The GRE at-home test is a convenient alternative to the regular test administered at test centers worldwide. As you may already know, the outbreak of Covid last year prompted all educational and testing institutions to cease operations. This was a necessary response at the time to contain the spread. However, aspiring graduate school students had to bear the brunt of this decision as they could no longer take the GRE.
This was a significant hurdle to admissions across the U.S., and as a need of the time, GRE quickly released an at-home GRE service. So far, thousands of students have successfully taken the home-based test and continue to take it.
ETS has stated multiple times that this service is here to stay regardless of the pandemic. The home version of the test is now part of ETS’s product portfolio, and students can choose between the two tests.
Seeing how the home test is not going anywhere, you might be wondering which test is right for you. In this article, I will discuss which test you should take depending on your circumstances.
In this Article
Should I take GRE at home or GRE at the test center?
Right off the bat, there is absolutely no difference between the two tests. You can take whichever test you want to take. The format, difficulty, duration, and structure of the two tests are identical. The only thing that differs is the way they are delivered.
The regular GRE test is conducted at a test center. There you will take the test along with other students in a room with multiple proctors.
The home version of the test, on the other hand, is delivered through a program called “Proctor U.” You can take the test from the comfort of your room on either a laptop or a desktop computer. An online proctor will monitor you via webcam and will also have access to your screen.
So, which test should you take then? Let’s see the pros and cons of both tests. This will give you a better idea of which one to opt for.
Pros of GRE at-home Test
Increased Flexibility
You can be sure that finding a close test-date for the home test is way more likely than the regular one if you go to ETS’s website right now and look at the standard test’s available dates. You will be hardpressed to find one in this month or even the next. Due to the limited seats and high demand, the regular GRE test is often not available when you have a close deadline.
GRE at-home, on the other hand, is vastly more accessible. You can find an appointment as soon as a week or less. This makes the home-based test much more attractive.
You don’t have to leave your home.
This is an obvious one, why drive and mingle with other people, especially during the pandemic, when you can just take the test at your home? You won’t have to worry about parking or how to get there. You won’t have to leave early to make the commute. You won’t need to dress up, pay for a fare or fuel. All you need is an empty room, an internet connection, a computer, webcam, mic, and speakers.
Peace of Mind
Unless you live in a noisy place, taking the test at home will give you a calmer environment. I don’t know about you, but I can’t concentrate when there is ambient noise. The test center might be near a construction zone or a busy market. At home, you already know how your days go. You will feel more comfortable in a familiar environment, and it will also help your social anxiety if you have it.
No-Risk of infection
The past year has been tough with all the covid related fatalities. All of us probably know someone who had to endure the suffering caused by this virus. Even though things are better than before, they are nowhere near perfect.
Covid is still a real thing, and it is still relatively widespread. If you have made it this far, why risk getting it now? Worse yet, you could get infected and then pass it on to your friends and family. I say it’s better not to risk it when you have the option to stay at home.
Cons of GRE at-home test
Stable Internet Connection
This is one of the only significant cons to taking the home-based test. You need to have at least a 2Mb/s internet to take the test without any trouble. If your bandwidth is lower, you may run into stability issues. Moreover, if you live in a neighborhood that doesn’t have wired internet, then taking the home test is pretty much out of the question.
Wireless internet is often not nearly as stable as a wired one. The last thing you need is a choppy internet connection. If your webcam feed cuts out too frequently, the online proctor will likely cancel the test.
Suppose you run into technical issues on your end due to your internet. You won’t be provided any extra time. This can be a real bummer.
Equipment Requirement
While the equipment required is relatively basic, it still poses a hurdle for those who don’t access it. You need to have either a laptop or desktop with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone. If you own a laptop, then you have everything covered. However, if you use a desktop, then you may need to buy a standalone webcam. If you use headphones instead of speakers, you will need to get a pair of speakers as ETS doesn’t allow headphones. The same goes for a microphone. You will need a dedicated microphone to take the test.
Buying all this necessary equipment can cost you additional money, which is not ideal.
PROS of Regular GRE
No need to spend on equipment
This one favors the regular test. All you need to do is register the date and then get to the test center. You don’t need to buy anything other than perhaps a couple of pencils. You will get to take the test in a supervised environment, and ETS is responsible for whatever technical difficulties may arise. You won’t have to worry about lost time or losing your internet connection.
You don’t have to worry about connectivity.
Again, if you take the test at a center, you won’t need to worry about your internet connectivity. For people who don’t have good wired internet providers in their area, the regular test is the way to go. There are many remote places in the world where internet availability is a problem. In such cases, most people opt for a wireless connection which is rarely stable.
No cause for suspicion
This may not be that relevant, but I have an anxious mind, so I’ll include it anyway. A proctor monitors the home version of the test via webcam. Due to the many reports of cheating, proctors are highly vigilant, even more so than usual. Hence, you will have to watch your movements and where you look at all times. You don’t want to do something unintentionally that may spark suspicion. I came across a couple of comments in r/GRE about people complaining about this exact scenario. Their tests were canceled on the grounds of suspicion, even though they didn’t do anything.
At the test center, you won’t have to be as conscious.
CONS of Regular GRE
Covid Risk
This is a significant risk that you need to consider before registering. Sure, ETS won’t let anyone without a mask enter the test center. However, there is still a risk involved. You will come in contact with other people on your way to the test. You might have to take public transport. There are many possible scenarios for you to come in contact with the virus.
Less Freedom in choosing the time
The home GRE test is far more flexible when it comes to scheduling. You can take it at night or in the daytime. The regular GRE doesn’t allow the same Freedom as there are limited seats, and tests must be conducted in the daytime.
Wasting time on the commute
Depending on how far you live from the test center, it can take you 30 minutes or more to get there. I live an hour away from the nearest test center, and when you factor in traffic, it can get hectic. This is an hour and a half that I can use to go over some practice problems. Taking the test at home also allows you to start your day relaxed. You can have an excellent breakfast and some exercise.
Unfamiliar keyboard
This may not apply to everyone, but I remember the test center’s keyboard to be clunky and old with hard keys. You know when you press a key, and it sticks for a second? When you take the test at home, you will use your keyboard that you are familiar with. Moreover, If you a germaphobe like me, you won’t have to touch the same keyboard and mouse that many others have used before you.
So which one should I take?
I honestly don’t see any reason why You shouldn’t take the home test. If you have the required equipment and a stable internet connection, go for the home test. Conversely, if you don’t have the necessary equipment, can’t buy it in time, or lack stable internet, then take the regular test.
The pros favor the home test. You don’t have to worry about reaching the test center on time. You have far more Freedom in choosing the date and time. You remain risk-free by staying at home and many other things.
However, I don’t know your circumstances, so I listed and cons and pros for both. Hopefully, they gave you some essential points to consider and make your decision.