GMAT Online Whiteboard: How to Effectively Prepare for Online GMAT

Every GMAT aspirant now knows that they can take the GMAT online exam. When the GMAC announced that GMAT aspirants can take the exam from the comforts of their homes, as an alternative to test centres, we at CrackVerbal were really happy. However, we did not realize that our students will have to forget their scratchpads and use the GMAT online whiteboard which you may already know is being dreaded by most students.

Now, as a GMAT aspirant, what will you do?

Will you defer your GMAT exam until you can take it in a test centre?

But the fact is that we really do not know when all the test centres might open next, right? And it might be a long wait until then.

So, we are here now to tell you all about the online GMAT whiteboard – the tools on it, how you can learn to use the whiteboard and also help you to avoid mistakes while using it on the exam day. This article should help you gain more confidence in using the latest addition to the GMAT exam.

Aren’t you feeling a little relieved already? 

Here’s an article that will inform you about the Coronavirus impact on B-schools and MBA applications.

If you go through this article, you will realize that you still have an opportunity to apply for an MBA this year. You can thank us later.

So, here’s what we will be discussing in this article on how you can effectively use the online whiteboard:

      1. What are the tools on the GMAT online whiteboard?

      2. How to prepare to use the online whiteboard?

      3. How to use the GMAT online whiteboard during the GMAT online exam?

      4. What are the challenges you will face while using the online whiteboard?

Let’s look at how you can use the GMAT online whiteboard effectively in 2021.

1. What are the tools on the GMAT online whiteboard

We know that the GMAT is a serious examination and we completely understand the amount of pressure you will experience (Some of you might be cool as a cucumber) during the GMAT online exam.

With the new GMAT online whiteboard around, let’s give you a simple tip that will help you relax. Remember using “Paint” on your Windows desktop when you were a child? Just look at the GMAT online whiteboard in the same manner. Even the tools on the online whiteboard resemble that on Paint!

For instance, you have a pencil that works just like the pencil tool on the Paint. And then, of course, the eraser.

Let us take you through the tools on the online whiteboard provided by mba.com here.

So here’s something we would like to tell you – Don’t panic all that much about using the new online whiteboard. You used the Paint to draw and colour when you were probably 5 years old. Why be scared to use a similar tool now?

If you would like to get a brief description of the functions of the tools on the online whiteboard, you can check out the infographic below:

We are sure of one thing: Out of all the given tools on the whiteboard, you will end up using the pencil and text tools the most.

In the upcoming sections, we are definitely going to tell you how to use the tools on the whiteboard.

2. How to practice using online whiteboard

We know that your first question might be, “Can we practice using the online whiteboard before we give the GMAT online exam?”

The answer is “YES”.

We looked around to find the best alternative to the online whiteboard available so that you can practice and be well prepared for your GMAT online exam.

And guess what?

We found it! Literally “Canvas” is an open-source that will help you prepare to use the online whiteboard easily on the exam day. 

P.S. This online whiteboard has all the tools that you will find on the GMAT online whiteboard.

You can also use the whiteboard provided on the mba.com website if you’d prefer that.

Now, don’t let the online whiteboard make you feel overwhelmed. We are here to guide you on how to use it.

In fact, in the video given below, we will be showing you how to specifically make use of the whiteboard in each GMAT online exam section.

  Now here’s a suggestion: Use the online whiteboard as you prepare for the GMAT from home now
  so that you can easily use it when you take the GMAT online exam.

Also read: All You Need to Know About the Interim GMAT Exam You Can Take from Home!

3. How to use GMAT online whiteboard during the GMAT online Exam

If you have already taken the GMAT exam (Well… before the online GMAT exam was introduced), you know that you have to constantly keep shifting your eyes from the screen to the scratchpad.

The online whiteboard solves that issue for you – You get to focus on the question more as the whiteboard is also on the same screen.

So, are you now thinking about how you will be able to see the questions if the online whiteboard is on the same screen?

You can open the whiteboard and close it whenever you feel like and even resize it and keep it in a corner when you are looking at the questions!

That should solve your problem.

Watch the video below to completely understand how to use the online whiteboard while taking your GMAT online exam.

Now, let us make it even easier for you to remember.

Here are six tips to effectively use the GMAT online whiteboard:

1. Open and close it based on your preference
2. Place or move the online whiteboard on the screen
3. Type on the whiteboard using your keyboard
4. Draw on the online whiteboard using your computer mouse
5. Alter the size of the whiteboard
6. Clean content on the online whiteboard when you want to

Please do not forget that you have to clean the content on the whiteboard manually. It does not disappear on its own after each question.

4. What are the challenges you will face while using the online whieboard

Now that you have a lot of clarity on how to use the online whiteboard, let us just tell you about a few challenges that you will face while using it and also when you are taking the GMAT online exam.

Here’s the first thing that you should know: The online whiteboard will not be set to your preferences when you start taking the GMAT online exam.

What can you do about this?

Simple. Start using the online whiteboard as soon as the test starts (You cannot use it before that) and set your preferences – adjust the pencil size, eraser size, draw the pacing chart, etc.

Now, coming to the second thing.

You might find it difficult to use the whiteboard if you are using your laptop’s (If you are using a laptop) touchpad/trackpad.

We suggest that you make use of an external mouse to avoid any last-minute trouble.

And of course, you can use your keyboard to type the text on the board.

Want to know about the challenges you might face while attempting each section on the GMAT online exam. Watch the video below:

  Note: If you have a touchscreen laptop, you cannot use a stylus, your finger or other writing apparatus to write on the
  GMAT online whiteboard.

  You cannot use the GMAT online whiteboard by connecting a writing tablet or pad to the laptop.
  You also cannot use dual monitors.

Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?

We really hope that our in-depth video snippets helped you get an idea of how the online whiteboard looks and also helped you understand how you can practice and use it.

You can watch the webinar we conducted on How to Use the GMAT Online Whiteboard: A Detailed Guide here:

The only advice we would like to give you here is that the more you practice using the online whiteboard, the better your experience will be on the day of the GMAT online exam.

Anyhow, have you started preparing for the GMAT yet? If not, schedule your free session with us and see how easy it is to prepare for the GMAT from home.

By taking the GMAT Live @ Home Mastery Program, you will not only be able to prepare for the GMAT from the comfort of your home, but also get used to the online scene.

So what are you waiting for?

Schedule your free live session by clicking on the image below.

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FAQs – GMAT online whiteboard