Getting Ready for the GRE Test Day

The GRE test is taken by students who aspire to enroll in graduate and business schools worldwide. The students who take the test can be from differing educational backgrounds and can be applying for any course ranging from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree. The GRE score supplements their undergraduate records, other qualifying studies they have done, and the recommendation letter they submit for obtaining admission.

ETS provides the test in more than 160 countries through over 1000 test centers. The exam contains questions measuring the thinking skills the student may require in business and law schools. This is done by assessing the student's performance in the different sections of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

Preparing for the test can be tricky, but having mastered that, it is trickier to get through the day without knowing what is expected of candidates on the test day.

What are the GRE Test Center Procedures?

A few important procedures are done at the test center before the test. This includes the proctors confirming the candidate's identity through the documents they provide and directing the students to empty their pockets and keep their possessions in the lockers provided. The general procedures followed are as follows:

• Requesting students to leave belongings in the locker.
• Checking the Identity Documents of the student.
• Biometric voice recognition.
• Biometric photo verification.
• Video recording.
• Signature verification.

Bringing Valid Identity Documents

Providing valid identity proof before the test is essential at the test center. The inability to provide a valid ID that matches the details test-takers have provided during the test registration ensures that they will not be permitted to take the test.

• Carry a minimum of two ID proofs to the test center- a primary ID and a supplementary ID.
• The primary ID is the passport, whereas the supplementary ID can be a driver’s license, voter ID, student ID card, etc.
• The supplementary ID will be provided if the primary ID does not suffice/ has information differing from the GRE admit card.
• Do NOT bring photocopies of the ID proofs.
• Do NOT bring Credit/Debit cards or Birth certificates as ID proof.

Materials that are permitted in the test center

When most materials are not permitted within the premises of the test center during the test, students are allowed to carry

• A print copy of the confirmation email/ authorization voucher/ GRE admit card
• Water
• Sweatshirt to keep warm since test centers are often cold
• The candidates can bring equipment, drinks, or snacks into the testing room only if they are granted accommodations for health-related needs.

Materials to leave in the lockers provided

Students must empty their pockets before the test and leave their belongings in the locker provided by the test center. Students can lock away their things and keep the key during the test. However, this does not imply that the examinee can bring anything and everything into the test center. Bring only essentials and lock them away during the test.

• Mobile Phones- to be left switched off before being put in the locker
• Notes and other last-minute preparation materials
• Food/snacks that can be accessed during the 10-minute break provided or after the test

Materials that are NOT permitted during the GRE test

It is to be noted that students will not be permitted to even carry money with them into the exam hall. While essentials can be locked away in the test center lockers, there are things students are not required to bring. This will avoid the hassle of transferring the materials into the locker and wasting precious time. These things are:

• Calculators are not to be carried to the test. The student can use the calculator available on-screen.
• The proctors will provide scratch papers.
• The proctors will provide Pens/ Pencils.
• Watches are not allowed in the test center.

Things to do on the test day

• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early to find the venue.
• Keep the ID proofs in hand to avoid last-minute confusion.
• Scratch papers will be provided before the test.
• Replenish the scratch paper supply only during the breaks. Do not use valuable time.
• Answer every question since there is no negative marking.

If the Test is Postponed or Cancelled

Sometimes, the test administrator or ETS may postpone the test date or delay its start due to inclement weather or other uncontrollable circumstances. In these situations, test-takers can get a full refund of the initial test fee or make another appointment at no cost. They can also ask ETS to reimburse them for reasonable travel expenses that they can provide proof of to get to the test center. Within 30 days of the initial appointment, get in touch with GRE Services and provide the following details to request reimbursement:

• Name
• Birthdate
• Mailing address
• Phone number during the day
• Email address
• Appointment number along with initial test date
• A synopsis of the events at the testing facility.

NOTE: US dollars will be used for all reimbursements.