The pandemic forced everyone on earth to alter their way of thinking and acting. Due to the nationwide lockdown, many businesses, including educational institutions, were forced to close. Lessons were moved from actual classrooms to the digital display. A new mass testing system for online exams was also implemented as a result of the pandemic. GRE also allowed aspirants to take the test from the comfort of their home!
The GRE test is one of the most popular, globally-recognized tests in the academic world. If you have been considering to major/graduate in an internationally recognized Masters Program and you have a strong interest in international business, take the GRE early.
Millions of students take the GRE each year in an effort to be admitted to institutions offering study abroad programs. Due to the high volume of applications and the COVID 19 outbreak, many students were unable to take the test in 2020. The GRE test can be administered at a home centre by ETS as a workaround for the lack of testing facilities.
In this article, we compare GRE Online vs. In-Centre Exam on various criteria and answer the critical question: Which GRE Exam version is best for you?
Let's first define the terms GRE at Home and GRE at Testing Centre before we compare the two testing options.
GRE at Home
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) at Home Centre is a safe and convenient option for students who prefer to take their test at home rather than at a testing centre. In terms of your account address, this is available in all available countries.
GRE at Test Centre
The GRE General test is available at thousands of test centres in approximately 1,000 locations across 160 countries. This, too, is administered continuously in various regions around the world. You can take the test based on your address anywhere in the country.
Benefits and Drawbacks of GRE at Home & Test Centre
The GRE test is a huge step toward the career of the people. It is among the most sought after aptitude tests among international students. We've reviewed some of the benefits and drawbacks of taking the GRE at a Test Centre & Online.
GRE Exam at Test Centre
Benefits
● No equipment needed
The standard test gives you the tools you need for the exam. You only need to visit the testing facility to sign up for the exam and show up to take it. The administering body provides you with a controlled testing environment and is in charge of any exam-related issues.
● Proper connectivity
You won't need to stress as much about having a reliable internet connection if you take the test at a test centre. Candidates who don't have reliable connections should go with this option.
Drawbacks
● Less Flexibility in Time Selection
The GRE Home test offers more flexibility in scheduling your exam. You can take it anytime- at night or during the day.
As there are only a certain number of seats available, and the tests must be scheduled during the day, taking the GRE at a testing centre does not give you the freedom to choose your preferred time.
● Unfamiliar Equipment
Sometimes, the test equipment does not work properly. For example, the keyboard may become clumsy and the keys difficult to press. This is another issue that many students may encounter when taking exams at a testing centre.
GRE Exam at Home
The format, content, and on-screen experience of the GRE at the home exam are nearly identical to the GRE test centre examination.
Benefits
● Peace of Mind
Taking the GRE at home will provide you with a peaceful and a calm environment. Students frequently fail to concentrate in the exam centre due to ambient noise in the room caused by construction or a busy market nearby. Taking the test at home allows you to feel more at ease in a familiar setting.
● Flexibility
Due to lack of test-date appointments & fixed number of slots available, you may not find a convenient time to give your test. Selecting GRE at Home offers convenience, and you will save your travelling time as well.
Drawbacks
● Stable connection
The only disadvantage of giving the GRE at home is the lack of a stable internet connection. To give the test without difficulty, you must have at least 2 MB per sec speed. If your internet bandwidth falls below what is required, you will experience stability issues.
Which one should you consider?
Because each of these tests has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, one provides flexibility while the other provides a suitable environment. If you don't have the necessary equipment and won't have much time to acquire it, the standard test is the best option. Theadvantages of GRE at Home vs Testing Center favour the home test because it eliminates the need to worry about getting to the exam centre. You also have the option of selecting the date and time of the exam as per your convenience.
Go for the home test if you have the necessary equipment and a stable internet connection.
You are not required to arrive at the testing centre on time. You have far more leeway in selecting a date and time.
If you don't have the necessary equipment, can't get it in time, or don't have reliable internet, take the test at the centre.
However, it is entirely up to you to choose between the two. We are confident that you will do exceptionally well in either mode!
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