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[unnamed]

I did a search and couldn't find discussion of this question in previous threads; my apologies if I'm adding to the threads rehashing stock-standard questions.

In the Isles at the Bottom of the World, where I live, the only option for taking the GRE is the paper version on a handful of dates through the year.  The nearest Giant Land Mass has the computer version available.  Having lived and worked in a city in Giant Land Mass, I have freinds there and would not be averse to taking a trip over.

I would assume that the overall outcome has some fancy statistics done so that scores from the computer and paper tests are comparable.  At an individual level though, I'm sure some people would perform better in one format than the other.  I'd lean towards the computer test myself, if only to avoid that seizing up of the writing hand.  But my concern is the inability to go back and change an answer in the computer version.  Though, they say that those of us who lack Y chromosomes often change right answers to wrong answers, so maybe this is a good thing.

Just wondering if anyone has strong feelings one way or the other?  Re-reading this, it does seem to be a somewhat frivolous issue, but it is a nice form of procrastiantion in that it is related to something I should be spending my time one, i.e. preparing for applications.

[asteria]

I took the computer adapted exam, primarily because it is the easiest way to take it   here in the states. I didn't have a problem with changing answers because I practiced taking the exam on the computer, and learned how to get the answers the first time.

Other than that, I think the best thing about the computer based exam is that you get your verbal and quantitative scores instantly, which means you can immediately evaluate your performance on the exam and more easily determine what went wrong, if anything, or if you need to start studying again, and how.

[margarete]

I agree with theideaofa: if you take the computer-based version, make sure you practice on a computer first.  I had never taken a test on a computer before and found it very disconcerting.  You don't want to have to deal with that unfamiliarity.

I know the math section of the computer-based GRE works differently than the paper test, but I'm not sure if there's a compelling argument for one or the other.  When you get an easy question right, the computer exam gives you a harder one next, when you get a question wrong you get an easier one next.  So if you often make mistakes on easy questions you will do very badly, since you will never get to harder questions (this was a strategy for me--be really careful early on in the section).  I know that's vague, but I'm not in math. :)  But if you are in a field requiring math (or are just good at math), the math section will probably feel like a joke to you whichever version you take.

And, yeah, getting your scores for two of the three sections right afterwards is nice.  I did well enough to only have to take the thing once, so it was a giant relief.

[scheherazade]

The best way to practice the computer-based version is to use the PowerPrep software from ETS.  They say they'll send you a practice CD-ROM when you sign up, but don't expect it to show up in the mail this millennium.  Instead, download it from the ETS website.  It's set up exactly like the actual GRE and has a couple practice tests and several skill practice sections.