| Q. |
How does the computer-based General Test work? |
| A. |
The verbal and quantitative sections of the General Test are adaptive tests; that is they are tailored to your performance level and provides precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests.
At the start of the test, you are presented with test questions of average difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information, as well as your responses to any preceding questions and information about the test design, to determine which question is presented next. As long as you respond correctly, questions of increased difficulty typically will be presented. When you respond incorrectly, the computer typically will present questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be one that best reflects both your previous performance and the requirements of the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions.
Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you must answer each question when it is presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and move on to another, you cannot go back and change your answer. The computer has already incorporated both your answer and the requirements of the test design into its selection of your next question.
On the analytical writing section, the 2 writing tasks are delivered on the computer, and you must word process your essay responses.
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| Q. |
How can test takers be compared if the test is tailored to the individual? |
| A. |
Each computer-based test meets preestablished specifications, including the types of questions asked and the subject matter presented. The statistical characteristics of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly, including the difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of scores. Therefore, it is appropriate to compare scores of different test takers even though they received different questions.
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| Q. |
Are computer-based scores comparable to scores earned on the paper-based test? |
| A. |
Yes. ETS has conducted research studies indicating that these scores are comparable.
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| Q. |
Do I need to be computer literate? |
| A. |
No. You can take the test even if you have little or no previous computer experience. The test requires only basic computer skills, and these are covered in the hands-on tutorial you must complete before beginning the official timed test. The tutorial is included in GRE POWERPREP software that will be sent to you when you register. The tutorial will let you try out the functions of the computer (e.g. mouse, scrollbar) that you will need to use during the test.
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| Q. |
What do I need to take to the test center? |
| A. |
Take your valid photo ID , the names of schools where you would like to send your scores, and authorization voucher, if applicable.
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| Q. |
What if I've lost my ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)? |
| A. |
You will not be admitted to the test center without a valid photo ID.
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| Q. |
How long will I be at the testing center? |
| A. |
Your appointment can extend up to 4 hours. Two hours and 15 minutes are allotted for answering questions that count toward your score. The remaining time is spent on the tutorial, background information questions, unidentified pretest and/or identified research sections, selection of score recipients, and a survey.
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| Q. |
How often can I take the computer-based General Test? |
| A. |
You may take the General Test (computer-based or paper-based) once per calendar month up to 5 times in any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. |
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