GMAT Test Day Tips for Success - Complete Guide

GMAT Test Day: After a long preparation, it's time to show up for the main GMAT test day. At this stage, both excitement and anxiety are at their peak, however, you must keep yourself calm and follow the GMAT test day tips given here so that you do not face any issues during your GMAT test day experience. The GMAT exam day tips highlighted here will make you aware of what to bring on GMAT test day, the GMAT test day checklist, and the GMAT test day instructions to follow.

Top GMAT Test Day Tips

Although at this stage students are confident about attempting the exam, the disturbing factor is GMAT test day tips, so that the GMAT test day experience is the best. The GMAT exam day tips start from the preparation of the GMAT test day checklist, so that you do not forget any documents that are required to show before the GMAT exam.

Tip 1: Preparing for Test Day

GMAT is a very important exam for everyone who takes it. Many schools say that they don't consider the GMAT scores, but it does boost your chances of admission if you have a high score. Aside from practice, there is another thing that will affect your score: your mental state before the exam. Here are a few GMAT test day tips and tricks you can use to help yourself have a good mental state.

Review the GMAT Exam Format

Before you take your GMAT exam, make sure you review the GMAT exam pattern. The night before you go to bed, just go through the GMAT exam format; this will keep it fresh in your mind for your exam the next day. Knowing the format will help you maintain your cool when attempting the exam; here is the format for your leisure.

The GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break) and consists of 64 questions in total, divided into three sections.

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes

• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes

• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes

Ensure You Have the Right Materials

Going to an exam and having to ask for stationery from the other examinees has to be one of the most awkward moments to have to go through, to prevent this make sure you have all the right materials, but do not take things that will get you in trouble, In the GMAT test day checklist, these are the things you are allowed to take with you on GMAT exam day.

What You Can Bring into the Test Centre:

• GMAT-approved identification.

• The appointment confirmation email you received from Pearson VUE.

• Prescription eyeglasses, without the case, including tinted lenses.

• Light sweater or light non-outerwear jacket.

• Permitted comfort items, subject to visual inspection by the test administrator.

• If you would like to bring an item into the test centre that is not on the permitted comfort items list, please submit an accommodation request.

What You Can Store in a Locker at the Test Centre:

• Watches

• Electronic Aids

• Writing Utensils

• Thesaurus

• Radios

• Ear Plugs

• Lip Balm

• Pagers

• Stereos

• Pamphlets

• Dictionaries

• Cell Phones

• Calculators

• Mobile Phones

• Scratch Paper

• Rulers

• Translators

• Communication Devices

What You CAN’T Bring to the GMAT Test Centre:

• Food, drink, and candy are not allowed unless expressly pre-authorised as an accommodation.

• Weapons, including firearms, knives, or any object that could be used as a weapon, are prohibited from the test centre, including the testing room and waiting areas.

Confirm Your Test Centre Location and Timing

Even after studying your harvest and preparing everything perfectly, the worst way to lose points or not be able to attempt the exam would be to not go to the correct centre location. Make sure to double- and triple-check the location of the exam. Consider this confirmation to be the top GMAT test day tip.

Tip 2: The Night Before the Exam

The preparation for the exam is just as important as what you do the night before the exam; if you don't spend this time properly, it will cause many problems during the exam. Here are some tips to optimise your time the night before the exam and ensure an excellent GMAT test day experience.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Having a good night's sleep will be good for the night before the exam, there is no point in trying to study for the exam a night before and end up being sleepy while taking the test. A better option will be to sleep and not try to cram at the last minute. A relaxed mind is not just the best GMAT test day tip but also a requirement.

Prepare Your Test Day Essentials

Don't leave stuff to do in the morning, make sure you have all the exam essentials ready a day before the exam, if you leave it for the morning of the exam, there is a high chance that you will forget something important.

Double-check the GMAT test checklist and keep it all in one place so that it is easy for you to carry.

Also Read:

• GMAT Preparation Tips 2025: Section Wise Preparation Plan, Study Material & Best Books
  
• GMAT Books 2025: Best Books for GMAT Preparation

Tip 3: The Morning of the Test

Much like it's important what you do on the night before the exam, the things you do the morning of the exam are also equally important. Make sure you do the following to have a smooth GMAT test day experience.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast

The best GMAT test day tip is to make sure you have breakfast; going for the exam hungry will be one of the worst decisions you make that day. Breakfast will give you the energy you need to deal with the exam. Also, keep yourself hydrated so that you do not feel the need to take a break.

Arrive Early at the Test Centre

One of the effective GMAT exam day tips is to make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam; being there is better than being there late and missing the exam.

Dress Comfortably

You are going to an exam centre, not a fashion show, no one cares how you look over there. For this exact reason, don't wear something flashy and uncomfortable; go for comfortable clothes while following the dress code of the exam hall, as mentioned before. This will make your GMAT exam day experience very comfortable.

Tip 4: At the Test Centre

Be confident as you enter the GMAT test centre, trust your preparation, and just follow the GMAT test day instructions to have a hassle-free GMAT test day experience.

Manage Your Stress

Being too stressed will not do you any favours while attempting the exam, you might make mistakes you wouldn't in normal scenarios, even if you practice a problem millions of times, you can screw it up by being too stressed while attempting the question.

The best GMAT test day tip is to maintain your stress and make sure to decompress before you start the exam. This can be done through some light-controlled breathing or simply drinking water. Find a method that suits you, and use it before the exam.

Familiarize Yourself with the Test Center Environment

Knowing what kind of environment you are in can greatly lower your stress level, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the exam centre environment so as not to be tense while writing the exam.

The GMAT test day tip here is to be prepared that:

• You have to show appropriate identification.

• Provide a palm-vein scan

• Provide a digital signature, confirming that you agree to GMAT test rules and regulations.

• Sit for the digital photograph.

Tip 5: During the Exam

As mentioned earlier, we recommend that you trust your preparation and be confident about the exam. Take a breather and be ready to rock it. The best GMAT test day tip is to keep yourself away from any sort of distraction caused either by any other student or the external environment. Just be focused and determined for your GMAT exam.

Time Management Strategies

One of the most useful GMAT exam day tips is that you should not be stuck on a question. Remember that we should not be giving more than 90 seconds to any question. If this is reaching 120 seconds and you are still confused, make an educated guess and just move to the next question. Be mindful that you will give time to review only if the total time duration for that particular section is still left; no chance of review.

Handling Difficult Questions

Do not forget that the best GMAT test day tip is to forget all the myths discussed by anyone. Do not think that only the first 7 questions are important; please remember that each question is important, and as the GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test, the difficulty level of the question will depend on the right answers you give.

Taking Effective Breaks

You can take a break for 10 minutes to freshen up and plan which section of the GMAT exam you would attempt first and between which two sections you would like to have a break. Note that you will not be allowed to use your phone or anything else during this 10-minute break, and you need to follow the instructions given on the screen to take the break. If you skip the same, the next section will start in 60 seconds.

Tip 6:- Post-Test Tips

After the GMAT exam, just relax, and you may also engage yourself in the GMAT club to share your GMAT test day experience, which would be useful for other students preparing for the exam.

Reflect on Your Performance

After you complete the exam, the unofficial score will be displayed on the screen, however, you are not allowed to record it. You will receive an email notification for your official scores, and the same can also be checked by logging into the official mba.com

Plan for the Next Steps Based on Your Results

After your result is declared and you have scored your desired result, be ready to share it with the university you wish to apply to so that they can start the short-listing process.

Read More: The candidates must read GMAT exam time management tips and tricks

Tip 7:- Additional Tips for Success

Some of the additional and useful GMAT test tips are given below:

Use Official GMAT Resources

To excel in the GMAT exam and stand out in the application process, always refer to authenticated material that is published and provided by the official GMAT web portal. Some of the official GMAT preparation books are as follows:

• GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024: eBook & Online Question Bank

• GMAT Official Guide Data Insights Review 2023-2024: eBook & Online Question Bank

• GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review 2023-2024: eBook & Online Question Bank

• GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2023-2024: eBook & Online Question Bank

The students must practice the sample papers given below to get a high score in the GMAT Exam.

Join Study Groups for Last-Minute Tips

You should join the GMAT club so that you can meet various other candidates who are appearing for the exam, share GMAT test day tips and share their own GMAT test day experience. This will help you boost your GMAT exam confidence.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

As a student, you should practice relaxation techniques like meditation and mindful ways of living life so that you do not get anxious and are well prepared for the GMAT exam.

Common GMAT Test Day Violations (and Their Consequences):

It is vital to get ready for the GMAT test and also know what to expect on test day. Lots of people miss out on good opportunities after making blunders that don’t meet GMAC’s strict rules during the exam. These are the most typical mistakes test-takers should be very careful to avoid, because they can lead to serious consequences.

1. Using Electronic Devices During Breaks

Candidates mustn’t use mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets or similar electronic gadgets during the scheduled breaks as well. Such actions break the principles set by the exam.

The consequence is an immediate disqualification, and the scores are cancelled. The test may decide to ban you from registering for the GMAT once more.

2. Accessing Study Materials or Notes

Students should not bring their notes, reference texts or notes made from books to the exam centre or consult them during breaks. This includes even accidental possession.

If this happens, you could be required to leave, and your score will not be given back to you.

3. Communicating with Other Candidates

Under the GMAT rules, it is not allowed to speak about the exam or its content with others, either during breaks or after finishing.

As a result, your test could be called invalid, and you may be banned from making another attempt.

4. Attempting to Access the Test Before Time

Unless the test administrator allows it, handling the questions or the computer before they give you instructions is not following the protocol.

You may get a warning or be expelled from the centre following this type of behaviour.

5. Leaving the Test Room Without Permission

You may not leave the building unless it’s for an official break, and you have to alert the administrator. It is not acceptable to leave the test room without authorisation.

Possible Outcome: Your test could be paused, and you will not be permitted to go on.

Read More: The candidates can read and download the eBook GMAT Exam: All You Need To Know for a better understanding link is given below:

• GMAT 2025 Preparation Tips PDF
• GMAT Exam: All You Need to Know

About the Author:
Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.