What to expect on your GRE test day

[tdearr]

The day has arrived, you have read your books, taken your CATs, and paid your registration fee. It is time to take the GRE.

When you arrive at the Prometric testing center, you will be asked to present a picture ID that includes a copy of your signature. ETS has strict requirements about this ID, so make sure you follow the guidelines here: http://www.ets.org/gre/general/test_day/id/.

After they verify your identity, you will be given a key to a locker. You will be asked to place all of your belongings into a locker with the exception of your photo ID. Sweatshirt, wallet, keys, purse, pens, lucky penny, anything that you have with you must be deposited into the locker. Once your items are safely stowed, you will start to fill out paperwork. One part of this paper work actually requires you to copy down a short statement confirming your identity. You must copy this statement in cursive – no print allowed!

When you are done filling out the forms, you will continue on toward the testing room. The employees will make you turn your pockets inside out (even your back pockets, as much as that is possible), take your picture, and check your signature against the one on your ID. Once all of these procedures have been completed, you will be sent into the room to test.

The center will provide you with a booklet of blue unlined scratch paper and two sharpened pencils; these are the only items that you will be allowed to use during the test. They will sit you down at a computer and from that point you are on your own. You will begin by filling out a few pages of identifying information, including a list of schools to which you would like your free score reports sent (up to 4). Next, an introduction to the computer software will pop up on screen and walk you through exactly how to fill in answers and even how to use a computer mouse.

Then, it is on to the test. Depending on which test you are taking (current or revised) the format will vary. For a full breakdown of the two different formats, visit our info page here: http://www.manhattangre.com/newGRE.cfm.

Once the test is over, if you are taking the current GRE, your unofficial scores from the Verbal and Quantitative sections will be displayed on the screen immediately. For the revised GRE, you will have to wait for a score report. If you are taking the revised test, you can check this schedule to see when you will get your scores: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/scores/get.

After that, the checkout procedures are pretty simple. They will double check your ID and have you sign out on the testing center log. Then collect your belongings from your locker and be on your way!

I hope this is helpful in clearing away some of the jitters you might have about the testing center procedures. Good luck on your GRE!

[navigalactus]

Wonderful post.
Can I wear my wrist watch during exam?
And do they provide sharpners for pencils as they are going to wear out in a matter of minutes

[tdearr]

Hi Navigalactus,

Sorry for the delayed response. I wouldn’t count on being able to wear your watch. Watches aren’t strictly forbidden, but the test center is allowed to ask you to remove your watch and leave it in your locker; in our experience this happens most of the time.

There aren't pencil sharpeners available, but you can ask to swap pencils out if they break. But, do your best not to break them as swapping out pencils will take up valuable time.

Best,
Taylor

[spanedea123]

You covered up all that I had doubts about. Now all I have to do remember what I prepared for.

[tommywallach]

Good luck!

-t

[danc]

What kind of computers? Mac or PC? Laptop? Desktop? What kind of keyboard? Attached? Separate? Curved?

[tommywallach]

PC! Desktop! Attached! Non-curved!

-t

[danc]

Big clunky keys or thin slim keys?

[danc]

Why do they only allow pencils? The writing utensil does not matter for a computer test.

[tommywallach]

Normal keys. No idea on the other question.

[theonlyhero28]

I think only pencils because, you can't write anything on your body with a pencil( and you know how ETS is possessive about it's data)

Confidentiality agreement....lol

[tommywallach]

Good point, Hero! That makes a lot of sense.

-t

[IamJamesRomero]

What is CATs? I've been seeing this term throughout the website and wanted to know what it is exactly and does it concern to the updated GRE?

[tommywallach]

Computer Adaptive Test.