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Gmat Overview of the administration of the test

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Gmat Overview of the administration of the test

by crisprin117 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:02 pm
Hello,

I've gotten information going both ways on this topic. During the test are we provided a pen or pencils and paper or are we required to use the dry erase boards? Also, if there are any other inconvenient possibilities I'd like to know before hand if anyone has some suggestions. BTW, I have looked at many resources for this information but it seems to vary. Thanks.

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by [email protected] » Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:24 pm
Hi crisprin117,

Situations may vary in non-US Testing Centers, but in US Pearson Centers, the process is fairly standardized. You'll receive a dry-erase pad (6 sheets, double sided - the front of the first sheet has instructions printed on it) and a dry-erase marker. At any point during the test, you may exchange the note board (or pen) for a new one, but you will have to hand over the old one.

If you want to make the exchange during the exam, then your timer will continue to run. My advice is to exchange your pad during one of your 8-minute breaks, so you won't have to wait for the Moderator to come to you.

It's possible that an individual Center may be low on supplies on a given day. If that's the case, then you'll be given something to write with and something to write on. Try not to let an inconsistency such as this affect your mindset.

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by David@VeritasPrep » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:13 pm
I would be shocked to learn that any center gave pencil and paper.

GMAC is more concerned about keeping their questions secret than just about anything else - other than verifying the identity of test taker.

It is very difficult to account for every sheet of paper so questions could be smuggled out.

Expect to use a dry erase and a marker as Rich has described above.

As a note...If anyone is ever given paper during a GMAT exam I would love to hear about it!
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by bml1105 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:45 pm
This may be a silly question, my first (and hopefully only) test date isn't till June, but if it's a dry erase board couldn't you just wipe and erase it, instead of getting a new board?
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by David@VeritasPrep » Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:44 pm
I misspoke -- it is not a dry erase but a "wet erase" board.

You cannot erase it in any feasible way during the exam.
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by bml1105 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:46 pm
Oh ok, that makes more sense. Thanks!
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by crisprin117 » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:20 am
Thanks for the input, I've been using a pencil and paper and my style will need a little tweaking in using a wet erase board. I will get some similar materials to practice with.
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by bml1105 » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:28 pm
Is it really that different on test day with the wet erase board? I would think the only issue would be that you can't erase. Instead, you'd have to cross something out. Right?
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by Bill@VeritasPrep » Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:41 pm
bml1105 wrote:Is it really that different on test day with the wet erase board? I would think the only issue would be that you can't erase. Instead, you'd have to cross something out. Right?
The tactile experience is a little different than pen and paper...the marker on the dry-erase sheet is much more slippery than pen on paper. It's not a major problem, but given that comfort with the test can be a big factor, it's worth practicing ahead of time.
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