Ocean of technical issues

Question

Today I took the GMAT for the first time. Based on my latest practice scores 740/760 I felt comfortable getting at least a 700.
I start the exam and when trying to proceed to Quant question 12 the exam returns an error (ES-002) about not being able to load the next question. The proctor attempts to troubleshoot for 30-40 minutes and eventually reaches out the GMAC end of things. A guy comes and tries to troubleshoot, same problem. He eventually contacts the backend and claims there is a mismatch in data on their software. After this has gone on for 2 hours or so I try to talk to the GMAC guy and proctor to reschedule because my original appointment time is almost over and I haven't been able to restart. They basically ignore me and tell me to wait because they are fixing it. Eventually, after almost 3 hours, the issue is resolved.
At this point I have a headache and am feeling very stressed out.
I proceed with the exam, because I have no alternative.
NEXT
I reach the IR section and on q2 the graph does not show.... this graph is need for an addition 2 or 3 questions. I tell the proctor they say the can't do anything about it.
After scoring 740/760, IR 7-8 on the last practices I end up with a 690 IR*2*. 
I can't being to describe how upsetting and frustrating this is. I have emailed GMAC customer care and am trying to reach them by phone - but as all phone service agents do - they are trying to say to talk to Examity.
sigh

UPDATE: I emailed the customercare address and was given a voucher. Initially for an online retake, but I would have had to wait 16 days. I was offered a test center voucher which I accepted and have scheduled my exam.

I took Official Practice #3 -Mon 11/7 740 Q49 V42 IR8
I took Official Practice #4 -Wed 11/9 770 Q50 V46 IR8

Will post an update once I take the official exam on Fri 11/11 (make a wish! lol).
Cheers and thanks for the kind words and encouragement!

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi onamusing.

That's a crazy test experience, and it's a total drag that you were so ready to rock and yet didn't get the opportunity.

However, clearly, you will get the opportunity, and if there's any sanity in the world, the retake will be free. It's just a matter of getting ahold of the right person in customer service and getting this mess taken care of.

I'm stoked to hear about your scoring 740+ on your retake!

onamusing · Answer

Thank you, Marty!
Hoping to get a fair shot sooner rather than later-

If you (or someone who stumbles upon this post) knows the best number to call to get resolution, please do share!

bb · Answer

Hi. Sorry about that. This was a test-center experience? Sounds like it … and if this is the test center based experience, why examity?

Sorry! I think at the point of the error, the rule should be to walk away or GMAC to terminate the test. I mean this is a pretty important event and test so I am hoping you will get it resolved but it is stressful and you will have to wait 16 days unless you take it online…. Sorry. Sucks

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Hopefully, your rescheduling request goes through quickly and your next exam goes smoothly. Mentioning indisputable evidence such as the "Quant question 12 the exam returns an error (ES-002)" may be helpful to include in your email request.

onamusing · Answer

This was GMAT online, actually. Which makes it trickier to navigate. Examity proctors should have been (in my opinion) a lot more open to me asking for the exam to be stopped; but the GMAC software was the real issue. I called examity who said they'd make a report, but redirected me to GMAC. I already emailed them but will be calling them tomorrow in order to talk to a live person. 
I found another person on Reddit who went through a very similar experience about 2 years ago. Unfortunately for him, he tested very close to the deadline.

/r/GMAT/comments/kcy1lc/ gmat_online_disaster_i_really_believed_it_was_a/
^add reddit. com at the beginning if curious to see. newb, can't post links

It is crazy that (1) they have not fixed this and (2) that they don't have a clear protocol for proctors/technical staff to follow when it happens. Goes to show monopolies are detrimental to the consumer...

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi onamusing,

Did you get any updates from GMAC regarding all of this?

onamusing · Answer

Hi Scott!
Yes, I just saw an e-mail letting me know I'd get a voucher for a retake. Haven't attempted to schedule yet, so don't know if the 16 day period was waived.
Was pleasantly surprised to see a quick response, perhaps GMAC has gotten better.
For reference, I never managed to get someone on the phone. The case was processed and handled via e-mail entirely.
Thank you for checking in- I'll make sure to drop an update once I retake.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Was pleasantly surprised to see a quick response, perhaps GMAC has gotten better.

Gratz on the quick voucher. Hope your next attempt goes smoothly. Try to think of what happened before as a "free mock" that you saw extra Official Questions on.

Haven't attempted to schedule yet, so don't know if the 16 day period was waived.

Don't confirm a booking but opening the page that shows the calendar should hopefully show the options available.

All the best.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Thank you for the update!

onamusing · Answer

UPDATE 2.2:
GMAC (they claim) does not make exceptions to the 16-day online rule, I scheduled for this Friday at a test center.

UPDATE 2.3:
I didn't have the time to do official test 3 over the weekend, just finished it today (monday) after work. The result was  740 Q49 V42 IR8 . Feel pretty encouraged by the good outcome on another set, even half-dead after work.

Will update with the official outcome this Friday.
Thank you all for the good vibes !

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Nice work on that practice test. Let's gooo!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Feel pretty encouraged by the good outcome on another set, even half-dead after work.

All the best with your exam. Try to take at least the day before your exam a bit easy. Might be worth seeing whether your work may provide you leave on Thursday and Friday.

bb · Answer

Oops. Looks like my earlier message did not post. Do I assume correctly that you did not get a refund?

About the 16 day rule, they cannot let you take the test during that period because you’ll see the same questions so it’s a pretty hard rule. They won’t break it.

Posted from my mobile device

onamusing · Answer

Hi bb! Got a test voucher - for either an online retake or a test center. Did not inquire about a full refund.

onamusing · Answer

Hi all 
Just finished, got a 720 Q47 V41 IR7
Not great, considering a retake. Especially because of verbal.
I kind of felt a little off base and was freezing the whole time...

Posted from my mobile device

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

It's unfortunate that you weren't at your best, but you're definitely making progress. I bet the next time it'll all come together for you.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi  onamusing ,

V41 is an excellent score, very close to the V42 you got on your last official practice test. Is there a reason you're not happy with it?

onamusing · Answer

V42 was the lowest I scored on practice tests after studying. Took one after that and scored V46. (V42,V46,V42,V46)
Wanted to score V44+, because although I'm technically ESL I attended undergrad in the US.

My weak point is CR. I actually score decently on RC and SC. Strong RC and weak CR is addressable in the short term, which I thought I had done. Unfortunately my exam had many CR questions and it looks like I still haven't addressed it well enough (as per ESR - CR 75/50 vs RC 83/100, SC 75/100).
I also would've liked to see a smidge higher quant score Q48+.
Overall, yes these are good scores, but I do often put a lot of pressure on myself - which probably backfired as test stress/anxiety.

Posted from my mobile device

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