The ongoing pandemic has caused GRE test centers worldwide to shut down. ETS introduced a home-based GRE test to cope with the shutdown and offer students a chance to take the test without leaving their home. However, as you can imagine, a home-based standardized test comes with its own set of problems due to the lack of in-person supervision.
Although the home-based test and the general test are identical in format and content, their delivery is vastly different. ETS has to deal with particular challenges to prevent cheating instances, and the recent cheating reports are hopefully going to make the proctors more vigilant.
While increased vigilance is a good thing in a standardized test, it also means that the proctors would be on edge looking for any suspicious movement even if the test-taker didn’t intend on it.
In this article, I will go over some of the “dos and don’ts” of the “at-home” GRE test so that you can take the test without any issues or delays.
Necessary equipment
You should know beforehand what sort of equipment you need to take the test at home. You must have the following:
- A Windows or Mac desktop/laptop computer.
- A microphone. Either built-in or external.
- A webcam, either built-in or external.
- Speakers, no earphone and headphones are allowed.
Keep in mind that none of these things are optional. You must have them to take the test. Lacking any one of these will cause the proctor to cancel the test.
Sitting environment
ETS has specific rules regarding the testing space. If you fail to oblige by them, the proctor can cancel your test. Here is what you need to know:
Privacy
Under no circumstance should there be anyone else in the room during the test. You can only take the test in the privacy of your room. You will not be allowed to test any place else such as a library, park, internet café, etc.
Software
It is a good idea to download and install the required software before your test day. Make sure everything functions correctly. You don’t want to troubleshoot right before the test. It will cause delays and would put you off your game. Ensure you have the Proctor U software installed in advance and run the ProctorU equipment check before the test.
Computer desk and seating
You must have your computer and keyboard on a desk. There should be nothing else on the desk except a small whiteboard or a transparent sheet protector for note-taking. You cannot have drinks or food, and you must sit in a chair—no sitting on the floor or bed.
Clothing
You must wear appropriate clothes that do not cover your ears. It would be a good idea not to wear any jewelry, tie clips, ornate clips, barrettes, headbands, hair, or head accessories.
Note-taking
You cannot use standard pencil and paper to take notes on the home test. You must have either a small whiteboard with an erasable marker or a transparent sheet protector. If you don’t have these, you cannot take any notes. So buy them in advance.
Things to avoid during the GRE at Home test
I have seen posts on various forums where people have complained that they were wrongfully accused of cheating even though they didn’t do anything. This does not happen too often. However, it is usually because the test-taker does something unknowingly to warrant suspicion.
Make sure you take the test in a silent environment
It is paramount that you don’t have loud noise in your house or apartment. Not only is it bad for concentration, but more importantly, it may cause the proctor to suspect wrongdoing. People loudly talking in another room or a loud TV might cause the proctor to stop the test.
It is a good idea to ask your family members/roommates to keep it low when you take your test. The mic will pick up sounds, and you don’t want the proctor to think that someone is talking to you. If a family member or a roommate calls out your name, don’t respond. Just concentrate on the screen.
Focus on the screen
During the test, try not to look around the room. It would be best if you only focus on the screen. The only time you need to look away is when you are taking notes. If your eyes wander off the screen too much, it may cause the proctor to think that someone is showing you something.
Store away your smartphone
You should keep your smartphone a reasonable distance away from your desk. Don’t keep it in your pocket because if you instinctively reach for it and pull it out, the proctor will cancel the test. Moreover, make sure you put it on silent or turn it off for the test’s duration.
Close all third-party apps
The proctor will have access to your screen during the test. You should close all third-party apps before the start of the test. If you have voice chat apps installed on your computers such as discord, skype, or TeamSpeak, make sure you close them not to receive any notification pop-ups during the test.
Lock the door From the inside
ETS does not officially require you to lock your door. However, you don’t want anyone unknowingly walking in during the test. If you have a lock on your door, then you should use it. If you don’t, then make sure you notify everyone in your house not to disturb you while you are taking the test.
Free up bandwidth
Ideally, you would want all the internet bandwidth to yourself on test day. If possible, ask your family members not to use the internet while you are taking the test. It would be best if they can disconnect their wifi on their smartphones and laptops. Bandwidth issues will cause your webcam feed to disrupt. If it keeps on happening, the proctor may ask to stop the test until the problem is fixed. You will not be given any additional time if such a problem arises.