GRE Prep Suggestions

Mossback · Feb 25, 2009

I used the Kaplan Premier Program, which consists of a book and CD (Amazon has it for about $25). I felt it adequately prepared me for the GRE. The math section of the book and CD were particularly good. However, it should be mentioned that I've taken three semesters of college math in the last couple of years. You mention that it has been a long time since you last sat in a math classroom. Unless your memory is far better than mine you should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in reviewing the material in the book.

Be advised that the GRE is a very challenging test. Unlike many other standardized exams, the GRE is what is termed a "computer adaptive test." It "rewards" each correct answer with a tougher question. Correctly answering the difficult questions nets more points than giving the right answers to the simpler questions. If you're adept at a particular subject you can quickly roll up a high score, but choking on more than a few of the tougher questions, particularly early in the test, will yield results that are mediocre at best

At the risk of sounding like a total prophet of doom, I have one more caveat. Make sure you understand how multiple attempts at the GRE will evaluated by the college(s) in which you're interested. Some schools will use only the highest score, others average multiple scores, and some look at all attempts. If you're planning to apply to a school that considers all your scores or averages the results from multiple tests, you should redouble your preparation efforts so that the first attempt produces the scores you need.

Despite all the warnings, please understand that it's entirely possible to do quite well on the GRE. Just make sure you're thoroughly prepared.

Good luck!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Feb 26, 2009

I'm getting ready to graduate this May with my ADN and I'm going to start on my BSN right away.
It's has been YEARS since I have had any higher level math.
I don't want to waste money taking these classes over again for a GRE.
Can anyone recommend a prep course (live, online, book), that may help? Anyone else in the same situation?

Does your prospective BSN program require the GRE for entry? This exam is used mostly for grad programs (MSN or above).

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 27, 2009

I've took the GRE several times in my 'student days' as I had more than 5 years between my Masters and PHD. I did not have any classes in math since 11th grade in HS.

There are a number of preparation guides/books on the market. Buy one with a DVD/CD that will provide you with many sample tests. Take 1 sample test "cold" without much preparation, and use it as a diagnostic examination to see what you can do now, and what you need to review. Set up a 'study plan' to address those weaknesses. Take another diagnostic test after 4-6 weeks of your studying and see how you do. Adapt your study plan if needed.

Schedule the test when you think you are ready, and go for a 'real' test.

When I took the GRE for my PHD program, I over-compensated. I used a LSAT book to prepare for the verbal part (tougher vocab/analogies, tougher reading passages), and a GMAT book for the quantitative. So when I encountered the GRE, both the verbal and quant parts were easier than the LSAT/GMAT material I was preparing and I aced it (getting 700+ scores in verbal, quant and the old analytic sections). I was aiming for a full-ride scholarship at a top university so I needed strong scores.

In conclusion, ask around to schools and see what scores will make you competitive for admissions (and if higher scores would get you merit scholarships). Set that as a target, and create your own plan to get there. It may take some time (I often recommend folks set aside two 3-hour periods per week to focus on test prep if they need the take the GRE), and to work at this for 2-3 months. Most see good outcomes from their focused self-study.

Perparing for the GRE is not that different than dieting for a wedding, or working out to build lean muscle mass. It is not going to happen in 1 day. But you can make strides over a few weeks/months if you have a plan and keep to it.

Barkley36 · Mar 9, 2009

Hi,

I found several books and CD's helpful - especially those produced by the Princeton Review people. Once I was prepped I made it a requirement for myself to take a practice GRE via CD or on the internet at least once a week. This made me very comfortable with the requirements of the exam - time allotments, not using the bathroom during the exam, not having access to a calculator, etc. I approached the GRE as just another hoop to jump through (it's really just a game) in order to be able to apply to the entry level masters programs I had in mind. I also found a "cheap" (well, cheap compared to many large prep companies) GRE prep course through a women's group at the University of Washington. I had to devote several Saturdays to attending classes, but found the teacher and his prep methods very inciteful. In addition, I think learning to control stress before and during the exam is important. Find out what works for you- deep breathing, meditation, ect. These skills will also help you later in nursing school.

Also be aware when you take the GRE that you may be given special extra sections (in either math or verbal) that don't count. Unfortunatly, you won't be aware of it at the time. My first section after the required 2 writing sections was a "fake" math section. I could hardly answer any of the questions confidently and just about started to cry - I knew I had blown the exam! Then came a verbal section - I was rattled, but did ok. I was just about ready to leave when the computer told me that there was another math section to take. This time it was the math I had studied for and I did fine. My scores weren't fantastic, but were a bit higher than average.

Incidently, I just got accepted to both entry level MSN schools that I applied to and will have to make a decision shortly about which one to attend. I should also mention that I am 54 years old and it has been 30 years since I took a math course (not counting a recent statistics course). If I can study for the GRE and do ok, so can you!

Cheers and good luck!