Bringing cellphone to GRE test center

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SUMMARY

The GRE test center strictly prohibits bringing cell phones, smartphones (including Android®, BlackBerry®, and iPhone®), PDAs, digital watches, smartwatches, and other electronic devices into the testing area. Test-takers can leave their devices at home or inquire with the test center about available storage options, such as lockers. Some test centers may allow proctors to hold devices, but this is not guaranteed. It is essential to confirm policies with the test center prior to the test day to avoid complications.

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I have scheduled a GRE test next week and in the ETS website it says that "Do not bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., Android®, BlackBerry® or iPhone® devices), PDAs, digital watches, smartwatches and other electronic, recording, listening or photographic devices into the test center". Does it mean I am really not allowed to bring my cellphone the moment I leave my apartment to head to the test center? Anyone with this experience already?
 
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maNoFchangE said:
I have scheduled a GRE test next week and in the ETS website it says that "Do not bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., Android®, BlackBerry® or iPhone® devices), PDAs, digital watches, smartwatches and other electronic, recording, listening or photographic devices into the test center". Does it mean I am really not allowed to bring my cellphone the moment I leave my apartment to head to the test center? Anyone with this experience already?

And you're taking the GRE...?

It means exactly what it says, don't bring those devices into the test center. You can leave your apartment with it all day long, as long you don't bring it in.
 
Meaning I can leave it at the hand of one of the test administrators before I enter the testing room?
 
maNoFchangE said:
Meaning I can leave it at the hand of one of the test administrators before I enter the testing room?

You'll have to call them and ask, some test centers will have lockers for people who use mass transit and can't leave them in vehicles, others proctors will collect them. If they can't accommodate you, you'll have to leave it at home.
 
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maNoFchangE said:
I have scheduled a GRE test next week and in the ETS website it says that "Do not bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., Android®, BlackBerry® or iPhone® devices), PDAs, digital watches, smartwatches and other electronic, recording, listening or photographic devices into the test center". Does it mean I am really not allowed to bring my cellphone the moment I leave my apartment to head to the test center? Anyone with this experience already?
How is that complicated or confusing? Just imagine what devious students or other test-takers might like to do with any of those devices during testing!
 
symbolipoint said:
How is that complicated or confusing? Just imagine what devious students or other test-takers might like to do with any of those devices during testing!
I indeed don't expect them to let me bring the mentioned devices inside the testing room. The fact is, I have taken TOEFL test two years ago in my home country and I was allowed to bring my phone until the door leading to the testing room. There, I was required to leave my phone with the test administrator. Now that I will be testing in another country, I am thinking that the regulation will be stricter.
I asked this because actually the test center I chose is located away from the city where I live in. One day before the test I will arrive there and stay overnight in a hostel. However it turns out that the check-out time of that hostel is available only before a certain time where at that time I will be doing the test. In short, I have to check-out at the same moment I am heading to the center, and I will surely bring my luggage along to the test center. I hope I illustrate my situation clearer this time.
 
maNoFchangE said:
I indeed don't expect them to let me bring the mentioned devices inside the testing room. The fact is, I have taken TOEFL test two years ago in my home country and I was allowed to bring my phone until the door leading to the testing room. There, I was required to leave my phone with the test administrator. Now that I will be testing in another country, I am thinking that the regulation will be stricter.
I asked this because actually the test center I chose is located away from the city where I live in. One day before the test I will arrive there and stay overnight in a hostel. However it turns out that the check-out time of that hostel is available only before a certain time where at that time I will be doing the test. In short, I have to check-out at the same moment I am heading to the center, and I will surely bring my luggage along to the test center. I hope I illustrate my situation clearer this time.
What you wish for is reasonable.
 
It';s not confusing. It says "don't bring it to the test center". This may be inconvenient, but that's what they say.

If I were a proctor, I would not hold anyone's property. What if I give the wrong student someone else's property? Besides, I have work to do - that's why I am there. Being a hat check girl is not part of my job description.

If you take your phone, you may get them to take it. Or you may manage to get it in at the bottom of your luggage with nobody the wiser. Or you may get found out and yours scores nullified. Or you can live without your phone for two days. It's your choice.
 
Do railroad stations in your current country have a place to leave luggage securely, e.g. in a locker or a checkroom, for a few hours? If yes, go from the hostel to the station, leave your luggage and phone, and then go to the testing center.
 
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  • #10
I like post #8 and also post #9.

The best to do is ask the test center officials. If they say "no", then make what arrangements you need to.
 
  • #11
Just asked the test center, good thing they will allow me to bring my luggage along and they also provide a locker.