I recently had the opportunity to teach my first class, a prep course for the GRE.  If you're on this page, you were probably searching for a free resource for vocabulary, or possibly a few hints on the quantitative section.  Lucky for you, you've found both below.

Before you jump in, however, take a minute to check out the ETS site.  In November 2007, ETS was rolling out new question types, and it would help you to be familiar with there.

Second, hopefully you've purchased a prep book.  I recommend the Princeton Review book, and just used the Kaplan text in the aforementioned class.  It would be a wise investment to get a math workbook as well, as the GRE tests advanced concepts in algebra and geometry - the Kaplan Math Reference is a decent source.

So you've just spent $50 on test books.  Do you need a class?  Maybe.  It depends on your self-discipline on working through concepts and problems.  If you need structure, or if you want someone to bounce questions off of, check with your local university to see if they have a class.  You might also want to check Kaplan and other providers, but beware that these may not be inexpensive options.

Finally, the GRE is not a cakewalk.  Take the time beforehand to understand the structure of the test and the concepts that you'll be expected to know.  Remember that many graduate schools put great weight on the GRE score in their admission decisions, and that you are competing with a large number of great applicants. 

Please note the necessary legalese - I believe the information below to be correct, however do not guarantee such.  You may use this material at your own risk, but please understand that I will not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions below.  Thank you.

Good luck!

The GRE quantitative section can be difficult, but you'll feel much more confident and will perform much better if you memorize some basic rules.

You can expect that about half of your quantitative questions will involve geometry, and many will combine concepts, forcing you to draw a triangle within a circle, for example, to get to the answer.  Memorize the equations below:

Finally, understand that the verbal section, especially the analogies and antonyms, rely on an advanced vocabulary.  Even if you think you have this covered, review the attached, s the GRE tests words that I'd challenge any "normal" person to use in conversation, and indeed, I suspect many of the words would look out of place in a graduate thesis! 

This Excel file includes a simple list of words.  I'd recommend that you print this out, fold the definitions under, and go through to see which you know for certain, which you thought you knew, and those that you've never seen before.  There is a review column that you can use to flag those that you want to focus upon, and you can use the filter to isolate that list.

The Word file includes simple flashcards for the 786 words in this list.  It prints to 79 pages, or 40 front-and-back, and is formatted for business card stock.  You can, of course, use regular paper as well.  These are great to carry in your shirt pocket or purse for the five and ten minute study breaks that you can grab throughout the day.

Here's the list that you'll likewise see in both files above.