Test Location: Taking GRE at Home vs Testing Center – Making the Right Choice

Planning to take the GRE but confused about whether to take it at home or at a testing center? This crucial decision can significantly impact your test-taking experience and, potentially, your graduate school journey. Let’s dive deep into both options to help you make an informed choice.

The Appeal of Taking GRE at Home #

The introduction of the at-home GRE has revolutionized test accessibility. Available 24/7, you can schedule your test at any time that suits you best. This flexibility is particularly valuable for working professionals and students juggling multiple commitments. No more adjusting your schedule around limited test center slots or dealing with long commutes on test day.

Testing from home means experiencing complete comfort in familiar surroundings. Your own chair, your own desk, and your own computer – it sounds perfect, right? However, this convenience comes with stringent technical requirements and protocols.

Technical Requirements for At-Home Testing #

Before opting for the at-home GRE, ensure your setup meets these non-negotiable requirements:

• A desktop or laptop computer (tablets, Chromebooks, and mobile devices are not permitted)
• Single keyboard and monitor configuration (dual monitors are strictly prohibited)
• Functional webcam capable of 360-degree room scans
• Working speakers and microphone (external headsets are not allowed)

The Note-Taking Dilemma #

For the at-home GRE, you’re limited to either a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker or a single sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector. This restriction can be particularly challenging during the Quantitative section, where extensive calculations might be necessary.

Privacy and Room Requirements #

The privacy requirements for at-home testing are extremely strict. You must be alone in a private room with all doors closed throughout the entire test duration. Public spaces like internet cafes are strictly prohibited. A recent incident involved a student whose test was cancelled because their roommate opened the door to ask a quick question – an innocent interruption that cost them their entire test attempt. Such strict protocols mean even minor oversights can lead to serious consequences.

The Test Center Experience: A Controlled Environment #

Traditional test centers offer a meticulously controlled environment designed specifically for standardized testing. Upon arrival, you’ll undergo biometric verification and passport checks. The center provides everything you need:

• Noise-cancellation headphones to minimize distractions
• Spiral-bound transparent sheets and markers for note-taking
• Secure lockers for your personal belongings
• Additional note-taking materials if needed

Why Wizako Recommends Test Centers #

Despite the convenience of at-home testing, we strongly recommend choosing a test center when possible. Here’s why:

Technical Reliability #

Internet disconnections during an at-home test can be devastating. If you get disconnected, you may not be able to resume where you left off. That attempt – and your test fee – may be lost. Test centers eliminate this risk entirely.

Security Confidence #

At-home proctors must be extremely vigilant about potential cheating. Even unconscious habits like moving your lips while reading can raise red flags and potentially lead to score cancellation. Test centers provide a secure environment where such concerns are minimal.

Long-term Score Security #

Perhaps most crucially, there have been instances of fraud in online testing, leading some schools to reject home-based test scores entirely. Even more concerning are cases where scores were cancelled after admission offers were made, leading to rescinded admissions. When schools receive direct notifications from GRE about suspected fraud, even innocent test-takers can face serious consequences.

A Real-World Cautionary Tale #

Consider this recent incident: A brilliant student meticulously prepared for her GRE, choosing to take it from home for convenience. Despite her thorough preparation, she overlooked one small detail – her phone was still in the room, though nowhere near her desk. The proctor spotted it during the initial security check, and her test was immediately cancelled. Her study schedule was disrupted, and she lost both time and money.

Making Your Decision #

Before choosing your test location, consider these factors:

• Check if your target schools accept home-based test scores
• Evaluate the reliability of your internet connection
• Assess your ability to meet all technical requirements for at-home testing
• Consider your comfort with strict proctoring procedures

While the convenience of at-home testing is undeniable, the potential risks often outweigh the benefits. Taking the GRE at a test center provides peace of mind and eliminates many variables that could potentially jeopardize your scores – and your academic future.

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Frequently Asked Questions: GRE at Home vs Test Center #

Test Scheduling & Availability #

Q: How often is the GRE offered at test centers?
A: Test centers typically offer 2-5 time slots per day, depending on the location and availability.

Q: What are the testing hours for at-home GRE?
A: The at-home GRE is available 24/7, offering maximum flexibility for test-takers.

Technical Requirements #

Q: Can I use my tablet or Chromebook for the at-home GRE?
A: No, only desktop computers or laptops are permitted. Tablets, Chromebooks, and mobile devices are not allowed.

Q: Can I use dual monitors for the at-home GRE?
A: No, only one monitor and one keyboard are allowed for the at-home GRE.

Q: Do I need special equipment for the at-home GRE?
A: Yes, you need a webcam capable of 360-degree movement and built-in or external speakers and microphone (headsets are not permitted).

Test Environment & Security #

Q: Can I take notes during the at-home GRE?
A: Yes, but you’re limited to either one small desktop whiteboard or one sheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker.

Q: What happens if my Internet disconnects during the at-home GRE?
A: If you get disconnected, you may not be able to resume the test where you left off. The attempt could get invalidated, and the test fee is not refunded in such instances.

Q: Can I take the at-home GRE in a public space like a library or Internet café?
A: No, the at-home GRE must be taken in a private room where you are completely alone with all doors closed.

Score Acceptance & Validity #

Q: Do all schools accept at-home GRE scores?
A: No, some schools may not accept at-home GRE scores. Always check with your target schools before choosing this option.

Q: Can my at-home GRE scores be cancelled after I receive them?
A: Yes, scores can be cancelled even after you receive them if ETS suspects any security violations, which could affect your admissions status.

Test Center Experience #

Q: What materials are provided at the test center?
A: Test centers provide noise-cancellation headphones, spiral-bound transparent sheets, markers for note-taking, and lockers for personal belongings.

Q: What ID is required at the test center?
A: A valid passport is the only accepted form of identification for the GRE at test centers.

Cost & Rescheduling #

Q: Is there a price difference between at-home and test center GRE?
A: No, both testing options cost the same amount.

Q: What happens if I need to reschedule my GRE?
A: Both at-home and test center appointments can be rescheduled, subject to ETS’s rescheduling policies and fees.