How to Prep for the At-Home GRE & GMAT
Over the last several weeks, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and widespread closure of testing sites, some graduate programs have announced a waiver of normal requirements that applicants submit GRE or GMAT scores. But the vast majority of programs are maintaining existing policies. To meet the continued demand, both the GRE and GMAT have introduced online, at-home versions of the test available at least through early summer.
What does this mean for prospective grad school applicants? Should you opt for an at-home test, or wait things out until you can sit for a test in person?
What equipment do you need?
For the GRE, you can use either a desktop or laptop computer, but not a tablet. While both Windows (version 8 or later) and Mac (iOs 10.13 or later) are supported, Linux is not. Be sure to review the ProctorU technical requirements well ahead of time. You’re also prohibited from using ordinary paper and pencil. Instead, you’re encouraged to use a dry erase board with marker, or a “paper with transparent sheet protector and erasable marker.”
While the GMAT Online has similar system requirements, (an Apple OS is fine, for instance, but not Linux/Unix), you’re not allowed "scratch paper, erasable whiteboards,” or “pen, marker, or pencil" during the test. Instead, they've introduced an "online whiteboard" as part of the testing software.
Finally, be aware of specific requirements for test day, such as the room you’re in, clothes you’re wearing, and whether you’re allowed water during the test. (See FAQs for the GRE and GMAT.)
When are the tests offered?
The GMAT Online is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until at least through February 2021. Test takers must register at least 24 hours before their test date.
The at-home GRE is offered around the clock, seven days a week, indefinitely. While registration is tendered via ETS.org, scheduling is done through a separate ProctorU account.
How should you prepare differently for an at-home test?
Check your equipment. Know the specific requirements ahead of time and ensure that you meet them.
Adapt to having no paper. Well before your exam, practice using whatever form of "scratch paper" you'll use. If you're preparing for the GRE, take a practice test using your marker and whiteboard. For the GMAT, practice with the online whiteboard. It's a bit more complicated than you might expect, so take some time getting used to it.
Practice with the online platform. If you primarily practice using paper-delivered tests, don't find yourself surprised on test day by the difference a computer-delivered test makes. Find ways to replicate the computer-delivered aspect of the test. For instance, don't annotate your paper practice test. Instead, use the whiteboard for all of your scratch work and notes.
Recreate realistic conditions. Shortly before your test, take one full-length practice test in the same room, using the same equipment you’ll use on the actual test, strictly following all the relevant rules.
Learn from others. Read the experiences of others to see what you might expect. Reports from those who've taken the at-home GRE vary from positive to stressful and confusing.
Plug everything in. On test day, be sure your computer is plugged in to a power source. Connect to the internet via a wired connection, if possible, rather than relying on wireless, which is not only slower, but more prone to disruptions.
If you’re applying to graduate programs that still require the GRE or GMAT, you should probably opt for an at-home test. If you’re fortunate to have time before application deadlines, consider taking an in-person test as soon as they’re available.
For more guidance on adapting to the new format for GRE or GMAT, reach out to us. Our expert tutors are ready to help!
