The convenience of taking the GRE from home has tempted thousands of students worldwide. On paper, it sounds ideal: no travel, no test center anxiety, and total control over your environment. But dig a little deeper — especially into forums like Reddit, GMAT Club, and GradCafe — and a very different picture emerges.

Here’s what many students wish they knew before choosing the at-home GRE.

1. Proctoring Can Be a Minefield

• ETS uses third-party proctors to monitor the test via webcam. While this is meant to maintain integrity, many test-takers report overly aggressive or inconsistent proctor behavior.
• “I got flagged for looking away from the screen for two seconds. The proctor paused my test and questioned me — it completely broke my concentration.”
• 
  Others faced multiple interruptions, with proctors typing messages mid-test or suddenly stopping the exam without clear explanations.

2. Tech Issues Are More Common Than You Think

• Even if your system passes ETS’s equipment check, the test can still crash, freeze, or lag — often with zero warning. Internet instability, software glitches, or compatibility problems can ruin months of prep.
• “My screen went black during Quant. It took 20 minutes to reconnect, and when I got back, I had lost my focus and time.”
• Some users never even received scores because of unclear “technical violations.”

3. You're Responsible for a Perfect Test Environment

• At a test center, everything is set up to help you succeed. At home? You’re on your own — and even minor infractions (a background noise, a light source behind you, a bookshelf visible on camera) can lead to warnings or disqualifications.
• “My dog barked once and the proctor warned me it might invalidate my test.”
• “I had to take down artwork on my walls — it felt like a police search.”

4. Customer Support is… Not Great

• When things go wrong, students often find ETS support frustratingly slow and vague. Many users report being left in limbo for weeks after a test incident.
• “They told me to ‘wait for an email’ after my test was flagged. I waited 3 weeks, only to be told my score was canceled with no clear reason.”
• Appealing is rarely straightforward, and rebooking often means paying again — with no guarantee the same issues won’t happen again.

5. It Adds Unnecessary Stress

• You already have enough to worry about on test day. But with the at-home GRE, students find themselves distracted by technology, anxious about strict rules, and constantly wondering, “What if something goes wrong?”
• “I was more worried about being disqualified than I was about the actual math problems.”

Bottom Line: Play It Safe — Go to a Test Center

Yes, testing at home is convenient in theory. But in reality, it's unpredictable and riskier than many expect. If your score matters — and let’s face it, it does — give yourself the best shot. Book a seat at a certified GRE test center. The structure, reliability, and peace of mind are worth it.

When it comes to your future, don't leave anything to chance — especially not your internet connection.