GMAT Test Day Checklist
The GMAT has strict rules and guidelines for test-takers, that’s why it is important for you to be prepared beforehand to avoid unnecessary fees such as rescheduling one for your test appointment.
In this article, you will find some advice for the time leading up to your test day and the key items that you should bring with you to the testing center.
The Day Before
1. Rest up: find activities that will help reduce your stress and anxiety.
After dedicating a good chunk of your life to preparing for the test, an approaching test day can cause heightened stress levels. So it is important to spend the day before the test doing activities that will help you reduce your anxiety. Resting, eating healthy food, meditating, talking to supportive friends and family members, or even taking a walk will help you clear your mind from the impending test day nerves and will give your brain a well-deserved break before the big day.
2. Check the location of your test.
Visiting the test center where your GMAT test will take place will help you familiarize yourself, not only with the location but also with the route on your way there. This will help you reduce the unknown come test day and help you prepare part of your day as well as manage your time accordingly on your test day.
Tip: Try to go during the same time as your scheduled appointment!
3. Review the items list and check what you are allowed to bring with you.
The GMAC provides a list of things that you can bring to the test center. Make sure that you review this list carefully. Making sure that you have everything prepared beforehand will reduce the possibility of you forgetting something important. This will help you avoid unnecessary last-minute-panic and lead to a calm process and day leading up to the test.
4. Appointment confirmation letter.
Make sure you have your appointment confirmation letter or email with yourself at the entrance of the test center as you might be asked to show this letter. Make sure to have the letter and any necessary documents printed the day before so that come test day you can focus on just the test.
5. Review your notes.
Do not aim to review all the topics you have previously learned the day before the exam. At this point, you should be confident in what you have learned and should really be giving your brain some time to relax. If you do this you will only be making yourself more stressed and can sometimes confuse yourself. However, if you would like to spend some time dedicated to GMAT prep, a light reminder of your collected study highlights will suffice to provide reassurance.
The Day of the Test
1. A valid photo ID.
You must have a valid GMAT-approved photo ID with yourself to be allowed to take your test. Not complying with this rule might lead to termination of your scheduled GMAT appointment. Make sure that it is included in your list of things to collect the day before the test.
2. Names of the MBA programs.
You will have one chance to submit your GMAT scores to five of your chosen MBA programs right after the exam has ended at no cost. Considering which schools you would like to submit scores to beforehand will result in you not making a rash decision. You will also feel quite tired and drained after the grueling exam and this is not a good time to be making these important decisions. So take some time before the test day to consider your schools and have them ready come test day.
3. Prescription eyeglasses.
If you wear prescription glasses you will need to provide your prescription when signing in to take the test. Make sure that you have this handy in order to make the process faster as well as to avoid having to cancel your test day.
4. Sweater.
The temperature in test centers varies, so it is important to be ready for either a hot or cold testing room. This is so you will not be affected by the temperature during your test. Make sure to dress appropriately for the daily temperature but bring an additional sweater with you just in case the room is cold. Remember the test is more than three hours long so having to take it while uncomfortable is going to throw you off your game.
5. Water and snacks for during the breaks.
You can’t bring your drinks and snacks into the test room. However, you can access them during your breaks. Make sure to have some snacks handy in your locker, such as fruit, protein bar, or trail mix. A healthy snack that will help you boost your energy levels during the long hours of your test.
6. Do your best!
Finally, try to keep in mind how hard you have worked to get to this point. Do your best! If you feel that you can do better after the test, speak to one of our 770+ scoring instructors about what went wrong and we will be happy to help assist in preparing for any further attempts at the GMAT!
Tip: It is usual for candidates to take the test more than once, so do not be discouraged if you need to as well.