Hi guys. Mike here from Apex GMAT, bringing you the latest on the online GMAT exam. The GMAC just announced that they’re rolling out the online GMAT.
1. When can you take the Online GMAT Exam?
The earliest appointments that are available are April 20th and appointments extend all the way to June 15th. You should be able to log on right now to secure your appointment. All the links you need are below this video for understanding all the rules and everything else that are going to be governing the online exam. But I’m here to bring you what we know. I’ll be here again tomorrow after we have our call with the GMAC to give you additional details and context.
2. Key Information about the Exam
Most computers and most high-speed interconnect internet connections should be fine for taking the GMAT online. You will need either a PC or Mac and Windows 8.1 or 10 or Mac OS 10 point 13 or above. Windows 7 will not work and unfortunately for you hackers and private people of the world Linux and UNIX OS’s will not work.
There are some additional specifications that you need to be aware of. Number one is that you can’t connect over a VPN and a lot of firewalls might disrupt the connection. There will be a protocol for the GMAC to test your connection before you take the exam but if you’re connecting through a work computer you may run into some issues. Similarly, due to the security protocol, you won’t be able to have a second monitor hooked up and you’re going to need a webcam that’s operating at least 10 frames per second as well as an internet connection that is at least 1 Mbps.
In addition to this, there will probably be some additional protocols where you need to check in because they’re using online proctors to actively monitor your taking of the exam. This means, unfortunately, that a few countries, because of data and privacy laws, will not be able to take advantage of the online GMAT. These countries include China, North Korea, Sudan, Iran, Cuba, and Slovenia. So if you’re in one of those countries unfortunately you can’t take the online GMAT exam.
The cost for the online GMAT is two hundred dollars ($200) and you should also be able to use an existing registration to make a new appointment for the online GMAT exam.
3. Format of the Online GMAT Exam
Format wise it’s going to be almost exactly the same with the exception of the writing section – there won’t be one. So for those of you who have stamina issues on the GMAT, the good news is that the exam will be a half-hour shorter. For those of you who have experienced GMAT anxiety, which I talked about in several other videos, one of the nicest things about the online exam is that you’ll be able to take it in the comfort of your own home or your own space. Doing so is going to offer some significant benefits but also a few liabilities because you’re much more prone to be distracted when you’re in your own space.
So one of the things I would certainly recommend is preparing to sit the exam like you were going to sit at a testing center – that means, sitting up straight. Ensuring that you have as much quiet as possible, earplugs should be available to you and you should have clothes on (you know, no pajama pants). Dress as if you were taking the exam, wear shoes because these things will put you in a good headspace to be attentive in taking the exam seriously.
4. Taking the Exam with a Disability
For those of you with disabilities, the accommodations for disabilities are not yet installed in the online GMAT exam so they expect those to be available by mid-May.
5. Scoring
In terms of getting your score, right now GMAC expects that the score should be available within a week of taking the exam. I don’t know if that means that they’re going to be recalibrating the exam for any bumps or dips they see in the different format or because the exam is shorter or if they’re going to offer something much more immediately like on the real GMAT, but give it an extra level of supervision before they make it official. That’s something that we should have more information for you on tomorrow.
6. Additional Information and Help
All the pertinent information you guys need about the online exam is in the links below including the ability to register for the GMAT’s online webinar and Friday the 17th where you can have additional questions answered. Thanks so much for watching, stay safe and healthy and I wish you all the best in your online GMAT exam. Of course, if you need us for anything you can email questions to us at this address engagement@apexgmat.com.
Update: Get more information about the online GMAT in this follow-up video: Online GMAT Update.