Prepping for the GRE - what works?

[lunarlady]

As a busy working mom of two, extra time is not something I have much of. However, I need to take the GRE this winter as a step toward my future career goals, and I want to do a decent job on it so that I can just do it once. Do it right the first time, as my mom would say.

So I'm wondering what I should do to prep for this exam? I already have a Master's degree and many years as a working professional under my belt. But a good score here could help me land a fellowship which I could really use to finance my next step. Years ago I took the MCAT and did a decent job, and in general I test well. I also got my Master's in educational assessment, so the "how to take a test" stuff is sort of wasted on me.

Are on-line materials good? Prep books? Classes? are there any specific skills/knowledge I need or is it just general logic, reasoning, and literacy stuff?

Thoughts from those who have BTDT appreciated.

[Mosaic]

I took it a long time ago, but I used a book with the computer sample tests. I think the computer-based sample tests are a MUST given how the test is set up and scored! I know a lot of people take a class, but with your knowledge and experience, I'm pretty sure a book would be enough. Good luck!

[porcelina]

I have prepped for GRE twice (meaning, my first exam scores expired after 5 or so years, and I had to take it again).

First: For the math part: do all the practice tests in the books, you start to recognize types of problems.Learn some of the math tricks they give you in the book. But, remember, there is no advanced math, just a lot of tricks. For the verbal part, make up flashcards with all the GRE vocab words you can get your hands on. Far and away, it is the vocab that makes this section "hard." Carry the cards with you all the time and practice them while you're at a stoplight, or any down moment you might have.

Second: Once you have a good grasp on the vocab, start taking the paper verbal practice problems. See how you are doing. The best way to do them is to break it down into whether you are looking for a synonym, an antonym, or an analogy. It's always only one of those three. For analogies, make up a simple sentence that describes the relationship, and then apply it to the possible choices (e.g., a sponge is used for washing). If you need to practice more vocab, hold off on practice problems and do more flashcards. Keep practicing math problems. Do practice essays. Are you a good writer? There are some pretty standard ways to approach the different essay types. Start intro from broad opening in first para. to specific statement of what you are arguing in last para. Next 3-5 paragraphs present your case, each focused with an (or various) example. Last paragraph states conclusion, from specific in first sentence to broader implications in last sentence.

Last: start doing the computer based practice exams. This is the closest to the real thing.

For me, I did little practicing of the essay, just about 3-4, but that was enough. I spent a ton of time practicing the math and verbal, though!

Between first time and second time, I improved my verbal score by 100 points! And, all of that is because of the vocab and flashcards (the only thing I did different, really!

Good luck!!

[smokeylo]

I think this partly depends on what field you intend to be in. For example, I applied to humanities grad school, so I knew they wouldn't care about my math score. I did no math prep. Some programs have a general cutoff score. Look and see what the guidelines are so you can have an idea of what you need to have as a goal score.

I found a guide book helpful. I bought a regular one at a bookstore, which came with a CD ROM with some practice tests. Go through the vocab list and make a notecard for any term you don't know immediately. Make tons of cards and stash them in your bathroom/car/everywhere, and go through them constantly. For the essays, find any sample prompts you can and practice writing essays. Longer answers with strong organization do better, score wise. Take several timed, practice tests before you go in for the actual tests. 

Those things helped me do very well on the verbal section.

[lunarlady]

Thanks for the advice ladies. I'm looking into a health related PhD program (human rehabilitation) so both sections are important. I went ahead and ordered some flashcards and a prep book, and I downloaded the free stuff from ETS to do the practice exams. I'm not really in a rush, since I have a job currently and the back to school stuff is a long term goal. Here's hoping for awesome scores that open some doors and make it financially feasible for me to pursue my dream.