Books for Prep | |
 - Definitely Recommend - in addition to Powerprep & Kaplan 500-word flipbookOverall I enthusiastically endorse the Kaplan book/CD. It must be supplemented with other sources though. My story: I studied intensely for about 5 1/2 weeks. Ideally, I would have had a full 8 weeks to study (preferably at a less intense pace). I lost 3 whole weekends to studying, and if I had a more demanding job that prevented me from studying at work I would've been screwed. So plan on 2 months to study. For materials, I went with Kaplan's 2007 'Premier Program w/CD' , Kaplan's 500-word Vocab Flipbook, Barron's 2007 GRE book (no CD), and ETS' GRE PowerPrep Software. I recommend both Kaplan resources - the full program and CD are good and feature superior answer explanation. The 500-page vocab flipbook is INDISPENSIBLE!!! This book makes studying words very easy anywhere (forget loose flashcards or making them). I had many words from this book on the test. Strategy: when you study words, go through 20-25 at a time. Repeat the same set 3-5 times in one sitting. Next time, do this with a new set... you'll memorize easier this way. I successfully memorized ~375 words, but with 2 months you could get all 500 in. Whatever you do, make sure that you AT LEAST know the 100 'Top GRE Words' listed in the back of the Kaplan Premier Program (these are a subset of the 500 in the flip-book). Lots of people like the Barron's book. I didn't - first off, the pages are made of very cheap paper that is hard to look at (text bleeds through, is a nasty brownish color). Text & figures are all crammed very closely into dense columns. The Kaplan book features premium stark-white paper that does not bleed through, and the pages are manageable - not too much info staring back at you like Barron's. The math section of Barron's is rough - far too comprehensive. People like the 3,500 vocab list - but c'mon, you're not going to need to study that many words unless your an english majThe book is cheap (like $15 on Amazon) so buy it yourself if you're curious and want a 2nd source. I did use some of the practice math problems and a few verbal problems, but in the end I abandoned Barron's because it was altogether too much. The CD that comes with Kaplan is decent - contains 6 timed practice quantitative sets, 6 timed proactive verbal sets, and 3 full CAT's. The practice sets are good to use - but they do rush you (only give you 30 mins for 30 problems). On the real GRE, you get 45 mins for 28 problems. Kaplan does this to teach you pacing, but while I was always able to always finish a timed verbal practice set I was never able to finish a timed math practice set on the Kaplan CD. The CAT is timed like the real GRE. In addition to Kaplan CD, you *MUST* download and use ETS' GRE Powerprep software. The interface looks 99% like the GRE (only the colors are different) and the questions are the same dry questions you'll get on the GRE. There are many untimed practice sets - take them ALL. There are also 2 CAT's - I took both. Also in the software is an ETS "Math Review", which you can print out and put into a binder. Definitely use this - it will familiarize you with ETS's style greatly and highly compliment Kaplan's math review. [...] Scores: In the beginning, I got a '61%' on Kaplan's 'Diagnostic Test'. A week later I got a mediocre CAT score on Kaplan's CD: 560 V, 460 Q. This taught me I needed to focus heavily on math, which I did. 3 weeks later I took an ETS CAT: 530 V, 590 Q. This was encouraging, and it told me that ETS scored easier on the math then Kaplan. The day before the test I took the 2nd ETS CAT (although I read NOT to study the day before, I couldn't help myself!). I got 500 V, 620 Q. The increased math score was really encouraging. My flagging verbal led me to focus on vocab for my remaining hours. I didn't study too much/too hard during the last 24 hrs though (you want to relax a bit). I scheduled my test at 1pm because I am NOT a morning person! Final real GRE score: 550 V, 640 Q. I was elated!! This was much higher than I expected, and placed me in the correct league for the program I am applying for. I know if I had another 3 weeks I could've broken into the 1300's, but oh well. Note - I completed the essays in my 1st two practice CAT's, but just drew up an outline on the last test. I still don't know my essay scores, but I anticipate at least a 4.5 (maybe 5?). Check out ETS's sample essays/explanations in Powerprep, as well ask Kaplan's sample essays. Assuming you're a good writer, just practice making keen observations about GRE argument topics and effectively/quicky brainstorming ideas for the issues topic. As long as you can draw up a good outline that includes logical points you're all set. Good luck! I wrote such a long-winded account as I plan to re-post this on other GRE forums I lurked on prior to my D-Day! Rating:  - GRE Must HaveThis is an extensive study guide to approaching the GRE test. Very in depth, I even read the first intro chapter, which I never do! It's up to date, and is a good assitant for beginning the preperation process. Easy to understand, and helpful. If you are taking the GRE, I would highly recommend purchasing this prep guide. Rating: - I'm still not sure if this is the book I wantedThe book seems very nice by the material side. For the information it includes, I can not say too many things but seems good. And if you're buying this book, buy the vocabulary flashcard too. Rating: - good test prepVery thorough book - though perhaps not as accurate as the makers of the GRE's test prep. Rating: - Prepare yourselfListen up, I bombed the GRE. I bought this and felt it helped. Just consider that you need to study ahead of time. It is one of the best resouces out there, just study with plenty of time ahead of you. The test is always differant from the practice test. just give yourself time. In association with Amazon.com | |