Introduction
The analytical writing section of the GRE exam requires test takers to handwrite two essays within a limited time frame. While handwriting essays is a standardized test-taking skill, some test prep experts argue that typing essays allows for a more efficient writing process. This article will compare handwriting versus typing essays for the GRE and provide an in-depth analysis on using a laptop to type GRE essays.
Laptop Accommodations for the GRE
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, allows test takers to request the use of a laptop as an accommodation for a disability. To use a laptop on test day, a student must submit documentation of their disability or medical condition to ETS at least six weeks before their test date. ETS only approves laptop accommodations for certain physical or learning disabilities that significantly impair a test taker’s ability to handwrite, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dysgraphia, etc. Simply preferring to type is generally not considered a valid reason for a laptop accommodation by ETS.
Speed and Legibility of Handwriting vs. Typing
One of the main advantages of typing GRE essays cited by test prep professionals is speed. Most adult handwriters can write anywhere from 2-5 words per minute, whereas an average typist can type around 30-40 words per minute on a keyboard. The time limit for each GRE analytical writing task is only 30 minutes. Being able to generate written work at a much faster pace allows typing test takers to fully develop their ideas without rushing. The ability to quickly edit and rework sentences through backspacing and deleting while typing is also much more seamless than scratching out whole handwritten lines.
Legibility is another factor that favors typing. Graders have only a short period of time to read, comprehend, and score hundreds or thousands of essays for each GRE exam administration. Poor handwriting that is difficult to decipher could potentially cost points if a grader struggles to understand a test taker’s argument or analysis due to illegibility. Typing produces writing that is neatly formatted and easy to read on the screen. Overall speed and legibility give laptop users an advantage in communicating their ideas clearly within the tight 30-minute time constraints.
Outlining and Organization
Some research even suggests that outlining on a laptop prior to writing the full essay can lead to better organization and greater breadth/depth of analysis compared to handwriting. Typing allows test takers to quickly draft and delete preliminary topic sentences, write an outline form, and rearrange or flesh out different parts of their developing response before launching into the final essay draft. Limited handwriting space makes sophisticated outlining much more cumbersome to do directly on the booklet pages. According to researchers, typing draft outlines allows writers to view the entire organizational structure at once in order to strategically link and support different points throughout the essay.
Typing Skills and Test Day Logistics
While typing provides certain advantages over handwriting, it’s important to note that typing skills and speed still vary among individuals. Some test takers may feel more comfortable conveying their thoughts through handwriting and choose not to use a laptop, even if approved. It’s also essential for laptop users to be proficient typists without having to constantly pause to hunt and peck for keys. Practice typing under timed conditions well before test day is necessary.
Laptop users should also bring a power cord as most testing centers have limited outlets, familiarize themselves with typing on small laptop keyboards versus full-size ones, and notify ETS and their local test center in advance that they will need a laptop station. Test day logistics like spacing between work stations, computer compatibility with the testing software, and invigilator monitoring of screens all need to be taken into consideration by those hoping to gain the benefits of typing their GRE essays.
Criticisms of Laptop Use on the GRE
While laptop accommodations seek to level the playing field for those with disabilities, there remains some controversy around their use by the general test-taking population for preference alone. Critics argue it provides an unfair edge for a standardized exam intended to gauge handwriting composition skills under pressure. ETS research has found no significant difference in essay scores between laptop and handwritten responses. Other skeptics question whether having easy edit capabilities on a computer could encourage endless reworking versus properly organizing and responding within the strict time constraints.
Despite reservations, most experts agree the advantages of speed and clarity outweigh concerns if the test taker is a proficient typist. As long as students practice composing and revising within 30-minute timed writing sessions, laptops allow for a more efficient demonstration of analytical thinking and communication compared to handwriting. Ultimately, those hoping to use a laptop need to weigh the potential pros versus cons and practice extensively to make the most of computer use on test day.
Conclusion
GRE examinees looking for every possible edge should strongly consider requesting a laptop accommodation after thoroughly assessing their individual typing ability and comfort level. With early application and practice typing full essays under timed conditions, those approved to use a laptop can gain significant benefits in speed, legibility and outlining compared to handwriting responses. While handwriting remains a standardized testing necessity for some, typing allows other test takers a better opportunity to fully develop high-scoring analytical GRE essays within the confines of the strict 30-minute limit. On balance, most experts agree the efficiency and clarity gains generally outweigh criticisms if the test taker types proficiently. Ultimately, the decision depends on an individual assessment of skills, needs and preparation.
Andrew Stroud