What exactly is on the GRE (study guides)?

[jimmyjimjam]

Hi there,

I have the Kaplan Premier 2013 GRE study guide. I feel that the math section of this study guide is quite short, both in explanation and in practice problems.

First, could anyone give recommendations for books which cover GRE math section for the 2013 test? With lots of practice problems.

Second, I'm getting the feeling that the Kaplan book doesn't cover everything that appears on the 2013 test. Could anyone with experience tell me if this is true or not?

Thanks in advance.

[midnight]

I like the Princeton Review book far better than Kaplan, and Barron's seems to be popular as well. I would definitely not rely on Kaplan as my sole source of review and practice.

A lot of people here recommend Manhattan prep materials, but I have no personal experience with them--they sound thorough and comprehensive, though!

The ETS also has a book that's good for practice since it's, well, from the people who bring you the GRE.

And I've watched a few Magoosh videos on Youtube and liked them. However, I have no clue if they're worth $100+.

[kaister]

If you're kind of lazy, like I am, and want things explained to you simply without having to read through technical jargon, magoosh is really good for that. They just spell everything out very clearly in video lessons, so you just basically have to sit back and watch. Even their test questions have video explanations, which is nice, because sometimes when it's just written out it doesn't always make as much sense. It was a nice supplement to reading other study guides.

[iowaguy]

IMHO Princeton Review will only get you to around 160 or so with their strategies if you don't have a solid grasp of the underlying math concepts. I own the PR book for the revised GRE, but there are some question types that do not allow for their strategies to be used effectively (fill in the blank & create your own formula, for example). IMHO If you're aiming for a quant score of 160+ Manhattan is by far the best math study guide, I went through all of the Manhattan math review books and was not surprised by any questions on the actual GRE test, scoring a 168. (I studied for a few months on math & verbal before my actual test.) ETS Powerprep computer practice tests are also very useful, but be sure to complete the writing section at the beginning (don't be tempted to skip it) as the actual 4-hour test is as much a test of mental endurance as anything... Best of luck!

[midnight]

IMHO Princeton Review will only get you to around 160 or so with their strategies if you don't have a solid grasp of the underlying math concepts. I own the PR book for the revised GRE, but there are some question types that do not allow for their strategies to be used effectively (fill in the blank & create your own formula, for example). IMHO If you're aiming for a quant score of 160+ Manhattan is by far the best math study guide, I went through all of the Manhattan math review books and was not surprised by any questions on the actual GRE test, scoring a 168. (I studied for a few months on math & verbal before my actual test.) ETS Powerprep computer practice tests are also very useful, but be sure to complete the writing section at the beginning (don't be tempted to skip it) as the actual 4-hour test is as much a test of mental endurance as anything... Best of luck!

As someone who really likes the PR book, I do agree with your assessment of it. It's definitely a book for people who need no more than a light to moderate review of math concepts as it focuses far more on being efficient and avoiding ETS traps, not on essential math concepts.

I think that the PR plus a book like The Ultimate Math Refresher or Math for Standardized Tests is a good combination.

As for the endurance aspect of the GRE, maybe I should try taking some Gu or another distance athlete supplement before sitting for the test or during a break this time. (I'm only half-joking!)

[iowaguy]

Midnight - what helped me the most with endurance was trying to "break down" the 4 hour test into little mini-tests, giving my brain a break & recharge between each section. I was literally doing push-ups & back stretches in the 60-second breaks between subjects, or doing sit-ups while closing my eyes (giving them a rest). If I finished a section a few minutes early, I left the room & walked down the hall, etc. IMHO our brains are not used to a 4 hour marathon, but we are used to 30 min of focused attention at a time. You just have to "trick" your brain into thinking the test is nothing more than several 30-minute sections... Also, don't forget to eat a nice breakfast that's low on the glycemic index, I also snacked during the section breaks & had some coffee. Your brain needs plenty of nutrition during those 4 hours... Best of luck!

Edited October 30, 2012 by iowaguy

[jimmyjimjam]

Okay, all the advice so far has been a great help. So far I am liking the Princeton Review 2013 GRE guide better than the Kaplan, especially for math. If I wanted tons of math practice problems to go along with ALL of the concepts reviewed in Princeton''s guide, should I get the Manhattan math books for that? Will coupling Princeton, Manhattan Math with the Magoosh material be enough to "crack" the GRE?

[iowaguy]

Jimmy - I can assure you that if you go through all the Manhattan math books and learn the material to where you can ace their practice questions, you will also ace the GRE. Manhattan is harder than the GRE, IMHO. The Official ETS math review guide is another source of good math review, it's good to look over away from the computer while having breakfast, etc... Best of luck!

[valkener]

I can attest to Manhatten, they teach you great methodology. They have some very intense questions especially in the "Hard" section, which they state is harder than the GRE. So far I am happy with them but I'll probably also get Baron once I am done. This should help me not to "overthink" things on test day.

I also have Magoosh, btw. I decided halfway through Magoosh to get Manhatten and do that first. While Magoosh is good and their videos are useful, they are also very hard and a lot of the questions are harder than the GRE (similar to Manhatten). However, the video lessons are great but often short. You have to remember that you still have to do the work and learn all the foundations.

Edited November 5, 2012 by valkener