GRE Test Day Checklist: Avoid These Common Mistakes
GRE Test Day Checklist: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Test day has arrived. After months of study, stress, and silent stares at quantitative reasoning questions, you’re finally here. The GRE Test, or more formally the Graduate Record Exam, is your ticket to graduate programs across the world. And like any big journey, it begins best when you’re properly packed and prepared.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for test day: what to carry, what to avoid, how to mentally prepare, and how to make sure your morning runs smoothly. Whether you’re testing at a centre or from home, this checklist has you covered.
GRE Test Day Checklist: What to Bring and What to Avoid
A smooth test experience begins with good planning. Here’s a checklist you can use to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Category | Item/Advice |
Documents | Valid passport (must match your GRE registration name exactly; expired IDs are not accepted). It’s also recommended (though not mandatory) to bring a second form of ID just in case. |
GRE confirmation email/printout – optional but helpful. Not required for test admission but can be useful if there are issues. | |
Essentials | Snacks for before or after the test (nuts, fruit, energy bars). The GRE no longer includes a scheduled break, so snacks can’t be consumed mid-test. |
Bottle of water (clear bottle, no labels) – again, to be used before or after the test only. | |
Prescription medications (in original packaging). If you need to take them during the test, inform the testing staff beforehand. | |
Tech (Home Test) | Laptop/Desktop with Chrome or Firefox (ensure it’s updated). |
Working webcam (movable for room scan) – you’ll be asked to show your full room environment before starting. | |
Mic and speakers – headphones and earbuds are not allowed. | |
Whiteboard or one transparent sheet protector with erasable marker – required for note-taking. Scratch paper is not permitted for home tests. | |
Clothing | Comfortable layers – testing rooms can vary in temperature. |
No caps, hats, or scarves (unless religious) – security protocols are strict. | |
Simple, comfortable outfit suitable for a long session – while the new GRE is shorter (just under 1 hr 58 mins), staying focused still requires physical comfort. | |
Mental Prep | Brief meditation or calming exercise – especially helpful now that the GRE has no formal break. |
Positive self-talk or reminder to stay calm – you’ll finish quicker than the old 4-hour format, but nerves still matter. |
What NOT to Bring
- Phones, smartwatches, notes, calculators – all electronic devices must be stored away and cannot be accessed during the test.
- Scratch paper (for home test takers) – only ETS-approved materials like a whiteboard or transparent sheet protector are allowed.
- Experimental foods that might upset your stomach – since there’s no break, it’s best to eat something safe beforehand.
- Jewelry and accessories (other than religious or medical necessities) – most items will need to be stored in your locker at the test center.
Types of GRE Test Centres (and What to Expect)
Every GRE test environment can feel a little different. Here’s a general idea of what you might encounter:
Test Centre Type | Atmosphere | Common Features | Advice |
Standard Corporate Centre | Quiet, professional, air-conditioned | Strict security, individual desks, timed check-in | Arrive early, bring required documents |
University Campus Room | Academic setting, possibly older infrastructure | Shared rooms, basic facilities, paper checklists | Prepare for variability in comfort |
International Testing Centre | High security, efficient, well-monitored | Thorough identity checks, no nonsense | Read all test instructions in advance |
Home Testing Environment | Familiar but unpredictable | Webcam check, background scan, potential tech issues | Test your equipment and internet a day before; ensure your room is well-lit, quiet, and distraction-free |
Additional Notes for 2024 and Beyond
- The GRE is now shorter (just under 2 hours) – there is no scheduled break in the middle.
- Unofficial Verbal and Quant scores are shown immediately after the test.
- Official scores are available in 8–10 days (faster than before).
- You will no longer see an unscored or experimental section during the test.
- Always run the ETS browser check for home tests at least a day in advance.
Have a mirror or mobile phone ready to show the proctor your screen and surroundings during home testing.