Technical question - Calculator on actual test

[gwualum4mpp]

I was wondering if anyone call recall whether the calculator on the GRE exam is responsive to keyboard input? For instance, if i used * for multiplication and / for division it would work? I just work faster this way. 

 

An added plus would be to know if the keyboard shortcuts also apply to the analytical section. I am pretty accustomed to using shift + home, ctrl + x, crtl + v to highlight, cut and paste text quickly. 

 

Thanks all. Good luck to those whom are still taking it!

 

[finalrez]

Yes, keyboard inputs do work on the actual exam.  I had the same question before my exam, and I couldn't find anyone who could tell me the answer...

 

Keyboard shortcuts also work in the Kaplan practice tests, but not in the Barron's practice tests.  At least in terms of test flow, the Kaplan tests are much closer to the actual exam.  The closest of course is the ETS powerprep software.

 

I don't remember if shift+home, ctrl+x etc. work on the exam or not.  My gut feeling is that they do, as I don't remember running into any issues like that, but again I'm not sure.  If you're concerned, I would try it on the powerprep software -- if the shortcuts work on powerprep they will almost certainly work on the actual exam.  The real GRE is virtually identical to powerprep.

Edited October 27, 2013 by finalrez

[socioholic]

yes, number pad on the keyboard could be used on the calculator. the cut cand paste did not work though; there were buttons on the screen for that. i'm not sure if this would vary between providers for any reason.

[gwualum4mpp]

Hello, thank you for the response all! I had seen the sample calculator and tried the powerprep II but I wasn't sure about the actual input the day of. Finalrez is right, I couldn't find an answer to this specific aspect of it hence my post !

 

yes, number pad on the keyboard could be used on the calculator. the cut cand paste did not work though; there were buttons on the screen for that. i'm not sure if this would vary between providers for any reason.

 

I took the test this morning and socioholic's response was completely accurate in my case. I could do everything except the cut and paste function, which was too bad but not a big hindrance. It may have cost me a few seconds in AWA if I had not anticipated it. So if you're normally used to these shortcuts, try not to rely on them in practice!

 

Altogether the test was literally formatted just like the Powerprep II practice tests. I got the EXACT same score as my last practice test on powerprep too, so you can say those are the most accurate practice tests.