GRE for grad school

leenak · May 24, 2011

If you are going to take the GRE, I highly suggest you take it before August 1st, when it changes over to a new format. Even though only a couple backup schools require it, I plan to take it. I don't think you need months and months of studying but study for a few weeks, get a feel for the test, review the math stuff, see if you can increase your vocabulary a bit and then just do it. I bought a Kaplan GRE book for $20, it looks pretty good.

sourapril · May 24, 2011

No need to take Kaplan. If you are disciplined, you can study by yourself. It doesn't take a genius to study GRE and get a good score. Once you get the pattern you can answer most questions. I would invest at least 3 months, probably 3-4 hours a day, get a good vocabulary book and practice math regularly.

labelle777 · May 24, 2011

I wish I could take the current exam because it looks easier than the new exam format coming up , but between a heavy work schedule and studying, I doubt that I would be ready by then and I don't want to rush to take it and then possibly not do well....

I ordered the Princeton Review 2011,and have been using it a bit, in anticipation of taking the new GRE, but it doesn't even cover many of the anticipated changes to the exam come August 1st, which is confusing.

I'll probably take the current GRE though because there doesnt seem to be enough preparation content out there for this new test

foreverLaur · May 25, 2011

I briefly read about the changes coming and I thought the new exam sounded easier. Am I missing something? Vocab is my weak area and math is my strong area.

dedicatedone · May 25, 2011

I've been focusing my energy on the math portion. It truly is the only portion you can successfully improve in a short amount of time. Vocab on the other is extremely tedious and difficult to memorize, at least that's what I believe. I've been practiciing the math section for a few weeks now and it's all about knowing the little tricks and tips that the study aides let you in on.

I would say take the exam. The more schools you can apply to/have the opportunity to apply to, the better chances of getting into a program. With the number of applicants now a days, no school is a "safe school."

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 25, 2011

I scored extremely well on the GRE (800 English, 750 math). I used mainly Barron's, which is very thorough. They have a dictionary of GRE words which I went through and made flashcards of all the words I didn't know. That was very helpful. Also check out dictionary.com's word of the day -- many of those words are prime for GRE.

I also found this message board that was very helpful:

http://www.urch.com/forums/gre/

They have practice problems, support, advice, etc. etc. If you're aiming for a top top score you need to focus on getting the hardest questions right. Many people taking the GRE are engineers etc. by profession so for them the math is easy. It's hard for a non-math person to get a top score but it's still doable if you practice.

I will also say that while I got in to the grad program of my choice on the strength of my GPA + GRE score, it isn't the be-all-end-all as a nursing student. Some programs don't even require the GRE and others are only looking for a score past a certain threshold and they don't really care if you get a top score or not. I think I wanted to ace it for my own satisfaction more than to improve my chances at getting into grad school.

leenak · May 25, 2011

I briefly read about the changes coming and I thought the new exam sounded easier. Am I missing something? Vocab is my weak area and math is my strong area.

I think looks can be deceiving. I read somewhere that whenever a new test comes out, the average score drops. The benefit of taking the old test first is if you don't do well, you can take the new one. If you don't do well on the new one then well... no chance at the previous one.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 25, 2011

I would see if the 6th school, the only one requiring GRE, will accept Miller's Analogies or some other test for admission. I would not pay that much for a prep course.

Moogie · May 25, 2011

I can't believe that a prep course for the GRE is $1600! :eek:

I used the Princeton Review as well as Barron's vocabulary and math problems. I didn't study as much for the GRE as I should have because I was taking nine graduate credits at the time. My GRE scores weren't stellar but high enough to help me get into a PhD nursing program at a Big Ten university.

If you can do the MAT instead of the GRE, you would be wise to do so. The MAT was less expensive, less brutal, and actually sort of fun. It tested on one's breadth of knowledge in a variety of areas. I only studied for a about a week and scored in the 99th percentile.

The GRE is expensive and rather brutal. Unless the school that requires it is your number one choice, I think I would focus on getting into one of the other five programs that interest you. BTW, applying to grad schools can be expensive, too. All schools charge application fees, often between $50-75. Additionally, many schools charge for transcripts. I had four transcripts to send in and the costs varied between free to $25. Applying to six graduate schools plus sending in your transcripts plus taking the GRE could cost a hefty chunk of change.

Hope this helps!