So, you're taking the GRE soon. You've studied, practiced and repeated, and taken plenty of diagnostic tests. And you live somewhere near Clairemont (I'm a professional GRE tutor in PB and have always taken my tests at this location).
This particular location in Claremont is pretty easy to get to. However, If you get a chance, then I would suggest that you drive by the test center in person, just to eliminate any unknowns or traffic variables. The GRE is primarily offered at Prometric test centers, which are all very similar. You should be aware that not everyone in the test center will be taking the GRE, however: Prometric offers a variety of computer tests at its locations.
In most cases, this location offers the GRE on weekdays and Saturdays at either 8:30 am or 1 pm. I'm not exactly a morning person, so I tend to be in the 1 pm crowd, but it's all up to your personal preference.
Pro tip: I've taken the GRE multiple times. One time, I arrived at Prometric and thought that I had forgotten my ID. The receptionist told me that even though my test start time was 1 pm, that I could start as late as 1:30. I can't promise that this will be the case with every test center, but it's comforting for those of you who are worried about making it to the center on time for any reason.
Alternatively, you can arrive early for your test and start taking it before the scheduled start time. ETS recommends that you arrive 30 minutes early, but if you're ready to go after 5 minutes or so, then they will often let you begin early, since other test-takers will be there at the office taking tests all day long. I would recommend that you find the bathroom before the test begins, so that you don't waste any precious test time on restroom runs.
Don't forget to bring an acceptable photo ID, since you will need it at the test center: no ID, no test. When you arrive, the receptionist will give you a locker key and ask you to empty your pockets into the locker. You will keep your ID in your pocket, however, as you will need it to check in and out of the test.
I would still recommend bringing a water bottle, but of course you'll have to drink it before you put your stuff in your locker. Or, during your break you can come out, open your locker, and drink your water and/or eat whatever snack food you have brought. I recommend something high-calorie and easy to eat such as a Clif Bar. If you forget your water, don't worry: there is a water cooler there.
Since ETS (the maker of the GRE) forbids using your cell phone during the test, I would recommend that you simply leave your phone in your car, to eliminate the chance of your using it accidentally and thus having your score cancelled. That would be tragic, and a bit waste of time and money.
Some tips for the actual test:
-The issue essay is an opinion piece. Consider the issue, take a side, then back it up using a variety of reasons, examples, and deep analysis. Write a lot, organize your thoughts well, and make sure to back up your claims with detailed examples. Be insightful, nuanced, complex and balanced.
-The argument essay is your opportunity to be the CEO of your own corporation. In other words, you are the boss, and you are given a chance to evaluate the argument/presentation made by your employee. Instead of attacking the argument outright, make it clear that there is not yet enough information to make a clear decision (after all, this is your thesis every single time!). You might believe him, and you might not. But either way you will have to defend your positions and explain what extra information is needed, and how your decisions would depend on the results of that information.
-Remember that the GRE is an adaptive test, which means that it adjusts its level of difficulty depending on your performance. However, the GRE used to be a severely adaptive test (it would change the difficulty level from question to question, putting a huge amount of importance on the first few questions of the test), to a more gently adaptive one. In other words, the GRE does not adapt question by question anymore; it simply adjusts the difficulty level of the second section, based on your performance on the first (non-experimental) section of that type.
-Don't forget that the actual GRE contains an extra "experimental" section that doesn't count toward your score. It could be verbal, or it could be math, and you don't know what section it's going to be. So the real thing is going to feel a bit longer, and a bit less certain, than the Powerprep practice tests.
to be continued in my update.... read more