GMAT gives you two alternatives to choose the mode of writing the test, which can be either computer based GMAT or paper based GMAT. Read this article to know the differences between computer based GMAT vs. paper based GMAT.
Computer Based GMAT vs. Paper Based GMAT
Nowadays the entrance tests for higher studies are based on two forms, computer based and paper based. GMAT is one of the tests which are conducted for testees who wish to pursue their post graduate management studies abroad. Although computer based tests are more accepted worldwide now, both the forms of tests have their own pros and cons. The test pattern in both the formats remains the same, the scoring pattern differs. The following is the detailed list about the major differences between both the tests:
- Question Paper Pattern
In paper based GMAT the questions are same to all the candidates and only the arrangement of questions are changed. In computer based GMAT, the questions differ from one candidate to another.
- Level of Difficulty in Question
The score of each question remains the same in paper based test. In computer based test, each question has different score assigned to it, ranging from a scale of 1 to 5 which means the more difficult question you answer, the more you can score. The first question will be of medium difficulty. So if you answer this correctly the next question will be more difficult and you can score well provided you give the right answers at each difficulty level.
- Score Card
In computer based test, you will get the score card immediately on completing the test whereas in paper based test you will get the score card via post.
- Question- time Quotient
The number of questions in computer based test is less compared to paper based test. Another advantage is, you can spend more time on solving each question in computer based test compared to paper based test questions.
- Skipping Questions
You cannot skip questions in computer based as you will get the next question only after solving the first question. In paper based test, you can solve any number of questions and you can complete the section which is easier first before the tough ones.
- Answering Pattern
In computer based GMAT, you will answer the first question and then only the second question is displayed but in paper based test you are free to answer any question from any section according to your requirements.
- Accessibility to Previous Questions
In computer based test you need to confirm your given answer before moving on to the next question and you cannot return to the previous questions once you have answered it. In paper based test you cannot have any such restrictions. But make sure you answer to the point in one shot so that you can save the time for other questions also.
- Stress on First Ten Questions
In computer based tests, the first ten questions carries more weightage for scoring well in the test as your performance is tested by these first ten questions. But in paper based test your scores wont vary even if you perform very well for the initial questions.
- Barriers for Note Making
In paper based test you can make a note of all the important points which is required for you to complete your test, but in computer based test you won’t have this option as you cannot make a note on computer screen and though you will get few rough sheets to scribble your important points they will be used more for the quantitative section.
Although the strategies and the scoring pattern differs in both the tests, most of the given questions are similar. So you choose the best option for you depending on your success strategy.
Posted in: GMAT
