Lexa: 00:03

Welcome to PodWiz by Wizako. I'm Lexa Wiz and with me is my co host, the amazing Theo Cipher. Today, we're diving into a super important topic that's on every GRE test taker's mind. Should you take the GRE at home or at a test center?

Theo: 00:18

Thanks, Lexa. You know, this is actually one of the most common questions we get from our students at Wizako, and there's a lot to unpack here.

Lexa: 00:27

Oh, absolutely. Let's start with the at home option because, I mean, who doesn't love the idea of taking a test in their pjs. Right?

Theo: 00:35

Well, that's certainly one way to look at it. The at home GRE is available 24 /7, which is fantastic for busy professionals and students juggling multiple commitments. No commuting, no scheduling hassles.

Lexa: 00:48

But, Theo, I hear there's a pretty big but coming.

Theo: 00:52

You're right, Lexa. The technical requirements are quite demanding. You need a specific computer setup, a webcam for 360 degree room scans, and working speakers and microphone. Plus, you can't use external headsets or dual monitors.

Lexa: 01:07

And don't even get me started on the note taking situation. You're basically limited to either a tiny whiteboard or one sheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector. That's rough when you're trying to work out those tricky quant problems.

Theo: 01:19

That's precisely why at Wizako, we strongly recommend taking the GRE at a test center. Let me share a recent case that really drives this point home.

Lexa: 01:28

Oh, I think I know which one you're talking about. The brilliant student who had her test canceled because of her phone?

Theo: 01:34

Exactly. She was fully prepared, but one small oversight, having her phone in the room, not even near her, led to an immediate test cancellation. She lost both time and money.

Lexa: 01:45

That's such a wake up call. And I know test centers provide everything you need. Noise cancellation headphones, proper note taking materials, secure lockers.

Theo: 01:55

The most crucial point to consider is the long term security of your scores. There have been cases where schools rejected home based test scores entirely. And even more concerning, some students had their admissions rescinded due to suspected fraud even when they did nothing wrong.

Lexa: 02:12

That's really serious. And what about technical issues? I've heard horror stories about Internet disconnections during at home tests.

Theo: 02:19

Yes. If your Internet drops during an at home test, you might lose your entire attempt and test fee. Test centers eliminate these technical risks completely.

Lexa: 02:29

So basically, while taking the GRE at home might seem super convenient, the risks really outweigh the benefits?

Theo: 02:36

Absolutely. At Wizako, we believe your GRE score is too important to risk technical glitches, strict proctoring issues, or potential score validity concerns. The test center provides a controlled secure environment designed specifically for standardized testing.

Lexa: 02:53

Perfect summary. And that brings us to the end of today's episode. Thanks for tuning in to PodWiz by Wizako. I'm Lexa Wiz.

Theo: 03:01

And I'm Theo Cipher. Until next time, keep studying smart.