{"id":25077,"date":"2024-09-30T02:38:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T09:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/gre\/?p=25077"},"modified":"2024-09-04T11:40:37","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T18:40:37","slug":"can-i-use-scratch-paper-on-the-online-gre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/gre\/can-i-use-scratch-paper-on-the-online-gre\/","title":{"rendered":"Scratch Paper Rules for the GRE: At-Home vs. Test Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

Whether you’re taking the GRE at a test center or opting for the at-home exam, scratch paper is an invaluable resource. Ideally, you want the scratch paper scenario you use in practice to match the one you’ll have on test day. This article will let you know what to expect for those taking the GRE at home or at the test center. <\/p>\n

At-Home Scratch Paper Rules<\/h2>\n

\nAccording to ETS, at-home guidelines<\/a>, for security purposes, traditional scratch paper is not allowed. But! They do offer alternatives: <\/p>\n

Small desktop whiteboard:<\/strong> Test-takers may use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker for note-taking and calculations during the exam. The whiteboard offers a surface to jot down important information, work through problems, and organize thoughts.\n<\/p>\n

\nSheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector:<\/strong> Another option is to use a single sheet of paper enclosed in a transparent sheet protector. This setup allows you to write on the paper with an erasable marker, providing a similar experience to using traditional scratch paper.\n<\/p>\n

\nNote: Pencils and pens are not permitted for any form of note-taking during the online GRE. You must use an erasable marker.<\/em>\n<\/p>\n

\nOnce you’re done conquering the GRE, you’ll need to show your proctor that you’ve erased all your notes. This step ensures that no unauthorized information leaves the highly controlled test-taking environment.\n<\/p>\n

Test Center Scratch Paper Rules<\/h2>\n

If you are taking the GRE at a Test Center, you will get unlimited scratch paper on Test Day. If you ask, you will receive. <\/p>\n

Here’s what ETS says about scratch paper usage:<\/p>\n

“The test administrator will provide you with scratch paper for use during the test. Scratch paper is not to be used before the test or during breaks. All paper, in its entirety, must be returned to the test center administrator at the end of the testing session. If you are observed using any document or paper other than the scratch paper given to you by test center staff, it will be confiscated. You may not bring your own paper and you may not remove any paper from the testing room at any time, or write on anything other than the paper provided (e.g., computer or workstation).”<\/p>\n

Practice with What You’ll use on Test day<\/h2>\n

For those taking the exam at a test center, you should feel free to use good old paper and pen\/pencil during your preparation. However, for those taking the exam at home, who are accustomed to using traditional scratch paper, jotting down notes on the whiteboard or sheet protector might feel a bit alien at first. But here’s the deal: practice makes perfect.\n<\/p>\n

\nStart by choosing the tool that you feel most comfortable with – either the small desktop whiteboard or the single sheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector. Next, take the time to practice with it during your study sessions. Train yourself to use the space efficiently, develop strategies for notation, and become proficient at erasing your work quickly and completely.\n<\/p>\n

And because practice truly does make perfect, here is a full-length, free practice test from Magoosh<\/a> that includes a detailed score report with a topic-by-topic breakdown of your performance. This is a great way to mimic test day conditions and try out your preferred scratch paper strategy. <\/p>\n

\nWhichever note-taking tool you end up using on the GRE, your success hinges on your understanding of the concepts, problem-solving skills, and dedication to practice. <\/p>\n

Best of luck as you prepare for the exam! And, remember, for the best advice for all your test prep needs, the folks here at Magoosh<\/a> have got your back \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whether you’re taking the GRE at a test center or opting for the at-home exam, scratch paper is an invaluable resource. Ideally, you want the scratch paper scenario you use in practice to match the one you’ll have on test day. This article will let you know what to expect for those taking the GRE […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":25079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[12256],"class_list":["post-25077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-faq"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nScratch Paper Rules for the GRE: At-Home vs. Test Center - Magoosh Blog \u2014 GRE\u00ae Test<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Can you use scratch paper on the GRE? 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