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Last Updated on April 27, 2023
Previously, if you wanted to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission to business school, graduate school, or law school, you had to take the GRE at one of the 1,000+ test centers located around the world.
As a result of the global pandemic, in spring 2020, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE, introduced the at-home GRE General Test. This testing option is now offered on a permanent basis. Because there are now two modes of taking the GRE General Test, students often ask about the in-person versus the online GRE.
In this article, we’ll discuss key similarities and differences between the GRE at home and in person, as well as whether graduate programs favor one test mode over the other. You’ll gain insight into which testing modality may be right for you.
- Similarities Between the In-Person and At-Home GRE
- Differences Between the In-Person and At-Home GRE
- Do Business Schools Prefer the GRE In-Person to the GRE Online?
- The Pros and Cons of Taking the GRE At Home
- In Conclusion – The In Person vs. Online GRE
To begin, let’s get a general overview of the similarities between taking the test at home and taking it in person.
Similarities Between the In-Person and At-Home GRE
The good news is that there are many similarities between the in-person and online GRE. Let’s review those in more detail.
Similarity #1: Exam Structure and Content
A common question test-takers ask is, “Is the online GRE easier?” The content, format, and structure of the GRE at home are identical to those aspects of the in-person test. Both are administered on a computer and will take roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, not including breaks. The test consists of six sections that cover three topics: writing, quant, and verbal.:
1. Analytical Writing Measure
The Analytical Writing Measure comprises two essay tasks, the “Issue” topic and the “Argument” topic. You have 30 minutes to complete each essay.
The Issue task presents a prompt to which you respond by developing your position on that issue. The Argument task presents an argument that you must evaluate on the basis of logic and data rather than your opinion.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE test your quantitative and analytical skills. Each section contains 20 questions and takes 35 minutes.
The four main content areas covered by the GRE Quant section are:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data analysis
These four main topics are broken down into smaller subtopics. We’ve written more about the specific topics in the Quant section in our article about the format of the GRE.
3. Verbal Reasoning
Like the Quantitative Reasoning sections, the GRE Verbal Reasoning sections have 20 questions, but unlike the Quant sections, you are allotted only 30 minutes for each. The GRE Verbal section will test how well you can synthesize written information and analyze language. About half of the Verbal section questions ask you to read passages and answer questions about them, while the other half of the questions test your use of vocabulary in sentences.
You can learn more about all three GRE sections in our article about the subjects on the GRE.
KEY FACT:
The GRE, whether online or in-person, takes roughly 3 hours 45 minutes to complete and is divided into 6 sections of 3 types: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
Now, let’s discuss the experimental section.
The Experimental Section
If you’ve done any research into the GRE, you’ve probably asked the question, ‘What is the GRE experimental section?’
The GRE experimental section is an extra, unscored section. The experimental section can be either Verbal or Quant and can be encountered at any point during your GRE. You will not be able to identify the experimental section, so don’t waste even a second trying to guess which section it is during your exam! Your score on the GRE experimental section won’t appear on your score report. Also, your performance in that section does not affect your official GRE score. ETS uses the experimental section only to test the difficulty of questions for future GRE tests.
Similarity #2: GRE Section Order
For either the GRE at home or the in-person GRE, the first section of the exam is always the Analytical Writing (AW) Measure. The section following it, Verbal or Quant, is randomly selected. However, a Verbal section always follows a Quant section, and vice versa.
KEY FACT:
For either the at-home GRE or the in-person GRE, the exam always starts with the Analytical Writing section, and the section following it, either Verbal or Quant, is randomized; you may not choose the order in which the sections are presented.
Similarity #3: Score Scales and Percentiles
Because the content of the at-home GRE is identical to that of the in-person GRE, the scoring is the same.
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are in 1-point increments, with a score range of 130 to 170 for each measure. Therefore, the sum of your scores on those two sections will make up your total GRE score.
KEY FACT:
Your total GRE score is the sum of your scores on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, each of which has score ranges of 130 to 170.
The Analytical Writing (AW) Measure is scored in half-point increments and ranges from 0 to 6. The essays are each scored to assess your critical thinking skills and your ability to express complex ideas coherently, using good grammar and mechanics of writing.
Although your Analytical Writing score does not factor into your total GRE score, it may still be a factor in your admissions decision. So, be sure to take the AW tasks as seriously as you do the Quant and Verbal sections.
Each of the three measures has a percentile ranking that shows how your scores compare with those of other test-takers. For example, getting a perfect 170 on the Verbal Reasoning section puts you in the 99th percentile, meaning you’ve scored better than 99% of test-takers on that section.
Similarity #4: Registration Process
The registration process for the GRE test online vs. in-person is also the same: create an account at the ETS website and book your appointment online.
Regardless of how you take the test, at home or in person, you will have to pay a $220 (USD) testing fee unless you live in China or India, in which case you have to pay a fee of $231.30 or $228, respectively. The fee includes the option of sending your scores on test day to up to four schools/programs.
KEY FACT:
The $220 registration fee includes the fee for the exam and the option to send your GRE scores to up to four schools.
Similarity #5: Score Reporting and Sending
Reporting your score for the GRE online and in person is the same. On test day, when you have finished the test, you will be able to view the unofficial scores for your Quant and Verbal performance.
You have two options for which scores to send:
- Your most recent scores, i.e., the scores from the test you’ve just finished.
- If you’ve taken the GRE multiple times, all your scores from the last five years.
If you’re happy with your scores on test day and decide to send them, your chosen institutions will receive them, along with the score for your Analytical Writing measure, 10 to 15 days after the test. Of course, if you are not happy with your GRE scores or plan to retake the GRE, you can postpone sending your scores. If you choose that option, you will have to pay $27 per score recipient.
KEY FACT:
If you don’t want to send your test scores on test day, you can pay $27 USD per score report to send them at a later time.
It’s also important to note that your GRE scores will be valid for five years from the date you take the test, whether you take the online or in-person exam.
KEY FACT:
Your GRE score is valid for 5 years from your test date.
Similarity #6: Retaking the Exam
Regardless of which GRE modality you choose, you can retake the test once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any 12-month period. As long as you adhere to these rules, you may take it as many times as you like. In other words, there is no lifetime limit.
KEY FACT:
You may retake the GRE online or in person once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a 12-month period. There is no lifetime limit on the number of times you may take the GRE.
Now that we have covered the similarities between the at home and in-person GRE, let’s discuss the key differences.
Differences Between the In-Person and At-Home GRE
As we’ve enumerated above, ETS has ensured that the at-home GRE is as similar as possible to the in-person GRE. However, some subtle differences might affect which test you prefer. Let’s discuss those now.
Difference #1: Breaks
When you take the GRE in person at a test center, you get an optional 10-minute break after the third section. In addition, you get a 1-minute break between each of the other sections. During your 10-minute break, you may leave the testing room to use the restroom and eat a quick snack.
You may also take unscheduled breaks if you wish, but the timer will not stop. However long you are away from your desk, you will lose that time for the exam.
When taking the GRE at home, your breaks differ slightly. Though the breaks are of the same length, the 10-minute break after the third section is automated and is not optional. You aren’t allowed to leave your seat in the 1-minute breaks, and although you are allowed to leave your seat in the 10-minute break, just like at the test center, you must return on time.
You may not take any unscheduled breaks during the GRE at home.
KEY FACT:
The 10-minute break is optional during the in-person GRE but mandatory during the at-home GRE.
Difference #2: Test Appointments and Availability
The second key difference between the at-home GRE and the in-person GRE is the test appointments available to you.
If you want to take the GRE in person at a test center, you must register at least 2 days before your desired test date. When booking, you will choose a 2-month period to take the test and select an available date from the calendar. Then you will see the test centers that are available near you. Keep in mind that there are limitations on when you can take the in-person GRE. In other words, test centers are not open 24 hours a day.
By contrast, the at-home GRE is offered seven days a week at any time of day. Thus, you can get a test slot as little as 24 hours after registering for your exam.
KEY FACT:
The online GRE has test slots available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can book as little as 24 hours in advance.
Difference #3: Technical Requirements
If you report to a test center to take your GRE, all of the hardware and software arrangements are the responsibility of the test center. You show up, take the test, and then go home. However, suppose there are technical problems during your exam, such as power outages or software glitches. In that case, the test center assumes responsibility for them, and you will be able to either resume your exam or reschedule it, depending on the severity of the problem.
However, you are responsible for the equipment, connectivity, and software setup when you take the GRE online. Thus, you need to review the setup requirements ahead of time. If you don’t meet the technical specifications for the exam, your online test appointment will be canceled. Furthermore, you won’t have the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund.
TTP PRO TIP:
Carefully check whether your technical setup meets ETS requirements before booking your online GRE test, or you may be forced to forfeit your appointment and the full exam fee.
Difference #4 Scratch Paper vs. Whiteboard Options
When you take the GRE in person, you will be provided with scratch paper and a pencil to use during the test. If you use all the scratch paper, you can obtain more from the test administrator.
However, you cannot access paper or pencil when you take the at-home GRE test. Instead, you may use one small whiteboard with a dry-erase marker. Or, as an alternative, you may use a sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector that functions as an erasable whiteboard. You will need to show the proctor that you have erased all of your notes when you finish the test.
KEY FACT:
You must use a whiteboard and dry-erase marker instead of scratch paper and a pencil when you take the GRE online.
Difference #5: Test Environment
The actual testing environment is one of the most significant differences between the at-home and in-person GRE.
You are in a controlled atmosphere when you take the in-person GRE, surrounded by other test-takers. You use a computer provided by the test center, and you may be required to wear a mask. (To get the most up-to-date policies, feel free to call your test center with any questions.)
When you take the GRE at home, on the other hand, you have more control over your testing environment.
However, your environment still has to meet certain standards. For example, you are not allowed to take the test in a public place, such as a cafe. Also, no one can come in or out of your testing room during the exam. All doors must be closed and visible on your webcam.
Speaking of your webcam, this is a key part of the at-home testing environment. You must be visible on the webcam at all times, and it must be able to be moved to show a 360-degree view of the room where you’re taking the test. You are also not allowed to wear headsets or earphones during the exam, and you may not speak to yourself while taking the exam.
KEY FACT:
The testing environment for the GRE at home must be controlled: doors closed, no entry to the room by others, webcam is required, and you may not wear headphones or talk to yourself during the exam.
Difference #6: Proctoring During the Exam
A human proctor watches you and everyone else while you take the GRE in the testing room in a test center. Raising your hand will command the proctor’s attention, and you will receive instant assistance.
A remote proctor is watching you at home while you’re taking your GRE. This individual will watch and listen to you through your webcam/microphone while taking the test. The proctor is a real person who can speak to you during your exam and even troubleshoot any technical issues you may have while taking your GRE.
The remote proctor has the same powers as an in-person test administrator. These include the ability to stop and invalidate your test if he or she determines that you have broken the rules.
KEY FACT:
The remote proctor can stop and invalidate your test if you don’t comply with the rules of the at-home GRE.
Difference #7: Check-In Process
The check-in process for the GRE differs depending on whether you take the test online or in person.
You must arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time when you take the GRE in person. Otherwise, you may not be admitted to the examination hall and will have to forfeit your testing fee.
There will be detailed ID checks, and you may have to empty your pockets or be scanned with a metal detector to ensure that you’re not carrying any prohibited items into the testing room.
You must check in within 12 minutes of your scheduled testing time when you take the at-home GRE. The preliminary checks before the exam begins will take around 20 minutes to complete. The most important is your ID check.
Whether taking the exam in person or at home, be sure your ID matches the name you used when booking the test. After your ID check, you will need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to take the test.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make sure that when you set up your ETS account, you do so with the exact name that appears on the ID you will use on test day, or you may not be allowed to take the test.
Now that we know the main similarities and differences between the in-person and at-home GRE, let’s discuss whether business schools prefer one modality over the other.
Do Business Schools Prefer the GRE In-Person to the GRE Online?
One of your concerns when deciding whether to take the at-home GRE or the in-person GRE might be that business schools prefer one way of taking the test over another. You don’t need to worry: your score reports sent to your chosen programs do not specify the testing mode you chose.
KEY FACT:
Your score report does not indicate whether you took the GRE online or in person.
The Pros and Cons of Taking the GRE At Home
The question remains: Is it better to take the GRE at home or in person? Let’s review some of the benefits of taking the GRE at home vs. in person:
- The at-home GRE has the same content as the in-person exam, so taking the test online isn’t about an easier or more difficult test.
- The at-home GRE provides flexibility, accessibility, and safety amid the ongoing pandemic.
- The at-home GRE can be less expensive due to the absence of travel costs associated with going to a test center.
- The at-home GRE can be less anxiety-inducing because you’re taking the test in a familiar environment.
If you meet the technical requirements, taking the GRE online is a great option. However, the technical setup can be arduous. If you don’t have the necessary equipment already, you may need to acquire it, an additional cost in time and money. You will also need strong and reliable WiFi and a quiet testing space that you can have to yourself for 3+ hours. You are provided all of those things at a test center, so working out which option is most convenient for you will require weighing the different requirements carefully.
TTP PRO TIP:
Weigh the options of cost, time, safety, convenience, and comfort level to decide which testing option is best for you.
In Conclusion – The In Person vs. Online GRE
In this article, we have presented facts about both the in-person and at-home GRE. We’ve compared all the relevant facts that can help you to make the decision about which might be the best testing modality for you. The chart below summarizes our discussion.
| GRE At Home | GRE In Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee (USD) | $220 | $220 |
| Test appointments | 24/7 | Monday thru Saturday with two test slots: 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. |
| Exam structure | 6 sections: 1 Analytical Writing, 2 Quant, 2 Verbal, 1 Experimental | 6 sections: 1 Analytical Writing, 2 Quant, 2 Verbal, 1 Experimental |
| Exam time | 3 hours 45 minutes, not including breaks | 3 hours 45 minutes, not including breaks |
| Check-in time | Within 12 minutes of appointment time | 30 minutes before test time |
| Section order options | Analytical Writing first, then randomized | Analytical Writing first, then randomized |
| Note-taking | Dry-erase whiteboard or paper in plastic protector, erased afterwards | Scratch paper provided by the test center, kept by the test center |
| Breaks | 10-minute mandatory break after third section; 1-minute breaks between sections | 10-minute optional break after third section; 1-minute breaks between sections |
| Equipment | Multiple equipment and connectivity requirements | Provided by test center |
| Proctor | Remote proctor via webcam and microphone | Test center administrator |
| Official scores | 10-15 days after test date | 10-15 days after test date |
| Score sending | 4 on test day, included in testing fee, $27 USD thereafter | 4 on test day, included in testing fee, $27 USD thereafter |
| Score validity | 5 years from test date | 5 years from test date |
| Lifetime Exam Attempts | Unlimited, provided no more frequent than once every 21 days and 5 times in any 12-month period | Unlimited, provided no more frequent than once every 21 days and 5 times in any 12-month period |
