On exam day, your focus should be entirely on doing your best,  not on scrambling to remember forgotten tools or worrying about prohibited items. Part of this preparation involves understanding exactly what you’re allowed to bring into the testing room and what must stay behind. Many centers offer small lockers or storage areas for personal belongings, but space is often limited and not accessible during breaks. Treat these spaces as temporary storage—you’ll only retrieve what is essential once the exam is fully over.

Before exam day, take a few moments to clear everything out of your pockets and personal items to avoid accidentally bringing prohibited items like keys, gum, or electronics onto the testing floor. Setting up a designated “exam-day bag” will help keep everything organized and reduce stress during check‑in.

What You Absolutely Cannot Bring

While lockers might save your small personal items, certain objects are off-limits entirely. These include:

• Any type of weapon, including pocket knives or multipurpose tools
• All electronic devices—cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, music players, etc.
• Unnecessary jewelry beyond basic wedding or engagement rings
• Non-essential accessories like hair clips, large earrings, hats, or scarves
• Food, drinks, or personal comfort items (unless specifically pre-approved)
• Friends or family members—you will be alone through the check-in process and exam

Test-day regulations are strict. If you accidentally bring something that disqualifies you, even entering the center could be problematic. A simple precaution: clean your clothes and bag the night before to ensure nothing forbidden remains.

What the Locker Is For

Lockers exist to hold essentials not allowed in the testing room but needed after your session—think your travel mug, phone, wallet, or keys. Once the exam begins (especially any version without built-in breaks), you’ll be unable to retrieve these. So use the locker sparingly: bring only what you need, and nothing more.

What to Bring to the GRE Test Center — Your Complete Success Kit

Test day for the GRE is about more than just content recall and strategy. It’s also about physical readiness, mental clarity, and logistical organization. By knowing exactly what to bring with you to the testing center, you reduce last-minute panic, prevent administrative issues, and increase your chances of walking in calm, focused, and ready to perform.

Identification: The Non-Negotiable Entry Ticket

The most important item you need to bring on test day is valid identification. Without an acceptable ID, you simply will not be allowed to take the GRE. This makes your ID the most critical part of your test day kit.

The ID must meet several specific criteria. It should be original, not a copy. It must not have expired. It must include your full name, exactly as it appears on your GRE registration, a recent photograph that resembles you, and a signature. Examples of acceptable forms of identification include a government-issued driver’s license, a passport, or a national identity card.

Even if only one form of ID is required, bringing a second backup ID is a wise decision. In rare cases, an exam proctor may question the condition or clarity of your ID or have trouble matching your appearance to the photo. A backup ID can save you from unnecessary stress or even disqualification. It’s a simple form of insurance against one of the only true deal-breakers of the day.

Confirmation Email or Authorization Voucher

While you won’t typically be asked to present your GRE confirmation email to be admitted, bringing a printed copy of your registration or confirmation message is still a good idea. This document provides your registration number, the exact time and location of your test, and can be helpful if any issues arise during check-in.

If you have received a test fee reduction or waiver, you may have been given an official authorization voucher. This voucher is a requirement in such cases and must be presented at the time of check-in. Without it, your waiver or discount may not be honored, and you could be turned away from the exam center.

Carrying physical copies of both documents adds a layer of preparedness. Having all the information at your fingertips allows you to check key details without depending on your phone or internet access.

Directions and Travel Plans: Know Where You’re Going

You can’t perform well on your GRE if you arrive late, stressed, or not at all. Test centers are not always located in familiar or easy-to-reach areas. Relying solely on GPS may not be enough—tech glitches, poor signal, or app crashes can throw your schedule off in a moment. That’s why it’s important to do your navigation homework before test day.

If you can, do a dry run of the route to your test center a few days before your appointment. Try to go at the same time of day as your scheduled test to get a sense of potential traffic conditions. If you’re using public transportation, confirm the train or bus schedules and backup options. Print out physical directions and keep them in your bag.

Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. This gives you a buffer for unexpected delays and ensures you can complete the check-in process without being rushed.

The Warm Layer: Dress for Success and Comfort

Temperature control in testing centers is unpredictable. One room might be chilly while another feels stuffy. Since you have no control over the indoor climate, bringing a warm but lightweight layer of clothing is a must.

Choose a long-sleeve shirt, sweater, or cardigan that doesn’t have a hood. Hooded clothing is often not permitted in testing rooms because it may obscure your identity. A zip-up fleece or sweatshirt works well. You’ll want something you can easily put on or remove if your comfort level changes during the test.

Dress in layers overall. A base layer made from breathable, comfortable material will keep you at ease throughout the exam. While comfort is essential, it’s also important to avoid dressing too casually. A professional and put-together look contributes to a confident mindset.

You’ll also be photographed during the check-in process. This photo will be attached to your score report and shared with the institutions that receive your results. Dress in a way that reflects the serious nature of the test, while still ensuring you feel relaxed and mobile.

Eyeglasses and Medications: Vital Tools for Health and Focus

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, don’t leave home without them. Even if you rarely use them, the strain of reading text on a screen for several hours may become uncomfortable. Test centers allow you to wear prescription lenses during the GRE without restriction.

Bring along any prescription medication you may need during the day. While you won’t be permitted to access your locker during the exam itself, you can access medication during breaks. If you have a health condition requiring immediate access to medicine—such as asthma, severe allergies, or diabetes—make sure you contact the testing service ahead of time to arrange proper accommodations.

Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or antacids should also be considered, especially if you’re prone to headaches or stomach discomfort under stress. Store them in your locker and access them during permitted times. The goal is to minimize any physical distractions that might impair your performance.

A Mask (Optional but Recommended)

Most testing centers no longer require masks by default, but you’re still welcome to wear one if it makes you feel safer or more comfortable. If local public health guidelines change suddenly, the test center may enforce a mask policy without advance notice. Always check with the testing center a few days before your appointment.

Choose a mask that fits well and allows you to breathe comfortably for extended periods. Avoid masks that cover your ears, as the testing staff must be able to confirm that you’re not wearing unauthorized devices. If you are bringing a mask, consider packing a spare, just in case the one you’re wearing becomes uncomfortable or breaks.

Regardless of whether a mask is mandatory or not, respecting the health guidelines of the center and other test-takers ensures a smooth testing environment for all.

A Short Set of Practice Questions

You might be tempted to go over every formula or vocab word one last time on test day, but intense review on the morning of the test can lead to burnout or overwhelm. Instead, consider reviewing just a few carefully chosen practice questions—maybe two or three from the verbal section and a few from the quant section.

These serve as a cognitive warm-up. Like stretching before a race, doing a light mental workout before the test activates your problem-solving skills and boosts your alertness. The goal is not to cram but to get your brain into “test mode” so that you aren’t starting cold when the real questions begin.

Keep these warm-ups brief and familiar. Avoid questions that you find extremely challenging, as those could shake your confidence. Choose examples that reinforce concepts you already understand. The point is to build momentum, not introduce doubt.

A Playlist to Boost Your Mood

While you won’t be allowed to bring headphones into the testing room or listen to music during the exam, curating a playlist to enjoy during your commute can be a fantastic way to manage test-day nerves and enter the center in the right frame of mind.

Music has the power to lift your energy, settle your anxiety, and boost your motivation. Choose songs that help you focus or get you excited. Whether it’s classical music that keeps you centered or upbeat tracks that build energy, the right soundtrack can help you approach the test with a positive and energized outlook.

Use this time before you enter the testing environment to visualize success and remember how far you’ve come in your preparation.

A Mental List of Score Recipients

When you finish the GRE, you’ll be asked to select up to four institutions or programs to which you’d like your scores sent for free. This is a standard part of the post-exam process and one you should plan for in advance.

Create a mental or written list of your top four programs before you head to the center. This ensures you don’t waste time deciding or second-guessing under pressure. While you can send your scores later, doing so will incur additional costs. Choosing your four recipients ahead of time saves you money and ensures that your hard-earned scores get to the right places promptly.

If you’re not entirely sure which schools you’ll apply to, it’s okay to send your scores after the fact. However, if you already know your targets, make the most of the free reports and keep things simple by having the list ready to go.

The Right Mindset: Your Final and Most Important Tool

Perhaps the most powerful thing you can bring to the GRE test center isn’t in your bag—it’s your mindset. Preparing for the GRE takes weeks or even months of disciplined study. On test day, you want to channel all of that effort into calm, focused execution.

Believe in the work you’ve done. Remind yourself that the GRE is not a test of intelligence or self-worth, but a standardized exam that rewards preparation and composure. You have control over your attitude, your energy, and your ability to stay focused even if a question surprises you or a section feels challenging.

Before walking into the test room, take a few deep breaths. Picture yourself succeeding. Know that you’ve prepared the best you can with the time you had. Bring that quiet confidence with you and let it guide your performance.

 What You Absolutely Should Not Bring — Avoid These Mistakes, Stay Focused

Your test day success doesn’t just depend on bringing the right items—sometimes it depends more on what you don’t bring. Carrying prohibited items can cause delays, extra screening, or even lead to being turned away. It’s easy to forget small items during a stressful morning, but overlooking them can derail your progress. 

1. Electronics — Leave Them Out of Sight

Any device with Bluetooth, wireless capability, or storage is prohibited. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, fitness trackers, and recording devices. Even if switched off, these items are not allowed because of testing security rules. Some centers require participants to leave all electronics in a secured locker or vehicle.

While it may feel odd to walk away from your phone, it improves focus. Place it in your locker well before check‑in. Then mentally disconnect from distractions. Your phone will be waiting when you finish, but until then, it’s best left off limits.

2. Extra Paper Items — Control What You Carry

Test rooms are sterile environments with no extras. Do not carry notebooks, scratch pads, or personal chalk/pen. Whiteboards and markers will be provided during the exam. Items like sticky notes or flashcards are not allowed inside or near the test zone.

At check-in, you may be asked to empty your pockets. Remove receipts, tissues, pens, gum wrappers, or loose coins. Even something as small as a lipstick tube might raise questions. Developing a habit of doing a quick pocket sweep before exiting for your test ensures you avoid surprises at entry.

3. Food and Beverages — Know the Rules

Unless specified, accommodations are granted, but food and drink are not allowed inside the testing room. Some centers may allow you to store a water bottle in the locker area, but you cannot consume or access it until the test ends. A few testing formats incorporate a designated break; even then, you should not bring in packaged snacks or sugary drinks that may stain surfaces or cause disruption.

Plan your nutrition ahead of time. Have water and a light, non-perishable snack between sections, either in a locker or car. Choose food that’s clean and unlikely to trigger allergies—avoid messy or strong-scented items that could affect other test-takers.

4. Personal Belongings — Bring Only Essentials

Bring only the documents and clothing you need. Avoid bulky accessories like scarves, large hats, jewelry with stones, bracelets, or collars. These may be problematic due to identification checks or could trigger suspicion in security. Stick to wedding or engagement bands only.

Do not bring items like wallets with excessive pocket depth, backpacks, or purses. These are usually too large for lockers or may slow down the check-in process. Instead, opt for a small pouch just for your ID, keys, and confirmation printouts. Place everything else in your car or at home.

5. Unauthorized Comfort Items — When In Doubt, Leave It Out

Worry stones, stress balls, fidget toys, and similar items could be misinterpreted or deemed distracting. Unless they are explicitly allowed by the testing service for medical reasons, leave them behind. If you normally rely on something like an earplug or eye mask and have a documented need, you must request approval well before test day, preferably weeks in advance.

Even seemingly harmless items like scented hand lotion, lip balm with fragrance, or decorative hair bands may raise concerns. Be conservative. If it doesn’t serve a clear function for the test period, it’s safer not to bring it.

6. Clothing and Accessories — Follow the Rules

Testing centers often prohibit hats or head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons, with permission. Similarly, hooded jackets may not be allowed because they can obscure identity. Stick to simple attire: a long-sleeved, collarless shirt or sweatshirt. Minimal jewelry, no loose sleeves that could obscure your hands on the computer. Comfortable but not oversized.

Remove accessories like large hair combs or medical devices that aren’t approved. When in doubt, check in advance or leave it behind.

Strategies to Avoid Common Disqualification or Delay Issues

1. Pre‑test inspection
   The night before your exam, empty your pockets and bag on your bed. Check for keys, coins, gum, or earbuds. Toss everything you don’t need.
   
2. Simplify your test pack.k
   Make a list of exactly what to bring: two IDs, printed confirmation, a list of four schools, a long-sleeve layer, eyeglasses, prescribed meds, mask. Nothing more.
   
3. Practice packing and unpacking
   Practice locking and unlocking the test locker before day one. Don’t arrive with a large suitcase or overstuffed bag.
   
4. Do a final audit on arrival.
   Once parked or dropped off, check your pockets and bag in the lobby or car. No phones, no snacks, no extras.
   
5. Know the center’s policies.
   Review the testing service’s rules about prohibited items and breaks. Some locations allow water; some don’t. Understanding the rules keeps you organized and calm.
   
6. Ask if unsure
   If you’re unclear about something—like whether glasses counts as an aid or if you can carry a general medical device—contact customer support ahead of test day.

The Peace of Mind That Comes From Minimalism

Packing just enough not only reduces stress but also projects mental clarity. You make fewer decisions, face fewer distractions, and can focus entirely on the questions. You built the knowledge and practice—you don’t need extra stuff to prove it. Minimalism in what you carry allows maximal focus on your performance.

By eliminating the prohibited and unnecessary, you safeguard your path to entering the testing room on schedule, completing the process calmly, and maintaining total focus. Think of it as clearing the runway so your results can take flight.

Time, Focus, Mindset, and Post‑Test Strategy—Your Path to GRE Performance

By now, you’ve packed your bag, left behind the wrong items, dressed smartly, rehearsed your test day routines, and brought the essentials. You’ve done the work and prepared everything you possibly can. Although most of the pre-exam anxiety comes from what you might forget, a large share also comes from what happens after you enter the test room. Panic can sneak in when a question seems impossible, when the clock ticks loudly, or when your hands tremble with nerves. That is why executing a strong internal strategy—one that covers time management, stress control, self-confidence, and self-talk—is essential.

This part will guide you through:

• Maintaining pacing and timing through each section
  
• Techniques to manage stress and stay grounded
  
• Positive self-talk strategies to reinforce focus
  
• What to do immediately if you feel derailed mid-exam
  
• How to wrap up the exam and handle score decisions
  
• How to take this test experience into what comes next

1. Section-by-Section Timing Strategy

The GRE is divided into distinct sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—and each has its own rhythm and time constraints. Missing time targets in one section won’t directly affect another, but wasted seconds early on can trigger anxiety that distracts you later. Here’s how to pace yourself expertly:

• Reading sections
  Each passage typically has 10 questions and takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the question count. That gives you roughly two minutes per question, plus reading time. To stay on track, mentally divide your time: aim to read a paragraph quickly with intention, answer as many questions as possible, and move on when time is up. If a question stalls you, mark it and move on—return to it if you have time.
  
• Quantitative sections
  Each quantitative section typically includes 20 questions in 35 minutes. You’ll need to average about 1.75 minutes per question. Many questions may take only a minute, while others require more. A good strategy is:
  
  • Spend your first pass quickly answering the easiest questions.
    
  • Use the scratch pad to jot down work as you go to avoid confusion.
    
  • Return to harder ones after the first sweep, as long as time remains.
    
• Analytical Writing tasks
  You’ll typically face two writing prompts—analyze an argument and analyze an issue—in 30 minutes each. The best approach is to spend:
  
  • 5 minutes brainstorming ideas and structuring your essay
    
  • 20 minutes of writing with clear topic sentences and supporting points
    
  • 5 minutes reviewing, editing, and correcting any mistakes
    

Always watch the countdown timer discreetly. Many test-takers overlook pacing early in a section, then find themselves rushing. Keep a mental note like, “At halfway through time, I should be at question 10.” That recalibration cue helps you avoid getting stuck.

2. Staying Grounded and Managing Anxiety

As the test continues, stress may creep in. A tough passage or tricky quantitative problem can set off a spiral: “I can’t figure this out. I’m wasting time.” That kind of negative emotion uses mental energy and leads to more mistakes.

Instead, permit yourself to reset:

• Pause for a breath for 5 seconds—breathe in slowly through your nose, hold for two, then exhale through your mouth
  
• Remind yourself: “I prepared for this, I know how to do this, this is just one question.”
  
• Release unnecessary tension—shoulders, jaw, or fists—and return your attention to the screen.n
  
• Discipline yourself to accept that some questions may be hard, but moving on keeps you in control.
  

Importantly, approaching the exam with stress planss allows you to build trust in your ability to come back. Avoid reacting emotionally and stay in problem-solving mode.

3. Positive Self-Talk to Maintain Momentum

Self-talk matters more than most test-takers realize. Talking to yourself internally with confidence helps your brain focus and makes you less reactive to negative stimulus.

Here are examples of positive self-talk before, during, and after each section:

• Before a section: “This is what I’ve been preparing for. I’ve got the tools I need.”
  
• When stuck: “It’s okay to skip this for now. I’ll come back if I can.”
  
• When a question feels easy: “That was good work. Keep going.”
  
• When time is short: “Stay calm and accurate. I can finish this.”
  
• If you finish early: “Good job pacing. Review marked ones carefully.”
  
• After finishing the section, “This is done. One down, two to go.”
  

Prevent harsh self-criticism. Instead of “I messed that up,” say, “That was challenging. I’ll do better with the next.” Consistency in mood and pace across sections is often what separates strong performers from the rest.

4. What to Do if You Feel Off

Even well-prepared test-takers can encounter moments where focus wanes: a sudden headache, a stomach twinge, or performance anxiety. What you do in these moments matters.

• Pause briefly: allow your brain ten seconds to rest. Blink, flex your hands, move your feet—reset your posture.
  
• Return to basics: look for simple clues, skip to the next bullet, lighten the mental load.
  
• Don’t spiral: note your question number and time remaining, take a breath, and continue.
  
• Use test breaks: if available, take a walk, stretch, slow your pace, flip the mental switch to “I’ve got this.”
  
• Skip and return: for multiple-choice sections, marking a difficult question and moving on still contributes to your success.
  

By having a plan, you’re less likely to be paralyzed when a test moment feels uncomfortable.

5. Finishing the Final Question and Bonus Sections

GRE scoring often includes optional or bonus questions that don’t count toward your score. These appear after mandatory sections, and they may come with no warning. A few strategies:

• Approach all sections as though they count—don’t purposely leave early answers.
  
• If you reach an unlabeled bonus section and you’ve finished the measurable part, keep going until time is complete. You may earn credit if it’s included.
  
• If you’re fatigued past the final measured sections, one or two rushed guesses on a bonus section won’t damage your score—scoring software discards bonus answers.
  
• Always stop exactly when time ends—no early submits, no skipped reviews.
  

Leaving early just to avoid the final section may cost you potential credit, so push through until the official end.

6. After the Exam: What Happens Next?

Once you finish all sections, your computer session ends. You’ll be asked if you’d like to send your score to up to four institutions for free. Use the mental list you memorized—no codes needed—and confirm your choices calmly.

Even after tapping “confirm,” you still need to follow procedural steps—wait to be escorted out, collect your belongings, and retrieve your ID. The test day isn’t over until you are safely outside.

7. Immediate Post-Test Reflection

Right after the exam, you may feel mixed emotions: relief, doubt, fatigue. Some wish to review every question in their head; others are too drained to think. There’s no right way to feel. Still, how you treat that moment shapes your next move.

• If you’re feeling erasure panic—“I got so many wrong”— breathe. One tough section doesn’t define overall performance. Research shows average scores fluctuate within a margin of error.
  
• If you’re feeling great,  don’t over-celebrate yet. Test score data takes time to emerge. You may finish certain sections strong, but real scoring considers the whole exam.
  
• Avoid analyzing questions by memory—it may confuse you.
  
• Use a cooling period—go walk, eat, rest, and decompress.
  

8. Score Timing and Score Reporting

If you took the computer-based GRE, unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores appear right away, but writing scores take longer. Official, finalized scores are delivered by a specific date (check with your testing provider).

Use this time before scores arrive to work on applications or prepare for next steps, depending on your goal. Preparing materials like personal statements, transcripts, or academic references can take time—don’t delay starting this process.

9. Retakes, Preparing for Next Steps

If your scores are below your target:

• Review the Official Score Report to see section breakdowns.
  
• Plan improvements: additional content review, timed practice tests, stress training.
  
• Schedule a retake date 4–6 weeks ahead to allow time to improve.
  
• Continue working on applications while prepping—or on built materials to show programs your ongoing commitment.
  

If your results meet or exceed your goals:

• Confirm which schools will receive your score (or submit later as needed).
  
• Begin or continue balancing applications, test preparation, and other responsibilities.
  
• Use your achievement as momentum to write essays, gather recommendation letters, or prepare for interviews.

10. The Big Picture: What You Gained From This Process

Whether this is your first GRE or a retake, the test day experience teaches much more than vocabulary and math:

• You’ve learned to manage yourself under tight time constraints
  
• You practiced intense self-regulation under pressure.
  
• You tested your ability to stay calm despite a setback.s
  
• These skills carry far beyond a test: they matter in graduate school, research proposals, interviews, and professional li.
  

Your future chapters start not when you get the results, but now,  when you apply what you learned from this exam and move forward with greater self-knowledge and discipline.

Closing Thoughts

The GRE is a tool, not a definition of worth. What matters most is that you prepared responsibly, took the test with confidence, and treated each moment deliberately. From packing wisely to keeping cool under pressure and using results as stepping stones, this series has equipped you for success.

As you plan your next steps—application deadlines, score submission, possible retakes—carry forward this methodical, confident approach. The habits you formed during test prep will help you in graduate studies and career challenges for years to come. Students who use the GRE as a springboard into disciplined learning are often the very ones who excel in their programs and beyond.

You’ve done the work, and now it’s time to see it pay off. Best of luck as the score arrives and your next chapter begins.