What to Bring to the GRE
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Congratulations—it’s almost test day! Do you know what to bring to the GRE (and what you should leave at home)?
Bring Your ID
One form of ID is technically enough, but you should bring two, just to be safe. Valid IDs include your passport, driver’s license, or military ID. Your name on your ID has to exactly match the name you used when you registered for the test! That includes your middle name, as well as any special characters. If it doesn’t match, call the ETS ahead of time and they’ll help you avoid issues on test day.
Here’s one thing that surprised me when I first took the GRE: you may need to sign your name as part of the process, and your signature has to look the same as the signature on your ID. If your signature has changed over the years, practice matching the one on your ID!
Bring Your Confirmation Email
That’s the email you got from the ETS when you registered for the test. Print it out and bring it with you.
Bring Some Pencils
The testing center might give you pencils. But the official ETS line is that pencils and erasers will not be supplied. Bring a few non-mechanical, sharpened pencils with you to avoid a test-day disaster.
Bring a Snack and a Drink with Simple Carbs
GRE test day is not the time to go low-carb. Your brain uses glycogen, a form of sugar, as fuel. Even though you’ll be sitting down while taking the test, your brain will be getting a hard workout. Dehydration can also make it hard to think clearly. Bring some water or a sports drink and a high-carb snack, like dried fruit or pretzels. If you normally need caffeine to function, bring a soda or coffee. If not, test day isn’t the right time to experiment—stick with what normally works for you.
Bring Your List of Schools
You can send your GRE score report to four schools for free. If you didn’t already list those schools when you signed up for the test, have the list in mind when you go to the test center. You’ll have a chance to specify your schools while you’re taking the test.
Bring Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
Dress in layers and focus on comfort. You’ll be sitting in one place for a number of hours while taking the GRE; the last thing you want is an uncomfortable tag or zipper annoying you the entire time. Test day is a great time to bring out your favorite sweater and yoga pants.
Note that you may be asked to turn out your pockets, pull up your sleeves and pant legs, or shake out your jacket or sweater as part of the security process.
Don’t Bring Jewelry, Watches, or Accessories
Don’t bring any bracelets, necklaces, bags, purses, watches, headphones, or anything along those lines. You’ll have to leave them in your locker during the test. The lockers should be secure, but your mind will be more at ease if you leave anything unnecessary at home or in your car. The only exception is for wedding and engagement rings.
Don’t Bring a Calculator
You’ll only use the on-screen calculator for the Quant sections.
Don’t Bring Your Phone
You can leave it in your locker, but I always feel more comfortable when I leave it in my car or at home. The GRE has very strict rules about not using your phone, even during breaks, and you don’t want to have your score canceled due to an accident or misunderstanding.
Don’t Bring Friends or Family Members
They won’t be allowed to wait for you in the testing center.
Don’t Try Anything New
You’ve got this. You’ve put the work in, and all you have to do now is finish the test. Don’t try any new strategies on test day, and keep doing the same good things you’ve been doing all along: guessing when necessary, reading carefully, slowing down to think about problems instead of rushing right in. If you’re feeling a little on-edge, check out this article on staying calm during the GRE. Good luck on test day! We’re rooting for you here at Manhattan Prep. ☺?
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Chelsey Cooley
is a Manhattan Prep instructor based in Seattle, Washington. Chelsey always followed her heart when it came to her education. Luckily, her heart led her straight to the perfect background for GMAT and GRE teaching: she has undergraduate degrees in mathematics and history, a master’s degree in linguistics, a 790 on the GMAT, and a perfect 170Q/170V on the GRE. Check out Chelsey’s upcoming GRE prep offerings here.