a question on the use of scratch pad on GMAT day

Question

I read about the effective and efficient use of scratch pad in Kaplan Premier 2009 book. Thanks Kaplan.

I would be grateful if anyone who has given GMAT, shares his or her experience on using the scratch pad on the GMAT day. Are there any surprises? Any issues with its use or one's speed? Is it any different from the normal pen and paper practice at home?

I called up the test center and asked if I could come to see the actual scratch paper and pen provided

But they refused.
They said they give 5 laminated sheets.

Any additional information would be great. Any suggestions for material available in market that resembles best.

Thanks a ton!!

But they refused. They said they give 5 laminated sheets. Any additional information would be great. Any suggestions for material available in market that resembles best. Thanks a ton!!

RiverSide · Answer

I was a lil apprehensive about the scratch pad before going into the exam. But it wasn't bad at all. The markers they give are the erasable markers which are just slightly more thicker than a normal pen. I think the pad has 5 pages(front and back) and i feel it should suffice more or less everyone for the entire exam.

So yea, its a little different than the normal pen and paper we are used to, but not something that you should worry about or will find difficult to use during the exam.

bb · Answer

See this link: GMAT Test Simulation Booklet

he4dhuntr · Answer

As the link bb posted, MGMAT has the laminated pad that is pretty much identical to the one used on test day. They also have the exact same marker. It's not bad, it's like writing on acetate. If you want to get used to it and don't want to buy the pad, you can head out and buy some acetates and it's pretty much the same thing.

They will give you two markers. During the instructions, test if they both work. Other than that, it's really not bad. Just make sure not to smudge your work with your hand as you're writing.

Cheers,

Sachin9 · Answer

So 5 pages are sufficient?
or those pages can be erased as they are laminated and the marker is erasable?
Do you guys really think buying MGMAT's scratch pad would be worthy?

--Sach

Zynga · Answer

See this thread for more scratchpad info/discussion : can-you-write-on-gmat-pad-during-the-break-abcde-grids-122891-20.html

poot · Answer

I found the scratch pad to be far more space than I actually used. It was 5 pages, front and back, I probably used the first 3 front and back, and that includes a lot of Venn diagrams, which hog up space.

Make sure you test out the grease pen before you start the test. The first one was terrible, but my second one wrote a relatively fine line, similar to a uni-ball pen.

It's certainly nothing to stress over. IMO they give you much more space than you need, and they will bring you an additional one if you request.

Sachin9 · Answer

Thats great.. thanks a lot

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a question on the use of scratch pad on GMAT day

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