What to Expect on GRE Test Day

1. Arriving at the Test Center

On the day of your GRE, aim to arrive at the test center early—at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. This will give you time to check in, get settled, and reduce any last-minute stress.

Check-In Procedures

When you arrive at the test center, you will need to check in with the staff. Be prepared to:

• Present valid ID: You must show an acceptable form of identification (usually a passport or government-issued photo ID). The name on your ID must exactly match the name you used when registering for the test.
• Have your photo taken: The test center will take your photo for identification and security purposes.
• Fingerprinting: In some locations, you may be required to provide a fingerprint for additional security.

Personal Belongings

You will not be allowed to bring personal items into the testing room. Items such as bags, cell phones, watches, and food/drinks must be stored in a designated area. Some items may be allowed if they meet specific criteria, so check with the test center in advance if you’re unsure.

2. The Test Day Procedure

Once you’ve completed check-in, you will be escorted to a computer station to begin your GRE test. Here’s what you can expect:

The GRE Test Structure

The GRE consists of three main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning (35 minutes for 40 questions)
• Quantitative Reasoning (35 minutes for 40 questions)
• Analytical Writing (60 minutes for two tasks—30 minutes each)

There may also be an unscored research section, but it’s not identified during the test. The research section is used by ETS to evaluate new questions, so it doesn’t count toward your score.

Breaks

You’ll get one optional 10-minute break after the third section (typically after the verbal or quantitative reasoning section). During the break, you’ll have the chance to stretch, use the restroom, or grab a quick snack, but you will not be allowed to leave the test center during this time.

Test Format

The GRE is a computer-based test, and the questions will appear on a screen. The format is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions may increase or decrease based on your performance in the initial section. The verbal and quantitative sections are section-level adaptive, while the analytical writing section is not adaptive.

3. What to Bring on GRE Test Day

It’s important to bring the right materials with you to the test center. Here’s a checklist of what you should have:

• Valid ID: A government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, with your name matching your registration.
• GRE Confirmation Email: Print out the confirmation email you received after registering for the test. This is not always required, but it’s good to have just in case.
• Acceptable Items: You are allowed to bring a sweater or jacket, a clear water bottle, and your medications (if necessary). Check with your test center beforehand if you have any questions about acceptable items.

What Not to Bring

• Personal items: You cannot bring bags, watches, phones, notes, or any electronic devices into the testing room. They must be stored in the designated area outside the room.
• Food and Drinks: Except for water, food and drinks are not permitted in the test center unless you have special accommodations.

4. Tips for a Smooth Test Day

Test day can be stressful, but the following tips will help ensure that the day goes smoothly and that you’re in the best possible mindset to succeed:

Tip 1: Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A well-rested mind performs better. Avoid staying up late studying the night before your test. Instead, aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep to ensure that you’re alert and focused during the test.

Tip 2: Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Fuel your body and brain with a balanced breakfast on test day. Opt for a meal with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal with fruit or eggs with whole-grain toast. Avoid foods that may cause a sugar crash, such as sugary cereals or pastries.

Tip 3: Arrive Early

Arriving at the test center early will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. This will give you time to check in, relax, and get settled before the test begins.

Tip 4: Bring Snacks for the Break

If you feel comfortable doing so, bring a small snack to eat during your break. A granola bar or piece of fruit can give you a quick energy boost and help keep your mind sharp for the rest of the test.

Tip 5: Stay Calm and Focused

It’s normal to feel a bit anxious on test day, but remember that you’ve prepared for this. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves, and focus on one question at a time. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t let it shake your confidence—move on and come back to it if needed.

5. After the GRE Test

Once you’ve completed the test, you’ll receive your unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative sections immediately. Your analytical writing scores will be available online after a few weeks. Use this time to relax and celebrate your hard work!

6. Conclusion

Knowing what to expect on GRE test day can help you feel more confident and prepared when it’s time to take the test. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to approach the test day experience with a clear mind and a positive attitude. Best of luck on your GRE journey!