Taking the GMAT: A First Hand Account

I took the GMAT last weekend, and I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I thought that a quick guide on how the process works would be helpful to other MBA hopefuls.

Taking the test requires an appointment. This can be arranged at the MBA website a few weeks in advance. The fee is $250 USD. After you set the appointment, you can download a test prep program at no additional charge. I recommend this because the program is set up just like the real test.

The test is administered by Pearson Professional Centers. The center I went to was a suite on the third floor of an office building.

The entrance room of the suite had a desk, several chairs and a bank of small lockers. I was given a number and a basic information sheet to read. When my number was called, I was asked to provide identification. They only accept ID that meets certain requirements: government issued, not expired, showing your name exactly as you listed it in your appointment, photo, signature and date of birth. I used my driver's license. After showing my ID, my photo and fingerprint (right index finger) were taken.

Next I had to empty my pockets and place everything I had brought in a locker. They wouldn't even let me keep my Chapstick. I was given a locker key, and that, along with my ID and the clothes on my back, was all I was allowed to take into the testing room.

I was led down a short hall to the testing room. The hall ended at a large desk with a computer in front of a bank of windows. The test takers were visible through the windows. You have to prove your identity every time you enter or leave the testing room, so I had to give my fingerprint again. It appeared on the monitor of the computer on the desk and glowed green when it matched. Then I was led into the testing room.

It was a small room with about fifteen computers lining the walls. The computers had dividers between them like study desks in a library. I was led to a computer and given earplugs, a marker and a yellow booklet with six sheets of laminated legal-size graph paper. I was told that if I needed a new booklet or marker to raise the item in the air and the proctor would bring a new one.

The test began with a short introduction containing instructions. It was timed and after the clock stopped, it turned off whether you were done reading or not. If you finished early, you could click 'Next'. They also asked a few questions, including which schools you wanted to send your scores to.

The first two sections of the test were Analysis of Argument and Analysis of an Issue. I allowed the clock to run out after I finished the first essay, and when it was done it simply turned off, so make sure you keep an eye on it! But like with the instructions, if you finished early, you could click 'Next' to go to the next section. After the two essays, there was an optional ten minute break, which I skipped.

The next section was math. When that was done, I had the option of another ten minute break, and this time I took it. I raised my hand as instructed and the proctor came over and walked me out. I had to give my fingerprint when leaving and returning. When I came back, it didn't take for some reason, so they checked my ID. And then I took the last section, verbal.

(For more information on each section, please consult a test guide. I used the Princeton Review and highly recommend it.)

When I finished the test, before I was given my score, I was given the option of canceling my score or recording it. You have to choose within ten minutes or the scores will be cancelled. I felt good about the test, so I chose to record my score, and an unofficial report was given to me right away. Then I was asked some generic questions, such as what field I was employed in. When that was done, I didn't even have time to raise my hand before the proctor arrived to escort me out. I got my stuff out of the locker and left.

Overall, my test day went very smoothly. I hope this glimpse into my experience in taking the GMAT will help your test day go well, too!