The analytical writing section of the GRE exam requires test takers to handwrite two essay responses. Some test centers now offer the option to type essay responses using a laptop instead of writing by hand. This article will explore the benefits and considerations of typing versus handwriting the GRE essay portion.
Typing Versus Handwriting
One of the major factors to consider when choosing whether to type or handwrite the GRE essay responses is speed and comfort level. For many test takers, typing is faster than handwriting due to years of experience using computers and keyboards. Typing allows thoughts and ideas to flow more freely without worry over penmanship or running out of space on the page. Others feel more confident expressing their ideas through the process of handwriting. Handwriting may actually help some students better organize and structure their thoughts in a linear fashion.
Another important factor is legibility. Typed responses will be neatly formatted and easily readable by GRE essay graders. In contrast, graduate admissions committees routinely complain about not being able to read handwritten personal statements or essays due to poor penmanship. Even neatly printed handwriting can be difficult for graders to parse if it is small or cramped on the page. Legibility is essential to ensuring graders can properly assess the content of the response without distraction.
Physical Considerations
From a physical standpoint, typing is less strenuous on the hands and wrists than continuous handwriting. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries are reduced risks for those who choose to type. Sitting hunched over a laptop for extended periods of time can also create physical strain or discomfort for some. Test takers should consider whether they prefer sitting at a desk or working on a lap or surface while writing to determine their level of comfort.
Laptops also present physical portability challenges. The GRE is an in-person exam administered at designated test centers. Students must bring their approved laptop, power cord, any other approved accessories, and testing paperwork with them to the testing facility, along with acceptable photo identification. This requires more physical preparation and luggage compared to simply showing up with pencils or pens in hand for the handwritten option. Luggage is also subject to search by test center staff for security purposes.
Testing Facility Considerations
Not all GRE test centers offer the laptop option for essay responses due to physical space or equipment limitations. Students must carefully review the test center capabilities and pre-register for the laptop accommodation if allowed. Even if permitted, a student may end up taking the exam at an alternate, laptop-enabled location further from their home if no seats are available on their preferred test date at a center with laptop testing. This could result in increased travel time and expenses.
Additionally, seating may be more limited at centers with the laptop option due to fewer dedicated laptop testing workstations compared to traditional paper testing tables and carrels. A student may have less flexibility or choice over testing room assignment and seated neighbors if space is constrained. Noise disruption from nearby typists is also a consideration compared to the relative quiet of handwriting. Proper use of headphones or earplugs can help address this.
Practice Effects
Many experts advise that GRE essay test takers practice both approaches—writing sample essay responses by hand as well as on a computer—in advance in order to gain experience with the two formats and determine which better suits their preferred expression. Practicing under timed conditions at designated practice test centers is ideal for becoming comfortable with real exam day circumstances as well. Simply switching formats during the actual test without prior experience of both may put students at a disadvantage.
Stated Preferences of Grad Schools
Individual graduate program preferences regarding preferring handwritten versus typed GRE essays vary. Some highly ranked and competitive programs express no preference and simply want to see high quality analysis, reasoning and writing ability demonstrated however it is conveyed. Other schools may still hold implicit biases that handwritten responses demonstrate more focus, discipline and effort despite research showing typing can also communicate mastery of concepts and expression clearly. Students must research destination program values and guidelines on supplement materials like personal statements versus relying only on GRE guidelines. Overall application strength matters far more.
Testing Accommodations
Students with approved GRE accommodations from the Educational Testing Service for documented disabilities may necessarily require the laptop option for the essays due to specific needs. These could include motor disabilities impairing writing speed or legibility, vision impairments, dysgraphia, or cognitive processing conditions like dyslexia. The laptop may help “level the playing field” versus the standard testing configuration for such examinees. Accommodations do not provide an unfair advantage but rather equalize access considering individual limitations. Proper medical documentation supports fairness and nondiscrimination.
Conclusions
There are good arguments that the laptop option could benefit GRE test takers both in terms of speed, comfort and physical limitations. Test center availability and practice effects need careful consideration too. Each student must weigh these factors based on individual needs, strengths and graduate program research versus any preconceived notions. At its heart, the GRE essay section evaluates ability to think critically and communicate graduate level thoughts systematically. Choosing the approach that best facilitates demonstration of those skills will suit purposes regardless of format used. Overall application competitiveness depends much more on demonstrated suitability for advanced scholarship through experiences, recommendations and more than delivery mechanism alone.
Andrew Stroud