The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is one of the most important steps in your journey toward graduate school. It can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time taking a standardized test of this magnitude. However, understanding what to expect on test day during your GRE prep days can significantly reduce anxiety and help you stay focused on achieving your best score.

In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of the test day experience, from registration to the final moments after the exam. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to approach test day with confidence and clarity.

1. Before Test Day (GRE Prep, General Prep)

Before you even step into the testing center, it’s essential to have everything ready. Your GRE prep and general preparation leading up to test day plays a massive role in how well you manage the stress of the big day.

Know Your Test Center Location

Ensure you know exactly where the test center is located, and how long it will take to get there. It’s always best to do a test run a few days prior to the exam to avoid any surprises. Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. This ensures you have plenty of time to check in and get settled before the exam starts.

What to Bring

You’ll need a few important items on test day, and knowing exactly what’s allowed and required will keep you from scrambling at the last minute.

• Valid ID: You must bring an acceptable, government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) with your signature. The ID should match the name you used to register for the exam.
• Your confirmation email: Print out or keep an electronic copy of your GRE appointment confirmation email.
• Acceptable testing materials: You don’t need to bring pencils or erasers since the computer-based test will provide everything you need. You’ll also be given a dry-erase board and marker to make notes during the test.
• Prohibited items: Leave all personal items, such as phones, bags, watches, or calculators, at home or in the designated lockers. These are strictly prohibited in the testing area.

Sleep Well and Don’t Overdo Your GRE Prep Before Test Day

Getting a good night’s sleep before test day cannot be overstated. Adequate rest will help you stay sharp, reduce stress, focus better throughout the test, and remember what you did during your GRE prep.

2. Arriving at the Test Center

When you arrive at the test center, you’ll check in with the staff and complete any necessary paperwork. Here’s what typically happens:

Check-in process: The staff will ask you for your ID and appointment confirmation email. You’ll then be assigned a locker to store any personal belongings.

Security: For your safety and to maintain the integrity of the test, you’ll go through a standard security check. This may include fingerprinting and a photo taken for identification purposes. You may also be asked to empty your pockets and walk through a metal detector.

Once you’ve checked in, you’ll be led to your designated testing station. The atmosphere is typically calm and quiet, designed to help you concentrate and focus.

3. GRE Prep: Understanding the GRE Test Structure

Before we dive into the test-taking process, it’s helpful to understand the structure of the GRE. This will help you manage your time and set realistic expectations during the exam.

Test Sections

• Verbal Reasoning: Two sections (27 questions total, 41 minutes total) that test your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand relationships between words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections (27 questions total, 47 minutes total) that assess your problem-solving skills, including basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing: One “Analyze an Issue” task ( 30 minutes) that evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas, support your arguments with evidence, and examine claims from multiple perspectives.

4. Time to Apply Your GRE Prep: Taking the Test

Once you’ve settled in and the test begins, it’s time to tackle each section. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it.

Verbal Reasoning

Focus on reading carefully: For reading comprehension questions, make sure you fully understand the passage before answering. Take your time to go through each option carefully.

Be mindful of time: Verbal sections can be tricky, and time management is key. Practice pacing yourself in the weeks leading up to the test so you can answer each question without feeling rushed.

Don’t dwell too long on difficult questions: If you’re stuck, make an educated guess and move on. It’s better to answer all questions than to spend too much time on a single one.

Quantitative Reasoning

Solve efficiently: You won’t need to do complicated calculations by hand, but you will need to be quick and accurate. Use the on-screen calculator for basic calculations. Make sure you practice with a realistic, GRE-like testing software during your GRE prep for a seamless test-day experience.

Check your work: If time permits, quickly review your answers at the end of each section. You may catch small mistakes that can make a big difference.

Analytical Writing

Plan your essay: Spend a few minutes planning your response before you begin typing. Outline your main points to ensure your essay is structured and coherent.

Use clear examples: Strong examples support your argument and demonstrate critical thinking. Make sure your ideas flow logically.

Manage your time: You have 30 minutes for your essay, so be mindful of the clock. Leave a few minutes at the end to proofread and make any necessary revisions.

5. Finishing the Test and Sending Your Scores

Once you’ve completed all the sections, you will be prompted to see your unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. These scores will appear on the screen immediately after you finish, but keep in mind that your official scores will be sent to you after ETS processes them.

Score reporting: You can choose to send your scores to up to four institutions for free on the day of your test. If you don’t choose your recipients on test day, you’ll have to pay for score reports later.

Analytical Writing scores: These are not available immediately but will be sent to you after they are evaluated by ETS raters.

After the test, you’ll be allowed to leave the testing center and head back home. Don’t worry about the wait for your official score report — once it arrives, you can take steps to assess your performance and plan your next steps.

6. After the Exam: Your GRE Prep Paid Off!

Once the exam is over, it’s time to decompress. Test day can be intense, and you deserve to take a moment to relax. Completing the GRE is a significant accomplishment, regardless of the outcome. Take time to celebrate the hard work that you put in with regards to your GRE prep. If you didn’t perform as well as you’d hoped, that’s okay. Reflect on what went well and where you can improve if you decide to retake the test and renew your GRE prep.

Lastly, use your scores to determine your next steps for applying to graduate schools. If you’re happy with your score, it’s time to complete your applications!

GRE Prep: Final Thoughts

Understanding what to expect on GRE test day can help you feel more confident and less anxious as you approach the exam. By preparing your materials, arriving early, managing your time, and staying calm, you can give yourself the best chance to succeed.

Remember, the GRE is just one part of your graduate school journey, so don’t let it define you. Focus on doing your best, and no matter the outcome, keep moving forward toward your academic and professional goals. Good luck!