COMPUTER BASED GRE

The Computer-Based GRE at a Glance
This page examines the format of the computer-based GRE, as well as the pre-test computer tutorial, special post-test procedures, and other procedures associated with the computerized version of the exam.
Format of the Computer-Based GRE

The computer-based GRE includes five exam sections—two Analytical Writing sections, two multiple-choice sections (Quantitative and Verbal), and an unscored section (either Quantitative or Verbal). The Analytical Writing sections appear first (in either order). The three multiple-choice sections may appear in any order. An optional 10-minute break always occurs after the first multiple-choice section. Here's the format:
Computer Tutorial (untimed)
Analytical Writing (2 sections, 75 minutes total)
Present Your Perspective on an Issue (45 minutes)
Analyze an Argument (30 minutes)
Quantitative Ability (28 questions, 45 minutes)
Problem Solving (14 questions)
Quantitative Comparison (14 questions)
10-minute break (optional)
Verbal Ability (30 questions, 30 minutes)
Sentence Completion (6 questions)
Analogies (9 questions)
Antonyms (7 questions)
Reading Comprehension (8 questions, grouped in 3 sets)
Unscored Section (30-45 minutes)
Quantitative or Verbal (28 or 30 questions)
TOTAL TESTING TIME: 3 to 3¼ hours The Pre-Test Computer Tutorial
To ensure that you're comfortable with the computer-based environment, before the test begins the CBT will lead you through a tutorial, during which you'll learn how to:
use the mouse
scroll the screen display up and down
select and change a response
confirm a response and move to the next question
access the on-line help
access the directions for the current test section
To further ensure that you're sufficiently capable of handling the computerized aspects of the GRE, before beginning the actual timed exam you must demonstrate adequate competence in performing the tasks listed above. (Don't worry: Nobody has ever failed this competency test, and you won't either.)
Special Post-Test Procedures
After completing the multi-hour GRE ordeal, you might be finished with the computer-based GRE, but the computerized test won't be finished with you quite yet. Immediately after the final test section, the CBT will ask you:
Whether you want an unofficial score report at this time (remember that if you request a score report at this time, you waive your right to cancel your scores)
Which schools you wish to receive your score report (a complete list of graduate schools will be provided, and you may select up to four schools at this time—free of charge)
Several questions about your test-taking experience (the purpose of this survey is provide feedback to ETS so that it can continue to refine and improve the test)
Finally, test-center procedures require that you turn in all scratch paper and pencils that the exam supervisor provided to you.
Other Procedural Highlights
Scratch paper is permitted and provided. (The exam supervisor will collect all scratch paper at the conclusion of your exam.)
Pencils are permitted and provided. (No other types of writing implements are allowed.)
Silent timing devices are permitted. However, the CBT interface indicates the time remaining in the current section, so you won't need your own timing device. (Also, during each section the on-screen clock blinks several times when 5 minutes remain in the section.)
The CBT system does not allow you to skip questions; you must respond to and confirm your response to each question presented before the CBT will present the next question.
The CBT system does not allow you to return to prior questions or sections once you've moved on.
If you've completed a section before the time allowed for the section has elapsed, you can proceed immediately to the next section by clicking the EXIT SECTION button on the screen.
You can quit the test at any time by clicking on the QUIT TEST button. (You'll be asked to confirm your decision.) Once you quit the test, no scores are tabulated or reported.