The analytical writing section of the GRE requires test takers to handwrite two essays within a limited time frame. While handwriting is the default requirement, the GRE now offers the option to type your essays instead. This raises the question – should you type or handwrite your GRE essays? There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods that test takers should consider based on their individual skills and needs.
One major advantage of typing is speed. Most people can type significantly faster than they can handwrite. This allows test takers using a computer to get their ideas down on the page quicker before time runs out. Typing removes the physical barrier of handwriting speed, freeing up test takers to focus fully on composition without worrying as much about the clock. The increased speed of typing means test takers have more time to revise, edit, and improve their essay structure and analysis before submitting. This can lead to higher quality responses.
Speed is especially important given that GRE essay graders have reported essays are sometimes penalized for being overly brief due to poor time management. If handwriting holds a test taker back from fully developing their ideas, typing can help maximize scores by providing extra time for development. Research also shows typing improves the overall length and structural complexity of essays compared to handwriting. Both of these factors have been found to correlate with higher scores from graders.
Typing also introduces some potential disadvantages. The first is familiarity. If a test taker is much more used to handwriting lengthy essays over typing them, they may find themselves distracted or their flow disrupted by the computer interface. Moving between a screen, keyboard, and mouse takes more mental effort than simply writing with a pencil. Unfamiliarity with typing longer texts could negatively impact the quality or organization of a typed response compared to handwriting.
Related to familiarity is typing speed. For many, their handwriting speed exceeds their typing speed, especially for longer texts. While most people type faster than writing, if a test taker’s typing is substantially slower than their normal handwriting pace, it could outweigh the benefits of the computer interface. Slower typing means less time to fully develop responses before the clock runs out compared to handwriting. Test takers need to do practice runs with sample prompts to ensure their typing speed is comfortably faster than writing.
Another potential downside is poor typing form. If a test taker hunt-and-pecks or stretches and strains over the keyboard, it could cause physical discomfort or fatigue that impairs performance over the multi-hour GRE. Sore hands and wrists do not allow for focusing fully on higher-level composition and critical thinking skills. Test takers looking to type should practice proper ergonomic form to avoid physical issues hindering their ability to perform at their best.
A final consideration is over-reliance on keyboard autofill, autocorrect, or mouse clicks slowing progress. While word processing features expedite writing, on a high-stakes standardized test unfamiliar text boxes, preview panes, or other interface elements could confuse or disrupt a test taker’s workflow if they rely too heavily on technological aids rather than composing in their own words. Failing to properly proofread an autocorrect error in a response read for analytical merit rather than simple spelling would not fair well for scores. Practicing composing in basic text editors without interactive features helps prepare for the textbox environment.
Overall, whether a test taker should type or handwrite depends on weighing these pros and cons based on their unique skills, stamina, typing speed, and familiarity with long-form composition via keyboard versus pencil. It is always recommended to try significant practice essays with both methods to determine which allows consistent generation of the best possible 50-minute responses. Factors like test date availability may also influence the decision, as only a limited number of GRE test centers currently offer the typing option on any given day. With thorough preparation and practice using both methods, test takers can identify their optimal testing approach to earn the highest analytical writing scores possible.
For many test takers, typing provides real benefits to maximizing scores by freeing up valuable time that can be devoted to in-depth analysis, well-structured arguments, and overall response development versus handwriting logistics. Typing is not always uniformly superior and its advantages depend on individual proficiency levels that need evaluating. Either method can succeed based on how well a test taker adapts to the inherent mediums’ different capabilities and constraints with extensive preparation. Ultimately, it is up to the individual test taker to determine if typing fits their skills and testing needs after sufficient practice comparisons. With methodical practice using both options, test takers position themselves to demonstrate the fullest extent of their analytical writing talents on GRE test day regardless of input method.