Fist time GRE taker -advice?!

KSUViolet06 · #1 08-26-2005, 12:23 PM

I couldn't find a thread about it (if there is one, feel free to post it). So has anyone here taken the GRE (general)? I'm graduating in a year and a half and am applying to about 4 MA- Literature programs (Kent State, Univ. of Kentucky, Univ. of Akron, Ohio U) and they all require the general exam. I've downloaded the practice test and I plan on taking the exam in Nov. I'm an English major so I'm pretty nervous about the quantitative section of the exam in particular.

Is there anything that was particularly helpful to you in preparing for it? Please share ANY and tips, thoughts and experiences regarding the GRE. Thanks.

alphaxikt · #2 08-26-2005, 12:32 PM

Honestly, the GRE isn't all that bad. It's kinda like the SAT for college students. The vocab words are harder than the SAT, but as a lit/English person, I'd bet you have a pretty good vocabulary - reading will do that for you. The quantitative section isn't that bad either - my only problem is that I do math slooowly, which can be stressful. The writing prompts were kinda dumb. They did require critical thinking skills and creativity, but I just wasn't that into the topic. Doable, but dumb.

My advice is: buy a study book (I used "The Princeton Review: Cracking the GRE). If you're really worried about the math stuff, I think that there are GRE prep books that just deal with that section.

Good luck!

erniegurl00 · #3 08-26-2005, 01:08 PM

Look for books that have a few practice tests. I found that to be most helpful. Also, the book I bought had the most frequently occurring vocab words, which was really helpful! I recognized most of the words on my test.

Also, just make sure you've given yourself time to potentially take the test again if needed. My grad school applications had to be in by January 1st, and silly me didn't take the test until December! Bad idea. The scores almost didn't get there in time, and one was actually lost in the mail. (I didn't have time to resend the scores, and one school didn't look at my application.)

Good luck studying!

jubilance1922 · #4 08-26-2005, 01:10 PM

Here is the secret to acing the GRE:

Buy "GRE for Dummies!"

This book specifically teaches you how to take the computer test, gives great reviews, and 2-3 practice exams.

Also use the practice software they send you when you register. Its helpful to practice using the software, especially when it comes to writing the essays.

jubilance1922 · #5 08-26-2005, 01:10 PM

Double post...

ThetaDancer · #6 08-26-2005, 01:13 PM

Hey! I've been studying for the GRE for a little while now and am getting ready to take it in the fall. I bought a Kaplan book which has been fairly helpful and gives a pretty good outline of the format of the test. I would also suggest buying a study guide that comes with a c.d. because I've found it helpful to practice doing things on the computer. Good luck!!!

alphaxikt · #7 08-26-2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ThetaDancer
Hey! I've been studying for the GRE for a little while now and am getting ready to take it in the fall. I bought a Kaplan book which has been fairly helpful and gives a pretty good outline of the format of the test. I would also suggest buying a study guide that comes with a c.d. because I've found it helpful to practice doing things on the computer. Good luck!!!

Cosign - practicing on the computer is great - I found that really helpful too! You can take a free online practice test at

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/...-PRACTICE-TEST

(and I don't work for Princeton Review - I just feel indebted to the company because "Cracking the SAT" helped me soo much in high school.)

TheWriter · #8 08-26-2005, 04:23 PM

Since your getting a MA in Literature find out if they require or recommend the English in Literature GRE Subject Test. I am applying for MFA in creative writing. I know at least one of the six schools that I am applying to( Johns Hopkins, Temple, University of Virginia, George Mason, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland) "Highly Recommend" the GRE Subject Test in English.

Back on tips on studying. Make index cards for math formulas that you easily forget. For example. If you forget how to get the area of a triangle, you better know it before your test(It is 1/2 times base times height).

All the advice that has been given is very good. Don't stress too much. Good Luck to you.

KSUViolet06 · #9 08-26-2005, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheWriter
Find out whether or not if Kent State, Univ. of Kentucky, Univ. of Akron, and Ohio U require the GRE for school/major. Some school don't require it. Others school require it for only specific majors.

Just an FYI- all the programs I listed require the general GRE. I almost wish they just required the subject tests, but they don't.

TheWriter · #10 08-26-2005, 04:35 PM

Oops, you did say that in the first post. I prefer not to take GRE at all. I am not a fan of standardized tests.

emleepc · #11 10-17-2005, 05:34 PM

One week until I take the GRE test.....GRE-day, here I come.

squirrely girl · #12 10-17-2005, 05:48 PM

the advice for studying the math equations is a good one - they won't provide that info during the test, but you definetely need to know it. basically, look over all of the area and volume equations and know general algebra and the stupid circumference stuff.

- marissa

ps - good luck!

emleepc · #13 10-18-2005, 04:04 PM

Thanks.....

I'm pretty nervous about the math part, cause I'm really bad at it, and don't remember much from courses taken so long ago.....

lauralaylin · #14 10-18-2005, 04:52 PM

What I found for the vocab section was that studying really did help. I saw words from my practice book and the cd were actually on the test. I only studied the night before because I wasn't too concerned about getting into grad school (easy program), but it made a huge difference, but over 100 points.

Good luck to everyone taking them!

KSUViolet06 · #15 06-18-2006, 03:00 PM

I have another question. For the Analytical (Writing) section, how long (on average) should your responses be?