Testing Center Dos and Don’ts
As we’ve mentioned before, the GRE testing center can be a stressful place. Showing up for the GRE is much like arriving at the airport. You will have to empty your pockets, present a photo ID, and maybe even go through a metal detector. Sometimes, students make the mistake of preparing for the test content without ever considering the test experience. To help you prepare for the full experience, we’ve put together this list of testing center dos and don’ts.
DO: Bring a government issued photo ID
I’m starting with the most basic and most important rule of showing up at the GRE testing center. You must bring an acceptable photo ID with your signature. Your full name on the ID must exactly match your name as it appears on your admission ticket. So any Roberts who go by Bob, Christophers who go by Chris, or Ian Donald Calvin Euclids who go by Dweezil need to be sure that you register for the test using the name on your ID, otherwise you might be turned away at the door. For a full list of the GRE rules on acceptable IDs you can check this page from ETS.
DON’T: Bring any study materials to look at during the break
I understand the urge to cram in a last few minutes of studying while you wait in the testing center lobby, but please don’t do it. The test centers are very strict and can disqualify a score for even a hint of misconduct. We once had a student have her score disqualified for looking at her cell phone during the test break. The benefit from a few last minutes of studying isn’t worth the risk of having to test all over again. Leave everything at home except for your wallet, your registration ticket, and a snack.
DO: Arrive early
When you show up for your testing appointment, you won’t just stroll in and sit down to test; first, you will have to go through a lengthy check in procedure. You will need time to check your personal belongings into a locker, fill out all of the appropriate paperwork, and get checked into the computer lab by one of the center employees. This can take a bit of time, so be sure to arrive early. (The registration directions will remind you of this fact, so make sure to heed their warnings!)
DON’T: Dress in layers
This one might seem a bit strange, but hear me out. You should definitely dress comfortably and it might be chilly in the testing center so a long sleeve shirt might help, but layers are not the best idea. When I took the GRE, I was asked to check my thin jacket in a locker that the center provided for me; I did so and took the test in a t-shirt. If instead, you do choose to wear a second layer of clothing into the testing center (rather than checking it in the locker) you’ll be forced to wear it for the duration of your test. You can’t use layers to prepare for the temperate of the room, because you aren’t allowed to adjust your outfit mid-test. Instead, try to find an outfit that will work for different temperatures and wear that on test day.
DO: Get fresh scratch paper during your break
You are allowed fresh scratch paper at any time during the test if you turn in the scratch paper that you have already used. In order to get fresh scratch paper, you need to get the attention of the proctor, which can be difficult mid-test. I would recommend using the break in the test to get a fresh set of scratch paper so that you don’t have to worry about wasting valuable time flailing your arms in the direction of a proctor who is waiting outside of the computer lab.
DON’T: Panic
OK. I may owe the credit for this one to Douglas Adams. But, there is good reason that I’m including it here. Just like some of the planets mentioned in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, GRE testing centers are bureaucratic and draconian. It isn’t their fault; standardized testing requires things to be run in a standard fashion, which can mean somewhat invasive and uncomfortable rules and policies. However, everyone at my testing center was extremely helpful and friendly. Just follow all of the rules and try not to get too riled up, and everything will be jake.