The GMAT is an intense mental marathon which requires stamina and strategic planning, not just an assessment of math and verbal skills. From knowing the route to your testing center to understanding what you’re permitted to bring into the room, the proper preparation can make your journey easier. In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive GMAT Test Day Checklist, ensuring you’ve checked all the boxes so that you can be calm and collected when the big day arrives.
Preparation for the GMAT Test Day
Performing well on the GMAT requires smart preparation right up to the day of the exam. Don’t let months of study and practice go to waste due to unforced errors in planning. Here’s what to consider as you approach the test.
Have a Restful Night’s Sleep Before the Exam
It’s crucial to approach the GMAT feeling rested and clear-headed. Aim for a full night’s sleep before the exam day—ideally, you should maintain good sleep habits in the weeks leading up to the test as well. The day before, try to relax and find activities that will take your mind off the exam. Spend time with family, friends, or your partner and do something rewarding to put yourself in a positive mindset. Avoid at all costs last-minute cramming, which can increase test anxiety. Activities like light exercise or practicing meditation can also help to manage stress and improve focus.
Chart Your Course to the Exam Center
Familiarize yourself with the route to your testing center to avoid any last-minute panic or disruptions. If you’re taking the test at a Pearson VUE test center, map out the travel time, making allowances for the time of day and potential traffic. Make sure to arrive early for check-in, keeping in mind any specific center rules.
If you’re feeling especially frisky the week before the test, do a dry run. After a good night’s sleep, go to the testing center at the appropriate time of day. Don’t just arrive, but park and walk right into the lobby and sit down for ten or twenty minutes. You’ll be able to acclimate to the environment (is it too hot? Is the air conditioning blasting?) and observe everyone else checking in (and possibly freaking out). This is one of the best ways to inure yourself to potential mishaps in the testing center and ensure that you feel in command of your situation on test day.
Discover all about the GMAT at your location:
- The GMAT Exam Overview and Test Centers in San Diego
- Take the GMAT in Las Vegas
- Register for GMAT in Miami
- See GMAT Test Centers in Beijing
- Get to a GMAT Center in Macao
- Take Your GMAT in London
- Register for GMAT in Toronto
- See GMAT Test Centers in Dublin
Review the Allowed Items List
Knowing what to bring and what to leave at home is key to a smooth test day experience. One piece of advice – travel light! Aside from essential items like your identification, only very specific personal items may be allowed in the testing room itself — the rest will need to go in a locker at the testing center. Typically you can bring just yourself, so wear a light, removable sweater and be sure to be well fed and hydrated (but be sure to pee right beforehand),. Comfort items to be kept in the locker are also necessary, as they can aid comfort and by extension concentration, so consider packing a small snack for your 10-minute break to maintain energy levels.
Show Your Appointment Confirmation Letter
You must present your exam appointment confirmation email and a valid ID upon arrival at the testing center.. Some centers may also require a digital photograph and a palm vein scan for security purposes.
While check in is normally hassle free, sometimes there can be an administrative snafu, longer wait time, or unforeseen circumstances. Retain your cool and don’t let yourself be thrown off by the little things. Ultimately the only thing that matters is the moment you sit down to begin the test.
Use the Final 24 Hours Before Your Exam Wisely
Before test day, it’s important not to cram or revise excessively. Entering test day, you should feel confident that you’ve already prepared. As you know by now, the GMAT is a journey, and if you aren’t prepared by the day before the exam, no amount of additional preparation will help you. Last-minute studying can increase stress and anxiety, so do yourself a favor and just take it easy.
At Apex, we advise our clients not to touch any GMAT prep materials for the 24 hours prior to the exam. This time should be spent cultivating calmness, maintaining mental health, and fostering a positive mindset, which is crucial for optimal performance. Think Netflix, exercise, or alcohol-free socialization.
What to Bring to the GMAT Exam
When you’re packing for GMAT test day, make sure to include only what’s necessary to avoid any issues during the check-in process at the testing center. Essential items to bring are:
- GMAT-approved photo ID: A valid government-issued identification is mandatory.
- Confirmation email: Your exam appointment confirmation email is required for entry.
- Prescription for eyeglasses: If you wear glasses, be ready to present a prescription.
- A Light Sweater: Dressing in layers is vital in case the testing center is too warm or cool.
- Comfort items: This may include a snack, a water bottle and personal belongings such as mobile phones, study materials, and electronic devices, all of which must be stored away during the exam.
During the GMAT Exam
Remain focused and calm when you sit down to take the GMAT. Pearson VUE, the company that administers the GMAT, ensures that the testing environment adheres to strict standards for a fair and consistent experience for all test takers. In practice, there may be any number of disruptions to this serene environment. Ready yourself for the possibility of someone coughing, cracking their knuckles, tapping a pen or otherwise creating an annoying environment.
The use of provided scratch paper is permitted to help you organize your thoughts and calculations, though you won’t need it too much if you’re truly ready. Similarly, you’ve practiced your timing decisions, so just check in once or twice to keep track of passing time and not get caught by surprise in a time crunch.to avoid rushing through the latter part of each section.
Manage Time Effectively
Managing time effectively during the GMAT is critical for a successful performance. Here are some tips to help you keep track of time:
- Be familiar with the structure: Understand the timing and number of questions for each section beforehand.
- Calibrate your timing decisions: One of the best uses of practice tests is to ensure that the time manages itself. Remember your training so that you can focus on the GMAT, not the clock.
- Practice pacing: Try taking practice exams to help you understand how long you can spend on each question.
- Answer every question: You risk decreasing your score significantly, if you don’t complete every question in a section, so it’s better to guess rapidly than to leave a question unanswered. And be sure to CONFIRM that final answer!
Take Your Optional Break
You will be offered 1 optional 10-minute break during the GMAT exam. Here are a few recommendations on how to make the most of it:
- Use the restroom: It’s a good opportunity to refresh without worrying about the time during the exam.
- Stretch and relax: Use the break to release tension and clear your mind by stretching or taking deep breaths. This author like to take a brisk jog in place to loosen any cobwebs.
- Snack wisely: If you brought snacks, now is the time for a quick, easy-to-eat energy booster.
- Close your eyes: In a chair just lean your head back and close your eyes for 30 seconds to a minute. It works wonders.
Remember that if you exceed the allotted break time, the exam clock will start, and you may lose precious time on the following section. Therefore, be mindful of the 10-minute limit and return promptly.
Note: The GMAC and Pearson testing center can change their protocols at any time. For the most up to date regulations, be sure to double check GMAC’s regulations posted here.
Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT Test Day
Here is a helpful FAQ section to ensure you’re fully prepared:
Where to take my GMAT exam?
- Visit the Official GMAT Website: If you haven’t already, go to the official GMAT website (MBA.com) and create an account.
- Find a Test Center: Use the test center locator tool available on the website to find the nearest testing centers. You can search by city, state, or zip code.
- Select Your Test Date: Choose a date and time that works for you. Test centers and dates can be available, so it’s best to book well in advance.
- Consider GMAT Online: If you prefer to take the exam from home, you can opt for the GMAT Online exam, which offers flexibility and convenience. Ensure your computer meets the technical requirements specified on the GMAT website.
What if I don’t feel well?
Generally, taking the GMAT exam is not a good idea if you’re not feeling too well on test day, as the GMAT is long, and how you feel can affect your progress and final score.
Cancellation and rescheduling fees depend on the country and the period before your appointment.
| US Cancellation Fees | GMAT at a Test Center | Online GMAT Test |
| More than 60 days before test day | $110 Refund | $120 Refund |
| 15-60 days before test day | $80 Refund | $90 Refund |
| 14 days or less before test day | $55 Refund | $60 Refund |
Important Note:
- Appointments cannot be rescheduled or canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
- If you fail to reschedule or cancel your exam more than 24 hours before the appointment, you will forfeit the entire exam fee.
- Cancellation fees vary depending on the country where you’re taking the exam.
What personal items can I bring to the testing center?
Most personal items, like mobile phones and bags, are prohibited in the testing room but can be left in the locker at the testing center However, essentials like ID and a water bottle are permitted.
What is the GMAT check-in procedure?
Once you arrive at the test center, you must present a valid GMAT-approved photo ID to the administrators. Then, they’ll take your picture, signature, and fingerprints and ask you to sign the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement
What documents should I bring to the test center?
First, make sure to bring your GMAT-approved photo ID, which contains your name, date of birth, a recognizable photograph, and your signature (e.g., a passport, a national ID card, or a driver’s license). You cannot take the GMAT if you don’t present ID.
Second, bring your appointment confirmation letter or email.
What if my computer stops working while taking the GMAT?
If that happens, don’t try to fix the computer by yourself. The best way to handle that situation is to raise your hand and ask for the administrator’s help.
How do I handle disruptions on GMAT test day?
According to the existing policies, any disruptive situation that deviates from normal testing procedures will be thoroughly investigated, and a decision will be made on how to handle it on a case-to-case basis. You may be allowed to retake the exam at no additional charge or br given a refund of the initial test fee. In practice, it’s often better to keep your head down and complete the exam than to fixate on a minor disruption that becomes a major one in your head.
It’s important to note that noises, such as coughing, shifting, and other small sounds, can distract you during the exam. To avoid this drastically affecting your concentration, spend some time practicing for the exam in an uncontrolled environment, such as a coffee shop. That way, you’ll get used to the movement and the sounds of others while practicing and focusing on your prep.
How do I get extra time during the exam?
Eligible test takers can receive accommodations by properly documenting a physical or learning disability via a request.
Possible accommodations include:
- Additional testing time
- Additional rest break
- Allowance of a medical device in the testing rooms
- A reader/recorder who can read the test items to the test taker and record test taker responses
- Enlarged font
- Adjustable contrast
- A sign language interpreter
Please ensure that requests are made well before your exam appointment.
How is GMAT scored?
The GMAT exam is scored in several sections, each contributing to your overall score:
- Quantitative Section: Scored between 60 and 90, and the average score is around 77-78.
- Verbal Sections: Scored between 60 and 90, and the average score is between 78 and 79.
- Data Insights Section: This section is scored between 60 and 90. The average score of test-takers on this section is 74-75.
- Overall GMAT Score: The total score ranges from 205 to 805 and derives from the Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights sections. Currently the average is about 555.
Learn more about scoring here.
When will I receive my official score report?
Your Official Score Report will be available in your mba.com account within 3-5 days of completing your exam. Check the mba official score reports for further info. Often you can submit your provisional score that you receive on test day in applications should you be taking the GMAT right before the application deadline.
Can I take scratch paper or study materials into the exam room?
There is no need for scratch paper as this is provided at the center. Study materials are not permitted.
Do I get to choose the order in which I take the GMAT sections?
It is now an option for the test-takers to choose the order in which they take each section of the GMAT exam. Our instructors advise clients to go with their comfort levels.
For some, that means taking your best-performing section first to get into a good flow state. For others, it’s taking the most challenging section first to alleviate pressure and take advantage of being fresh. This is something to determine throughout your prep and try different combinations during your practice exams.
What can I bring on GMAT test day?
Here’s a list of the things you can bring to the test room:
- GMAT approved identification
- Appointment confirmation email you received from Pearson VUE
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Light sweater or light non-outerwear jacket
Anything else, such as food or electronic devices, you’d need to leave in a locker.
Always check with your specific Pearson VUE center and adhere to their rules to avoid any exam-day mishaps. Moreover, plan your appointment time based on whether you’re a morning person or not, as this can impact your performance.
How many times can I take the GMAT exam?
You can take the GMAT exam up to five times in a 12-month period and 8 times in a lifetime. There must be a sixteen-day gap between attempts. If you sit the exam several times in a short period, your score will likely stay the same. However, if you’ve reached a plateau, we can help you get a higher score next time you retake the exam.
How do I send my GMAT scores to the schools I am applying to?
Once you receive an email notification that your Official Score Report is available in your mba.com account you should be able to select your 5 preferred programs to receive your scores. Additional programs can get your scores for a small fee.
You also have the option of sending older Official Score Reports to as many additional programs as you like, provided your score is no more than five years old. Additional score reports are available for purchase from your mba.com account.
Let us know if you have any additional questions regarding your GMAT test day.
If you are considering GMAT tutoring to achieve a higher score, book a complimentary call with our team.