Taking the GRE
March 2, 2007 (7 comments)
To get into the MBA program here at MSU, you have to take the GRE and get at least an 800 on your cumulative score. This really isn't an overwhelming task, but that doesn't take away the fact that standardized tests can bring about some unwanted emotional stress. For me, I didn't feel any pressure and went in with a clear mind and relaxed fingers. The environment, though, was what got to me, not the test.
The test was held in an old building on campus that has been around most of the time the university was here. I walked in and the smell of greasy chicken smacked me in the face like an angry woman. Every person there had a box of takeout food and was chowing down at their desk, which is a no-no in most places of employment. It was gross, considering I had just ate some greasy food myself.
They put you through every type of security they can think of to ensure you are you, such as taking your picture, recording your test, watching you on camera, and even making you write out this long paragraph stating you will not cheat. A check box isn't sufficient, you must write the whole thing. It's really quite a process, and doesn't add to the excitement of the test at all.
Once I got into the room and sat down, I instantly started sweating. The room was easily 76 degrees fahrenheit and there was absolutely no ventilation. I know they were sitting there watching me on camera, laughing as a dripped with sweat and tried to take a test.
Like I said before, this building is old. It creaks and cracks and shakes with the slightest of moves. What do they do to help reduce the noise of this ancient structure? They put you in the room that is underneath the stinking stairs. People were going up and down the stairs the entire three hours of the test and making all kinds of racket. Rest assured, they are aware of this problem and have provided you with ear muffs to block out the noise. They haven't found a way yet to stop the room from shaking with every step. Maybe moving to another room would fix it.
You can imagine me sitting there, bothered by all this stuff going on. In the midst of the madness, I hear the small sounds of beeps, plops, and ticks. I knew it was a computer, but thought it was maybe for someone's email. During my break, I followed the noise to the woman's office right beside the testing room. She had her speakers up loud and was playing Spider Solitaire like there was no tomorrow. She's a paid MSU employee, and she played that game with the sound up really high for most of the three hours, at least two of them I know. It was annoying to hear the noises, but even more so to know they were from Spider Solitaire.
Continuing with the confusion, during my break, I used the bathroom, where they kept a shopping cart next to the toilet. What would you ever use a shopping cart for in the bathroom?
To make a very long story short, I passed the test. I came out hot, sweaty, and mad. I think they should bump up my score for going through the Eliminator while taking a test that cost me $130.