Question for CRNA students/CRNA's about the GRE.

My_brain_hurts · Oct 30, 2009

I've probaby said this 20 times in various posts, but it worked for me so here is time 21! I did not want to spend $1000 on a Kaplan review course. I went to the book store and got Kaplan study guides, verbal book, math book, and a realy nice 'combined' book that came with a CD of mock GRE exam type things. I especially liked the CDs because the mock tests are so similar to the real thing, even down to the layout of the screen and everything. Even has essay prompts. Essays of course can't be graded by CD, but they give examples of 'perfect' essays and you can compare yours to them. Gives you scores for verbal and math. It's timed like the really thing. Well actually I think I had a little more time in the real exam. I think they make you work a little faster on the practice CD. My CD scores were in the 1100 range and I actually got a 1200 on the real thing with 4.5 on the writting. And I hate math and timed essays with a passion! I don't think I would have done any better with an actual. $1000 class. I think the self study from the books was and excellent way to go.

And I think you had a question about work experience on a nother post. Yes, you have to have a MIN of 1 yr ICU experience prior to enrolling in a program, no matter what program. Some programs will interview you with less with the understanding that you must continue working to complete that 1 yr by the time you will start classes.

Good luck!

two pups · Oct 30, 2009

Thanks so much!!

21st time is a charm

silver1 · Oct 31, 2009

Two Pups, I noticed you just joined last month...WELCOME. The site has tons of great info, I would recommend doing a search, this could be one of the top talked about subjects. If you do a search you will find info on the best books to use. I used about 4 different books, they all pretty much say the same thing regarding test strategy (thats just my opinion). I would recommend memorizing Kaplans top 100 words, I seen a couple on my exam.

As for as math, there's a great math review found on the ets.org website. Goes over everything you need to know to get atleast a 600 on the exam. Near the end of Kaplans Premiere, it goes over some more difficult questions.

Goodluck!

two pups · Oct 31, 2009

I have seen posting regarding the GRE. Honestly, I didn't know what to take as "good advice" as the GRE tests and standards change. But, regardless, good point. I will read up for sure.

Thanks for reiterating.

My_brain_hurts · Oct 31, 2009

Yes, the test changes periodically. But I don't think it's changed in the past 4 or 5 yrs or so. I took the GRE a little over a year ago. Also, the study books usually have a web site you can look at for GRE changes, and as long as you get a fairly recent book they will take into account new question types and things like that. I think the biggest change to the GRE was when they took out the 'logic' part and added the two essays to assess writting skill.

And keep in mind, you know best how you study. If you have a hard time self-starting, or feel you're getting bogged down studying on your own, it might be worth the money for you to take a class. If you're good at self study, give the books a try and save the cash. My sister was also studying for the GRE and she had a friend who was studying as well and sometimes we all studied together which was nice. More motivating when you're not the only one suffering

cak1219 · Nov 14, 2009

I also used Kaplan's GRE prep book. I bought the vocabulary cards but didn't use them. I recommend just knowing the math equations and the top used words on the GRE as listed in Kaplan's book (I saw quite a few of them on my test).

When you register for the test, ETS sends you prep software with 2 practice tests. My score on the practice tests were very close to my actual score. I didn't read through the whole Kaplan book either - just the indexes at the end. I used the CD rom and took multiple practice tests. This gets you familiar with pacing yourself and the way the test is laid out and the questions are phrased. Make sure you go over the rationales.

I got a 1290, 610 verbal 680 quant, 4.5 writing.

MB37 · Nov 18, 2009

I just took mine last month, and I studied from the Princeton Review and Barron's books, CDs, and websites. I read both books, did all available practice exams, and made flashcards that I didn't really study from. I know my study style, and I like books and practice questions. I didn't think a live class would significantly improve my score. I also have always done extremely well on standardized tests. I got a 1500 (710 verbal/790 math) with a 5 on the AWA. My scores on the practice exams correlated very well with my actual score.