The Permitted and the not permitted - during the test?

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Few questions:

a. How many sheets of rough paper are we given - is it per section, or one booklet for the full test.
b. Does the amount of paper permit comfortable writing, or do we have to be parsimonious on the rough space.
c. What happens if I finish the notepad they provided? Can I get another one during the test?
d. PEN? I read somewhere that they do not permit candidates to carry their own pens, and they provide their own pen. And worse that it is not even a pen (like ball point) but more like a sketch pen or a marker. Does it write with a thick tip, leaving ink stains and blots all over the sheet?
e. Can I carry my own drinking water inside the test hall? If not will the test center provide water (if required) during the test?
f. Digital/analog wrist watch, is that permitted?
g. Any other surprises?
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by 5abi » Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:55 am
the only thing you can take inside is yourself and your ID.

they start you with a ten page booklet, i found 1 to be enough, but if you run out they will supply another, just throw your hand up right away. don't wait.

No suprises.

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by arora007 » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:34 am
a) There is a plastic coated A4 size square-line booklet, If I recall well 10-12 sides

b) This booklet should be comfortable.

c)Yes raise your hand and then they will attend to your request. Need a notepad, an extra pen or assistance.

d) Yes, do not carry any pens. The exam co-ordinators provide special pens which can write on the booklet. And yes, these days they are providing 2 pens, If I recall well... I read about anxious testtakers waiting for a new pen. This situation is now a myth.

e)Carry all the food and water you want... you get a locker and breaks of 8 minutes between sections

f) nope no digitial watches or for that matter even analog watches

e) Do not worry, you will just be fine. carrying ur passport or the ID recommended to you while taking the GMAT date. Also do remember the name and country of the colleges you are applying to.
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by Ikonik » Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:25 pm
Thanks...
I read a few old posts and this is what i found:

Paper: It is not normal A4 paper, but rather laminated A4 sheets (I think 6 sheets in a pad)
Pen: It is more like an OHP marker not a normal ball/roller pen used on paper.
Is this the same all over the world at GMAT test centers?
I am particularly concerned about this since the pen and paper type might significantly affect the rough-work speed!

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by bkw » Sun Mar 06, 2011 4:44 pm
Ikonik wrote: Paper: It is not normal A4 paper, but rather laminated A4 sheets (I think 6 sheets in a pad)
Pen: It is more like an OHP marker not a normal ball/roller pen used on paper.
Is this the same all over the world at GMAT test centers?
I am particularly concerned about this since the pen and paper type might significantly affect the rough-work speed!
Don't be concerned! Buy a https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GMAT-Si ... 552&sr=8-1 to practice with instead when you do CATs.

Good Luck beating the GMAT!

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by michaelfaulkner » Wed Mar 09, 2011 3:44 pm
You cannot bring anything into the test center.

They provide you with a pen and a laminated pad of paper. My biggest advice is to ask for an extra pen at the very beginning in case yours runs out of ink. As far as the amount of paper (laminated paper) that they give you, one pad should be enough for one section. However, if you write big, carelessly, and all over the place you may run out of space. They'll always give you another pad, but this is a huge waste of time that can easily be avoided if you write 'smart.' Be sure to ask for a fresh notebook at the start of each section.

Also, there'll be headphones to block out sound at your desk. But the proctors will also have earplugs if you ask for them. I really need silence when taking tests so I asked for a new pair of earplugs at the beginning of each section.