Who has taken the GRE?

[Jalapeñomel]

Can you give me some study tips on how to best prepare for it?  I bought the most recent Kaplan book, but it's intimidating, and I'm not really sure where to start. 

[Deleted]

I think those tests seem more intimidating than they turn out to be.

They have prep classes for the LSAT/GMAT/whuteva, so they probably do for the GRE, too.

[Muddled]

Geometry formulas and obscure vocabulary.

But, then again, it has changed since I took it in 1999.

[lightbulbsun]

I took it last April. I just went to the library and studied with the books there. The main book was split into sections based on the types of problems/questions they'll ask, so I studied each section individually. It also said how likely it would be that certain questions would be on the exam, so it was a good indicator of what to spend more or less time on.

I also did a couple of the practice exams offered on the GRE website. They're in the same format as the actual exam, so it's a good way to get used to the program they use.

[juliahenry]

forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/68-gregmatetc/

[rex]

I took it about 3 years ago and did not find it difficult.

The only prep I did was a practice test. The test itself would have been easier if I had reviewed geometry.

[Jalapeñomel]

Sept 30, 2013 12:14:09 GMT -5 sequins said:

Sept 30, 2013 12:08:56 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Can you give me some study tips on how to best prepare for it?  I bought the most recent Kaplan book, but it's intimidating, and I'm not really sure where to start. 

I want to write too. When are you taking it?

I'm not quite sure.  I would love to take it before the end of November, but I am not sure I will have enough time to study.  

I don't know how many hours a day I should dedicate to studying either. 

[hocus2]

I took a lot of practice tests ... I took mine on computer and I found it really different from taking a paper test. I had to train myself to use scrap paper.

I aside from that I did vocab flash cards, and I drilled in math. I think I had a big calendar with a goals for the week. I also took a subject level test as well. Overall I studied for maybe 4 months.

[redheadk]

I took it a few years ago and didn't find it difficult. I did some online prep course but only the math portion. I mainly needed to brush up on my math vocabulary but it all came back to me.

[Jalapeñomel]

Sept 30, 2013 12:16:06 GMT -5 rex said:

I took it about 3 years ago and did not find it difficult.

The only prep I did was a practice test. The test itself would have been easier if I had reviewed geometry.

I am certain this will not be the case for me, LOL.  I have terrible test anxiety, and I struggle with even the basic concepts on tests ( which I can ace in class, on homework, pop quizzes, etc). 

[fuckyourcouch]

i took it in 2007. i did not study, just did one practice test.
there are lots of books and prep classes though.

[lightbulbsun]

Time-wise, I spent a couple of weekends seriously studying for it, and then some week nights. I probably spent 25-30 hours total.

[MWOS]

start with practice tests. they will show you where your strengths and weaknesses are and how to divide your studying time.

then go over any big concepts you are missing (I like khan academy for free videos)

then do practice problems

then return to practice tests

[trafficgirl]

It's been a while since I took it (2003) but all I did was work through the big GRE prep book (I think the Kaplan one) and take a bunch of practice exams. I do remember thinking that the geometry review was rough, simply because I hadn't done that stuff in so long. And I also made a bunch of vocab flash cards that I ran through when I had time.

[alexis]

I did some practice tests, they really are only practice for the multiplication parts not the writing. The writing section was the hardest for me. I can write a paper fine but I am slow at it and the writing section is timed. I didn't have enough time to really gather my thoughts or proof my essay. Also, the program doesn't have a spelling or grammar check. I am a decent proofreader, but I didn't realize how accustomed I had become to the squiggles to help me out. I would practice speedwriting essays in a program with no spell or grammar checking tools. I did well on most of the test and poorly on the written portion.

[leancuisine]

Agree with PPs about taking a practice test or two before you even start preparing. Doing so helped me figure out what math formulas I needed to brush up on.