GMAC shortens breaks on the official test

[StaceyKoprince]

Hey, everyone

Starting July 17th, GMAC is apparently planning to shorten the 10-minute breaks between sections to 8 minutes. FYI for those with upcoming tests (especially people who've taken the test before and gotten used to 10-minute breaks). There hasn't been an official announcement yet, just an early news leak. See here for more details:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2009/07/13/gmat-breaks-shorter-as-of-july-17th/

[thoughtrunner]

Yup, wish I had read this message before going in. I was penalized two minutes on my verbal section cuz I took 10 minutes rather than eight - a nice psychout to start things off. Still turned out ok though.

[StaceyKoprince]

I'm glad things still worked out!

[StaceyKoprince]

By the way, the switch has definitely been made (my original post only said it was rumored that the change would happen - just realized I should confirm that it did change!). Each break is now 8 minutes, not 10.

[tkulkarn]

By the way, the switch has definitely been made (my original post only said it was rumored that the change would happen - just realized I should confirm that it did change!). Each break is now 8 minutes, not 10.

Is it still 8 min? I have heard that it has been reduced down to 5 min now. But I am not sure.

[StaceyKoprince]

I haven't heard anything about that - last I heard, the official break is 8 min.

You may have heard people talk about how the effective break works out to only about 5-6 minutes, though. You have to sign in and out of the room, so that cuts into your break time.

[proximityinfotech4]

I'm tempted my darlin' to steal you away
Don't let me cross over, stay out of my way
'Cause you know that I love you and I'm not the stealin' kind
But I'm faced with heartache here at love's cheating line
__________________________________________
office chair | office chairs

[tim]

Now if they would just add a poetry section to the GMAT, you'd be set..

[Aegee14]

I took the GMAT on June 9 in Oakland, CA center. During my test, I was only allowed 8 minutes per break AND I was not allowed to pre-draw/write anything on the booklet before hitting the start button on the computer.

[StaceyKoprince]

Yes, the breaks are only 8 minutes long now, not 10. In addition, you are not (and have never been) allowed to write anything in the booklet before the test begins. :)

[rkkarthik]

Stacey,

Quick clarification, I thought you were allowed to scribble during the so-called test acclimatization time (where you answer questions that don't count). Is that an other web myth?

Thanks
Karthik

[StaceyKoprince]

Technically, you're only supposed to write while the test is live (including the essays). If they notice you writing when you're not supposed to, they'll tell you to stop (and, presumably, if you keep doing it, they might kick you out).

So, try. If they tell you to stop, stop. :)

[ceo1_1]

well, I sat for the gmat last June 16 in EUrope and I was allowed 8 mins of breaks (time on PC).. So I guess the decision was effective since last month?

[StaceyKoprince]

Actually, it has been in effect for more than a year now. :)

8 minutes between the 2nd essay and quant, and another 8 minutes between quant and verbal

[vchon-07]

This is correct.