. 8-) :wink: :wink: :wink:
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 02 Aug 2003, 11:37
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Hi,
To find out the exact answer, I went to the test center in Denver, CO and talked to the lady proctoring the exam. She said it is flexible, you sig out and sign in, then SHE will RESTART the test for you. I asked her what if I want to drink a cup of coffee and take a brief walk thus return more than five minutes later, she answered positively that it shouldn't be a problem.
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 02 Aug 2003, 13:40
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Lincoln
Hi,
To find out the exact answer, I went to the test center in Denver, CO and talked to the lady proctoring the exam. She said it is flexible, you sig out and sign in, then SHE will RESTART the test for you. I asked her what if I want to drink a cup of coffee and take a brief walk thus return more than five minutes later, she answered positively that it shouldn't be a problem.
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YOU ARE THE MAN!

Thanks; now we have it for sure!

:punk
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 02 Aug 2003, 19:21
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Lincoln
Hi,
To find out the exact answer, I went to the test center in Denver, CO and talked to the lady proctoring the exam. She said it is flexible, you sig out and sign in, then SHE will RESTART the test for you. I asked her what if I want to drink a cup of coffee and take a brief walk thus return more than five minutes later, she answered positively that it shouldn't be a problem.



YOU ARE THE MAN!

Thanks; now we have it for sure!

:punk
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No. That is only for sure for that particular center for that particular woman assuming that she is not in a crappy mode on any particular day.

While i agree that it seems probable from most people's experience that Prometric seems to be lax, what if ETS gets wind of this and suddenly clamps down. Remember that each test center is must follow the rules in order to remain certified for waht is surely a lucrative contract. What if the guy in charge is a real stickler and loves his little fiefdom of authority? (like we have never seen those people before... Ever try to get into a crowded nightclub?)

If people want to chance it, go ahead, but I would NEVER give anecdotal evidence as a generalization to support advice one way or another.

My advice would be to ask the proctor, but don't count on him/her saying yes.
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 03 Aug 2003, 01:13
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AkamaiBrah
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Lincoln
Hi,
To find out the exact answer, I went to the test center in Denver, CO and talked to the lady proctoring the exam. She said it is flexible, you sig out and sign in, then SHE will RESTART the test for you. I asked her what if I want to drink a cup of coffee and take a brief walk thus return more than five minutes later, she answered positively that it shouldn't be a problem.



YOU ARE THE MAN!

Thanks; now we have it for sure!

:punk

No. That is only for sure for that particular center for that particular woman assuming that she is not in a crappy mode on any particular day.

While i agree that it seems probable from most people's experience that Prometric seems to be lax, what if ETS gets wind of this and suddenly clamps down. Remember that each test center is must follow the rules in order to remain certified for waht is surely a lucrative contract. What if the guy in charge is a real stickler and loves his little fiefdom of authority? (like we have never seen those people before... Ever try to get into a crowded nightclub?)

If people want to chance it, go ahead, but I would NEVER give anecdotal evidence as a generalization to support advice one way or another.

My advice would be to ask the proctor, but don't count on him/her saying yes.
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That's absolutely the best approach; you can always ask the administrator before the test while your picture is being taken or when you sign out.

P.S. :-D My club experience has been that bouncers like to get an extra $20. Often they "make up" reasons for that :lol:
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5 minutes break: exactly five or not? 23 Aug 2003, 11:55
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My experience was that -- when I chose to take a 5 minute break between quant and verbal -- that the computer did not automatically start up after 5 minutes. The proctor had to come in and start it up.

Caveat: That is just MY experience. I agree with the others that you should play it safe. It may well be the case that in a few months -- if it hasn't already happened -- GMAC and/or ETS may crack down and make sure that the breaks are no more than 5 minutes.
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