Should I take the GRE at home or at a test center?

We don't have a strong recommendation one way or the other. It's the same exam in a different environment, and both have real pros and cons. More students tend to take it at a test center, but it's a good idea to consider both options.

Test center pros and cons: The biggest advantage is that you get a booklet of scratch paper, which most people find is a pretty normal and comfortable way to take notes and work through problems. The downsides: test centers can feel like a somewhat unwelcoming environment. There are significant security procedures, your belongings get locked up, you have limited access to bathrooms and snacks, and you're under close watch. You'll share a room with other people taking various exams — sometimes someone nearby is typing loudly, the room may not be a comfortable temperature, and the friendliness of the staff can vary. Getting to the center and finding parking or the location itself can also be a hassle.

At-home pros and cons: The main advantage is comfort and familiarity — and the best part is that you can take practice exams in the exact same spot beforehand, which reduces surprises on test day. But not everyone realizes how stable their internet needs to be, and disturbances like package deliveries, dogs barking, or emergency vehicles outside can disrupt your focus. You're still being monitored by a proctor who checks that your space meets all the rules, and the proctor's demeanor can vary just like test center staff. The biggest downside is that instead of paper, you use a laminated sheet or whiteboard for scratch work, which most people find less comfortable.

An important note: “at home” really just means “on your own computer.” It doesn't have to be your home. If your living situation isn't ideal for testing — roommates, noise, no private room — you can use a friend's place, a family member's house, or even rent a quiet room. Just make sure you preview the space, confirm it meets all of ETS's requirements, and ideally take at least one practice exam there first.

Whichever option you choose, the goal is the same: reduce surprises and make the testing experience feel as routine as possible.