Mike from Apex GMAT is here to give you part two on our update about the online GMAT test that’s being rolled out in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
1. The Online GMAT Test Overview
This exam is designed to be a standalone, separate exam that’s done in the test centers. While there are going to be many similarities there are also a few key differences that you should know about. If you haven’t done so already I’d encourage you to check out part one of our video. It has a lot of key details about the exam.
2. Test Scheduling
When it comes to scheduling the exam unfortunately it seems that you can’t take an appointment that you have for a live test center and convert it to an online appointment. I’m not entirely sure why this is but due to pricing differentials, scheduling differentials, your online exam has to be a separate enrollment. Your live exam can still be rescheduled for a time when a test center opens.
3. Take it 24/7
One of the benefits of the online exam is that you can schedule to take it 24/7. It’s going to operate around the globe so there’s no middle-of-the-night blackout time. You can do it at that time of the day when you feel most pumped for the GMAT. This is really great because many times we’re forced into a time slot either because of availability or just because you might be a night owl and the testing center closes at 5:00 pm. So this is a real advantage for people who feel on at all hours.
4. Setup & Proctoring
There are several key things that are going to take place in the setup and proctoring of the exam for security purposes that you should be aware of. First off, there’s going to be a live proctor watching you during the exam. They’ll be able to see you and listen to you during the entirety of the exam. If you have a problem, if you have questions you can both buzz them in a chat or raise your hand and they’ll come on camera live. If you’re having a connection issue or there’s some technical glitch, the GMAC is pledged to be fair and not take off time from your exam. However, if you’re raising your hand for the proctor for something that wasn’t an issue, your time, your clock doesn’t stop. So in that sense, it’s just like the live GMAT.
5. Technical Issues
If there’s a major technical issue, retakes are available but that’s really going to be something that’s subject to the judgment of the GMAC. We would expect that their system works very well and that the need for a true retake is going to be very rare. Coinciding with this you’re only going to be able to take the online GMAT one time. You won’t get your score immediately but rather sometime within about seven days. It’s a score that can’t be canceled because the online GMAT is designed to only be taken once.
So it’s really more of an emergency measure where people who need to take the GMAT to get an application out should be able to do so. But those same people shouldn’t be able to cancel their score because this is their ultimate attempt. That being said, there’s nothing stopping you from taking additional GMATs once the live appointments become available. Do be careful here, because it can lock you into a score that you might not want.
6. The Online GMAT Test Check-In
The check-in procedure for the exam is somewhat involved. It’s done live with a proctor and it takes 10 to 15 minutes. What they’re going to have you do is take a selfie, upload a photo or a snapshot of your photo ID. Then they’re actually going to have you walk around the room. Show them the corners, show them that your desk is clear without any papers on it. Show them the door to the room to ensure that there’s no one in the room. For the duration of the exam, including the breaks, you won’t be permitted to leave the room.
7. The Online GMAT Test Section Order
The online GMAT has a predetermined order of sections. So unlike the testing center version of the GMAT, you won’t be able to pick and choose which sections you do first, second, and so on. So after the check-in, you’ll be immediately directed to the quantitative section, then the verbal, a five-minute break, and then the integrated reasoning, and then you’re done.
8. Scratch Paper
With respect to the scratch paper that we normally get in an appointment GMAT – which is that dry erase sort of stuff – on the online GMAT you won’t be permitted to write as we understand it. You’ll have a whiteboard that should be some sort of adjustable screen window that you can scribble on and you should be able to move it around the screen for your convenience during the exam.
And this is something that we’re mildly concerned about and you know we have this saying here, “if you’re doing math you’re, doing something wrong.” That said having scratch paper and the comfort of physical pen and paper is something that a lot of people rely upon so keep this in mind as you get ready to take the online GMAT.
9. GMAT Online Calculator
Can you use a calculator on the GMAT online? This is a question that you definitely have on your mind if you’re going to take the online GMAT test. There will be an online calculator for the integrated reasoning section just like on the normal GMAT. Additionally, you’ll have a whiteboard that should be some sort of adjustable screen window that you can scribble on and move it around the screen for your convenience during the exam.
10. Extra Time On The Online GMAT Test
Finally, for those of you who have an accommodation of extra time from the exam, the online GMAT isn’t available now. However, they expect that functionality to roll out in mid-May both for time and a half and double time and that also includes an extended break instead of five minutes going to ten minutes in between the verbal and the integrated reasoning.
Check Pearson Vue’s video about the testing experience.
Thanks so much for watching, email us with any questions. We’re here to help during this time and stay safe and healthy out there.