Changing out scratch sheets during the GMAT

by **pfh** Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:03 pm

Hi all,

I have a somewhat silly question that I would love to get some feedback on. When I took the gmat last time, they switched out my scratch paper at each break. I was wondering if that was a GMAC rule, or if I could decline new paper?

I had planned on using a strategy that i read about where you quickly jot down your times tables up to 16 before the test begins. This helps eliminate the wasted time on some of the "simple math" that some people have to write out (13x14, etc). The proctor threw me off when she came to log me out for my 10 minute break and took the paper.

Any idea if on my next go I am allowed to insist on keeping my scratch paper from the last round? Thanks for any insight!

by **RonPurewal** Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:12 pm

you should by all means be able to keep your scratch paper for the duration of the exam. when i sat for the exam (in san jose, california), i kept the same scratch pad the whole time.

update: i found this link from the official site, on which can be found the following text (emphasis mine):
The test administrator will provide you with a booklet of five (5) noteboards. If you fill up your noteboards during the test, please raise your hand; the administrator will collect the noteboards you have and give you replacements. You may not remove the noteboards from the testing room during or after the test and you must return them to the administrator after the test.

by **pfh** Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:48 pm

Thanks for the insight Ron, and I think I agree.

I have an email into GMAC just to confirm, so that I have some backup in case there are any issues

by **StaceyKoprince** Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:48 pm

I have heard of this happening before; if it happens again, ask to keep the scratch paper and see what happens. I'm not sure whether it's an official policy or whether they just assume everybody wants new paper and take it automatically. When I took it last time, I also used the same booklet the entire time - so it seems there's some inconsistency at different test centers (or maybe even with different proctors).

So, ask to keep it if they try to take it again. I don't think it's an official rule or Ron and I would've had ours taken away, too.