Computerized Testing

GRE and GMAT Computerized Testing for Graduate School
2009-2010

Both the GRE and the GMAT tests necessary for graduate school are now computer-based exams.  This handout is designed to give you the basics on scheduling those tests locally.  All registration for both exams can be completed by visiting the appropriate Web sites or by calling national phone lines.  Scheduling times for exams is now done through a central system, and no longer available by calling the local centers directly.

Both the GRE and the GMAT can be taken once per calendar month, up to 5 times per calendar year.

Computer-based GRE General Test: http://www.ets.org/gre

The  GRE General Test is only offered as a computer-based test, consisting of one 30-minute verbal (V) section of 30 questions, one 45-minute quantitative (Q) section of 28 questions, and a 75-minute analytical writing segment (consists of one 45-minute “Present Your Perspective on an Issue” section, and one 30-minute “Analyze an Argument” section). In addition, there may be an unidentified pretest and/or an identified research section included in the V and Q portions of the test.  These scores do not count toward your score.

The cost of the General Test is $150. 

If you also need to take a GRE Subject Test in one of 8 areas, you will need to register for one of the three paper-based testing dates (October 10, 2009, November 7, 2009 and April 10, 2010). The cost of each subject exam is $130, and testing time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.  You will need to contact each graduate school to determine if you will need to take the subject test, as some schools will not require the exam scores for admission.  When you register for the exam, a booklet will be sent to you that describes the test in more detail, including sample questions.  The subject tests are in the areas of:  biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology.  Check the Web site for locations for these exams.

To register for either or both the General and Subject Test GRE, access the Web site at www.ets.org/gre/grereg.html or call 1.800.GRE.Call (1.800.473.2255). You may also register by mail (be aware of much earlier registration deadlines) by completing the form in the GRE booklets, which are available in the Office of Career Development.  When you register for the General Test, you will be sent free test preparation materials that describe the test in more detail and provide information to help you understand your scores.  Practice materials for both the GRE General and Subject Tests are available at http://www.ets.org/gre/greprep.html(GRE PowerPrep).

The local test center for the GRE General Test is Prometric Testing Center, 600 Blair Park Road, Williston, Vermont, (802) 872-0251 (this number is NOT for registration to take the test).  There is free parking available at the Kidder Newhouse building. Please be aware that there are some times of the year when the Center is busier than others (October through February) so please plan to arrange for a testing date at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time.

Prometrics offers 2 testing sessions per day, one beginning at 8:00 am and a second one around noon. You will need to arrive 30 minutes early for registration procedures (the Center opens around 7:00 am). There are occasional testing hours on Friday evenings (one or two per month) – please call in advance to see if this is available.

Computer-based GMAT:  http://www.mba.com

The GMAT is only offered as a computer-adaptive exam. Computer-adaptive testing is based on the answer you give to each question. If you answer a question correctly, a more difficult question is presented.  If your answer is incorrect, a less difficult question is presented.

This test consists of a 75-minute section of quantitative questions (problem solving and data sufficiency), another 75 minutes of verbal questions (reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction), and 30 minutes for each of the two analytical writing topics.

The cost of the GMAT is $250. Registration is available on line at http://www.mba.com or by calling 1.800.717.GMAT (4628).  Current test booklets are available through the Web site.

The local test center is Pearson Professional Center, 30 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington, Vermont. There is free parking available both in front of and behind the building. Please be aware that there are some times of the year when the Center is busier than others (October through February) so please plan to arrange for testing date at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time.

Pearson offers testing sessions beginning around 10:00 am, and is open on Saturday. You will need to arrive 30 minutes early for registration procedures (the Center opens around 9:00 am on test days).     

On the test day:

  • You will need a VALID (not expired), GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID that must have a recent, recognizable photo, signature, and date of birth (such as a driver’s license or a passport). The name under which you register must exactly match your identification.  You will be photographed at the test centers, and all testing is both video and audio-taped. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to bring a valid passport or Green Card to serve as your ID.  For the GMAT, you may be fingerprinted.
  • Lockers are available on-site for your valuables while testing. Cell phones, pagers and watches are not allowed in the testing area.  You may bring a snack to have during a designated break period, but may not bring it into the testing area.
  • You will be asked to fill out and sign a confidentiality statement that you will keep all test questions confidential.
  • Scratch paper and pencils (GRE) or an eraseable board and markers (GMAT) will be provided.
  • There are optional 10 minute breaks for the GRE, and two 5-minute breaks between sections of the GMAT.
  • Make sure you know what graduate schools you would like to receive your scores.  At the end of each exam, you will be presented with a list of schools to choose from, arranged by state.

Rescheduling:
You can reschedule you appointment for testing if you contact the center.

  • For GRE: no later than 3 full days prior to your testing appointment (not counting the day of your request and the day of your test appointment, so plan on 5 full days)  There is a rescheduling fee of $50 (plus applicable taxes in some cases). Contact www.prometrics.com or call 1.800.GRE.CALL
  • For GMAT: at least 7 full calendar days prior to your testing. There is a rescheduling fee of $50 (plus applicable taxes in some cases). Contact www.mba.com

Advantages of Computer-Based Testing:

  • More comfortable testing environment
  • Fewer test questions
  • Questions tailored to your ability
  • Immediate viewing of unofficial scores
  • Can choose recipients of your scores after you see them
  • Official score reports mailed 10-15 days after the test date

Important to consider:             
You cannot go back to review questions after you answer them.  The computer scores each question as it is presented. Once you answer the question, you cannot go back and change your answer.

Information from:  The Graduate Record Examinations Test Booklet 2009-2010 and Web site at http://www.ets.org/gre/, the Graduate Management Admission Test Web site at http://www.mba.com and very helpful local staff: Christine at Prometrics.