Short answer: no. You may not bring your own notes, cheat sheets, formula sheets, flashcards, or any written study materials into the GRE. Test-day scratch work must be done on the writing surfaces provided by ETS at the test center or on the on-screen whiteboard for at-home testing. Personal papers and other written or electronic notes are prohibited and may lead to dismissal or score cancellation.
Why personal notes are not allowed
The GRE is a standardized, secure exam. Allowing candidates to bring private notes would create an unfair advantage and increase the risk of disclosure of test content. ETS sets clear rules to preserve test integrity. That means only the scratch materials supplied or authorized by ETS may be used during test sections.
What ETS provides during testing
Computer-delivered (test center)
When you take the GRE General Test at a test center, ETS supplies approved scratch materials. Typically the test center provides laminated erasable noteboards and dry-erase markers or similar reusable writing surfaces. These materials are the only permitted scratch work for the duration of the test.
At-home (remote proctored)
For the GRE at home, ETS provides a built-in on-screen whiteboard tool. You must use that tool for scratch work. Physical paper, sticky notes, whiteboards, or other personal writing surfaces are not allowed in your testing area.
Paper-delivered administrations
Some institutions or locations may use paper-delivered GRE Subject Tests or paper-based versions. In those cases, ETS or the proctor supplies approved scratch paper and pencils. Personal notes remain prohibited.
Specific items you cannot bring
The list below summarizes the most important prohibited items related to notes and study aids. This is not an exhaustive inventory of all banned items; check official ETS policies for the full list.
- Handwritten or printed notes. Any paper, index cards, flashcards, or bound/loose materials with writing.
- Electronic notes. Photos of notes, files on a phone, tablet, or laptop, and notes stored on wearable devices.
- Study guides and reference books. Textbooks, formula sheets, dictionaries, or other printed references.
- Personal whiteboards or notepads. Small dry-erase boards, memo pads, sticky notes, or similar items brought from home.
- Smartwatches and other smart devices. These can store notes or be used to communicate and are therefore not allowed.
What you may bring and keep on you
Although notes are disallowed, you can bring other permitted items. Typical allowed items include:
- Valid identification required by ETS.
- Appointment confirmation or other documentation the test center requires.
- Certain medical items such as prescription medications. Inform the test center staff and follow their directions about handling and storage.
- Clothing such as a sweater. You may be asked to store outerwear in a locker.
All other personal items, including phones, watches, and study materials, must be stored as directed by the test center or proctor.
How ETS handles scratch work
ETS procedures vary slightly by delivery mode, but common elements include the following.
- Test-center scratch materials are issued at check-in and collected at the end of the test for reuse or destruction. Candidates may not remove scratch materials from the testing room.
- For at-home testing, the on-screen whiteboard content may be subject to proctor review. You must clear the digital whiteboard when required.
- If a proctor suspects unauthorized materials or notes, they may inspect, seize, or require destruction of the material, and ETS may cancel scores or refer the incident for further action.
Practical test-day strategies without personal notes
Because personal notes are not permitted, plan your prep and test-day strategy accordingly. Here are actionable practices that help you compensate for the lack of a formula sheet or personal reminders.
Memorize essential formulas and facts
- Create a concise study sheet during preparation, then practice until the facts are memorized. Focus on high-yield formulas for algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Use spaced repetition apps or flashcards in the weeks before the test to lock key formulas into long-term memory.
Practice using the provided scratch surfaces
- Simulate test conditions when you study. Use a dry-erase board or the on-screen whiteboard in practice sessions to develop a concise handwriting and layout style.
- Practice efficient space management, like reserving the top line for formulas, the left side for calculations, and the right side for final answers.
Develop shorthand and structured outlines
- Create short abbreviations for common operations and use consistent labels for variables so your scratch work stays readable under time pressure.
- For Analytical Writing, practice producing 2- to 3-sentence outlines quickly on scratch material to organize ideas before you type.
Use mental checks and quick heuristics
- Train with practice tests to recognize when to estimate, eliminate unlikely answers, or reframe a question to simpler numbers.
- Memorize common numeric patterns and multiplication tables that reduce reliance on written aids.
Common misunderstandings
“I can keep notes in my head and briefly jot them down”
Mental notes are fine, but transferring those thoughts to a personal piece of paper that you brought is not allowed. Use only the ETS-provided surfaces for jotting down ideas during the exam.
“My calculator app is just for notes”
Personal calculators or apps are not permitted. For the computer-delivered GRE, an on-screen calculator is available. You must use that calculator, not a phone or personal device.
“I can bring a formula sheet for the Quant section”
No. Any printed or written formula sheet is considered a personal note and is prohibited. Memorize formulas or practice writing them quickly on the provided scratch surface during the test.
What happens if a proctor finds notes
If the proctor finds unauthorized notes or study materials, ETS may follow a range of responses depending on the situation. Typical consequences include immediate test termination, confiscation of materials, score cancellation, or a report to ETS security for further review. These measures are serious and can affect admissions, so avoid bringing any unauthorized materials.
At-home testing checks and workspace rules
At-home test security includes workspace scans and continuous proctoring. Some practical points to remember:
- You must show your work area and remove all prohibited items before testing begins.
- Any unauthorized papers or devices visible during the workspace scan must be removed or the test may be canceled.
- During breaks, you may not consult notes or study materials. Remote proctors and monitoring software may review activity during the test session.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a calculator or my own keyboard?
No. ETS provides an on-screen calculator when required. Personal electronic devices including keyboards that might contain information or connect to other devices are not allowed.
Can I bring a formula sheet if I have a documented disability?
Accommodations are handled through ETS Disability Services. If you have a documented disability, submit documentation and an accommodation request well before test day. ETS determines accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and only approved accommodations are permitted. Do not assume you can bring materials without prior written approval from ETS.
What if I need written notes for medical reasons?
If you require special items for medical reasons, such as a notepad for communication needs, request accommodations through ETS Disability Services. Bring only items that are explicitly approved.
Can I write down notes during breaks and bring them back into the test room?
No. You may not consult or bring in any external notes or materials between sections. Scratch work must remain on the ETS-issued surfaces inside the testing environment.
Final thoughts and practical checklist
Do not bring personal notes to the GRE. Rely on ETS-provided scratch materials or the on-screen whiteboard and prepare accordingly. Use the final checklist before test day to avoid problems:
- Memorize essential formulas and facts rather than relying on a sheet.
- Practice with a dry-erase board or the on-screen whiteboard to build speed and neatness.
- Remove all prohibited items from your test-day bag and workspace.
- If you need accommodations, apply to ETS Disability Services well in advance and follow their instructions.
- Verify the latest allowed and prohibited items on the official ETS website before your test date.
Following these rules and practicing under test-like conditions will minimize surprises and help you use the allowed scratch materials efficiently during the GRE.
