Test Prep

[Daniel]

Well, it's about that time.

I have enough scholarships to get my Masters degree but then again I have to get into a master's program. So, I'm taking the GMAT and the GRE soon.

I have a book for the Gmat, but for some dumb reason Kaplan didn't make the CD compatible with the Mac and since Windows Vista is like 600 bucks I'ma pass on using that.

That said, does anyone actually recommend the online test prep stuff? It's 599 for both Princeton Review and Kaplan. Is it worth the cost?

Any input appreciated

[Hulkein]

Powerscore was good for the LSATs, and if I remember right it was cheaper than both Kaplan and PR and I hear it's at least on par with them, if not better. I don't know about their online stuff, but just throwing the name out there. I do know they have both GMAT and GRE sections.

[Daniel]

Just checked. No online program, and since I'm in Cairo for the next 5 months thats would be one fucking commute.

Thx tho.

[Latrinsorm]

I'm confident you'll do fine on the verbal (they have a fancy name for it) part of the general GRE from how you post. I don't really know how good you are at math, but you should probably do some preparation on that. I'm quite good at math and I didn't get a perfect score just walking in and taking it. The essay section involves defending (or attacking) a position in essay form (cake).

If you're looking to game the format of it via preparation, I wouldn't bother. You're better off just being well-versed in English and math. One crucial thing to know about the format is that on the computer-based version (which you probably have to take and I recommend you take anyway if given the choice) you can't come back to a question later for any reason. It's kind of a pain, but it's manageable and definitely worth it overall.

Unlike the incredible ripoff subject tests, the generals give you your score on everything but the essays right away. I'm not sure what the test-taking situation will be like for you, but testing centers usually offer general tests multiple times a week here in the states. $160 a pop is pretty steep, but if you know you can do significantly better I'd say it's worth it.

As an aside, you seem to be getting into the game awfully late for applications for next fall. I only applied to physics departments, but it's been a good month since the deadlines passed for me.

[Daniel]

Thanks.

I blindly took a practice exam and got a 650. That's good, but I want a 700+. The only thing that is really killing me is the A is sufficient, B Is sufficient, both or neither. Those things kick my ass because I usually do shit my own way. So, I need to figure out how to do those things without causing my brain to asplode. But I'm not sure if 600 bucks is worth it.

Also, I'm applying for Fall 2008. I'll be done with school after next fall semester and I'll spend the spring working and taking some advanced math classes (I have to catch up because you can't take math online like I did for the rest of my associates).

[Xaerve]

This stuff is available free some places online ;)

[Krayton]

The GRE is being completely changed this coming fall, so you may not be able to find any GOOD test prep programs. I'll be attending a seminar on 2/24 here at Ohio State that gives some insight regarding how the test is going to be changed. Although I'll be taking the psychology GRE, I would assume that the test questions presented will be generalized. I'll try to remember to post a little bit of info about it.

[edited to add] If you go to https://www.kaptest.com/registration.jhtml and join Kaplan, you can see some practice questions and such.