** NOTE: This information is not official - for up-to-date information on what to do in case you have to miss the GRE, please visit the ETS website.
You should first read my post about "7 Things to Do When You're Not Taking the GRE."
Yesterday, parts of Oregon were hit with a snowstorm that left massive pile-ups on the highway. Because all public schools were expected to close the following day, I decided to stay at home and not travel to the GRE center for my test, which was scheduled for today. I figured the test center would be closed, too.
Well, it turns out my test center was open today and my GRE wasn't cancelled. They returned my call this morning at 7:30 AM (I answered half-asleep) and told me I could either call GRE services and reschedule because of weather, or come and take the test anyway. My test was supposed to start at 8 AM but they told me it would be alright as long as I arrived before 10. I decided not to take the risk to drive down because there's supposed to be another round of snow this afternoon.
You should first read my post about "7 Things to Do When You're Not Taking the GRE."
Yesterday, parts of Oregon were hit with a snowstorm that left massive pile-ups on the highway. Because all public schools were expected to close the following day, I decided to stay at home and not travel to the GRE center for my test, which was scheduled for today. I figured the test center would be closed, too.
Well, it turns out my test center was open today and my GRE wasn't cancelled. They returned my call this morning at 7:30 AM (I answered half-asleep) and told me I could either call GRE services and reschedule because of weather, or come and take the test anyway. My test was supposed to start at 8 AM but they told me it would be alright as long as I arrived before 10. I decided not to take the risk to drive down because there's supposed to be another round of snow this afternoon.
I'm mostly writing this post to share with you my experiences so if you ever find yourself in the same, unfortunate situation (let's hope not!), then at least you know what happens and the steps to take.
Before You Schedule a Test
Even before you schedule a test, consider what season you're taking the test in. I highly suggest that you do not take the test during winter, especially if you live in a place that may receive snow.
More than Four Days Before the Test
You should be updating yourself with the weather forecast the week of your GRE. If a big storm is anticipated around the day of your test, you may decide to reschedule it. Be warned - revising your test date can be done no later than 4 days in advance, and incurs a $50 rescheduling fee.
The Day Before the Test
If (like me) you are at home the day before the test and it starts snowing and doesn't stop (and this isn't normal to you), call your test center immediately. Ask them if they anticipate a test center closure for tomorrow. If no one answers, leave a message and your number. Check the Prometric website for official site closures. Then, call one of the Prometric numbers. I know I said yesterday that this might be useless, but I (almost) got to a human on one of the numbers. Unfortunately, it was after hours and I had to leave a message (they close at 8:00 PM EST).
If you don't reach a person calling Prometric, email Prometric at [email protected]. This was a futile effort for me, but maybe you will have more luck. Don't expect them to respond even though they tout their service as being "24/7".
Consider your options - it's likely that your test center (unless it is listed on the Prometric site as being closed) will be open the next day. But do you really want to put yourself and/or your driver in danger on the roads?
If you don't reach a person calling Prometric, email Prometric at [email protected]. This was a futile effort for me, but maybe you will have more luck. Don't expect them to respond even though they tout their service as being "24/7".
Consider your options - it's likely that your test center (unless it is listed on the Prometric site as being closed) will be open the next day. But do you really want to put yourself and/or your driver in danger on the roads?
The Day of the Test
Call (or receive a call) from your GRE test center. They'll let you know if they're open (I mean, if they call you, they should be). If they don't answer, they might be closed. I would call GRE services or Prometric to be sure. Be courteous and tell the person on the line your situation. They will likely already know if you left them a message. They will ask you to call GRE services and ask for a reschedule due to weather.
Go to the ETS website > GRE > Contact Us. Call the general number and explain your situation again. The person on the line will give you exact directions on how to file a reschedule request, so have a pen and paper ready. You will have to fax your request, along with several key details (Name, Reg. No, Test Date, and Case Number, which they will provide you) and weather reports detailing the severity of the storm, etc. If you don't have access to a fax machine, ask for the email address to send the information to. Keep in mind that they will return your fax in 3-5 business days and your email in 7-10 business days. It just takes that long for them to investigate. Call the GRE services again in about a week to follow up with your request. If your request is granted, you may receive a new date for your test, a rescheduling voucher (with which you can select a new date yourself), or a refund. I'm not sure which one I'm getting, but I included a short paragraph in my email to them explaining why I would prefer a refund or a rescheduling voucher. I'll let you know how that goes. Remember to CC yourself the email so you have a copy of your request.
Now that there's nothing else you can do... remember to give yourself a pat on the back because you just went through one of the worst case scenarios when taking the GRE! Celebrate with good food, and invite your friends over to build a snowman. Read my previous blog post for ideas of what to do today.
Go to the ETS website > GRE > Contact Us. Call the general number and explain your situation again. The person on the line will give you exact directions on how to file a reschedule request, so have a pen and paper ready. You will have to fax your request, along with several key details (Name, Reg. No, Test Date, and Case Number, which they will provide you) and weather reports detailing the severity of the storm, etc. If you don't have access to a fax machine, ask for the email address to send the information to. Keep in mind that they will return your fax in 3-5 business days and your email in 7-10 business days. It just takes that long for them to investigate. Call the GRE services again in about a week to follow up with your request. If your request is granted, you may receive a new date for your test, a rescheduling voucher (with which you can select a new date yourself), or a refund. I'm not sure which one I'm getting, but I included a short paragraph in my email to them explaining why I would prefer a refund or a rescheduling voucher. I'll let you know how that goes. Remember to CC yourself the email so you have a copy of your request.
Now that there's nothing else you can do... remember to give yourself a pat on the back because you just went through one of the worst case scenarios when taking the GRE! Celebrate with good food, and invite your friends over to build a snowman. Read my previous blog post for ideas of what to do today.
As for me, I'm not sure when I'm going to take the GRE. I'm just grateful that I'm indoors, and not on the highway!
What are some of your GRE worst case scenarios? Comment below and share to spread the info for your fellow test takers!
What are some of your GRE worst case scenarios? Comment below and share to spread the info for your fellow test takers!