Gre

NHavenRN · Jun 19, 2007

I bought a review book (Princeton Review, I think), did the CD of test questions the testing co. sent me, and used my hubbie's vocab flash cards (from when he'd taken the GRE a few years before - he just made them from a long list of words he found in a review book). I didn't spend too long studying - I think two weeks after work, plus some time on weekends.

Good luck!

Therapist4Chnge · Jun 19, 2007

I guess it depends on how well you want to do (for clinical, it was pretty important, I'm not sure how much it is weighted for other programs) I'd say a minimum of 4 weeks, probably 6+ would be better. Buy a book (make sure it has a CD, for practice tests). The GRE website should also have some practice tests. The GRE is more about learning how to take it, and then applying existing knowledge.

-t

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 19, 2007

I'd give it at least 1-1.5 months of THOROUGH study. Not just flipping through a book over a couple beers a few times that months, thinking "yeah, I know that"...

Check your local library - many have GRE prep books with CDROMs. I found Barrons and Kaplans to be very useful. Take lots of practice tests from those CDs. Determine your areas of weakness, and work on them.

Good luck!

VivaRN · Jun 19, 2007

The GRE is like a glorified version of the SAT. As others have recommended, I bought a book with a CD and worked through it. I studied for about 3 months, going hard on weekends, getting in some practice problems here and there. It helps to know what the range is for the school you want to get into.

I know some "math-challenged" people who found it helpful to take a class.

Some programs offer an option of GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test). I heard the MAT is easier.

Good luck!

np_wannabe · Jun 21, 2007

I bought a book and spent about 5 weeks studying: 2 weeks to review the math, 3 weeks or so to memorize the definitions of the top 200 vocabulary words tested. I have taken the SAT before (many, many years ago), and the GRE in 1996. For each of these tests, I barely studied and scored around 1000 for each. This time, I got a 1220 (Q: 650 V: 570).

Like anything else, you get out of it what you put in to it.

Good luck!

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 21, 2007

I guess I'm odd. I took it over 10 years ago. I didn't study at all.

I do very very well on the verbal section of tests like this, or else I'd have studied for the math part, probably with a book.

funinsun · Jun 23, 2007

It depends on your level of comfort. Princeton was a good resource, I didn't use the CD, but it could be helpful to preview the format of the test. Reviewing over the basic math is always good.. I should have studied more (did for about 2 weekends before I took it), I think the score would have been maybe 20 points higher if I had studied for a month. A lot of people really love the prep classes. Probalby Kaplan has some program..

DaisyRN, ACNP · Jun 23, 2007

my school (as well as lots of others) are starting to waive the gre, but i bought the book before i knew that. i think its the princeton book.

what are the best ways to study for the gre. how much time do you need to study prior to taking the exam. does anyone have any in site into the gre exam?

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Jun 28, 2007

What are the best ways to study for the GRE. How much time do you need to study prior to taking the exam. Does anyone have any in site into the GRE exam?

Yes, definitely see first if the grad school (s) you want to apply to require the GRE or not. I studied for my GRE for about 2 months. I studied a few hours each week for the 2 months with vocab flashcards and my two review books (Princeton and a vocab one) and I also used the CD ROMs that accompanied them, and I did fine. Good luck. :)

WSH-RN · Jul 11, 2007

Go to a school that doesn't require it and it won't be a factor. Otherwise, buy the Kaplan book on the GRE, they are great.