GRE At Home: Everything You Need to Know
The GRE General Test is a standardized test that assesses the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills of individuals seeking admission to graduate schools.
The GRE General Test can now be taken from the comfort of one’s home, thanks to the At-Home version of the test. This section will provide an overview of the nature of the At-Home GRE and the differences between the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.
Nature of the At-Home GRE
The At-Home version of the GRE General Test is identical to the test taken at a test center, except it is on the test-taker’s computer at home. The test is proctored remotely by a human proctor using ProctorU, an online proctoring service. The proctor monitors the test-taker throughout the test using the test-taker’s webcam and microphone.
The At-Home GRE is offered everywhere the test is usually available, based on the country of the test-taker’s account address. The test-taker must have a quiet, private, and well-lit room with a reliable internet connection and a computer that meets the technical requirements specified by ETS.
Difference Between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
The GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test are two different tests ETS offers. The GRE General Test measures the test-takers general verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
The GRE Subject Test measures the test-takers knowledge of a specific subject area, such as biology, chemistry, literature in English, mathematics, physics, or psychology.
Most graduate schools require the GRE General Test as part of the admissions process, while the GRE Subject Test is optional and is only required by some graduate programs. The GRE General Test is offered in computer-based and paper-based formats, while the GRE Subject Test is only paper-based.
Registration for GRE At Home
How to Register
To register for the GRE at home, test-takers must visit the official ETS website and create an account. After creating an account, they can select the “GRE General Test at Home” option and follow the registration process. Test-takers must provide personal information, such as their name, address, and email, and select a test date and time that works best for them.
Test-takers must also pay the registration fee, currently $205, for the GRE General Test. Payment can be made using a credit card or PayPal account. After completing the registration process, test-takers will receive a confirmation email with instructions on preparing for test day.
Scheduling and Rescheduling
Test-takers can schedule or reschedule their GRE at-home test by logging into their ETS account and selecting the “GRE General Test at Home” option. They can then select a new test date and time that works best for them.
It is important to note that if a test-taker needs to reschedule their test, they must do so at least 4 days before their scheduled test date, or they will forfeit their registration fee.
Test-takers can also cancel their test and receive a partial refund if they do so at least 4 days before their scheduled test date. However, if a test-taker cancels their test less than 4 days before their scheduled test date, they will forfeit their entire registration fee.
Preparing for the Test
When taking the GRE General Test at home, preparation is key. Test takers should ensure they have the proper equipment and understand the check-in process for a successful test-taking experience.
Equipment Requirements
To take the GRE General Test at home, test takers must have access to a computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers. The computer must meet specific technical requirements, such as having a compatible operating system and internet browser.
🌟 Hey Students! 🚀 Ready for the ultimate experience? Join us on Studentsinside.com's Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. Click now for tips, fun, and success vibes! 🌈✨ #StudentLife #JoinUs
Test takers should review the technical requirements provided by ETS and run a system check before test day to ensure that their equipment is compatible.
In addition to the computer, test takers must have a quiet, private space to take the test. The room should be well-lit and free from distractions. Test takers should also have a reliable internet connection to avoid technical issues during the test.
Understanding the Check-In Process
On test day, test takers will need to complete a check-in process before beginning the test. This process includes verifying the test taker’s identity and ensuring that the test environment meets the requirements.
Test takers should review the check-in process provided by ETS and ensure they have the necessary identification documents and equipment ready.
During check-in, a proctor will monitor test takers via webcam and microphone. The proctor will verify the test taker’s identity and monitor the test environment for potential issues. Test takers should follow the proctor’s instructions and avoid any behavior perceived as cheating.
Test Day Guidelines
Understanding the Testing Environment
Before taking the GRE at home, it is essential to understand the testing environment. The test will be proctored remotely, and the testing room must meet specific requirements.
The room should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. The examinee should not have other individuals in the room during the test.
In addition, the computer used for the test must meet specific requirements. The computer should have a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. The examinee should also have a backup power source in case of a power outage.
Testing the computer and internet connection before the test is essential to ensure everything works properly.
Rules and Accommodations
On test day, the examinee must follow specific rules and procedures. The test will begin with a check-in process, including verifying the examinee’s identity and checking the testing room for prohibited items. The examinee must also show their workspace and whiteboard to the proctor before the test begins.
During the test, the examinee must follow the rules and procedures the proctor outlines. This includes not using prohibited items, such as notes or electronic devices, and not leaving the testing room during the test. If the examinee needs to take a break, they must ask the proctor for permission.
Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities or other conditions that may affect their test-taking abilities. Accommodations may include extended testing time, extra breaks, or assistive technology. Examinees should contact ETS to request accommodations and provide documentation of their condition.
Scoring and Results
The GRE General Test at home is scored using the same scoring system as the test at a test center. The test taker will receive three scores: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing score is on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
How are Scores Calculated
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers. The number of correct answers is then converted to a scaled score.
The Analytical Writing score is based on the overall quality of the essay, including the clarity of the argument, the coherence of the essay, and the use of evidence to support the argument.
How to Receive Official Scores
After the test, the test taker will receive unofficial scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing score will be available 10 to 15 days after the test.
The test taker can view and send their official scores to institutions using their ETS account. The official scores are available approximately 10 to 15 days after the test. The test taker can also request additional score reports for a fee.
It is important to note that scores are valid five years from the test date. The test taker can choose to send scores from their most recent test or any test taken in the past five years. Test takers can also use the ScoreSelect option to send only the scores they want to their designated institutions.
GRE At Home in Different Countries
The GRE General Test at home is offered in most locations worldwide, based on the country of your account address. However, there are some exceptions due to local regulations and restrictions. Here are some details about GRE At Home in Mainland China and Iran.
GRE At Home in Mainland China
As of November 2023, the GRE General Test at home is unavailable in Mainland China. Prospective test-takers in China can still take the GRE General Test at test centers.
However, local regulations and restrictions may affect the testing schedule and availability due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Test-takers are advised to regularly check the ETS website for updates and follow local health and safety guidelines.
GRE At Home in Iran
The GRE General Test at home is available in Iran, subject to local regulations and restrictions. Prospective test-takers in Iran can take the GRE General Test at home or test centers, depending on their preference and availability.
However, local regulations and restrictions may affect the testing schedule and availability due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Test-takers are advised to regularly check the ETS website for updates and follow local health and safety guidelines.
Using GRE Scores for Admissions
Prospective students considering applying to graduate, business, or law schools often wonder how their GRE scores will be used in admissions. The GRE General Test is designed to measure a student’s readiness for graduate-level study and can be a valuable tool for admissions committees when evaluating applications.
Admissions to Graduate Schools
Most graduate schools require applicants to submit GRE scores as part of their application.
Admissions committees use these scores to help evaluate a student’s potential for success in a graduate program. While GRE scores are just one factor considered in the admissions process, they can be crucial.
In addition to GRE scores, admissions committees may also consider a student’s undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other factors.
Admissions to Business and Law Schools
In addition to graduate schools, many business and law schools require applicants to submit GRE scores. These scores are used to help evaluate a student’s readiness for the rigorous coursework that isneeded forn these programs.
When evaluating applications, admissions committees may also consider a student’s work experience, undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and other factors.
Test Taking Experience
Taking the GRE at home offers a unique testing experience for test takers. The test-taking experience is similar to a test at a testing center, with a few differences.
Firstly, test takers must ensure that their computer and testing room meet the requirements. If they do not, the test taker will not be able to take the test and will not receive a refund or free reschedule.
Once the test taker has ensured that their equipment and environment meet the requirements, they can begin the registration process. They must sign up for a time slot through ProctorU, a site membership that allows test takers to take the test from home.
On test day, the test taker must be ready to show their ID to the proctor and allow the proctor to monitor their computer screen and testing room via webcam. The proctor will also ask the test taker to show their testing environment, including the desk and surrounding area.
During the test, the test taker will have access to the same tools and features as they would at a testing center. They can use a calculator, highlighter, and other testing aids. However, they must be careful not to use prohibited items or materials.
