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GRE General Test Day Rules

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GRE General Test Day Rules

Our GRE experts hear many of the same questions in different ways, and most of them are about GRE math sections and Calculator. The quantitative sections of GRE have many questions, and not all questions can be answered without a calculator. So, while preparing for the GRE, almost all students ask questions like ‘can I use a calculator during GRE?’, ‘can I bring a calculator to GRE?’ or ‘will I get a calculator on GRE test day?’.

Before applying for the GRE, students get curious about the quantitative section and how long it takes to become familiar with the keyboard’s keys for the test, what to bring on testing day, and many other things. After considering each student’s queries, we, My Tutor Source, have gathered information from GRE experts and wrote the following general test day rules for you. Give it a read and learn your answers regarding GRE day.

What To Bring

All students must bring their valid and acceptable identification to the test centers. Your identification can be verified from any card like a Government-issued document, driver’s license, or passport. The identification document’s name must match the name and surname you register in GRE. The second thing you must bring along is the mask. Students without a mask will not be allowed to enter the testing center. Covering the face with medical and cloth masks is permitted only. Some students wear rubber gloves during the test; it’s your call.

In short, without an original, valid, or acceptable identification card or document, students will not be allowed into the test centers.

What To Bring

What Not to Bring

GRE test centers assign lockers to each student to store their personal items before entering the testing room. The list of things you should not bring along is mobile phones, tablets, cameras, scanning or listening devices, and any wearable technology gadgets. Students wearing heavy jewelry accessories are also not allowed. You must store your accessories and electronic devices before sitting for an exam; otherwise, you will not be permitted to take the test. However, wearing wedding and engagement rings is allowed.

What Not to Bring

What About Calculators

GRE quantitative reasoning section’s questions are tricky, and a few of them cannot be solved without a calculator. Still, students are not allowed to bring any calculating device into the testing room. All students have to use an on-screen calculator. So, can you use a calculator on the GRE? Yes. Do you have to bring your calculator to the GRE? No.

Furthermore, we advise you not to make excessive use of the calculator. Make sure to prepare from GRE experts like ours. MTS private and online GRE tutors polish all skill sets of students required to score high marks and get admission into the desired university. We teach students how and when to use the on-screen calculator efficiently during exams. Our GRE students learned how to solve complex problems by hand and with their skills with great practice and made us proud with their outstanding scores. The smart method of saving time and solving questions quickly is going well prepared and using your own skills.

What About Calculators

Tips To Use GRE On-Screen Calculator

Using a calculator less during tests saves time, and it counts as a skill too. Anyways, the on-screen calculator of the GRE is quite basic. We recommend you to practice for the exam with the same type of calculator.

The on-screen calculator will perform four basic operations (subtraction, addition, division, and multiplication), square roots, PEMDAS operations, decimal values, and change the signs of numbers into positive or negative form. It will be nothing fancy as it displays only eight digits at a time, but you can solve complex problems with great practice and effective use. Below are a few helpful tips for using GRE on-screen calculator smartly:

  • Don’t rely on a calculator. Quantitative reasoning has a set of questions that can be solved without a calculator.
  • Calculators don’t always give the perfect square root or long division answers. Instead of wasting time on calculations or confusing yourself, you must prepare well enough to know how to deal with unfamiliar calculations.
  • Before rushing to the calculator, try solving the problem with logical and conceptual shortcuts.
  • If your mind is unable to calculate a simple equation, don’t curse. Take a better strategic decision and multiply 7 with 9.
  • Pay attention to the answer boxes. If the box is into two vertically-stacked forms, the answer must be in the form of a fraction. If the answer part has only one box, then an integer will fit in. It is a smart way to guess the type of answer. Now use the calculator to decimalize the values.
  • If you see any functional error, raise your hand and ask the instructor to solve the issue immediately.
  • If the calculator does not give the exact answer. You must choose the one that is slightly close to one of the given options. Don’t waste your limited time on such queries.
  • Make sure to use the same basic calculator while preparing for GRE, so you know when and how to use the calculator on test day.

GRE Test Day Rules

  • Arrive 30 minutes before test time.
  • Don’t forget to bring your original identification documents.
  • Keep your personal belongings in the assigned locker or your car.
  • Food items and drinks are not allowed.
  • Don’t wear earbuds, jewelry, accessories, or smartwatches.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Sit on the seat that the administrator assigns you.
  • Raise your hand if you need your proctor or administrator’s help. Don’t call out loud.
  • Talking or whispering to other fellows is not allowed.
  • To receive a new scratch paper, raise your hand. Once you are done using all scratch papers, return them to the testing center administrator.
  • If your computer or seat has an issue, ask for help immediately.
  • On-screen calculators are accessible during the quantitative reasoning sections only.
  • Make sure you know how to use QWERTY keyboards because only standard English-language keyboards will be provided. So, practice a little before the exam.
  • To leave your seat other than break times, ask for permission. However, the timings of the test will not stop.
  • You can cancel or report your score at the end of the test session. The choice is yours.
  • The ScoreSelect feature lets you report your score to a few recipients for free on test day; otherwise, you have to pay a fee.

That’s all from our GRE expert’s guide. MTS is just a click away to help students attain their targeted score, give an incredible tutoring experience, provide practical and customized learning plans, and support to achieve goals. Join us today! And follow our GRE test day rules and valuable tips to give your best on exam day.

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Austin has 10+ years of experience in teaching. He has researched on thousands of students-related topics, issues, and concerns. You will often find him writing about the common concerns of students, their nutrition, and what is beneficial for their academics and health both.