GRE Horror Stories

[playbyplay]

I took the GRE today and the fire alarm went off in the building about five times. The building was doing a test of their 'emergency systems'. Each time it happened it went on for about five minutes. Five minutes of lights flashing, alarms, and some guy on an intercom telling us not to use the elevators. The test center did nothing. They did not stop the test. They made no announcements. Nothin'. 

 

Luckily, I'm applying to playwriting programs which don't take the GRE into consideration as much as other programs, but I'm still pissed! I scored 155 V and 149 Q. I did not study a whole lot, but I definitely think my scores would have been better at deciphering long passages on the oxidation of aluminum if there hadn't been a strobe light in my eyes. 

 

At this point, I'm going to let it slide since my apps are due very soon. 

 

Anyone else have any crazy test day stories? 

[TakeMyCoffeeBlack]

I wonder if you could somehow get a partial refund or something? I don't think ETS would be too happy with the testing center if that's the case...

[Macrina]

That sounds awful. I would call ETS and ask for a rewrite ASAP to make up for the ongoing alarms/lights/noise/interference with your test.

[wandajune]

Call and complain, that's ridiculous!

[aldoushuxley]

I was placed next to a girl who would not stop hacking and sniffling the whole time. Those gross earphones they give you made my head hurt and suction against your ears, so I suffered through it. Not as bad as the alarm situation, but I was getting really distracted.

[SocGirl2013]

That sounds soooo bad, I would fight for a free retake if I were you!

[playbyplay]

I was placed next to a girl who would not stop hacking and sniffling the whole time. Those gross earphones they give you made my head hurt and suction against your ears, so I suffered through it. Not as bad as the alarm situation, but I was getting really distracted.

 

Gross. If I take it again, I will probably bring an extra large bottle of hand sanitizer. Got the feeling that everything was covered in a layer of icky.  

[playbyplay]

Yeah, I think I am going to call and get a retake.... just dreading the thought of sitting there again and suffering through it. uggg. 

[Maleficent999]

I agree. Suffering through that BS again is probably one of my worst nightmares.