Mastering Test Day: Logistics and Final Preparation for the GRE
The GRE is a significant milestone, and while your preparation has been extensive, the days leading up to and the day of the exam are crucial for optimal performance. This module focuses on the practical aspects of test day logistics and final preparation, ensuring you walk into the testing center with confidence and clarity.
Pre-Test Day Essentials: Setting the Stage for Success
The week before your GRE can be a mix of focused review and strategic relaxation. Avoid cramming new material; instead, focus on reinforcing what you already know. This is also the time to finalize all logistical arrangements.
To reinforce existing knowledge and avoid cramming new material.
Confirming Your Test Center and Time
Double-check your test center location, address, and the exact start time of your appointment. Familiarize yourself with the route and travel time, accounting for potential traffic delays. If possible, visit the test center a few days prior to get a sense of the environment.
It's wise to do a 'dry run' to your test center a few days before the exam to gauge travel time and parking.
Gathering Necessary Identification
ETS has strict identification requirements. Ensure your ID is valid, government-issued, and contains your full name exactly as it appears on your GRE registration. Common acceptable IDs include passports and driver's licenses. Check the official ETS website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable identification.
It must be valid, government-issued, and match your name on the registration exactly.
Packing Your Test Day Bag
On test day, you'll want to be prepared. Pack essentials the night before: your valid ID, your confirmation email, a light snack and water (to be consumed during breaks), and any approved comfort items. Remember, only specific items are allowed in the testing room.
Test Day: Execution and Mindset
The day of your GRE is about executing your preparation with a calm and focused mindset. Arrive early, follow the instructions of the test center staff, and trust your preparation.
Arrival and Check-in Procedures
Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows ample time for check-in, which typically involves presenting your ID, having your photo taken, and providing a digital signature. You will also be asked to store personal belongings in a locker.
Navigating the Testing Environment
Once admitted to the testing room, you'll be assigned a computer. Familiarize yourself with the testing software interface before starting. Remember that breaks are scheduled and are the only times you can leave your workstation. Use these breaks wisely to rest and refuel.
The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT). This means the difficulty of the questions you receive in a section is based on your performance on previous questions within that section. For Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be of similar or higher difficulty. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be of similar or lower difficulty. This adaptive nature requires consistent performance throughout each section.
Text-based content
Library pages focus on text content
Maintaining Focus and Managing Time
Time management is critical. Keep an eye on the clock, but don't let it dictate your pace to the point of anxiety. If you're stuck on a question, make your best educated guess and move on. You can flag questions to return to later if time permits, especially during the untimed Analytical Writing section. Remember to breathe and stay present.
Post-Test Day Reflections
After completing the GRE, resist the urge to overanalyze every question. Your scores will be available unofficially at the test center, with official scores sent later. Focus on what's next in your graduate school application process. Celebrate your accomplishment of completing this challenging exam!
Resist overanalyzing questions and focus on the next steps in your application process.
Learning Resources
Official guidance from ETS on what to expect on test day, including check-in procedures, what you can and cannot bring, and security measures.
Find available test centers and dates for your GRE General Test, and learn about scheduling your appointment.
Detailed information on acceptable forms of identification for the GRE, crucial for a smooth check-in process.
Practical advice and strategies from Kaplan Test Prep for managing your time and mindset on GRE test day.
A comprehensive checklist of items to bring and leave at home for your GRE exam, provided by The Princeton Review.
A detailed walkthrough of the GRE test day experience, from arrival to departure, offering insights and tips.
Understand how the computer-adaptive nature of the GRE affects your test experience and scoring.
A video walkthrough illustrating the typical GRE test center environment and procedures.
Information on when and how your GRE scores will be reported, including unofficial and official score delivery.
Official policies and procedures for GRE test centers, covering conduct, prohibited items, and more.