Exams Know-how

Take GMAT Online After Learning Everything About It Here

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Rohan Deshmukh
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The pandemic threw unexpected challenges to the world of students. Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) however, saw this as an opportunity to innovate the system rather than to halt it. Hence,  GMAT Online was rolled out to help aspirants take the exam from the comfort of their homes while they fight the pandemic. Adding to the success of this instant shift of GMAT testing, GMAC announced that GMAT Online is here to stay indefinitely. 

Attempting GMAT Online from the comfort of your Home!

Five years prior, could we have imagined taking GMAT from home? Of Course not! However, with GMAT Online in place, it is now a reality for aspirants.

The test is conducted for aspirants wanting to pursue a Business course or an MBA abroad. Anyone can take the GMAT Online test to seek an admission in the top Universities of the world. Candidates can take the test anytime by registering for GMAT Online on the official website.

GMAT Online is a computer-adaptive test. Depending on the correctness of your answers and your answering speed, the difficulty level of the questions are channelized.

Questions of GMAT Online cannot be skipped or revised. This implies that you cannot move forward in the test if you don’t answer. Also, you cannot go back to a question to change your answer.

What to expect in the online GMAT test? 

The GMAT test from home is no different than GMAT from a test center when it comes to the end goal. The purpose of the aptitude test is to check if you hone the qualities of becoming a successful Businessperson. GMAT online examines your critical observation skills, logical reasoning skills and your finesse in English communication. 

The duration, scoring and number of test items is exactly the same in both GMAT formats.

The differences however, lie in a few other aspects.

Feature

GMAT Online Exam

In-person GMAT

Geographic Availability

Global accessibility

Worldwide availability, specific test centers

Eligibility Criteria

Specific criteria for online format

Standard eligibility for traditional test

Test Sections

Identical to in-person GMAT

Consists of Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections

Duration and Timing

Same as in-person GMAT

Fixed time allocation for each section

Technical Requirements

System specifications and internet connectivity

No specific online technical requirements

Test Environment

Candidate's chosen location

Designated test center with proctoring

Rescheduling and Cancellation

Online policies and fees apply

In-person policies and fees apply

The choice to attempt GMAT Online or to visit an actual test centre and appear for the exam lies in your hands. The decision will become a lot easier if you stay aware of the essential differences shared above.

Testing Board Of GMAT: Champion the four GMAT sections to kickstart your B-school journey

The 3 hours 7 mintues long GMAT Online exam is divided into four sections, namely, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing. 

  1.  Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of GMAT Online tests your English language proficiency. Questions of reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction are posed under this section. You’re expected to comprehend lengthy passages to answer questions accordingly. And for the other activities in this section, you will need to correct errors or choose the best possible words for phrases.

  1.  Quantitative Reasoning

The Quant section of GMAT Online tests your logical reasoning skills and assesses your mathematical application ability. Two types of questions are expected in this section, namely, problem-solving questions and data sufficiency questions. You are supposed to solve mathematical problems for problem-solving questions. Data sufficiency questions require you to agree or disagree over the sufficiency of data.

  1.  Analytical Writing

In this section of GMAT Online, you have only one task. You are expected to assess the given passage and write an essay. Your essay must have critical analysis, point of view, a well-written structure and an impressive vocabulary.

  1.  Integrated Reasoning

Testing your ability to comprehend complex data, Integrated Reasoning plays a crucial role in the GMAT Online examination. You’re required to understand, sort and solve problems. Questions of IR are presented to you in the form of charts, graphs, infographics etc.

Each of these sections put together a fine test to assess candidates globally. Aspirants acing the GMAT Online examination are globally recognized and accepted in various Business schools.

Must Read: Top 20 Business Schools in the World

Did you know? In the GMAT Online test, test-takers are free to pick sections they wish to answer as per their preferences. This implies test-takers tailor their own GMAT paper pattern.

Taking the test at home is definitely a game-changer in the academic world. But, it is possible only with the help of the right equipment. Thus, it is important for you to know what would be required to successfully conduct the GMAT exam at home.

GMAT Online Checklist

Bookmark this listicle so you’re armed to take the GMAT Online easily.

  • ID Requirement: A valid ID (passport) to take the test.

Technical Requirement

Technical Specification

Operating System

Windows 10

Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit)

Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions)

Firewall

Do not take your exam in a setting with a corporate firewall (including VPN), or, alert your Network Administrator to the network configuration requirements.

Display

Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color. Additional monitors are forbidden.

Internet Browser

The newest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox for web registrations or downloading the secure browser or Internet Explorer 11.

Internet Connection

A consistent connection speed of 1 Mbps is required. We recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network. Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited.

WebCam

WebCam must have a minimum resolution of 640×480 @ 10 fps. Webcam may be internal or maybe external and connected to the computer. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.

Sound & Microphone

Verify the audio and microphone are not set on mute in Windows. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.

Browser Settings

Internet Cookies must be enabled.

Any Pop-Up blocking setting(s) must be disabled.

Work Computer

We recommend testing on a personal computer as work computers may block the OnVUE software.

Power

Ensure you are connected to a power source before starting your exam to avoid draining your battery during the exam.

Source: mba.com

Make sure that you comply with each of these requirements. 

A proctor examines all the requirements listed above before you take the test. By failing to meet the requirements, you will not be allowed to take the test. Hence, you need to ensure your internet connection and other exam essentials are working perfectly in order to have a smooth check-in.

Six Quick And Easy Steps To Follow To Register For GMAT Online Exam

If you’re tempted by the concept of taking the test at home, go ahead and register yourself. You can register online for the GMAT home test in just six easy steps. 

Process of registration for GMAT Exam from home:

  1. Visit the official mba.com website. Head to the GMAT Online tab and click on ‘Register for GMAT Online Exam’. 

  2. You will be directed to create your GMAT account. Create and log in to the same. 

  3. Complete your profile (Add the necessary information requested to complete your profile.) 

  4. Log your study history and choose GMAC profile verification.

  5. Select your desired appointment slot for the test. GMAT exam at home is available 24*7, you can book an appointment at any time slot as you please. Finalizing your test appointment. 

  6. Complete your registration by paying the GMAT online exam fees of $250 (Rs 18,569).

By following the above steps you are registered for the GMAT home test. It is recommended that you choose your appointment date after proper planning to avoid rescheduling and cancellations. However, in case of rescheduling your GMAT Online appointment, you may have to pay an additional rescheduling fee.

How does the GMAT Online Exam work? Well, Big Boss Is Watching You! That’s how!

It is genuinely puzzling how a test can successfully be conducted from home. Replacing the regular testing systems of a test center, an examiner or even an invigilator, the GMAT home test has introduced us to the future of a much more focused testing style. 

It is absolutely important for us to understand the working of the GMAT exam from home.  How are you monitored? What’s a proctor? What do you have to be prepared for and more. Let’s discuss this in brief:

Before the test: 

  1. Fix an appointment date: Complete your registration process.

  2. Tick off the requirements checklist: Check if you have the required equipment in place, ensure to download the required software to run the test. 

  3. Run an equipment test: Ensure your internet connection meets the requirements as mentioned by GMAC. 

  4. Practice using the whiteboard and typing: Using the online whiteboard is crucial for test-takers. As you wouldn’t have access to any sheet of paper, you must practice using the whiteboard tool for a smooth exam. The online whiteboard option is a pop-up that you can use during your test. Check out this demo whiteboard option to practice.   

Also, make sure you’re well accustomed to using the computer. Difficulty or lack of experience in typing may act as a setback.

On the test day:

  1. Re-run the equipment test: Re-check all your equipment. 

  2. Early check-in: Check-in 45 mins prior to avoid discrepancies during the test

  3. Check-in protocol: GMAT online works using onVUE online proctoring mode. This will help you launch and take the test. On the test day, begin your check-in by downloading the proctor essential and launching your test link.

To complete your check-in you’re required to submit pictures of your test room surroundings, capture a digital picture of yourself on the spot and submit your valid ID proof. 

You could be in this situation too!

This is a testimony from one of the test taker’s of GMAT Online,

I was glad I checked in 45 mins prior to the test as I had issues launching the test system. I panicked! But, since I was early for the test, I googled the possible issues that might be causing this issue. I figured that my anti-virus software was preventing the software from functioning. I immediately dealt with this situation and was able to attend the test on time.

During the test:

  1. Stick to taking the test: Focus on giving the test instead of getting distracted or overwhelmed with online testing. 

  2. Raise your hand to communicate with the proctor: If you have questions, you could raise your hand to chat with your proctor during the exam.

After the test:

  1. View your score and submit: Once you’ve completed the test, you can view your GMAT online scores. Furthermore, you can select or reject scores for submission at your desired university.

Now that you’ve understood this, you can be stress free about the nitty-gritties of the GMAT Online test and focus on preparing yourself.

GMAT Online Scoring

 After giving the GMAT exam at home, you will be able to see the unofficial score on your screen. Your official scores will be emailed to you within 7 days of taking the test. 

  • GMAT online scores per section of the paper; Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a score scale of 6-51, on a 1 point increment. Whereas, Integrated Reasoning is scored in the range of 1-8, on a 1 point increment and Analytical Writing is scored on a 0-6 score scale with 0.5 increments. 

  • Your total score, which is the sum of the Verbal Reasoning section and the Quantitative section is marked on a 200-800 score scale, with a 10 point increment.

  • The official GMAT scorecard includes personal information, study history, scores of each of the GMAT sections and additional information such as percentile etc. 

  • You can also review your scores on your GMAT mba account. To submit your scores to various universities, head to your mba account and send your scores. 

GMAT Online scores are as reputed as the GMAT from a test center. Universities across the globe are catching up with the do-it-all-from-home scenario. Thus, it would be fair to say that this is us venturing into the future of testing.

Rescheduling the Exam

Follow these steps to reschedule your GMAT Exam Online Test:

  • Log In: Go to the official website to access your GMAT account.
  • Go to the Scheduling page: Look for the schedule section in your account dashboard.
  • Examine Policies: Understand the rescheduling policies, taking eligibility and timescale into account.
  • Choose a New Date: Select an alternate exam date from the available options.
  • Confirm Changes: To confirm the reschedule, follow the on-screen instructions.

Following these procedures allows applicants to handle the GMAT Online Exam rescheduling process easily. Visit Yocket right now to improve your application process and lay the groundwork for a life-changing educational experience.

Fees and Deadlines

Fees and deadlines must be carefully considered while rescheduling the GMAT Online Exam. When considering a modification in your exam date, it's critical to understand the costs involved. Understand the rescheduling fees, which may vary depending on factors such as the date of your request and special circumstances. Also, be mindful of deadlines to begin rescheduling without incurring additional fees. Late rescheduling may incur additional charges, and desired dates may be limited, emphasizing the necessity of making prompt decisions. Staying current on the cost structure and deadlines enables a smooth transition to your GMAT Online Test schedule.

Cancelling the Exam

If you need to cancel your GMAT Online Test due to unforeseen circumstances, it's critical to understand the cancellation procedures and refund details.

Cancellation Policies

Cancelling the GMAT Online Test necessitates adhering to particular criteria. Understanding these policies is essential for a seamless transition. GMAC specifies the situations under which cancellations are accepted, considering unforeseen events or plan modifications. In general, there is a term within which cancellations are permitted without penalty. It is critical to understand any non-refundable fees and the impact of the cancellation on your overall registration. Keeping current on cancellation policies allows candidates to make well-informed decisions and, if necessary, initiate cancellations in compliance with GMAC principles for a smooth testing experience.

Refund Information

Understanding refund information is critical for people considering canceling the GMAT Online Test. The timing of the cancellation determines refund eligibility and amount. Candidates typically have a window during which they can cancel and receive a partial refund. It is critical to understand any non-refundable fees involved with the cancellation procedure. It is vital to follow the actions mentioned to get a refund. Staying up to speed on refund information ensures that students are well-prepared to manage the financial aspects of canceling the GMAT Online Exam, offering clarity and minimizing potential economic consequences. For the most up-to-date information, always visit the official GMAT website.

This current article presents to you a snapshot of the GMAT exam at home. However, to cope up with the preparation and the best ways to answer you need to deep dive into studying each of the GMAT sections carefully. Prepare yourself for the GMAT Exam by cataloging the syllabus and make a tight study plan to achieve a good score.

Commonly Asked Questions about GMAT Online

Is GMAT Online tougher ?

Will Business Schools accept GMAT Online?

How many times can you take the online GMAT exam?

What is the cost of registering for the Gmat Online exam?

Can I postpone the GMAT Online Test?

Is there a refund if an GMAT exam is cancelled?

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