Post by Jalapeñomel on Sept 30, 2013 12:08:56 GMT -5
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.
Post by lightbulbsun on Sept 30, 2013 12:13:37 GMT -5
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Post by trafficgirl on Sept 30, 2013 12:25:18 GMT -5
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.
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.
Post by leancuisine on Sept 30, 2013 12:38:57 GMT -5
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.