G.R.E. Test / Desk Jockeys

Sorry not much helpful here, when I started my Masters U of Mich didnt asked for my GRE but I would like to congratulate and wish you good luck in advance though

The GRE is all about knowing the test and the types of questions that they ask. I used to teach GRE test prep, and honestly its one of those things where you really have to study to the test. The computer based test is also a bit tricky, so taking practice tests is vital - you should be able to access a free practice test on the GRE website. Then, depending on your budget and time frame, taking a practice course and/or working through GRE practice books can be really beneficial.

Also, please note that the GRE changed format and content SIGNIFICANTLY in 2011, so make sure to get books updated to deal with the new GRE issue.

Feel free to message me if you have any more questions and I can try to help!

I have a copy of Barron's GMAT Prep (~$35), and I like it (the grad school I'm looking into requires a GMAT score, versus a GRE).

There are some poor reviews on Amazon, but there are plenty of in-depth sections on the types of questions, etc. and plenty of practice exams.

At least for the GMAT, I know you can take one or two practice attempts on the test's website.

Hello!
I have not taken the GRE but my last job was with a college program that required GRE scores as well. I think we only had a handful or so of those that did not do well in the 3 years I was there. Are you a Math person or English? If you have not already google GRE and you will find a lot of information and practice test online. As for the books I think it depends on how long you have been out of school.

I didnt take the GRE, but i did take the GMAT (my score was around the 70th percentile). They are pretty simular which is why Management programs will take both scores...

The best thing that I did was doing the practice tests. I bought the study books and everything, but found that the actual application of the time constraints and real questions were the best.

Best of luck to you!!

Sure, people do well on the GREs. Some of your success comes from your undergrad degree (engr, business, english, etc) and some comes from prep work. Some of it is just pure luck.

My undergrad was engineering, so I scored a perfect on the math part of the GREs with no prep work - just because my undergrad math courses were far more advanced than anything on the GRE itself.

The verbal I did above average. I spent time prepping with one of those GRE prep books. I found it useful and thought that it definitely helped me out.

The written I did really well on. Here I also used a GRE prep book to run through some examples and get a good feel on what the reviewers were looking for. My written skills come from a science background, so I wanted to make sure that it would sound "prettier" to someone with a literature degree.

All that said, I bought one review book and spent a couple of weekends going through it before the exam. I though it was helpful and would do the same if I had to do it all over again. GRE scores are not super critical, unless you are tying to get into a top-rated grad school and they want their numbers to be high. It is important, though, to make sure that your undergrad work was solid and that you have a well-rounded resume.

Good luck!

I did a Kaplan prep course. Buying the book and doing the practice tests would have been just fine for the math and verbal practice but being in the course meant my writting was critiqued too. Some programs don't look at your verbal score so it is worth it to just do the practice tests.

Take a lot of practice tests, and most importantly, PACE yourself. I did awesome on the math portion, but totally sucked on the english and writing :-) Good thing I'm an Engineer and not a journalist.