Do I get scratch paper on the exam?

This is a very common question! Thankfully, the answer is yes.

If you are taking the GRE At Home test, you will not be allowed to use regular paper, and instead will have to follow the ETS guidelines for acceptable scratch paper material for notetaking. We have a blog post on this, and you can also read what the ETS has written:

• You may use one of the following:
  • One small desktop white board with erasable marker
  • One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with an erasable marker. Pencils and pens are not permitted.
• At the end of the test, you will need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.

If you are taking the GRE at a Test Center location, you will get unlimited scratch paper on Test Day. We have a blog post about this, but you can read about it on ETS' site here as well!

Here's the excerpt from ETS' link above that clarifies scratch paper usage:

The test administrator will provide you with scratch paper for use during the test. Scratch paper is not to be used before the test or during breaks. All paper, in its entirety, must be returned to the test center administrator at the end of the testing session. If you are observed using any document or paper other than the scratch paper given to you by test center staff, it will be confiscated. You may not bring your own paper and you may not remove any paper from the testing room at any time, or write on anything other than the paper provided (e.g., computer or workstation).

Other items that you're allowed to use and should bring with you on test day include:

• 3-5 sharpened #2 pencils: the test center does not provide these in many cases so your safest bet is to bring your own
• A snack for your breaks
• Something to drink on your breaks
• Photo ID 
• Your test confirmation number