GRE Preparation and Study

I used Barrons primarily and also the princeton review book a little......there are also practice tests on the ets website.....

its a good idea to take a practice test and see where you are and then take one after you study to see how much you've improved

I hit vocab really hard....studied 2 months for the verbal (lots of obscure words on the GRE.....must improve your vocab unless you are extremely well read)....1 month math.....prepped a few days for the analytical part(writing)

Also I've been told by anesthetists that schools look more at verbal scores.....some believe a good score is an indication you will perform well on boards

The GRE is a tough test.....however if you work at it......it's a good way to set yourself apart from the crowd.......my 3 months of study was good for a 1340

I was fortunate to have my mom as a resource: She's published and developed several SAT/ACT/GRE test prep materials.

So I took 2 weeks off work and did a crash course with her and 5 books. What I found is that every book has something to offer, individual of the other. I do remember liking the ARCOT and Kaplan books.

Here some key points for you guys:

1) The math is extremely similar to the SAT. Focus on geometry and simple algebrae: 8th-10th grade math.

2) The test writers seems to get kicks on making the answers very easy to deduct to. There is almost always a very simple way to get to the answer. It should be a red flag if you're spending a long time on any question.

3) With that said, the only way to excel at the GRE is to determine your answers FAST...leaving a few precious extra seconds for the ones you can't figure out.

4) Verbal: If you put any effort into this, you'll likely score better than most. It seems that most persons figure they can't develop a dense enough vocabulary in a short time....so take the extra effort where others don't.

5) Analytical: Most programs just look at the GRE score. The analytical displays a subscore, independant of the Math/Verbal. It shows that you can put together cohesive thoughts....but its scoring is not well understood by those in admission panels. Don't blow it off, but don't stress over it too much. Remember: intro paragraph with thesis statement, referencing the upcoming body. Similar conclusion. Simple!

6) Do as many practice tests as you can. It will help with your speed.

A superior GRE score can help prove that you have the aptitude to think and learn quickly. It can really help balance a lackluster GPA. Keep in mind that most graduate programs require a GRE > 1000.

Good luck.

THANK YOU so much for all the very useful information!

2be..

I used Baron's book for the math, I used www.number2.com for vocabulary, and some math review. I studied hard for two months. On the web constantly, at home, at work (when appropriate), on vacation. At least 2 hours a day on GRE prep.

For me it paid off with a 1280.

Just my

Don't sweat the GRE is my advice. If your package is good but your GRE score is low they will still take you. I scored like 910 or something that was close to minimal and never studied for it and still got in to my school. Though in my case my package was supper strong with 7 years ICU etc.. Most schools ask for GRE for handing out scholorships not really for getting in is what I learned.