• You are not logged in.

    Colemak on GMAT?

    • Started by yensteel
    • 8 Replies:
    • Reputation: 0
    • Registered: 26-May-2012
    • Posts: 6
    05-Jan-2013 07:50:33#1 Colemak on GMAT?

    After using Colemak for about nearly a year now, I have to take the GMAT examination in order to further my studies. The problem with it is that there's an essay writing section which involves the QWERTY layout keyboard.

    From some digging in the internet, it seems that QWERTY is the only layout allowed, let alone installing anything software or physical on the exam computer. What do you think? Is it discriminatory?

    Do you have any similar experiences?

    Also, What do you think I should do? I sent an email to the support, but going cold turkey just in case.

    Last edited by yensteel (05-Jan-2013 07:56:05)
    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 4
    • Registered: 08-Dec-2010
    • Posts: 656
    05-Jan-2013 08:10:25#2 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    I suppose you have to hunt and peck. If they let you use the internet, you can go to
    https://colemak.com/Converter

    to type Colemak in a Qwerty keyboard without installing anything.

    You can ask them to let you use that link to convert what you can type. That would be easier than installing software to their computer.

    Last edited by Tony_VN (05-Jan-2013 08:12:33)

    My fastest typing records http://hi-games.net/profile/4314
    My switching experience https://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?id=970

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 0
    • Registered: 26-May-2012
    • Posts: 6
    05-Jan-2013 15:42:50#3 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    Tony, Thanks for the help.

    I don't think their computers would allow for internet access or browsing at all, but thanks for the suggestion.

    Right now I'm practicing how to type in QWERTY and I think it's possible to type well for the exam.

    There really are potential dangers of switching keyboard layouts. Usually, in a computer lab or on another person's computer, it's completely all right. However, it would be really scary if it went unnoticed, jeopardizing university prospects.

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 1
    • From: Sofia, Bulgaria
    • Registered: 05-Mar-2011
    • Posts: 387
    05-Jan-2013 16:33:03#4 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    That's a tough one :) I suppose you can't use portable layout file on their computers?

    If you have typed Qwerty before Colemak, would it be very difficult to learn it again, at least to some degree, comfortable for typing? I'm typing almost exclusively on Colemak (close to two years now) and have properly touch typed Qwerty for only about half a year before that, and I still type on Qwerty faster with not very accurate touch typing rather than hunt and peck. Maybe it would be the same with you?

    Last edited by pafkata90 (05-Jan-2013 16:34:33)

    Hi-games profile: http://hi-games.net/profile/4663
    TypeRacer profile: http://data.typeracer.com/pit/profile?user=patcm

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 0
    • Registered: 26-May-2012
    • Posts: 6
    05-Jan-2013 16:50:12#5 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    Fortunately, QWERTY seems to be manageable and memorable. I used it through primary and secondary school at least. The errors are the biggest annoyance right now > <.

    Last edited by yensteel (05-Jan-2013 16:52:55)
    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 4
    • Registered: 08-Dec-2010
    • Posts: 656
    05-Jan-2013 17:47:40#6 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    You only have to type at the speed you can think, so I think hunt-and-peck 20-30wpm is enough for GMAT essays.

    My fastest typing records http://hi-games.net/profile/4314
    My switching experience https://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?id=970

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 23
    • From: Belgium
    • Registered: 26-Feb-2008
    • Posts: 482
    05-Jan-2013 19:19:38#7 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    I have used Colemak almost exclusively for the past 5 years, but each time I do have to use Qwerty, I'm surprised by how well it still goes.  With some bastard 4 finger hunt 'n peck technique (as I did before Colemak), but with acceptable speed and accuracy.

    Only the first minute or so is confusing.  Just practice it a few days before, and you'll be fine.

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 214
    • From: Viken, Norway
    • Registered: 13-Dec-2006
    • Posts: 5,362
    06-Jan-2013 11:08:21#8 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    Yes, it's discriminatory.

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
    *** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 0
    • Registered: 26-May-2012
    • Posts: 6
    07-Jan-2013 16:04:33#9 Re: Colemak on GMAT?

    Just an update. They have sent a reply, stating that examinees can apply for disability. That involves with going through some hoops and submitting medical documentation. The chance of being allowed to use Colemak is possible, but very slim. I don't think it's ok to pursue this since I don't have any supporting documents nor physical handicap, but it may help others a great deal.

    http://www.mba.com/mba/thegmat/schedule … lities.htm

    I understand their restrictions, since it cuts down the chances of hacking and cheating. However, I still think that it's a bit discriminatory.

    Last edited by yensteel (07-Jan-2013 16:07:32)
    Offline
    • 0