GRE preparation

tony55! · Jul 5, 2013

I took the GRE last Feb. I did not do as well as I should have and will retake it again. However, I have been out of school a long time.

I was not sure how to study, but now I believe I have a better idea. I am going to buy the resources from the GRE website. They list all the topics for the essay portion on their website. Review the topics, discuss them with a family member (if possible), and if it has been a while you may want to time yourself as you type one on the computer. One of the two essays that was on my test -- I had practiced at home. The essay does not have to be long to score good - I am not a fast typist and I scored 3.5. I know that is not great but, the school I was applying to does not look at that part of the test. On the essay, make sure you answer all parts of the question and if told to look at the pros and cons make sure you cover both.

There is a man on you tube that has worked all the problems in the review sections of the math. I did not find that until after my test. This will be very helpful if it has been awhile since Alg, & Geo. If you have taken these classes recently, just do the practice test and see how you score. I read some where that the score you make on the practice test will be close to what you make on the actual test - and this was true for me.

I had 3 study guides, but they did not help me do well the first time, so this next time I am going to put my money on the extra practice test on the website. If you really want a practice book from Barron's or Kaplan - you may find one at a thrift store. I paid full price for one and picked two more up from the thrift store. I spent almost 4 months studying and feel like I wasted my time with those books. I believe I could have done it in half the time with the GRE material offered at the ETS site. Some people have told me they passed and did not study at all and others say they just did the practice test and were ready. If I had took this test fresh out of college I would have passed it the first time.

As far as the vocabulary - study fill in the blanks with multiple blanks. Read some boring literature, it is just like the GRE practice test.

Time yourself again and again. I worried about running out of time during most of the test, so this is something I know I need to work on.

Checking in during the day of the test - is as explained on their site. They check to make sure you don't have anything wrote on your arms or legs.

I hope this helps.

S.G. · Jul 5, 2013

Thank you very much! I appreciate your experience :)

rninme · Jul 5, 2013

Take the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) instead if the universities you are applying to accept it. I was studying for both - took the Miller first and was happy with my results. 1 hour test vs 4 hours ...

S.G. · Jul 8, 2013

Take the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) instead if the universities you are applying to accept it. I was studying for both - took the Miller first and was happy with my results. 1 hour test vs 4 hours ...

From the colleges I've been looking into, there are a few that will accept either but most are looking for GRE scores. MAT certainly looked more appealing to me though!

ryguyRN · Jul 16, 2013

MAT is more fast trivia facts and the GRE is more math and reading questions. Whatever you don't freak out and get stressed over it. The Princeton Review helped me. I made what I needed and it wasn't as bad as I thought once I was done.

mzaur · Jul 17, 2013

Take lots and lots of practice tests. I used Barron's book, Kaplan's New GRE book, and Barron's 800 words (can be found on quizlet), among other resources. PM me if you want more info. I scored very well and can give you some tips (1450, 5.0)

veenks · Jul 18, 2013

Take lots and lots of practice tests. I used Barron's book, Kaplan's New GRE book, and Barron's 800 words (can be found on quizlet), among other resources. PM me if you want more info. I scored very well and can give you some tips (1450, 5.0)

Hi Mzaur,

Sorry to butt in but I would love to talk to you more about the GRE and your study habits. I can't PM just yet but I can give you my email if you are interested in giving some advice! :)

mzaur · Jul 22, 2013

Sure I will send you a PM with tips on how to get a high score. If anyone else wants advice, let me know.

toafiq05 · Jul 24, 2013

Hello

Can you pls PM me on the tips and books i can use for GRE. I dont have access to PM since i havent completed the 15 posting yet. thanks in advance

S.G. · Jul 27, 2013

Thank you for the tips. I sent you a PM :)

RNURO · Aug 17, 2013

I would love to have those tips. I know this is an older post but if possible would you please pass along to me as well? Thanks!!