New GRE

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 23, 2010

I was wondering what you all are thinking about the new GRE coming up. Are any of you guys considering taking it early even if you're not ready just so you don't have to take the new version? I don't know what I should do and I'm concerned about what the new GRE is going to be like. What are your thoughts?

I'm on the fence about this also! I'm planning to apply to MSN programs this year (hopeful fall 2011 start), so I want to take the GRE in the next few months. The new version is supposedly going to be more user friendly, but who knows.

morphed · Jun 23, 2010

I know the physical format of the GRE is going to be more user friendly but the test itself is going to be harder, from my understanding. I'm not sure what to do. Are you leaning one way or another? I don't want to rush it and not get a great score. At the same time, I don't want to face more difficult content--especially since the test will be new and the review programs that different companies like Kaplan offer won't be as informed about the test as they used to be. That's just my feeling.

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 24, 2010

I know the physical format of the GRE is going to be more user friendly but the test itself is going to be harder, from my understanding. I'm not sure what to do. Are you leaning one way or another? I don't want to rush it and not get a great score. At the same time, I don't want to face more difficult content--especially since the test will be new and the review programs that different companies like Kaplan offer won't be as informed about the test as they used to be. That's just my feeling.

You know what, I'm thinking I may just start studying now while classes aren't going on and just take it in September. I could always take it again if I don't score high enough, you know? There are so many great study tools out there for this version of the exam that I think it might be worth it to dive in.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2010

I know the physical format of the GRE is going to be more user friendly but the test itself is going to be harder, from my understanding. I'm not sure what to do. Are you leaning one way or another? I don't want to rush it and not get a great score. At the same time, I don't want to face more difficult content--especially since the test will be new and the review programs that different companies like Kaplan offer won't be as informed about the test as they used to be. That's just my feeling.

Believe me - Kaplan and all those other test-prep companies will know. It's how they make their money.

morphed · Jun 25, 2010

You know what, I'm thinking I may just start studying now while classes aren't going on and just take it in September. I could always take it again if I don't score high enough, you know? There are so many great study tools out there for this version of the exam that I think it might be worth it to dive in.

Yeah, I've already started studying. Just for clarification though; so you are planning to take the new test, right? It gets rolled out in August. Also, how are you studying for the test? What materials are you using? I wonder how much of what I'm doing now is actually needed, considering there will be no more antonyms and analogies. For the old test I think the bulk of what people study for is the vocabulary for the analogies/antonyms. If that's out of the new test, then what do I study, math? The math is not difficult at all so what should I do, nothing? Maybe I should take the new one so I don't have to spend all that time memorizing and learning all those word lists.

morphed · Jun 25, 2010

Believe me - Kaplan and all those other test-prep companies will know. It's how they make their money.

Yes, I know, but still, it's teh worrier in me. Maybe they won't have time to perfect their grasp on the test before they start teaching it lol :)

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 25, 2010

Yeah, I've already started studying. Just for clarification though; so you are planning to take the new test, right? It gets rolled out in August. Also, how are you studying for the test? What materials are you using? I wonder how much of what I'm doing now is actually needed, considering there will be no more antonyms and analogies. For the old test I think the bulk of what people study for is the vocabulary for the analogies/antonyms. If that's out of the new test, then what do I study, math? The math is not difficult at all so what should I do, nothing? Maybe I should take the new one so I don't have to spend all that time memorizing and learning all those word lists.

The new test doesn't start until next August (2011), which would be too late for me because I'm applying to grad schools this year. I haven't started to study yet, but I think I'm going to print out the stuff from the GRE website and get going. The math will probably be my focus because I've never been strong in that area.

JVnurse · Jun 7, 2011

hello there, I am planning to take the new GRE and wondering what books would be helpful for it? pls help

morphed · Jun 7, 2011

hello there, I am planning to take the new GRE and wondering what books would be helpful for it? pls help

Kaplan is always a safe bet.

Moogie · Jun 7, 2011

Moved to Post-Graduate (MSN/DNP/DNSc/PhD) forum to elicit more responses.

I did Princeton Review as well as Barron's vocabulary and math. I took mine in the middle of a tough semester with very little time to study. I'm curious about the new format GRE but am just thankful I'll never actually have to take the test again.

dedicatedone · Jun 7, 2011

I recently took the GRE because I really do NOT want to take the new version. The fact that they will provide a calculator means the math section will include more difficult questions. There were certain questions on my score that would have been a breeze had I had a calculator.

What is interesting to think about is how well you potentially could do (or how poor you could do) just because it is a new exam. All of the percentile ranks will start fresh and though your math score is 550, that may be in the 90th percentile because everyone is becoming accostomed to the new version. Same goes for the verbal. It really is a toss up.