Common Mistakes to Avoid on GRE Exam Day
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction
It is often the case that the distinction between a good GRE score and a great GRE score is determined by what occurs on the test day. Many students prepare for months but still lose marks because of small, avoidable GRE exam day mistakes. Even trivial mistakes can lead to the unnecessary stress, e.g. the mismanagement of time, the forgetting of some necessary documents. That is the reason, before entering in exam test center, it is important to know the basic test tips, smart exam preparation, and the do and don not to follow. In this blog we are going to take you through the most frequent pitfalls that students fail in on GRE day and how to overcome them. It could be dealing with nerves, controlling your pace or what you need to bring, this guide will make you remain calm, concentrate and be prepared to offer your best at the time when it matters the most.
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And what, then, will you learn here?”. We’ll cover the most common mistakes on test day, expert-backed test tips, and some dos and don’ts that Indian students must know to succeed. Then you’ll find true stories, practical tips and Gateway International’s proven support strategies.
Why Are GRE Exam Day Mistakes So Critical for Indian Students in 2025?
GRE Exam Day Mistakes Can Ruin Months of Preparation and Hard Work. In 2025, when the GRE is in its new form and when the competition to get admission to graduate school is stiff, Indian students have their own challenges: deadlines are set, an ID has to be brought, and they are put in a high pressure environment. With the recent statistics, more than 90 per cent of the MBA programmes of the world admit GRE scores. It is an entry point to the best universities and scholarships.
- In 2024, the number of Indian students taking the GRE test rose by 15 per cent from the previous year.
- Actually, exam-day mistakes are the most common cause of underperformance on the GRE, especially among first-time test-takers (Jamboree, 2025).
- Students from India are now competing with their peers from across the world for places in the Ivy Leagues, Russell Group and the Russell Group.
If you miss a single instruction, forget your original passport, or let your nerves get the better of you. So it’s important to learn the dos and don’t, tips and tricks and exam strategies.
| Aspect | 2023 GRE | 2025 GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Section Timing | Longer, more breaks | Shorter, tighter pacing |
| AWA Placement | Optional in mocks | Mandatory for stamina |
| ID Requirement | Some centers flexible | Original passport only |
| Test Format | Old pattern | Updated question types |
🎯 Important: GRE Exam Day Mistakes Can Cost Your Dream Admit
GRE exam day mistakes like forgetting your original ID, ignoring the AWA in the mock test, panicking at a tough question, can have an impact on your score and your admission. Stay up-to-date with the 2025 format. Follow expert tips and use Gateway International’s proven exam-prep strategies to avoid these costly mistakes.
What Are the Most Common GRE Exam Day Mistakes Indian Students Make?
Let’s be real — the biggest GRE exam day mistakes don’t come from forgetting a pencil or calculator. They are those little things that prevent you to do your best, and the good thing is that they all can be avoided. And this is what Indian students are most likely to fail in 2025:
- Missing the AWA in training imitates: Changes to premature fatigue and endurance during the exam.
- Carrying e-copies of your passport only: You should bring the original passport, the electronic copies are not accepted.
- Disregarding the new format GRE: Some continue to study with old patterns and fail to recognize new types of questions and time.
- Excessive preparation on strong points, paying no attention to the weak points: Emphasizing on the quant too much and paying no attention to verbal or AWA reduces your total score.
- Practicing untimed: You will not be able to manage the pressure of the real exam without practicing under time.
- Failing to analyze errors: It is not only a waste of practice to do something without understanding the reasons behind its failure.
- Overloading or cramming schedule: Last minute study is more anxiety-inducing and less memorable.
- Time management: The problem with this is related to wasting time in difficult questions, which results in unfinished parts.
- Panic and perfectionism: GRE isn’t a short test; it is adaptive, and some mistakes are ok, but the inability to concentrate on the test due to nervousness is not.
These GRE exam day mistakes can easily be avoided with calm planning, consistent practice, and a clear strategy. Be ready, but not panicked – and follow Gateway International to a successful test day with no mistakes.
How Can You Prepare for the GRE Exam Day in 2025? (Test Tips & Exam Prep)
Look, the best way to avoid GRE exam day mistakes is to treat your GRE preparation like a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s a step-by-step approach to the subject, specially.
- Start with official mock tests: Use ETS Powerprep to get used to the real exam format and timing.
- Always include AWA in your mocks: Build up your mental stamina by practicing the whole test, not just the verbal.
- Simulate test conditions: Take the practice tests at the same time as the real exam, with only the breaks.
- Review every mistake: Keep a record of your mistakes and analyze why you got the questions wrong. Was it knowledge, or timing.
- Balance strengths and weaknesses: If you’re strong in quant, devote more time to verbal and AWA, and vice versa.
- Use adaptive study plans: Reorganize your schedule based on your mock test scores and focus on your weakest.
- Practice time management: You learn to skip the tough questions and guess strategically when necessary.
- Prepare your documents early: At least a week before the test, make sure you have your passport, the confirm letter and all the necessary documents.
- Rest and recharge: In the last week, sleep, a balanced diet and relaxation are the priorities.
Remember, exam preparation isn’t just about knowledge, it’s also about confidence. How can I stay calm and focused with a few test tips and don’ts?
Check Out: SAT Math Tips: Ace the 2025 SAT Math Section
What Are the Do’s and Don’ts for GRE Exam Day? (2025 Edition)
Here’s a quick, actionable, to-do list for Indian students taking the GRE in 2025:
- Do:
- Carry your original passport and your confirmation email – no digital copies.
- Arrive at the examination hall at least forty-five minutes early in order to avoid last-minute commotion.
- Eat a balanced breakfast and drink plenty of liquids. But avoid heavy and unfamiliar foods.
- Before entering the center, one should practice deep breathing.
- Read all the instructions carefully on the digital screen.
- Breaks are a useful thing: stretch, hydrate and refresh.
- If you get stuck, make a strategic guess.
- Don’t:
- Don’t bring e-copies or old IDs. Only originals are accepted.
- On the morning of the exam, don’t study new topics.
- If you make a mistake, don’t panic. The GRE is an adaptive test and one mistake won’t ruin your score.
- Don’t dwell too long on one question, move on, and come back to it.
- Don’t rely on calculators for quant. Do mental calculations for speed.
- Don’t change your answers impulsively, unless you’re sure.
These dos and don’ts are your insurance against the most common exam-day mistakes.
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“Gateway International is not a fraud consultancy because I live in Delhi and Gateway is in Udaipur, so it is hard to trust but their faculty is very genuine and supportive. I finally got my UK Visa with their help and didn’t pay anything for the whole process. Highly recommend!”
How to Manage GRE Exam Day Stress: Test Tips for Indian Students
GRE exam day mistakes often come from stress and anxiety. Students in India can stay calm and focus on their.
- Reframe anxiety as excitement: I’m prepared and ready.” This mental attitude increases confidence.
- Use breathing techniques: What is the 4-7-8 method (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) or the box breathing method.
- Visualize success: Imagine yourself entering the examination hall calmly and answering questions clearly.
- Carry a grounding object: A lucky coin or a bracelet can remind you to stay calm.
- Arrive early and control your environment: Familiarity reduces the last-minute.
- Take breaks seriously: Use them to stretch, hydrate and refresh your mind.
The GRE is as much a test of composure as of knowledge. Practicing these test tips during exam prep will make them second nature when the big day comes.
Check Out: What to Expect from SAT Test Centers in 2025
Challenges & Benefits of GRE Exam Day: A Balanced Perspective
In 2025, Indian students will face the GRE. It will be both a challenge and It helps you prepare better and take advantage of every advantage.
Key Benefits
- GRE scores are accepted by top universities in the U. S. UK, Canada, and many other countries.
- High scores can unlock merit-based scholarships, reducing your financial burden.
- Many MBA and science programs now accept the GRE, giving you more choice.
- Personal development: the process builds resilience, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Gateway International helps you to you know, take advantage of these advantages through our unique test preparation services, scholarship guidance and university.
Common Challenges
- Strictly adhere to the requirements for documentation. Forgetting your original passport or your confirmation email can.
- Test Anxiety: High stakes and pressure can lead to panic and mistakes.
- Not keeping up with the GRE format can hurt your performance.
- Balance your strengths and weaknesses. Concentrating too much on one section can drag down your composite.
- Financial strain: Application fees, lessons, travel add up quickly.
Gateway International’s expert counselors, free SOP generator, and end-to-end support ensure that you avoid these pitfalls and stay focused on your goals.
Riya Zainab
“I had the best agent and team guiding me every step of the way from shortlisting universities to submitting applications and securing my visa. They were incredibly hands-on throughout the process, especially Divya Israni, who went above and beyond to help me get into my first-choice university. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and amazing team!”
| Challenge | Gateway Solution |
|---|---|
| Test anxiety and stress | Personalized counseling, mock interviews, and stress management workshops |
| Documentation errors | Comprehensive document checklists, reminders, and expert review |
| Updated GRE format confusion | Latest test tips, format updates, and adaptive study plans |
| Financial stress | Scholarship guidance, loan support, and fee waivers for eligible students |
How Gateway International Helps You Avoid GRE Exam Day Mistakes
Gateway has helped over 50,000 Indian students in their study abroad journey. With a track record of 17 years of excellence, Gateway has helped thousands Here’s how we help you avoid the most common GRE test-day mistakes and maximize your chances.
Step-by-Step Consultancy Support
- Profile Evaluation & Personalization: We assess your academic background, career goals, and GRE readiness to create a tailored preparation plan.
- Country & Course Selection: We help you choose the best-fit universities and programmes, considering your GRE score and aspirations.
- Application & Visa Guidance: We provide you with a detailed check list, document review and mock interviews to ensure you are prepared.
- Scholarship & Funding Support: Get access to exclusive scholarships, loans and fee waivers for Indian students.
- Pre-Departure Assistance: From your accommodation to your travel, we make your transition.
- Post-Arrival Support: We’ve a network of support to help you even after you land.
Success Story Spotlight: From GRE Anxiety to Ivy League Admit
Deepak Kumar was a GRE exam-day failure. With the help of Gateway International’s expert advice, individualized preparation materials, and mock interviews, he not only improved his score but also won a scholarship of £ 5,000 and a UK visa in just eight days. Our ivy league exam preparation and visa assistance turned his dream into a reality.
Deepak Kumar
“With their help, I was able to secure a scholarship of £5000, which significantly reduced my tuition burden. My UK student visa was approved within just 8 days, all thanks to their timely and professional assistance. The overall experience with Gateway International was smooth and stress-free.”
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What documents must I carry for the GRE exam day as an Indian student?
A valid passport (no photocopies, no expired documents), a GRE confirmation email or printout, and any allowed stationery. Without the original passport you won’t be allowed to enter the examination hall.
Q2: Should I skip the AWA section during my GRE practice tests?
No, always include the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) in your mocks. If you miss this, you’ll be tired out and your performance will suffer on the day.
Q3: How early should I arrive at the GRE test center?
At least 45 minutes before the scheduled time. This allows for check-in, ID verification and settling your nerves before the test begins.
Q4: What should I do if I get stuck on a tough question during the GRE?
Don’t be too long there, don’t panic.”. Make a guess, mark it for review if time permits, and move on. The GRE is an adaptive test, and a few mistakes won’t ruin your.
Q5: Can I bring snacks or water into the GRE test room?
No, but you can get food and water during the breaks. Use these breaks to charge up and refocus.
Q6: What are the biggest GRE exam day mistakes to avoid in 2025?
Forgetting the original passport, not writing the AWA in mocks, not knowing the new format of the test, and being overly anxious are the most common mistakes. Follow the dos and don’ts, and avoid them with expert test tips.
Q7: How does Gateway International help with GRE exam prep and admissions?
Gateway International offers you a one-on-one counselling, mock interviews, document check-lists, scholarship guidance, end-to-end support, from GRE preparation to visa filing, to ensure that you avoid common mistakes and have the best chance.
Conclusion
On test day, mistakes aren’t just minor slip-ups. They can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection, between a scholarship and a missed opportunity. In 2025, Indian students will have to be aware of the latest test tips, exam preparation strategies and do’s and don’ts to succeed. With the guidance in this definitive guide. With the support of Gateway International staff and confidence, you can turn the day of the GRE exam into a launch pad for your preparation.
Remember, Gateway International is your trusted partner at every step – from GRE preparation to visa application and beyond. Stay calm and let your hard work shine.
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About the Author
Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway InternationalBTech, MBA, Study Abroad Consultant, AI-in-Business Specialist
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With 17+ years of experience and 50,000+ successful placements, Abhinav Jain leads Gateway International’s mission to empower Indian students for global success. His vision: to make every student’s study abroad dream a reality with expert guidance, integrity, and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common mistakes include ignoring the AWA section in mocks, only having e-copies of your passport, not knowing the updated GRE format, and mismanaging test anxiety.
You should aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before your exam to allow for check-in, ID verification, and calming nerves.
No, but you can access food and drinks during scheduled breaks.
You must bring your original passport and the GRE confirmation email or printout. Copies are not accepted.
Practicing with official mock tests helps simulate test conditions, manage time effectively, and adapt to the test's difficulty and pacing.
Gateway International provides personalized study plans, expert tips, practice tests, and detailed performance analysis to help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your score.
Effective strategies include using breathing techniques, visualizing success, reframing anxiety as excitement, and taking practice exams under timed conditions.
