Is the Scratch Paper Good enough

Question

I read in some blog that the scrtach paper (new format) given in GMAT is very inconvenient to use, specially because of the pen which is provided in the exam.

Is it correct ?

Also, do we have unlimited supply of scrtach paper or we should write small to use the sheets judiciously.

terp26 · Answer

I wasn't too thrilled with it. My pen ran out of ink halfway through math, I was pissed too because the lady didn't see my hand for like a minute or 2 so next time I take I will make sure to ask for 2 pens. As for workbook, I mean I needed a 2nd one, but I write big. Just make sure to raise your hand when you are almost done to get a new book.

bsd_lover · Answer

Its not really scratch paper - its more of a erasable plastic pad. But u dont get to erase it, u just get to ask for more when you run out of space on one. It can get inconvenient if you are very sensitive about writing instruments, but I felt it was fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.

jimmylow · Answer

Buy a non-permanent ink pen from Stadler and few pieces of transparencies. These give you the same effect. Better to simulate test environment when doing revision. Oh ya, use a stopwatch too.

Morepower4me · Answer

I think it depends. Mine made my GMAT experience absolutely horrible.
When I first sat down the pen didn't work at all. I was having to write 12-14 lines to get an 'X.'
I dealt with that as best I could for the 1st couple problems (although not with much luck) and eventually raised my hand, waited 3-4 minutes, and requested a new pen.
I am afraid the new pen was more of the same, and it too didn't want to write.

I contemplated requesting a third, at a cost of 4 minutes, but just gave up. I assumed that if 2 pens could be bad, so could 3, and maybe it was the pad, not the pen.

Overall it was miserable and completely effected my concentration and scoring.
The testing center was in Arizona, and was indifferent to the situation. Not even so much as a 'sorry.'
I had assumed everyone dealt with such a terrible pen but I guess it was just me and the poor other soles that take their GMAT in AZ...

jimmylow · Answer

I felt the test centers must give each candidate a new pen and few scratch papers. After all, we pay US$250 and what is a $2 pen to them. In my case, the test center coordinator was doing other things and not observing me despite having a CCTV in the test room. I raised my hands and no one appeared.

GMAC should investigate this and look into a better process

kidderek · Answer

I'm almost certain those proctors get paid something like $10/hr, so why would they care? GMAC just doesn't care about the quality of the test's administration. And why should they? bottom line bottom line.

My advice is always to take control of the test. Expect the worst, learn to write with a ridiculous marker and write smaller. That way, you won't need no stinkin' proctor.

krishan · Answer

If we need to apprise GMAC of this, how do we do that? But, I am sure those folks would be knowing this and hopefull they make the change.

It is really bad that you should be worrying about the quality of pen/paper rather than the questions on your screen.

Tarmac · Answer

They do give new pens, at least everyone in my room got a new pen. You need to test it before it starts, uncap it and look at it, does it look used? make an X on the front, it doesnt matter. Everything is videotaped, they aren't going to cancel your score because you put an X on your pad to test your pen.

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Is the Scratch Paper Good enough

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