GRE: studying tips + how much time to prep?

[jmk]

How much time did it take  you to prep for the GRE? (and what was your backround (recent test taker, very strong in math fundamentals, etc.) 

Tips, stories, etc, welcome! 

 

 

I registered to take the test in August, but am stressing about what to commit to this summer in order to have adequate prep time. 

 

[SLPsara]

Hey there's actually another section on this forum all about the GRE with awesome lists on free resources and people talking about how they planned out studying. Check it it if you haven't yet!

[jettip]

I took the GRE twice during the summer before my senior year. Spring of my junior year, I took a Kaplan course, twice a week for like two months. They went over every part of the test: math, verbal, writing. I was mostly taking it for the math, I was never worried about the verbal or writing part. The class definitely refreshed my math skills, I hadn't seen some of those problems since sophomore year of high school! However, I honestly never did the "homeworks" we were assigned (I was having a really rough semester, and this class was the least of my worries), and just did my best to pay attention in class and get as many tips as I could out of my instructor. 

Took it the first time in June: 160v, 149q, 4.0w. Wasn't happy with that math score, registered to take it again in August. The month or so leading up to my second test, I used the kaplan prep book to go over all of the math stuff. Probably studied for it an hour or so a few times a week.

Took it again: 164v, 149q, 4.0w. I was shocked that my Verbal went up, because I quite literally went through some of the verbal questions that were confusing thinking "eh, I'm only trying to improve my math score, this doesn't matter" and just chose something that sounded kind of right. I was MORE shocked that my math score didn't go up even one single point, because I had actually put in some time to study for it!! But I wasn't going to go through the hassle of taking it again, so I took it as a sign from the GRE gods that I had reached my math score "ceiling". 

 

I think as long as you have a good verbal score and a writing score at or above 4.0, you're golden, I've heard math doesn't matter too much for our major.
 

[jpiccolo]

Like jettip I also took the GRE twice. I took a prep course at my undergrad and did a bunch of practice tests and I did okay. When I didn't get into grad school last year I decided to retake it. I gave myself a month to study while working full time last fall. I signed up for a month of Magoosh which gave me tons of practice questions and videos and strategies. They also have a couple free apps. Definitely download the vocab one and practice every spare moment you can. I did my best to study a few hours every night and on Saturdays. My verbal score went up 7 points and again like jettip my math score didn't change at all haha. I was happy to get a 155 though so no complaints. I'm not a huge math person; other than stats I haven't taken math since high school precalc junior year so a good 7 years. I'm more a nerdy grammar/spelling/vocab person and that tends to be more important in our field. I barely prepped for the writing and managed to increase my score on that. I was actually super surprised since I thought one of the prompts was difficult and that I didn't respond very well. I struggled a bit on test day because it's long and tiring so at least take a few practice tests and get used to the long time it takes. 

 

I think you can start studying vocab now and get used to drilling that regularly. Kinda depends on what your summer plans are and whether you want to start with a few hours every week or wait til it gets closer and then hit it harder. Just be careful not to burn yourself out. I was so sick of studying by the time I took it so don't study every day starting tomorrow for four hours. 

[Magpie J]

The best study tip I have is to buy a set of vocab flashcards (I used Kaplan, $15 on Amazon). Commit to learning 10-20 every day. Take them with you in your purse, car, backpack, whatever, and study them during any downtime. I think this helped me tremendously since having a strong vocab can really boost your verbal score.

 

I studied for about 2 months on my own (while working full time), and I ended up with a 165 verbal on my first try. I had been out of college for 5 years, so my test-taking skills were a bit rusty. I also bought a Princeton Review book, which also came with two full-length online practice tests. This helped me learn test strategies, understand how to structure my time, and gave me a much needed math refresher. (I only got a 151 quant score but that was fine for me!) I would say that if you are a self-motivated learner you can get by without paying for an expensive prep course. Taking a full-length practice test may give you a good baseline and help you identify where you need to spend the most time prepping. 

 

Good luck!!! 

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

I will start by saying don't do what I did! I did not allow myself enough study time for the GRE and it reflected in my scores. I maybe put in around ~30 hours of studying which was not sufficient, at least for me. I knew going in that I was not a fast test taker so the time crunch would be my worst enemy. My first time taking the GRE, I scored 150 V 150 Q AW 4.0. I was also overconfident that my verbal score would be good since I have excelled in English and writing (I was a teaching assistant and had a paid job editing papers too). 

 

Before taking the GRE for the second time, I was in a serious car accident. Due to this, I once again didn't put in the time I should have to be prepared. I ended up scoring 151 V 149 Q AW 4.0. I left my scores at that and hoped the other areas on my application would outweigh my very average/low average GRE. I was lucky enough that my relevant experiences and my GPA pulled a lot of weight for me.

 

Also, the writing section was, well...Interesting. One of my writing prompts was about deciding whether a potato chip company should switch the material of their chip bags to save money. I had to get over my bewilderment that I was writing about potato chips on the exam that is such a big factor in deciding my future.

[Jlawren6]

One of my writing prompts was about deciding whether a potato chip company should switch the material of their chip bags to save money. I had to get over my bewilderment that I was writing about potato chips on the exam that is such a big factor in deciding my future.

I almost laughed out loud in class.  The truth behind this statement is too real.  Although I understand the point of the prompt...potato chips.  HA!

[thespeechblog.com]

On 4/16/2015 at 8:01 PM, jmk said:

How much time did it take  you to prep for the GRE? (and what was your backround (recent test taker, very strong in math fundamentals, etc.) 

Tips, stories, etc, welcome! 

 

 

I registered to take the test in August, but am stressing about what to commit to this summer in order to have adequate prep time. 

 

Hi! I prepped for about 3 or 4 months for the GRE. I had taken it in 2011 right as I was finishing my undergrad. It was free (a program through my university) and didn´t count for anything so I didn´t really prep. I got a 198. Fast forward five years when I decide to become an SLP and need a great score. I studied hard core using Magoosh and earned a 215. 

There´s a few posts on my blog (link in my signature) about how I studied, why I used Magoosh, etc. OR feel free to private message me and I can give you some ideas of things to focus on. 

My biggest is advice is start early, focus on your weaknesses, and be consistent! Apart from that, try to take at least 2 or 3 practice tests. Also, if you use your phone/tablet, get the Magoosh vocab app and learn 10-20 words per day (on the subway, between classes, in the bathroom even!). If you prefer paper, get some vocab cards on Amazon. 

Good luck

 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2016 by mcamp

[Lunalulu2]

I used Magoosh and followed their one month study plan. The math videos were very helpful. I studied a ton for a month.  I also took 4 free timed practice tests from various sources, kaplan, manhattan prep and ETS powerprep. I think the practice tests are key in helping you know what to expect and to improve test endurance.  It is such a loooonnnggg test.  As much as it sucked I definitely think all of my intense studying paid off as I was able to raise my combined score at least ten points and did significantly better than I expected.

I also wanted to add that unless you are a really strong writer (and maybe even if you are) make sure not to overlook the AWA portion. I searched the internet for tips and wrote quite a few practice essays under simulated test conditions and I am really glad I did.  I thought it was really challenging to brainstorm, formulate a strong essay and edit it in 30 minutes.  Even with all of my prep that is the one part of my score that I am not happy about but it is adequate and probably would not have been if I had not practiced.  And as an edited benefit I think the practice improved my writing skills overall. 

Best of luck!!