How to use Scratch Paper on the GRE ?
The experience of checking in to a testing center can be a dehumanizing one. You must empty all your pockets, store your valuables in a locker, and, once you are inside the testing area, maintain completely quiet.
These regulations are understandable as they prevent cheating. At the same time, ETS is somewhat understanding. Along with a pencil, they provide scratch paper right before you walk into the exam room.
It is important not just that you use it, but that you use it wisely. Below are some important points to keep in mind when using scratch paper.
Things to keep in mind
You will get more than enough scratch paper. If you happen to run out, raise your hand. The testing center manager will walk over and provide you with more paper.
You will also receive a standard no. 2 pencil. You cannot bring your own writing implements.
You cannot write on the scratch paper before the section begins. The reasons for this are twofold: it would not be fair if you were able to dump all your formulas and high-frequency vocabulary on the page before you even begin the test. Secondly, students used to write answer grids on the paper to help them eliminate mistakes, giving them an unfair advantage. As soon as the clock starts you can write whatever you want on the scratch paper, answer grids included.
Develop good habits
Below are several tips you should keep in mind when using scratch paper. It is important that you do not try them out test day. Instead, practice doing problems and mock tests with a scratch paper by your side, applying the tips below.
Keep it organized
Do you find yourself furiously scribbling off the margins of the paper? I certainly do. So practice keeping your work organized. If you find yourself running out of scratch paper, don’t worry – the testing center will give you plenty of scratch paper.
Keep it neat
I have awful writing. I used to write short stories by hand and could never read them (I’ve long ago switched to various electronic mediums). In general, I’ve been able to finagle my way out of ever having to write anything.
Luckily, for the GRE I typically only have to write numbers on a scratch paper. Even then, I tend to take 7’s for 9’s and 2’s for 4’s. The only solution I’ve found is to slow down a little. Though it may take an extra second to do so, such a precaution can save me from a lot of careless errors. So if you are like me, I think the best advice is to slow down a little. Doing so will also help you to be organized.
Don’t Overlap
If you try to stuff too much on one page, you are likely to start mixing up information in problems. You can also get easily lost, when you go back and forth between the computer screen and your scratch paper. By only do a few problems per page, and making sure that those problems are organized neatly, you prevent yourself from making careless mistakes and spending unnecessary time trying to figure out where you wrote your answer.
Takeaway
Scratch paper is a valuable tool. Make sure you practice good scratch paper habits before you walk in and take the test.
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