
Test Prep
Prepping for the GRE and other similar tests can be frustrating. I'm not an expert in any of these exams, but I have had to endure them a few times. I'll give you advice based off of my experiences and then connect you to some resources that will help you through your exams.
Resources
Books: I like the Princeton Review the best, but KAPLAN and ETS both put out decent prep books. If you use a book alone, I suggest dividing it up and studying each section in-depth.
Websites: The books tend to come with websites that have additional materials online. Sometimes you have to pay extra to use online resources, but you can also find a lot of things for free. The practice tests are invaluable to give you the real experience of being timed and under pressure.
Classes: I never took a class to prep for the GRE, so I cannot speak from experience. However, I know that they exist and are offered locally as well as online through the major companies (ETS, KAPLAN, etc.). If you know you need external structure to get yourself to study, a class may be a good option for you. However, these usually do cost money.
My Two Cents
In my opinion, the GRE is a (not-so-necessary) necessary evil that we have to deal with when applying to graduate school. Here are the things I did to survive it:
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I put a time limit on my preparation efforts; I studied intensely for about a month and then took the test.
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I used the Princeton Review GRE Prep book because they helped me increase my ACT score by 4 points in high school. Plus, I like the way they approach this process.
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I focused on the reading and writing sections as those were more important to my programs.
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I studied the vocab lists as much as possible.
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After reviewing basic math principles likely to pop up on the test, I treated the math sections like fun brain puzzles and didn't worry about my score.
This way worked well for me, but it's not the best for everyone. Find what works for you and then stick to it!