The Most Important Questions About GRE Exam

If you aspire to pursue a graduate degree or to attend a business school, you’ve most likely already heard about the GRE General Test. Chances are you’ve been studying and have even taken GRE practice exam to check your knowledge and determine test readiness. Studying and practicing for the test no doubt is important but it’s just one part of the process. The other part is taking the exam. It’s also imperative to understand the GRE exam procedures before giving the exam to make sure you know what to expect. That will ensure you have a higher chance to succeed.

How to find a GRE exam center?

GRE General Test is offered as a standardized measure to compare qualifications of candidates from all over the world. It’s available in more than 1,000 Prometric exam centers and additional test centers outside of Prometric network in over 160 countries. You can go to the Educational Testing Service website, which owns and administers the GRE exam, and visit the Test Centres and Dates page to check the locations and availability for all regions. Depending on your choice of a computer-based or paper-based exam you might have different GRE exam dates and test centres.

If you are looking for a GRE exam centre Vancouver, you will see the option of taking the GRE in a Prometric exam center, located in downtownVancouver and operated by Ashton Testing Services. The electronic system allows you to see seat availability in real time and choose the GRE exam dates that work best for you. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you book your test in advance and allow enough time for your scores to be reported to the chosen institutions in time for your application deadlines.

How to register for GRE exam?

To be able to take a test in one of Prometric exam centers, you will need to create an account on ETS website and register with them for the computer-based GRE General test. Make sure that the first and last names you use during your registration match the ID document you will bring to the GRE exam center. In your account enter the preferred location, choose one of the available GRE exam dates and select the score recipients. Double check all the information you provide.

Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from ETS that will state your test choice, location, date and the score recipients. If you need to correct the personal data, contact GRE services immediately. It will be too late to report a mistake in your data on the day of your test. You might also be asked to provide your biometric voice sample and a photo. If you refuse to do that, you may not be permitted to sit the GRE exam. 

What to expect in a GRE Prometric exam center?

To get familiar with security procedures at Prometric exam centers visit the official Prometric or ETS website to check what you are allowed and not allowed to do at the test center. Make sure you don’t bring any food, drinks or tobacco with you. Don’t wear jewellery or watches. Don’t bring any devices or notes. If you come to the test center with the equipment that is not allowed in the test room, you’ll be asked to leave it in the locker with all of your belongings. If you need any special health-related equipment/s, contact ETS in advance to make sure you’re allowed to wear it during the exam.

You need to report to the GRE Prometric exam center at least 30 minutes before the start of your test. You will be required to present a valid ID. All your personal items must be stored in a locker, and you will not have access to them during the test except for food and beverages during your break. If you’re wearing eyeglasses, hair accessories, a tie, a jacket, a hat, they will be inspected before the exam. You will be provided with scrap paper and pencils but will not be permitted to bring your own paper to the test room with you.  

Take the test center regulations seriously. If you fail to follow the instructions of the test center staff, you will not be permitted to take the exam and your fee will not be refunded. Any violation of these procedures during the test or breaks may result in dismissal from the test and/or cancellation of scores. Make sure you know all the important information about the GRE exam center in Vancouver before you book your exam and clarify your doubts.

How to succeed in GRE exam?

There is no one magic formula for success. But if you follow these steps, you will give yourself the best chance to succeed:

·         Study hard and take GRE practice exams to get familiar with the format;
·         Make sure you read and understand all the applicable procedures and regulations;
·         Have a good rest before your exam;
·         Come prepared and don’t worry too much on your test day.

Good luck!