How Does the Online GMAT Whiteboard Work?

With the GMAT test-centers closed down in various parts of the globe, the GMAC announced that candidates who wish to appear for the GMAT can now do so online. Registrations opened on April 20th and many of us were speculating about the working of the Online GMAT whiteboard! So, if you were looking forward to hearing from students who have given the interim Online GMAT, this post is just for you!

We tried to go through all the experiences shared by the students who have already appeared for the online GMAT exam and collated the information from all the sources into a post to make it easier for you!

How Does The Online GMAT Whiteboard Work?

You probably already know that pen & paper are not allowed in the online version of GMAT and the only option is to use an Online GMAT Whiteboard. A lot of students who are looking at taking the online GMAT test feel that it is going to be a big roadblock for them. However, if you are actually giving the test, familiarity with the working of the online board will help. Let’s see how the online GMAT whiteboard works –

• The online whiteboard opens in the same window in which the Question appears, so you can take notes while looking at the question.
• It is open by default and you can choose to close it.
• The whiteboard is docked to the screen
• You can type using your keyboard and draw using your mouse
• You can change the size of the whiteboard window by infinitely Zooming In and Out as per your wish
• The notes in the online whiteboard don’t disappear after each question. You’ve the choice to clean the content manually.

Want to practice working on the Whiteboard before giving the Online GMAT for FREE?

To help our students familiarize themselves with the Online GMAT Whiteboard and help answer some of the questions around the Whiteboard, we have created a simulation of  the Online whiteboard used by GMAT. Access it here: https://learn.gmatwhiz.com/whiteboard/index.html

How Does The Proctor Monitor Your Work on the Online GMAT Whiteboard?

Since you are writing the test from home, a Proctor will monitor you during the test to ensure that everything is fair. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone monitoring you, here is how it works –

• You don’t have any contact with the proctor till before the start of the test.
• You have no contact with the proctor until something happens, so you won’t be able to see the proctor.
• If needed, the proctor will speak to you during the test, if he/she finds something wrong or if you seek his/her assistance.
• You’re not supposed to speak while solving questions. The proctor will ask you to stop if he/she finds you mouthing words to yourself as well.

What About The Security Protocol?

Before starting your test, you need to take a picture of yourself, your workstation, and your ID. Although the GMAT instructs you to have 15 mins on hand, students who attempt the test recommend keeping 30.

Is There A Difference in the Test Structure? 

Students who took the test didn’t report any difference in difficulty level of questions between the online and test-centre-based tests. The difference is the fixed section order: there’s no AWA section and one 5 minute break before the IR section.

Please note: The online GMAT exam is still in its initial days. We are working on gathering more information as we go and we will keep the group updated on further updates. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at support@gmatwhiz.com

And, Last But Not the Least…

If you want to use the Online whiteboard, use it here: https://learn.gmatwhiz.com/whiteboard/index.html