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Running out of time before "confirming" answer

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by Stacey Koprince » Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:10 am
Hi, all

Just got a definitive answer from GMAC to the question: what happens if I've selected an answer but have not yet had time to confirm when time runs out?

If you have selected an answer bubble and time runs out before you can submit the answer (clicking either next or confirm), the test will still accept that answer. It will not be recorded as a missed question.

So if you're running low on time on your last question, pick something right away so that, if you run out of time while still working on the question, you have a guess, at the least!
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by beatthegmat » Fri Oct 26, 2007 3:04 pm
Thanks, Stacey! A lot of us have always been curious about this...
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by mayonnai5e » Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:17 am
Nice. That means I didn't leave one blank on my Q section. I had a bubble selected, but the time ran out as I was pressing OK on the confirmation dialog.
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by Neo2000 » Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:08 am
Yikes!! And to think i assumed they that did anyways!!
Ya know, I cant remember which one now but i know that for one essay i didnt click the next button and i still got a 6.

Man I shudder to think what would have happened if they didnt do that!
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by beatthegmat » Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:18 pm
Neo2000 wrote:Yikes!! And to think i assumed they that did anyways!!
Ya know, I cant remember which one now but i know that for one essay i didnt click the next button and i still got a 6.

Man I shudder to think what would have happened if they didnt do that!
Wow--good to know this rule applies for the AWAs as well. :)
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Re: Running out of time before "confirming" answer

by vineetbatra » Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:10 pm
Stacey Koprince wrote:Hi, all

Just got a definitive answer from GMAC to the question: what happens if I've selected an answer but have not yet had time to confirm when time runs out?

If you have selected an answer bubble and time runs out before you can submit the answer (clicking either next or confirm), the test will still accept that answer. It will not be recorded as a missed question.

So if you're running low on time on your last question, pick something right away so that, if you run out of time while still working on the question, you have a guess, at the least!
Thanks for this info Stacey, however I recently took a MGMAT test and left the last question clicked on a bubble but did not confirm (intentionally), in the test report it came as an N/A and Timed Out. Does MGMAT has a different policy on this?

Also, I wanted to know if by stroke of chance I am able to finish one section 5 minutes earlier than scheduled time then can I walk out for a break and get a longer break instead, the last question will take care of itself. It might sound really silly but after taking a few prep tests I am starting to beleive that planning for breaks is important too.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Vineet
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by Stacey Koprince » Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:00 pm
On our tests, if you don't click confirm, it doesn't get counted.

No, you can't take a longer break than the allotted time. You're not supposed to leave your seat while the test is running, and you have to raise your hand and have a proctor escort you out when you do want to leave. When they come to escort you out, they will also take the test into "break mode" and start the official timer for the break.

I do agree that planning for breaks is important! Make sure that your food and drink (in your locker) is easily accessible. If you bring a sandwich, cut it up to make it easier to eat. If you bring a granola bar, break it into pieces in advance and put it in a ziploc bag. Basically, make it really easy for yourself to get out there and immediately start drinking, eating, and de-stressing (as much as you can, anyway! :))
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by vineetbatra » Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:08 pm
Thanks again for your invaluable advice.

Vineet
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by bm1 » Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:31 am
Hi,
I appreciate your efforts, the posts that I read here are very brief and useful.
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by amaterasu » Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:48 am
I know this situation applies to GMAT, but what if ın TOEFL.
I chose a bubble on the last question, then timed out, could not click OK on the last question.
Is my answer visible ?
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by ketaki6 » Mon Sep 19, 2011 2:54 pm
I did the same thing. Did not click next on my Argument essay assuming that it would be accepted anyways. Relieved to know it gets accepted.
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by prateek_guy2004 » Tue Sep 20, 2011 12:09 pm
Thanks stacey
Don't look for the incorrect things that you have done rather look for remedies....

https://www.beatthegmat.com/motivation-t90253.html
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by xcaliber212 » Sun Jan 29, 2012 3:02 pm
Hi Stacey,

On each question, will the GMAT allow you to advance without selecting an answer, or will it prompt you first? Sometimes in practice tests I will think i've clicked the bubble but it doesnt highlight, and I click next. on MGMAT and Kaplan, it prompts me for an answer but i'm wondering if the real test will do the same?

Thank you
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