I was diagnosed post college w/ type 1 and now I’m starting to think about grad school, especially the GRE. I know that you are supposed to go into the room w/ a pencil and nothing else. Do I need to get some form from my endo or something so I can bring in my meter and juice? What happens if I have a low during the test? I haven’t registered or even decided exactly when I’m going to take the GRE. Everything I saw on their website was that your university will have your old paper work for any accommodations so just call them. Well, I was healthy in college.
Thanks in advance!
An note from your Endo should be sufficient, you can also contact them in advanced to let them know about your situation. I don’t think you should have any problem. They understand it’s for medical reasons, there are always exceptions to every rule 
I already took the GRE, and didn’t have a problem at all. I called them first to ask if it was going to be a problem and they said it shouldn’t be…and it wasn’t. You keep your personal belongings locked in a drawer and if you need them during a break they unlock it for you. You can ask for a break anytime you want. I am sure that there is no need to make a big scene about it and get notes from your dr or the ADA.
After an incident about a girl being given crap for having an insulin pump around here, I took no chances and went through the official channels, which was a pain in the ■■■. I was granted the right to extra breaks, which I didn’t use.
When I got to the test, the proctor was like “hey, I’m type 2. Do what ever you need to do when you need to do it.” So I probably would have been fine with just a note, but after reading about the girl being harassed about her pump, I’m glad I took no chances.
We are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act to carry our medical supplies with us at any time. You shouldn’t even need a Dr.'s note to bring what you need with you.
You should know what your rights are. This is a great website: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/know-your-rights/discrimination/
When I took the SAT, I just showed up and told the test administrator dude I had diabetes, that I needed my medical supplies with me, and that if he had a problem with it, HE could call my doctor. Later, I read in the SAT manual that they’re legally obligated to accommodate diabetics. The same MUST be true for the GRE, and if not, that needs to change in a fast way!
The girl who was harassed for her pump was discriminated against and could have filed a lawsuit.
Yeah, I had to go take the MPRE (model rules of professional responsibility) my 3rd year of law school and I realized the day before they wanted people to apply for accommodations ahead of time. I was almost in tears. My friends assured me they would have to be out of their mind to hold me to the pencil only rule as a diabetic. Sure enough, I get there and ask about my kit and snack and the proctor was more than happy to accommodate me.
Victoria,
I am writing a book about women with diabetes and am working on a chapter about managing adolescence and school…can I quote you on this or interview you about your experience?
Thanks so much,
Amy