GRE test costs 300$ in my country

[YoungR3b3l]

As stated, and the test can be registered in an authenticated testing center in Kuwait (Amideast center) they charge an additional 100$ than the original price of the test, I dont know why. Probably because you just have to pay and they would do the rest, which is still illogical and is almost a fraud. What confuses me is that i dont know whether ETS do know about that or not. They do the same with TOEFL IBT, actually TOEFL IBT registeration via this authenticated center by ETS costs 335$. And guess what? You cant register on the available early upcoming tests, they actually offer you a four date options to choose, and the EARLIESt date usually is after a month or 40 days. However, when you want to register via ets.org you can take the test within a week if you find a spot (which happens).

What can i do about that? Is ETS aware? This is a fraud! What do you folks think?

[Between Fields]

ETS is a for-profit company. When their tests are done in a university testing center, the university isn't making any money, they're doing it as part of a service to their students and the community. ETS gets all the money from the testing fees (or certainly a huge proportion of it). If the testing center there is a also for-profit organization, it makes total sense for them to charge more money, so that they can afford to operate, since they're not getting anything (or very much) from ETS.

 

That's not fraud, it's capitalism. 

Edited August 10, 2014 by Between Fields

[YoungR3b3l]

ETS is a for-profit company. When their tests are done in a university testing center, the university isn't making any money, they're doing it as part of a service to their students and the community. ETS gets all the money from the testing fees (or certainly a huge proportion of it). If the testing center there is a also for-profit organization, it makes total sense for them to charge more money, so that they can afford to operate, since they're not getting anything (or very much) from ETS.

 

That's not fraud, it's capitalism.

I would count on that when the testing center's work is based solely on providing a convenient environment for the test, however that test center has many other objectives aside from organizing tests. In addition, even if we would consider it a legitimate profitting, taking a 100$ does not seem convincing for me, i think something isnt right and illegal.

[bhr]

I would count on that when the testing center's work is based solely on providing a convenient environment for the test, however that test center has many other objectives aside from organizing tests. In addition, even if we would consider it a legitimate profitting, taking a 100$ does not seem convincing for me, i think something isnt right and illegal.

What part of $100 is illegal? Would $50 be ok? $20? I used to run a testing a training center, and $100 for a for-profit, monitored test is reasonable (if on the higher side).

 

Think about what that $100 pays for:

Computer

Desk

Chair

AC or Heat

Lights

Proctor to monitor the test, fill out the verifications, check ID

Scheduling system

Maintenance and Housekeeping

Office Supplies

Rent

 

Now, you're right if you claim that the 10% of the space you used for a few hours, even with all of those cost, doesn't cost $100. You would, however, be neglecting the fact that you are also paying for all the time that those desks and staff are there and not busy, as that availability is part of the cost of doing business for you.

[geographyrocks]

Look at the GRE like designer jeans. They charge $300 when really you're getting a $10 pair of jeans. Is that fair? It sure isn't!

And while you're calling ETS and complaining, could you call Levi as well? And Nike...they really should get an earful too. Ooooh, college textbooks! Those are expensive as crap!

And Ford! $14,000 for a car that's only four years old and falling apart. I call fraud!

Edited August 11, 2014 by geographyrocks

[Sigaba]

What can i do about that? Is ETS aware? This is a fraud! What do you folks think?

 

 

Current car is a modified Porsche Turbo 2012 with carbon fiber rear and fronts.

 

 

If you can afford to drive the car you say you drive, then you can afford to pay to take the GRE.