Separating Laminated Scratch Pad

[chrisherasdeleon]

Hi all,

Thanks to being left handed, I smear through about half of my laminated scratch pad.

I am wondering: can we unbind/separate each scratch pad booklet during the actual GMAT?

If so, it would be helpful to:
1. keep my notes as organized and clean as possible; and
2. always have the first page on hand to track verbal question types

The second point would be great so that I do not have to search for and flip back to the first page where I usually have notes timing benchmarks and verbal question types- RC, CR, SC- already completed.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

Good question! I'm guessing they would have to give you special permission to do this, since it would mean destroying a laminated pad. :)

I'd contact Pearson directly (find the contact info at www.mba.com) and ask what they can do to accommodate left-handed testers. (Though the pens they hand out are *supposed* to be quick-dry / non-smearing. But...yeah.)

They may not want to use the particular remedy you describe because that would be a whole lot more useful for everyone, not just left-handers, and they won't want to give an advantage to just some people.

For verbal, you might try something a bit simpler. The SC and CRs are close enough that you don't necessarily need to track them. The RCs are an entirely different story, of course.

See this article, section 5 (in the second half):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-2/

I use Method 2 for verbal. This method assumes that one new RC passage starts in each quarter (10 questions) of the test. I make a little dot on my non-writing hand when I start a new passage. Then, when I check my benchmarks, I also see how many dots I have. When the checkpoint matches the number of dots, I use the given benchmarks (eg, the 2nd checkpoint, I should have two dots; if so, I should have ~37 min left).

If I have an extra dot, then I expect myself to be 2-3 min behind on the timing. If I'm missing a dot, then I expect myself to be 2-3 min ahead on the timing. If I'm not, I adjust accordingly (skip something, or slow down and work more carefully).

Will you let us know what you hear from Pearson about the scrap paper?

[chrisherasdeleon]

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I spoke with GMAT Customer Services. They said that unbinding the laminated scratch pad or requesting for normal scratch/non-laminated paper is at the discretion of the test center. Normally the test center will work with you to sort this out.

[sirdac1984]

Hi.

I thought that I could add some information regarding the issue of removing the laminated paper because I am left handed as well. I removed the laminated paper from the DC Test Center and they got pissed at me, but they didn't cancel my score or anything. If you are paying 250 dollars, I recommend that you do it. You need to maximize whatever resources that you are given. 250 dollars is a lot for a damn test. However, when you rip the laminated paper, it takes considerable strength and time. The time used to tear off the laminated paper could be used to focus on the GMAT. This is something to consider.

Regarding the DC tester, one of the test administrators did have a stick up her ass. Pissed me off. I would avoid that place if you can.

[StaceyKoprince]

Thanks for the info!

So I would recommend calling the specific test center in advance to make arrangements. Their reaction will tell you whether they're going to be flexible / nice to work with; if not, and you don't live far from another center, try that center instead.

When you call, tell them that you already spoke with customer service and that they told you to contact the specific center directly in order to work out a solution. (Don't mention that they told you it's at the center's discretion. Be nice and polite...and assume that of course they're going to be reasonable and help you with your very reasonable request. :)

Let us know what happens!