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Last Updated on April 28, 2023
The GRE General Test is an exam taken by students planning to apply to graduate school, business school, or law school. While most people are familiar with the computer-based GRE (online or in-person), many are unaware of the paper-delivered GRE. This is most likely because the paper GRE can be taken only in locations where the computer-based GRE at a test center or the at-home GRE cannot be taken, or if you have received approval for specific accommodations.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about the GRE paper-based test. We will also point out the similarities and differences between the computer-delivered GRE and the paper-delivered GRE. Note that, because of recent significant changes in ETS policy concerning the paper-delivered GRE, the information contained herein may be subject to change. So, you should contact ETS directly concerning your unique situation.
- What Is the Paper-Delivered GRE and How Does it Differ from the Computer-Delivered GRE?
- Important Aspects of the Two GRE Exam Types
- Can I Take the Paper-Delivered GRE?
- When Can I Take the Paper-Delivered GRE?
- How to Prepare for the Paper-Delivered GRE
What Is the Paper-Delivered GRE and How Does it Differ from the Computer-Delivered GRE?
The paper-delivered GRE is just as it sounds. It is a paper test, and it’s offered at specific test centers that do not provide the computer-based GRE or at test center locations where certain student accommodations can be met.
As we will discuss shortly, you will be well aware of which version of the test you are taking far in advance of test day. With that said, let’s discuss some similarities and differences between the two GRE tests.
KEY FACT:
The paper-delivered GRE is offered at some test centers and is available to some students with certain accommodations.
Important Aspects of the Two GRE Exam Types
The format, equipment, and scoring of the paper-based GRE differ slightly from those of the computer-delivered GRE. In this section, we will cover these characteristics, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two exams.
The Format
The format of the paper-delivered GRE differs slightly from that of the computer-delivered GRE. The computer-delivered test includes one Analytical Writing (AW) section, two verbal sections, two quant sections, and either an experimental or a research section. The paper version does not include an experimental or research section.
On the paper-based GRE, the AW section contains two essays, each verbal section contains 20 questions, and each quant section contains 20 questions. The computer-delivered GRE also contains 20 verbal questions in each section and 20 quant questions in each section. The types of questions asked are essentially identical. The only difference in the total time allowed for the two exam types will reflect the fact that there is no experimental or research section on the paper-based exam.
Note: The free downloadable paper GRE practice exams from ETS, discussed in more detail later in this article, are formatted differently from what is described above. Each verbal section contains 25 questions, each quant section contains 25 questions, and the time allowed for each section is increased. However, ETS representatives contacted via phone indicated that the information we provided in the previous paragraph is correct.
KEY FACT:
The main difference between the format of the computer-delivered GRE and that of the paper-delivered GRE is that the paper-based test does not include an experimental or research section.
The Equipment
There are some important equipment differences to note regarding what you are provided while taking the GRE. For example, on the computer-delivered GRE you are provided with scratch paper, while on the paper-delivered GRE, you are not. However, because your test is taken in a booklet, you can make notes or computations directly in the booklet.
Also, for the computer-delivered GRE, an onscreen calculator is provided, while on the paper exam, you’re provided with a handheld 4-function calculator. Additionally, for the two Analytical Writing tasks, the computer-based GRE provides a basic word processor for writing and editing. The paper-based exam’s test booklet simply provides space for handwriting the two essays.
KEY FACT:
The two types of GRE differ in the availability of scratch paper, the calculator that is provided, and the tools provided for writing the essay tasks.
The Scoring
We just learned that there are some differences between the formats of the two types of GRE as well as the tools and equipment you can use during each. There are also some differences in the scoring of each exam. As you may know, the computer-delivered GRE is section-adaptive. This type of scoring is possible because the exam is administered on a computer. However, since the paper test contains pre-written questions, section adaptivity is not possible.
To make this concept a bit clearer, let’s look at two scenarios, one for the computer-delivered GRE and one for the paper-delivered GRE.
Scenario for the Computer-Delivered GRE
Scenario: Student A correctly answers 17 out of 20 questions on the first quant section. Student B correctly answers 9 out of 20 questions on the first quant section.
Result: For the second quant section, student A will get a hard section, while student B will get an easy section.
Scenario for the Paper-Delivered GRE
Scenario: Student A correctly answers 17 out of 20 questions on the first quant section. Student B correctly answers 9 out of 20 questions on the first quant section.
Result: There is no difference in the difficulty level of student A’s second quant section and student B’s second quant section.
KEY FACT:
There is no section adaptivity on the paper-based GRE.
Another point to consider is the timing of the release of your test scores. If you take the computer-based test, you see your unofficial quant and verbal scores right after your exam, while you are still at the test center. However, if you take the paper-delivered GRE, you will not see your scores for up to 5 weeks after your GRE test date. Thus, if you are in a situation in which you have to consider application deadlines, you must time your GRE test date appropriately (more on this below).
TTP PRO TIP:
Scores from the paper-delivered GRE take up to 5 weeks to be reported, so if you plan to take the paper-delivered GRE, you must schedule your test date carefully to ensure that schools receive your scores by any deadlines.
Can I Take the Paper-Delivered GRE?
The paper-delivered GRE is not available to all GRE test-takers. In fact, the test is administered to quite a small proportion of the overall GRE test-taker population. There are two scenarios that allow a person to take the paper-delivered GRE:
Scenario 1: The computer-delivered GRE is not available at your location.
The computer-delivered GRE is available in most locations worldwide. To determine whether it is available in yours, you can check the official ETS website.
Scenario 2: You receive approval for specific accommodations from ETS.
To learn more about GRE test accommodations, you can check the official ETS website.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories, then you must take the computer-delivered GRE, either at home or at a test center. In other words, you do not have the option to choose between the computer-delivered or paper-delivered GRE.
If you are wondering about whether your location might qualify as one where the paper-based exam is administered, you can search the GRE website for test centers in your area. If you do not find any, give customer service at ETS a call to determine whether taking the paper-delivered GRE is allowed in your area.
TTP PRO TIP:
Contact ETS to see whether you are eligible to take the paper-based GRE.
When Can I Take the Paper-Delivered GRE?
Unlike the computerized GRE, which is available nearly every day, the GRE paper test is offered only up to three times a year, and the frequency depends on the location. It’s important to be certain of the available test dates for your local test center. For more information regarding those dates, reach out to customer service at ETS. Also, note that arrangements for taking the paper-delivered test may take several weeks, and coordination with ETS is required.
If you have a need for special accommodations that might necessitate using a paper-delivered test, you must coordinate your request with ETS well in advance of your desired test date.
KEY FACT:
The paper-delivered GRE is offered only a few times each year. Contact ETS to obtain specific information for your situation.
How to Prepare for the Paper-Delivered GRE
Whether you are taking the paper-delivered GRE or the computer-delivered GRE, the good news is that there are no major differences in how you study for either exam. Both exams test the same quant and verbal topics, so the same type of rigorous GRE preparation is needed.
The best way to study for the GRE is to follow a structured, topical study plan. Basically, since there is so much to learn to succeed on the GRE, it’s important that you focus on just one topic at a time (whether quant or verbal), first learning that topic, and then practicing just that topic until you achieve mastery.
Throughout your studying, and especially when you are answering practice questions, maintain an error log and engage in consistent review to ensure that you are not forgetting previous topics as you learn new ones.
KEY FACT:
The topics tested on either version of the GRE are identical.
The only significant change to your study routine would be how you take your practice exams. ETS offers a total of five computer-based practice exams. However, because you’ll be taking the paper version, your initial practice exams should also be paper-based.
ETS does offer a few paper-based practice exams here and here. If, after taking these practice exams, you still want additional practice, you can take ETS’s computer-based practice exams.
Normally, we recommend that test-takers obtain their baseline GRE scores using one of the two ETS PowerPrep tests. However, paper-test takers should instead use one of the two official GRE paper practice tests to obtain their baseline GRE scores. These free full-length tests (which can be found at the links above) are official replicas of the GRE paper test. So, they provide a realistic testing experience in terms of the paper-based GRE form and content.
As we have seen, the paper-delivered GRE is an option for only a small percentage of test-takers. However, it can be a viable alternative for those who live in an area where a test center cannot provide the computer-based test, or for those who may need special accommodations. Remember, whether you plan to take the computer-delivered or the paper-delivered GRE, it’s imperative that you use a smart study strategy and put in the time to do your best.
