GRE Prep Courses

RNBEAUTY2003:

- I plucked down the US$1000 for Kaplan' s 10 week GRE prep course.

- Our group met twice per week for 3 hours each night - for 10 weeks.

- Definitely helped me get focused on the task at hand. Lots of good advice for the math section. Back then, 1997, there was a "puzzle" section on the exam. I guess this has been replaced with a writing section.

- Expensive, yes -- but I definitely feel that it kept me focused and helped with the mental preparation ("psycking up" if you will).

- Score was good enough to get into into Lehigh University's - MS Comp Sci program.

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- Let us know how things work out.

John Coxey
Evansville, Indiana

I recently finished Princeton Review's GRE online review, it costs $400! Was it worth it? NO! There was nothing in the review that you couldn't find in any of the GRE review books, and they are only $10 -$35 apiece. It was just material for Princeton Review's books put into an animated format with stupid cartoons that added nothing to understanding the actual material.

In fact, I really hated Princeton's approach to Algebra in its math review, it consisted of telling you plug in each of the possible answers to determine the best one. This may be the best approach if you have never taken Algebra or any higher math class, but you probably shouldn't plan on going to graduate school. This part consisted of approximately 20% of the entire review material. I resorted to other review books for a quick Algebra review.

The rest of the review material was better, but there are many books that do a much better job of presenting the material at a fraction of the cost.

My recommendation is buying review books, and buying some practice tests in the CAT format so you get used to taking the test. You will figure out the testing techniques within a few study hours, and the rest is reviewing math and vocabulary to improve your score.

Has anybody used the Kaplan GRE exam 2004 book? If so, would you recommend it and do you feel it significantly helped boost your score? How does it compare to other prep guides?

I checked out the book from the library. The library book was a bit outdated, so I bith a Barron's mini-book - updates to the GRE for $8.95. I downloaded the GRE prep software from the GRE site. I studied two weeks prior to my test date.

I scored 580 Verbal, 580 Quantitative and 4.5 out of 6 on Analytical Writing.

So no, I feel test prep courses are a waste of money.

TopCat

I bought Princeton's Review Book, Kaplan's, and couple of other books. I thought they were almost the same material with different problems. You need one test book Princeton, Kaplan, etc. that you learn simple CAT testing techniques, other testing books for learning vocabulary and math that is not covered in the test books, and either the ONLINE CAT tests or GRE Test Book to practice taking GRE tests. I would recommend the online CAT tests that you can purchase from Princeton or Kaplan, because they are in the exact format of the tests that you will take.

I bought the Kaplan online review course for over 600 buckaroos! I was gonna take the GRE, then got interviewed by a school that didn't require it, since I already have my MSN...got accepted. Now i'm stuck with a 600 dollar bill for something that I shoulda have waited on until after my school interview.

Anyway...I heard good things about the Kaplan review system...that's why I bought (but never used) it.

I am a Spanish speaking nurse, or English is my second language. I took the Kaplan review, and their books, $1,000. I helped me a lot, I just got accepted to CRNA school. So, all depends on how much help you feel you need. At least get the CAT review from Kaplan, it will help you

I went with Kaplan. Remeber one thing your are investing in your future $100-1000 may seem like a lot to invest one one test. But remember it is an investment on your future. If it take one extra year to get into CRNA school directly related to GRE score you've just lost 1 year of earning potential and retirement. Good luck!

hi im new here and ive read your post.. i was very inspired with how you help our fellow RNs especially those who still have many questions needed to be answered.. do you mind if i solicit for advise?.. im planning to also take up CRNA next year.. im in las vegas right now, and i need to move to southern cali because the nearest university that offers CRNA here is USC.. i took my undergrad in the philippines, and im wondering if il get accepted in USC.. what books did you use for the GRE preparation?.. can you give me some advise?.. are you working full time now while taking masters in nurse anesthesia? thanks very much.. i salute you, good luck to your studies..