"Is on-screen calculator allowed on GRE General test?" is the most
frequently asked question by test-takers. However, if you try to search for it
you will find dubious answers. Some claim GRE calculator is allowed on the GRE, some say you're prohibited to use it.
The problem is that back in old GRE (before August 2011) indeed the
calculator was not allowed to be used during the test. But, after the GRE
format was changed (now it is called Revised GRE General Test) test-takers got
access to the on-screen GRE calculator. It is simple four function calculator,
which obeys the order of operations, has sign, square root and memory
functions. Besides, there's possibility to use brackets when calculating the
expression.
The GRE calculator was allowed because ETS decided to simplify the
computational part of the test and focus more on quantitative reasoning, since
actually this is the main priority of the Quantitative part of the GRE. But you
should be very careful, although GRE calculator is allowed during the test the
problems won't get easier to solve.
Actually, GRE Quantitative part got even more convoluted and complicated for Revised GRE, since now test-makers, when writing problems, keep in mind that GRE calculator is allowed and will take every possibility to convince you that the calculator is necessary to solve the problem, and for many problems it can actually significantly slow you down. It is true that even though calculator can speed up your computations, it can also foster dependence, making it hard for you to spot the shortcuts/workarounds in the GRE problems.
On GRE only two-three questions indeed require the use of calculator, other can be much faster solved using your critical thinking skills. For example, Problem Solving questions will involve more algebra than calculating, and Quantitative Comparison questions will require more reasoning than calculating. So, don't rush to use calculator on GRE!
Don't use GRE calculator only because it's allowed!
Actually, GRE Quantitative part got even more convoluted and complicated for Revised GRE, since now test-makers, when writing problems, keep in mind that GRE calculator is allowed and will take every possibility to convince you that the calculator is necessary to solve the problem, and for many problems it can actually significantly slow you down. It is true that even though calculator can speed up your computations, it can also foster dependence, making it hard for you to spot the shortcuts/workarounds in the GRE problems.
On GRE only two-three questions indeed require the use of calculator, other can be much faster solved using your critical thinking skills. For example, Problem Solving questions will involve more algebra than calculating, and Quantitative Comparison questions will require more reasoning than calculating. So, don't rush to use calculator on GRE!
Very informative! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI totally support GRE based exams when a student is going to enter into programs of such a higher academic level.
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ReplyDeleteReally nice information about GRE Calculator Gre prep Book
ReplyDeleteThanks for Sharing..I feel if an Aspirant is Confident about his GRE Quant Syllabus,Then there is no use of Calculator.
ReplyDeleteQuite nice tips and details. I am so pleased that you shared this info here. Anyways, for the LSAT one should try the Best LSAT Prep course that is available at Testmaxprep app. This course is truly very reasonably priced and at the same time has all the content as per the professional guidance.
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