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Redeem7 Whiteboard Strategies for the GMAT Online
The online GMAT currently offers two options for note-taking during the exam: a virtual whiteboard that is accessible throughout the exam via the notepad icon at the top of your computer screen; and an erasable physical whiteboard that you can purchase on your own before your exam.
The virtual whiteboard allows you to type text and draw shapes and lines, providing a space on your computer screen to do, essentially, any of the scratch work you could do with physical scratch paper.
The physical whiteboard offers an experience very similar to that of using the dry-erase pad and marker provided during the in-person GMAT.
Importantly, you have the option of using just a physical whiteboard, just the virtual whiteboard, or both during your online GMAT. So, how do you decide which option is right for you?
In this article, we’ll review requirements and recommendations for the physical GMAT Online whiteboard, discuss the functionality and features of the virtual version, give you 7 tips for how and when to use each whiteboard type, and go over some pros and cons of using both GMAT whiteboards in tandem.
Before we get into best practices for your GMAT Online whiteboard use, let’s cover the basics of both whiteboard types, starting with the physical whiteboard.
Physical Whiteboard Requirements for the GMAT Online
As of June 11, 2020, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) began giving test-takers the option of using an erasable physical whiteboard instead of, or in addition to, the virtual whiteboard that was originally released with the online version of the GMAT.
Test-takers can use 1 erasable whiteboard that is no larger than 12×20 inches with up to 2 dry-erase markers and 1 whiteboard eraser.
A double-sided whiteboard is permitted, but both sides must be completely blank; grid lines, background colors, and other markings on the whiteboard are not permitted. Note also that a laminated, dry-erase notepad and non-permanent marker like those provided at test centers during in-person GMATs are not allowed during the GMAT Online exam.
Here are some examples of whiteboards and supplies that are acceptable for the GMAT Online:
We recommend that you select a whiteboard that has thin framing or no framing at all, as thicker framing may make writing on the whiteboard, which will be placed flat on your desk, somewhat uncomfortable. Additionally, many test-takers have found ultra-thin markers easier to write than markers with thick tips.
Since you will erase your work on your whiteboard numerous times during the test, opt for a larger block-style eraser, which will enable you to erase more notes in a shorter amount of time. You cannot use napkins or any implements other than a whiteboard eraser to erase your whiteboard, nor can you write on the whiteboard using pens, permanent markers, or anything but a dry-erase marker.
If you plan to use a physical whiteboard, you should purchase your supplies as soon as possible, not only so you can begin practicing with the whiteboard, but also because in-stock items and shipping times may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, you may find that the supplies you initially purchase are not quite right for your needs — perhaps you’d be more comfortable writing on a smaller surface or using a thicker marker. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to find appropriate supplies just days before your exam!
Functionality and Features of the Virtual Whiteboard
Using the virtual whiteboard, a GMAT Online test-taker can write out equations or notes, draw shapes and lines — basically do all of the same types of scratch work a test-taker would do using a dry-erase pad.
You can open and close the whiteboard at any time during the online GMAT by clicking on the notepad icon in the navigation bar at the top of the screen. With the whiteboard open, you can resize it and position it wherever you want on your screen as you work, so you can view just the whiteboard or both the whiteboard and a GMAT question side by side.
To read the complete article, please visit Target Test Prep's blog.