Can you use scratch paper on the GMAT? What does it look like, and how do you use it? Questions about the GMAT scratch pad are common for students preparing for the exam.

In this article, I’ll go over the details of the GMAT scratch paper, how to use your GMAT noteboard effectively, and how to simulate the official notepad at home as you prepare to take the test.

GMAT Scratch Paper: The Logistics

First off, the good news: Yes, you are given a notepad and marker to take notes on during the GMAT. It’s specifically created for use by GMAT test takers.

The GMAT scratch paper is a laminated scratch pad with five yellow grid double-sided pages. The pages are about the size of those on a legal pad (that is, significantly bigger than a typical sheet of paper). It looks like a cross between a dry erase board and a flip pad or sketchbook.

Here’s what it looks like:

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The surface of the GMAT scratch pad is plastic, which will feel different from writing with pen on paper:

The GMAT notepad is accompanied by a non-permanent wet erase marker, not a pen. The marker is around the size and shape of a regular Sharpie or a thin dry erase marker. While the GMAT noteboard looks a lot like a dry erase board, you cannot erase anything on it. So use your space wisely.

However, if you do start running out of room, that’s ok. If you need more scratch paper during the test, raise your hand and a proctor will replace it for you. There are no limitations on how much scratch paper you can use during the GMAT. Taking notes can take up precious time, however, so make sure that what you do write is directly useful to you.

Try to plan ahead so you don’t run out of room on the scratch pad before a section of the GMAT ends. The best time to ask the proctor for a new scratch pad is between sections, so you don’t have to interrupt your thought process or waste time during a section.

How to Use Your GMAT Noteboard Effectively

Remember, you can’t bring your own scratch paper or writing utensils to the GMAT. In fact, no personal items are allowed in the room except for pre-approved ‘comfort items’ like cough drops or a jacket. So you’ll want to learn how to use this specific tool comfortably so you won’t feel blindsided by it on exam day. Let’s go over some ways that you can make the GMAT scratch paper work most effectively for you.

General Tips for Using the GMAT Scratch Paper

Here are some general tips to help you use your GMAT notepad to your best advantage:

• Divide each page up into sections. Before you start each section, some students find it helpful to divide a scratch pad page (or two, or three) into squares corresponding to the number of questions. For example, the Integrated Reasoning section consists of 12 questions, so you’d divide a notepad page into 12 squares and label them 1-12. You’d write your notes or calculations for each question in its corresponding square. This can help you stay organized and focused during the test, or go back to a previous difficult question.

• If you have it, use extra time in another section to set up the next set of scratch pad pages. If you finish your Analytical Writing Assessment early, for example, you can use that extra time to set up your squares for the Integrated Reasoning section. You can also use a few minutes of your break time or a few minutes at the beginning of the allotted section time to ‘customize’ your scratch paper.

• Some students also find it helpful to keep track of their time using the scratch pad, especially if they struggle with timing. In each square, you can write the approximate time you should use for that question in a ‘countdown’ format. For example, you have around two minutes for each question in the Quant section and 62 minutes to finish the section. So your first question square would read “:62” at the top, and the second would read “:60,” and so on. This helps some students stay on top of things and confuses others, so don’t worry about it if this wouldn’t work for you.

• Don’t overuse your GMAT scratch paper. As much as you can, practice doing calculations and picking out main ideas from readings in your head at home. Using the GMAT scratch pad can be very helpful, but it can also take up time and energy that you’ll need for the test.

• Practice writing small at home when you take notes. Taking up too much space for each problem will make things more difficult and visually confusing.

• Some students prefer using the GMAT scratch pad horizontally rather than vertically. Try it at home and see what works for you. Experiment with various ways of setting up the pages. Remember, this is your space!

Quant Section Tips

• The GMAT scratch pad is especially important for the Quant section because the Quant section doesn’t have an onscreen calculator. Any calculations you do will have to be by hand on the laminated scratch pad.

• It can be helpful to jot down the ‘given’ information for each problem and clearly mark it as ‘given’ (with a line next to it or a circle around it, for example) before you start your calculations for that problem.

• For the Data Sufficiency questions, using the process of elimination and physically crossing out incorrect answers on your scratch pad can be especially helpful.

Analytical Writing Assessment Tips

Since you’ll write your essay for the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) in an onscreen text editor, you can keep your notes there if you want to save your GMAT scratch pad for other sections.

However, I recommend using the scratch pad to create an outline before actually writing your essay. Having a plan will make writing go faster, and it will be much easier to refer back to on your notepad.

Verbal Section Tips

Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to take notes on for the Verbal section. Your scratch pad can be used in two ways here:

• You can pull out major points, such as main ideas, evidence, and counterarguments, from each reading and jot them down for each reading. This is especially helpful for the longer Reading Comprehension passages, which are accompanied by several questions each. If you don’t find taking notes helpful, though, don’t feel like you have to.

• For all Verbal GMAT questions, you can use the notepad for process of elimination. You can write down “ABCDE” in each question square and cross out the answer choices you know are incorrect as you read.

Integrated Reasoning (IR) Tips

You’ll have a calculator onscreen for the IR section, but you can use your GMAT notepad and marker to keep track of your calculations or to eliminate answer choices. For example, many IR questions have several parts (I, II, and III, for example) and ask you to determine whether I is “True,” II is “False,” III cannot be determined, or any combination thereof. You can also use this space to create a visual diagram of those choices and keep track of them as you go along.

How to Simulate the GMAT Noteboard

In preparation for the GMAT, it’s helpful to simulate as many aspects of the test as possible. This will help you feel confident, do your best, and avoid wasting time and energy on exam day. There are two ways you can simulate the experience of using the GMAT scratch paper at home in preparation for the test:

Manhattan Prep has created a GMAT test simulation booklet that is nearly identical to the one you’ll receive at the GMAT. It also includes a corresponding marker. You can purchase the simulation booklet here. This will give you the most realistic experience and writing feel.

To create a DIY version of the GMAT notepad, just purchase a yellow grid legal pad and a slender Sharpie-sized marker. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll get the feel for the size and shape of the scratch paper.

It will be most effective to use your simulated GMAT scratch pad alongside the free GMAT prep software at MBA.com. This will help you simulate as many aspects of test day as possible.

What’s Next?

For a more detailed breakdown of each GMAT question type, check out our article on the GMAT format.

For practice questions to use alongside your simulated test booklet, check out our complete collection of GMAT sample questions.

If you’re ready to register for the GMAT,  our guide to GMAT registration will walk you through the process.

The post GMAT Scratch Paper: 13 Expert Tips to Use It Effectively appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) announced two changes impacting test-takers starting in July 11, 2017. Most importantly, students may now select the order of the GMAT sections. In addition, the test center profile you see immediately after the exam has been removed.

In this article, I’ll go over how the option to select GMAT section order works and how you can use it your advantage.

Select Section Order and Removal of Test Center Profile

Beginning on July 11, 2017 students who take the GMAT are now able to choose the order in which they complete the four sections of the exam (the Analytical Writing Assessment, the verbal section, the quant section, and Integrated Reasoning).

The GMAT sections are now available in three different orders: the original GMAT section order and two new possible orders. Here are the three GMAT section orders you are able to choose from:

• Option 1: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal (original order)
• Option 2: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
• Option 3: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

You’ll be presented with the three section order options immediately before you take the exam (after you’re given instructions on how to complete the GMAT and have been asked to provide the names of your prospective schools). You’ll then have two minutes to select the order you want.

You’re will also no longer be asked to complete a profile about your undergraduate academic history, personal demographics, etc., after you take the test. Instead, you will be able to fill out this information anytime before or after you take the GMAT at your profile on mba.com. GMAC made this change to give test-takers a more streamlined and convenient experience at the testing center.

How to Select Your GMAT Section Order

Now, you’re probably wondering what these changes mean for you. Let’s go over how you can choose the GMAT section order that works best for you and the other ways that this new flexibility will affect you on exam day.

Prospective business schools are not able to see what order you completed the GMAT sections in (the order you choose won’t be on your score report), and the order in which you take the sections will not affect how your exam is scored. So you don’t need to worry about selecting a certain section order to look more impressive.

Instead, you should select your GMAT section order based on your own strengths and weaknesses. This will look different for everyone. When you choose your GMAT section order, take your own testing patterns into account.

For example, a student with high testing anxiety who struggles with the quant section might choose Option #3 in order to get quant out of the way right away so they can focus fully on the subsequent sections.

Meanwhile, a student who’s comfortable and familiar with the verbal section might choose to complete that section first (Option #2) instead, using their easiest section as a warmup for later, more challenging sections.

A non-native English speaker who feels uncomfortable with writing at length might choose Option #1 in order to avoid burnout by the end of the exam, when they’ll have to complete a writing sample.

The bottom line is that you’ll have to pick what GMAT section order works best for you and your unique needs and skill set. There’s no “right” or “wrong” except what works or doesn’t work for you.

You should also definitely choose your section order before the day of the exam, so you can be well prepared for exactly what you’ll encounter when you take the GMAT. You should practice the order of GMAT sections you choose well in advance of exam day.

How Does This Affect Your GMAT Breaks?

Now that you’re able to select the order in which you complete the GMAT sections, your optional breaks are available at the following points during the exam.

Will GMAT Prep Materials Reflect This Change?

Official GMAT prep materials like the GMAT Prep Software and GMAT Exam Packs 1 and 2 have been updated to reflect the change in section order flexibility since July 31, 2017.

If you have already purchased or downloaded these products before July 31, 2017, you will be provided with a free software upgrade that will incorporate the changes into your existing downloads.

The Bottom Line: GMAT Select Section Order

Being able to select the order in which you complete the sections of the GMAT will allow for more flexibility and choice on your part. Try out different options, choose wisely, and good luck!

What’s Next?

Not sure if you’re ready for GMAT exam day? Check out our 18 expert tips to rock test day.

If you’re looking to retake the GMAT, our guide to rescheduling the exam will help.

For more information on the GMAT format, check out our guide to the four exam sections.

The post How to Select the Best GMAT Section Order for You appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

You’ve studied for weeks! You know your math formulas backwards and forwards! You can spot an idiom from miles away! You get all the way to the test center and it hits you… you’ve forgotten your valid photo ID.

Arriving at the test center on the day of your GMAT exam without something you need would certainly be a big bummer, but don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to bring to GMAT test day. First, I’ll go over the necessary items you have to bring to the test center. Next, I’ll talk about some things that would be nice to have at the test center. I’ll also give you a GMAT exam day checklist that you can use to make sure you’ve got all you need for test day. Finally, I’ll talk briefly about the items you shouldn’t bring to test day.

What to Bring to GMAT Test Day

GMAC has strict rules and regulations for test-takers, so it’s important to know what to bring to the GMAT test center so that you can take your test at your scheduled time. It’s also important to be prepared so you avoid any unnecessary fees from having to reschedule your exam or pay to send test scores later.

What to Bring to the GMAT: 4 Necessary Items

You don’t need to bring much to take the GMAT, but there are a number of items you must have in order to be allowed to take the test. You should make sure to bring each of the following items with you to your appointment.

#1: A Valid, GMAT Approved Photo ID

You must bring a valid, GMAT approved photo ID to be admitted your exam. If you forget to bring a photo ID, or if it doesn’t fit the qualifications discussed below, you won’t be allowed to take the GMAT. GMAC has strict rules and regulations about what constitutes a valid, approved photo ID. A valid photo ID must have:

• Your name using the Roman alphabet (an important note for test-takers in countries that don’t use the Roman alphabet) that is spelled exactly the same way you provided it when you registered.
• Date of birth that exactly matches the birth date you registered with.
• A recent, recognizable photograph.
• Your signature.

If your photo ID doesn’t have one of the above qualifications, you won’t be admitted to take the GMAT. If your photo ID has all of the above qualifications but is expired, you won’t be admitted to take the GMAT. Make sure your ID fulfills all the requirements well before test day, because it can often take a while to replace a driver’s license or passport.

Speaking of driver’s licenses and passports, they are two of the acceptable forms of photo identification. The four acceptable forms of ID for the GMAT are: international passport, government-issued driver’s license, government-issued national/state/province identity card, and military ID card. Note, you must bring a passport if you’re taking the GMAT in a country outside of your country of citizenship. So, if you’re from the United States and are taking the GMAT in India, you need to bring your US passport in order to take the GMAT.

Remember, you’ll be turned away at the door if you don’t have a valid photo ID!

#2: Names of the Five MBA Programs Where You Want to Send Your Scores

As part of your GMAT test day appointment, you’ll be able to select up to five programs to send your GMAT scores to. Your GMAT exam fee includes the cost of sending your scores to these five schools. You’ll only be able to send your free scores once, immediately before your exam. If you don’t select any schools to send your scores to, you can do it later, but it’ll cost $28 per school.

It’s a good idea to bring a list of the MBA programs you want to send your scores to your test so that you aren’t flustered with trying to make a decision on test day and so that you don’t spend unnecessary money sending your scores at a later date.

#3: Appointment Confirmation Letter or Email

Bring your appointment confirmation letter or email to your testing center in case there’s any discrepancy with your test date and time. By bringing your confirmation letter, you’ll be able to address any discrepancy (such as a confusion about your test date) and smooth out your check in process.

#4: Directions to the Test Center

Having printed directions to the test center or the address already pre-loaded onto your phone will save you time and stress as you’re driving to your appointment. Having printed directions can help if your phone unexpectedly dies or fails, while having the address pre-loaded onto your phone can help you search for alternate routes in case of traffic.

What to Bring to the GMAT: 3 Nice-to-Have Items

The GMAT is a long test and you’ll have the option of taking two breaks to refresh yourself during the exam. The following items aren’t required of test day, but may be nice to have if you’re concerned about being comfortable through the length of the exam.

#1: Water

Bringing water is a great way to refresh yourself during your break. You can’t bring it into the exam room, but you can retrieve it and drink it during the breaks. I’d recommend bringing water over soda or other sugary drinks, so you don’t experience a sugar crash.

#2: Snacks

Just like water, you can’t bring your snacks into the exam room, but you can get them during your breaks. A healthy snack like a piece of fruit, protein bar, or handful of trail mix can help boost your energy levels during the long test.

#3: Extra Layers

Sometimes, the test center you’re working in may be very cold or very hot. Bringing an extra layer, like a sweatshirt, or wearing layers that you can easily remove will help you be comfortable as you work in the test center for over three hours.

GMAT Exam Day Checklist

Worried that you’ll forget something important on your way to the GMAT? Don’t be! With our handy, downloadable GMAT exam day checklist, you’ll be able to remember exactly what to bring to GMAT test day.

Click here to download PrepScholar’s GMAT Exam Day Checklist.

3 Things Not to Bring to the GMAT

GMAC is very strict about what you can bring into the testing room. Leave these items at home or in your car on test day – you won’t be able to use them anyways.

#1: Electronics

You can’t bring a calculator to the GMAT, so don’t even bother packing it into your car on test day. You also won’t be able to use your phone, tablet, pager, laptop, watch, radio, or any other electronic item during the test, besides the computer station provided to you at the test center. You’ll be asked to lock up your electronics, so be prepared to put them into a locker or leave them in your car or at home during the test.

#2: Books and Other Print Aids

You can’t bring any books or print aids to the GMAT, including dictionaries, thesauruses, idiom dictionaries, math formula sheets, etc. Make sure you don’t accidentally have a sheet folded up in your pocket or on your person as you enter into the test center. Your test will be automatically voided if you’re found with any print aids in the testing room.

#3: Weapons

It should go without saying, but the only weapon you need to bring to the GMAT is your finely tuned brain that you’ve trained for weeks to conquer the test. Leave all weapons or items that could be considered a weapon (including pocket knives, nail clippers, and razors) at home.

Review: What to Bring to GMAT Test Day (and What Not To)

It’s important to know what to bring to the GMAT so you don’t have any trouble taking your test during your scheduled appointment. If you’re worried about forgetting something, print out our GMAT exam day checklist to make sure you’re all ready to go.

What’s Next

Wondering what to expect at your GMAT test center? A big part of feeling prepared for test day is knowing what you’ll encounter when you arrive to take your test. Check out our guide to GMAT test centers to make sure you’re well-prepared and ready to go.

If you’re concerned about sending your GMAT scores to schools, check out our complete guide to sending GMAT scores. The guide will help you learn how and when to send GMAT scores, as well as how to correctly time ordering score reports so your scores will arrive to admissions programs in time.

Searching for some last-minute GMAT tips? If your GMAT is just around the corner, our guide to last-minute GMAT tips will help you feel more prepared and ready for the exam, whether you just decided to take it recently or you’ve been studying for months.

The post GMAT Exam Day Checklist: What to Bring to the Test Center appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Sometimes, as your GMAT test day quickly approaches, you may have to make the difficult decision to cancel your GMAT appointment. Maybe you’re sick and don’t feel well enough to take the test, or you’ve had a family emergency come up. Maybe you’ve decided you’re not prepared enough to do well. Maybe you’ve already gotten into business school and don’t need to take the GMAT again!

No matter what your reason for canceling a GMAT appointment, it’s important to understand the process for canceling so that you don’t lose a lot of money or get saddled with other unforeseen consequences. In this guide, I’ll talk about what cancelling your GMAT really means. I’ll discuss the GMAT cancellation policy, how to cancel a GMAT appointment, and how to decide whether or not you should cancel your GMAT appointment.

What Are My Options to Cancel GMAT Appointments?

GMAC has a strict GMAT cancellation policy. However, you do have several options if you need to cancel a GMAT appointment.

First, you can cancel your exam any time up to seven days before your test date to receive an $80 refund. When you cancel a GMAT appointment, you lose your test date and will have to pay the entire $250 registration fee if you decide to register for a different test date.

You can also cancel your exam between one to seven days before your GMAT appointment. If you cancel between one to seven days before your GMAT appointment, you won’t receive a refund.

You cannot cancel GMAT appointments within 24 hours of your test date. If you don’t show up to your scheduled GMAT appointment, and haven’t cancelled within 24 hours of your test date, your account history with GMAC will display a no-show. Your no-show status shows up on your own test history on your GMAC dashboard online. However, you won’t ever have a no-show appear on a score report, so don’t worry about your no-show status getting sent to business schools.

What Is the GMAT Cancellation Fee?

GMAC has a pretty harsh GMAT cancellation fee structure.

If you cancel your exam seven or more days before your GMAT appointment, you’ll receive an $80 refund. That means you’ll lose the rest of your $250 registration fee.

You can also reschedule your exam seven or more days for your GMAT appointment. Rescheduling a GMAT appointment costs $50, so it’s definitely a better financial decision if you still want to take the GMAT.

If you’re within seven calendar days of your test date, you’ll lose your entire $250 registration fee if you cancel a GMAT appointment. You’ll also have to pay the full $250 registration fee if you decide to register for a different test date.

What Happens If I Have an Emergency?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to recoup your full registration fee, even if you have an emergency. If you cancel more than seven days in advance, you can get the standard $80 refund. If it’s within seven calendar days of your test date, you’ll still have to pay the full $250 GMAT cancellation fee to register for a different GMAT date.

How Can I Decide Whether or Not to Cancel GMAT Appointments?

Because GMAC has such a strict GMAT cancellation policy, if you have to cancel a GMAT appointment, you stand to lose a lot of money. You should only completely cancel a GMAT appointment if you don’t want to take the GMAT at all, or at least not for many months. Otherwise, it’s better to reschedule your appointment.

If you’ve had an unforeseen emergency come up, such as a severe illness or family crisis, try to reschedule your GMAT for another time. Remember, you can reschedule your GMAT up to seven days before your test date. So, if you’re feeling under the weather as your test date approaches and are worried that you won’t be well before the test, you can decide to reschedule so you don’t have to worry about losing your registration fee. However, if an emergency pops up closer to test day, know that you’ll have to pay the $250 GMAT registration fee again if you decide to take the test at a later date.

If you’re worried about how you’ll score, rescheduling your test for a later date might make sense. Scheduling your test for a later date means that you’ll have time to study more and feel more prepared. However, you need to keep in mind the amount of time it takes to send and receive GMAT scores. Pushing your test date back might mean that you don’t have enough time to send your GMAT scores to MBA programs before their application deadlines. If you’ve decided that you have enough time to push back your GMAT appointment, make sure you reschedule at least seven days before your current GMAT appointment, so that you only have to pay $50 instead of the full $250 registration fee.

If you’ve already gotten into business school or have decided not to apply, canceling your GMAT makes sense. If you can cancel seven days or more before your exam, you’ll at least get $80 of your GMAT registration fee back.

What’s Next?

Choosing a GMAT test date that works for you will go a long way in making sure you don’t have to cancel your exam and lose a lot of money. If you’re looking for more information about how to choose a correct GMAT test date, our complete guide to choosing a GMAT test date will help you make the best decision that works for your schedule.

Picking a GMAT test center that’s convenient to your location is also an important part of your registration process. Find out more about what to expect at a GMAT test center and how to choose the right one for you in our guide to GMAT test centers.

It’s important to send your GMAT scores well before your application deadlines. In our guide to sending GMAT scores, you’ll learn when schools receive them, how to send them, and what to do if you need to send extra GMAT scores.

The post Can You Cancel GMAT Appointments? Should You? appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

So you’ve scheduled your GMAT appointment and feel good about it. A month later, you find out that’s your sister’s wedding date. What can you do? Don’t panic: you can reschedule the GMAT, though there is a fee. 

In this article, I’ll go over how to reschedule your GMAT date, how much it costs, and when it’s a good or bad move to reschedule.

Can You Reschedule GMAT Appointments? How Much Does It Cost?

The short answer is yes, you can reschedule your GMAT appointment. However, there are some limitations.

When you register for your GMAT date on mba.com, you’ll pay a scheduling fee of $250 for selecting the date, time, and location of your exam. You can’t get that fee refunded no matter what, so keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to reschedule.

If you decide to reschedule, you’ll pay a $50 fee if you change your exam date more than seven calendar days before your GMAT appointment. If you change your exam date seven days or fewer before your appointment, you’ll pay a $250 GMAT reschedule fee (meaning that you’re essentially paying to register for the test again).

You cannot reschedule or cancel your GMAT appointment 24 hours or less before your scheduled exam date. If you don’t appear on your exam date, your mba.com account will label that date a no-show. However, no-shows won’t appear on the score reports that go to business schools.

Rescheduling the GMAT: Step by Step

If you’ve decided to reschedule your GMAT appointment, it’s a fairly simple process.

1. To reschedule GMAT dates online, log into your mba.com account that you used to register for the exam.
2. Under “Future Exams,” on the first page, rescheduling your appointment will be one of the options under “Actions.” After clicking on ‘reschedule,’ you can select your new testing location (if applicable), exam date, and time.
3. Depending on when you’re rescheduling your exam, you will pay a $50 GMAT reschedule fee (more than seven days before your appointment) or $250 fee (seven days or fewer before your appointment). You’ll be directed to do this online in order to complete your new exam registration. Watch out for an email confirmation of your new exam date.

Note: You can also reschedule GMAT appointments by phone (find the appropriate number here). By phone, there is a $10 rescheduling fee. You are required to reschedule your appointment by phone if you want to reschedule an exam in a different country from the original one in which you registered.

Should You Reschedule the GMAT?

So, now you know you can reschedule GMAT dates. But is it a good idea? Let’s go over the do’s and don’ts of rescheduling the exam.

Avoid Rescheduling the GMAT If Possible

Rescheduling the GMAT is expensive, and your initial registration fee can’t be refunded. Also, depending on when you plan to apply to business schools, putting the test off until a later date can interfere with your admissions deadlines.

If possible, it’s usually best to stick to your initial plan and take the test on your scheduled date. If you don’t do well on your scheduled GMAT date, you can always retake the exam after further preparation—usually a better idea than putting it off to begin with.

Don’t Reschedule Because You’re Doing Poorly on Practice Tests

MBA programs don’t look down on taking the GMAT more than once, so it won’t reflect poorly on you if you take the GMAT twice or even several times. If you’ve prepared extensively but are not scoring exactly where you want on your practice tests, it’s usually a better bet to take the exam anyway. Taking the test at a real testing location may actually help you prepare and feel more relaxed and ready for your next GMAT appointment.

If you do decide to take the test more than once, just make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to prepare before your next exam date. You can’t take the GMAT more than once in a month, but depending on your target score, you’ll likely need at least three months to substantially prepare before retaking the test.

The one exception to this rule is if you truly haven’t prepared much for the GMAT at all due to work or other stressors in your life. If you’re still unfamiliar with the exam content and format, or haven’t focused on your weak spots at all, it’s better to reschedule. Taking the GMAT while woefully underprepared will only increase your fear of the exam.

Do Reschedule If You Have a Personal Emergency or Health Crisis

If you’re having an issue such as a personal crisis or illness, it may be better to reschedule. It’s best not to take the GMAT under more pressure than you need to, as it will likely lower your score and create anxiety around the process of taking the exam for next time. Taking time to heal and prepare before your next GMAT appointment will be better for your exam score and your health.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to schedule your GMAT appointment, learn how to schedule wisely with our guides to choosing GMAT test dates.

Not sure how long you need to study for the GMAT? Our guide will help you set a timetable for your GMAT prep.

Meanwhile, our comprehensive GMAT Study Guide will cover everything you need for your GMAT preparation.

The post Can You Reschedule Your GMAT? Is There a Fee? appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

You’ve spent months getting ready to take the GMAT – studying after work or school, taking practice tests on the weekends, familiarizing yourself with the content and structure of the exam. You know your goal score and you know which schools you want to apply to. Test day is almost upon you! But you’re still not sure how to send GMAT scores to the schools you’re applying to.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the two methods for sending GMAT scores to the business programs of your choice. For each method, I’ll talk about what it is, how much it costs, and how to do it. Finally, I’ll talk about what score reports include and give some advice regarding how far in advance you need to send your GMAT scores to make sure they arrive on time for application deadlines.

How to Send GMAT Scores to Schools: 4 Free Reports

Part of your GMAT registration fee covers automatically sending your GMAT score report to up to five schools of your choosing. In this section, I’ll talk about when and how you choose which schools to send your score reports to, as well as when programs receive your score reports.

On test day, before you actually take the exam, you’ll have the option to decide up to five schools that you want to receive your test scores. You’ll select these schools online at the test center by looking up the school’s name and code. Follow these steps when sending your free score reports:

1. Before test day, decide on the five schools that you’re planning on sending your scores to.
2. At the test center before the test, select the schools you’re going to send your scores to. The test center will guide you through this process.
3. After your exam, if you decide to keep your scores, they will be automatically sent to the schools you selected when they’re available.

The five schools you pick to receive your GMAT scores will receive them within 20 days of your test date (the same time you’ll receive your official scores). Because you’ve selected these schools on test day, they’ll be automatically sent to each school’s admissions office – there’s no need to do anything after you complete your test.

I would suggest taking advantage of this feature to send all five score reports if you’re planning on applying to five or more business schools. Every additional score report you send will cost money, so it makes sense to take advantage of the free reporting.

It’ll also take more time and effort to send additional score reports after test day, as you’ll have to order more score reports and wait for them to be sent. Make sure you come into test day knowing which five schools you’ll select to send your scores so that you’re not wasting time or stressing about a big decision before the test.

If you’re worried about selecting schools to send your reports to because you don’t want to send a low score, don’t sweat it. You can always cancel your scores at the end of the test ifaren’t happy with your score. You also have the option to retake and resend your scores. Schools only really care about your highest score, anyways.

How to Send GMAT Scores to Schools: Additional Reports

If you’re applying to more than five business programs or if you weren’t sure which schools you wanted to send GMAT scores to on test day, you can always order additional score reports for a fee.

Each additional score report you send after test day costs $28 (even if you didn’t use all five of your free score reports on test day itself).

In order to send additional score reports, you can either login to your account on MBA.com or contact GMAC customer service over the phone. However, there is an extra $10 surcharge for ordering your score reports over the phone.

When ordering additional score reports, you need to have the name of the programs you’re applying to and provide a credit card for the $28 score reporting fee.

Additional score reports are sent out within seven days of the request being received. Unfortunately, there is no way to rush sending GMAT scores, so make sure you order your score reports with plenty of time before your application deadline.

You can order GMAT scores that are more than five years old by contacting GMAC customer service over the phone. Note that GMAC strongly discourages using older scores, as the format of the exam has changed in the last five years, and most business schools won’t accept older scores.

What’s on a GMAT Score Report?

What do business programs see when they get your GMAT score report? Let’s review what’s shown on a GMAT score report and what you can or cannot choose to hide.

An official GMAT score report consists of five parts:

• Total Scaled Score (on a scale from 200 to 800)
• Verbal Scaled Score (on a scale from 0 to 60)
• Quantitative Scaled Score (on a scale from 0 to 60)
• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Score (on a scale from 0 to 6)
• Integrated Reasoning Score (on a scale from 1 to 8)

The total score is a scaled combination of the verbal and quantitative scaled score. It reflects how well you did on the multiple-choice parts of the test. The AWA and Integrated Reasoning sections do NOT affect the total score.

Let’s take a look at a sample GMAT score report from GMAC.

Your score report will include all of your active GMAT scores. If you choose to cancel your scores on test day or 72 hours after test day, your scores won’t be reflected in your score report.

Notice that your score report also includes: your self-reported GPA and graduation date, undergraduate institution, and undergraduate major, among other information.

How Far in Advance Should You Send GMAT Scores?

Planning ahead helps ensure that your GMAT scores will arrive at your target business school programs well in advance of application deadlines.

You should aim to take the GMAT at least two months before your first application deadline, so that your scores arrive with plenty of time. Remember, initial scores take up to 20 days to be sent to schools.

If you’re sending additional score reports on a test you’ve already taken, you should give the scores at least two weeks to arrive at admissions offices.

In general, you’ll want to at least double the average time it takes score reports to be sent, just in case there are any delays. Doubling the average time it takes score reports to be sent ensures that your scores will arrive well ahead of your application deadlines.

What’s Next?

Not sure which GMAT score is important, or how the different numbers are calculated? Read our expert guide to find out what makes up a GMAT total score and why schools prioritize the out-of-800 score.

What’s a good GMAT score? Learn what score you should shoot for in our complete guide to GMAT scores.

Should you retake the GMAT? We walk you through the questions you need to ask yourself before taking the exam again.

The post How to Send GMAT Scores to Schools: 2 Options appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

So, you’ve registered and prepped for the GMAT, and now the fateful day approaches: test day! Your GMAT exam date can be daunting, but knowing exactly how to prepare, how to follow GMAT test rules, and what to expect at the testing location will calm your nerves. In this article, I’ll go over the best ways to rock your test date, from the night before to the end of your exam.

GMAT Test Day Tips: The Day Before

The night before your scheduled GMAT date can be nerve-wracking. Here are the best ways to get and stay organized in the final hours before your exam.

#1: Double Check the Day and Time of Your Exam

Your GMAT registration details are available through your account at mba.com. The day before the GMAT, do a final double check to make sure of the date, time, and testing location you signed up for. You don’t want to risk making a careless mistake and showing up late or missing your exam date entirely!

#2: Plan Your Route

Make sure you know exactly when you’ll leave the day of your exam and what travel route and form of transportation you plan to take. Check for any possible traffic or weather that might impede your route.

Getting lost or being delayed on the day of your GMAT will be an unnecessary frustration and distraction even if you manage to get to the testing location on time. You want to arrive to the testing site as calm and focused as possible.

#3: Locate the Correct ID

You’ll need to show the appropriate form of identification, as defined by GMAT test requirements, to sign in at the GMAT testing location. Find out what forms of ID qualify here. The last thing you want to be doing on the morning of the GMAT is scrambling around looking for a missing ID, so make sure you locate it the day before and have it ready.

#4: Get Some Rest

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your exam. Plenty of rest will help you stay focused and do your best the following day. Anxiety and exhaustion can affect your score even if you’re well prepared otherwise.

#5: Don’t Study the Day Before the GMAT

It can be be tempting to cram the day before the GMAT, but try to resist. Anything you study the night before likely won’t be retained, anyway. It’s best to give your brain a rest, get some sleep, and stay calm. Avoid any GMAT prep from the day before your test until the minute you sit down to take the exam.

GMAT Test Day Tips: Your Exam Date

Now your exam date has arrived, how can you maximize your chances of success? Let’s go over the best ways to physically and mentally prepare on your GMAT exam day.

#1: Set Your Alarm

It seems simple, but it could be catastrophic if you forget. Don’t oversleep! Make sure you set your alarm for well before the time you need to leave, so you’re not rushing out the door half-asleep. Leave plenty of time to gather your thoughts, go through your morning routine, and wake up a little.

#2: Eat Well

In addition to leaving time to relax before you leave, try to eat a good breakfast on the morning of your test. The GMAT can be exhausting, and brain food goes a long way.

#3: Leave With Plenty of Time

Make sure to leave with plenty of time to travel to the GMAT testing location. You should work a cushion into your travel plan so any obstacles that occur (parking, traffic, etc.) don’t stop you from arriving on time.

You should arrive at your testing location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam, since you’ll need to park, sign in, store your personal items, and get settled after you arrive.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your appointed testing time, GMAT rules specify that you may not be admitted to the testing room, your registration fee will be forfeited, and you’ll have to reschedule.

#4: Bring Comfort Items

Testing locations have specific rules about what you can and cannot bring to the exam on GMAT test days.

No personal items or testing items, such as snacks, water, a cell phone, your wallet, or a calculator, are allowed with you in the testing room (except a light jacket) under current GMAT rules, unless you’ve made prior arrangements with the testing location due to a disability. You cannot access these except during the provided GMAT breaks.

There is storage space available at every GMAT testing location, where you can store personal items that meet GMAT test requirements. I would suggest bringing water and snacks to replenish your energy during GMAT breaks. Gather the items you plan to bring with you and lay them out the night before so you’re not scrambling on the morning of the exam.

#5: Adhere to GMAT Test Rules

A few GMAT test rules apply to all testing locations. Some items, such as weapons (even for those with concealed carry permits and off-duty law enforcement officers), are prohibited entirely from all testing premises. In addition, you are never allowed to have a friend or relative wait for you at the testing site while you take the exam.

While taking the GMAT, you will be required to notify a testing administrator if you need to leave the room. If you’re away from your workstation for a lengthy amount of time, the testing location officials will be notified and you may be questioned.

You will also not be permitted to eat or drink while in the testing room, though you can eat during GMAT breaks. Use of cell phones, other forms of personal technology, and personal calculators is never permitted anywhere on the testing site.

Some GMAT test requirements are specific to the country in which the test is being administered. By registering to take the GMAT and signing in at the testing location, you agree to follow your country’s GMAT rules; you can find a comprehensive list of them here.

GMAT Test Day Tips: The Testing Center

Once you get to the testing center, it’s hard to know what to expect. Let’s go over the process of signing in to the testing location and what will happen once you arrive to take the exam on GMAT test days.

#1: Show Your ID and Sign In

Once you arrive at the testing location, you’ll check in with an administrator. You will present the proper government-issued ID and, if your country’s laws allow, will also have a digital photograph taken and be asked to provide a digital vein palm scan. You will have to provide an additional digital vein palm scan if you leave the testing room at any time, and again when you return.

#2: Take the Test

Once you are seated at your computer, testing will begin promptly. You will be provided with a scratch pad and marker to take notes on during the exam. The timer will begin after you agree to the GMAT test rules (which will be provided on the screen), and you’ll start with the analytical writing assessment section (the essay).

If you have any questions or issues (such as technical problems) during the GMAT, or if you need to leave the room for any reason, raise your hand and a testing administrator will come to you and help you. GMAT test rules ask that you never get up from your workstation without permission once you’ve been seated and informed that you can start the test.

#3: Sign Out and Receive Your Unofficial Score Report

Once you hit “submit” for your last GMAT question, you will see a preview of your unofficial score report on the screen. You’ll be asked if you wish to cancel your scores. Make sure to have decided what GMAT scores you will keep and which you will cancel beforehand, so you don’t make any rash decisions. If you want to reinstate a cancelled GMAT score within 60 days, you’ll have to pay a $100 fee.

When you leave the testing location, an administrator will give you a printout of your unofficial score report. This will include your score for every section of the GMAT except the analytical writing assessment, which will be scored separately. Your official scores will be sent out to the MBA programs you chose approximately 20 days after your test date, unless you cancel them beforehand.

GMAT Test Day Tips: Testing Strategies

When you’re taking the exam, there are a few key GMAT test day tips you can use to make the most of your testing time. Let’s go over the top five ways to do your best during the GMAT.

#1: Take Your GMAT Breaks

The GMAT is just over three hours long, not counting two scheduled optional breaks. Both breaks are eight minutes long.

Use the provided GMAT breaks to your advantage! Go to the bathroom, have a quick snack or a drink, or stretch your legs. These breaks are short, but they’ll be invaluable to your continued stamina and focus in the taxing and lengthy exam process.

Remember, however, that according to GMAT rules, you cannot use your phone during these breaks. If you are caught using your phone, your exam scores will be cancelled, and you won’t get a refund for your testing fee.

#2: Keep Track of the Time

As you take the GMAT, you’ll see a timer during every section in the upper lefthand corner of the screen that will let you how much time you have left. Don’t obsess over it, but do keep track of how many questions you have left and how much time you have to complete them.

Make every effort to get through the entirety of every section, as this makes a big difference in your score. Make sure you’re not spending too much time on the initial five to ten questions, which is a habit of many test-takers.

#3: Don’t Be Afraid to Guess

If you’re struggling with a particular question, do your best to use the process of elimination to get rid of one or more incorrect answer choices. Even if you can’t, take your best guess and move on. It’s in your best interest to complete as much of the test as possible and to answer every question.

Getting stuck on a certain question will only bring you down and could make you lose focus for the next several questions as well. The GMAT’s computerized adaptive format means that you have no idea what kind of question may be coming next at a given time. If you spend too long on a question you find difficult, you may miss the opportunity to answer several other questions correctly later on.

#4: Take Notes

Use the provided scratch pad to keep track of significant details, calculate solutions, or create outlines as you complete the GMAT. Some students think it will save them time to avoid taking notes, but that could actually cause you to skim over important details that would lead you to the right answer choice. You can find more details on the best ways to make use of the GMAT scratch pad here.

#5: Stay Calm

Whatever you do, try not to panic during the GMAT. Anxiety disrupts your focus and can cause you to spend too long on a question or make careless mistakes. Remember that you can always prepare again and retake the test if you don’t do as well as you hoped, so just take a deep breath and do your best.

What’s Next?

For more specific logistical GMAT test requirements and GMAT test day tips, check out our guide to exam registration.

Need to know more GMAT test rules about what you can and can’t bring to the GMAT testing center? Find a list of approved items here.

Find the test date that works for you at our list of 2017 GMAT test days.

The post GMAT Test Day: 18 Expert Tips to Rock the Exam appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Who is eligible to take the GMAT? It’s one of the most common questions asked by students hoping to complete this step on the way to their MBA.

In this article, I’ll break down the three main GMAT eligibility criteria for anyone looking to register, as well as factors that can make you ineligible to take the test now or in the future. We’ll also briefly cover the other eligibility criteria set by most business schools when they evaluate potential students.

Who Is Eligible for the GMAT?

First off, the good news: almost anyone can take the GMAT, regardless of background or education. The criteria for registering for and taking the test aren’t strict. And since the exam is available at testing centers frequently all over the world, GMAT eligibility isn’t something to be too concerned about.

That said, there are a few things you do need to know about your eligibility for GMAT testing. There are three primary eligibility criteria for anyone planning to take the GMAT:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a government-issued photo ID
• Pay the testing fee

Age is pretty self-explanatory, but let’s delve into the other two a little more.

Photo ID: What Kinds of Identification Do I Need?

A government-issued form of photo ID is required of all test-takers on exam day. Make sure your ID fits the GMAT requirements:

• Includes your signature
• Includes a clear, recognizable photo of you
• Government-issued
• Original, not photocopied
• Non-expired
• Includes the full name, citizenship info, and birthday you entered when you registered for the GMAT

GMAT test centers will accept the following forms of ID, but make sure to note the caveats attached as not all types of ID are accepted in all circumstances:

• Passport (required for non-citizens of testing country)
• Government-issued driver’s license
• Government-issued learner’s permit (in the U.S. only)
• Other government-issued ID, such as national, state, or province identity card (such as European ID card)
• Green card or permanent resident card (U.S. only)
• Military ID (laminated)

On the day of your exam, you’ll also be asked to verify your identity by having a photo taken, entering an electronic signature at your testing computer to agree to the GMAT rules and policies, and, in some areas where it’s legally permitted, provide a palm vein scan.

Make sure to gather all your documents, including your ID, the day before the exam (or earlier if you’re an overachiever). That will cut down drastically on stress the day of your test.

Keep in mind that each country, and even each region where a testing center is located, may have a different policy regarding the exact required identification documents. Check out country-specific regulations in order to prep your documents here.

GMAT Fees

After you register for and schedule your test at mba.com, you’ll have to pay a testing fee online by debit or credit card, or by mail with a cashier’s check, personal check, or money order. The flat fee for test takers is $250 U.S dollars.

Needing financial assistance with your registration fee? You may be able to apply for vouchers that can be used towards your fees and other expenses. While the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) doesn’t offer vouchers itself, the Edward S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Foundation both do — contact them ASAP if you’re looking to apply for one. Individual schools sometimes offer vouchers to promising students, too, so make sure you check your intended schools’ websites.

For more information about GMAT fees, check out our complete guide to how much the test costs.

So, What Can Make You Ineligible for the GMAT?

There’s really only one thing that can make you permanently lose GMAT eligibility for testing: a policy violation. To keep things fair for everyone, the GMAC has set very clear guidelines for a safe and equitable testing environment. For the full list, see our complete guide to GMAT test day.

Most GMAT policies are self-explanatory, such as not cheating in any way, not duplicating any part of the test, and not tampering with the testing computer.

There are a few you might not know in advance, like the items allowed in the testing room or at breaktime. No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed, but you can have a few personal items such as light outerwear in case you’re cold and snacks at breaktime. But again, there’s nothing too surprising.

Nonetheless, make sure you read the policies in full (you’ll be provided with a Testing Agreement right before the test and when you register) to avoid any potential mistakes that would endanger your eligibility for GMAT testing. You’ll need to agree to them with a signature in order to take the exam. You’ll also be expected to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which means you can’t discuss any specific questions online, orally, or in writing post-GMAT.

Penalties for violating GMAT policies may include cancelled scores, being banned from testing again for one year to the rest of your life (in serious circumstances such as deliberate cheating or harassing another test-taker), notifications to your intended schools, and even legal consequences where applicable.

Bottom line: don’t be shady, read the policies, and follow them! Your future self will thank you.

MBA Eligibility: What You Need to Get In

While you are most likely eligible to take the GMAT itself, business schools have their own expectations for admission. Read on to learn about the key MBA requirements.

GMAT Scores

Of course, one of the most significant aspects of your MBA application is your GMAT score. Many MBA programs will accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT (though some still prefer the GMAT), but most will require scores from one of the two tests. Check your school’s website for their specific recommendations about which test to take and what score you need.

Official Transcripts

Virtually all business schools require students to enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in any subject or the foreign equivalent. Columbia Business School, whose admissions requirements are comparable to those at most high-level MBA programs, requires official undergraduate transcripts and proof of undergrad GPA. At most institutions, you’ll also be required to fit any general criteria for incoming graduate students (such as a specific undergrad GPA).

Don’t worry too much about your major; MBA programs admit students with all kinds of backgrounds, as many different skill sets can be useful for careers in management.

Proof of English Fluency

International students are generally required to submit proof of English fluency for MBA programs conducted in English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE (Pearson Test of English), and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are all accepted by most schools for this requirement.

This requirement is waived for students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree that was taught entirely in English.

Other Requirements for MBA Admission

Though the three factors above are required by almost every business school, many programs will also ask for further information about you, including letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews.

You’ll generally be asked for two letters of recommendation (though some schools ask for three), which can come from former professors, instructors, supervisors, or colleagues. Remember to contact prospective recommenders as early as possible to give them time to write you a quality recommendation.

As MBA programs and careers in business require stellar interpersonal, writing, and communication skills, MBA applications often include several essays as a major factor in the admissions process. These essays are a chance for your prospective programs to get to know you on a slightly more personal level. Questions often cover your post-MBA goals and long-term goals, the diversity you could offer on a business school campus, your approach to teamwork, and school-specific questions.

Some schools also require interviews or additional writing samples. Check your prospective schools’ individual websites for more information.

Bottom Line: What Determines Eligibility for GMAT Testing?

As long as you’re 18 or over, have a valid photo ID, and haven’t been caught violating GMAT policies, you’re eligible to take the GMAT.

Now that you know the basics about eligibility for the GMAT, you’re ready to start preparing for the test and register for an exam date. Because the GMAT is so widely and frequently available, you don’t need to worry that you won’t be able to take it.

Stay organized, but focus on preparing yourself mentally and psychologically for the exam itself, rather than worrying about your eligibility for GMAT testing. Good luck!

What’s Next?

Ready to register for the GMAT? Check out our comprehensive registration guide.

If you want to know more about paying for the GMAT, our guide to GMAT fees will give you the nitty-gritty on costs.

Questions about what’s on the exam? Check out our complete GMAT syllabus, which explains exactly what to expect from the test and how to prepare for it.

The post GMAT Eligibility: 3 Key Factors appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.