GRE / GMAT Test Preparation

I have been teaching GRE and GMAT classes since 2007, and enjoy watching students as a math concept or a vocabulary word finds a home. 

Quite a few test prep books out there, aren't there?  Do you need one?  Which one?  Start with the websites setup for each class - GRE (www.ets.org) and GMAT (www.mba.com) - to learn a bit more, and take advantage of the free materials offered on both sites.

You should consider purchasing one or two books, as although you'll find helpful materials on this site and those above, this is one of those instances where practice definitely makes perfect, or at least helps take away the jitters on test day.  I like the Kaplan materials, but the Princeton books do offer some great hints as well.  On the GMAT side, I do like the Quantitative book published by the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

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.

There are some common approaches between the two tests, such as essays and the basic quantitative principles.  Other elements are exclusive to one test.  The links below will lead you to both general reviews and specific sections.

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!

 

General Review Items

  • Essays: A section and score of its own on both tests, you'll be asked to write two essays.  You should definitely take the time to practice both formats!

  • Quantitative Review:  This link will provide you with some of the basic rules for math and geometry.  As noted above, you really should buy a review book of math problems.  Rules are one thing, but the trick is in applying those rules.

GRE-Specific Review Items

The GRE changed on August 1, 2011 so please ensure that any materials that you purchase or review online reflect the new exam content!  The new GRE continues in its love for vocabulary, so you may wish to review the following vocabulary sets.  The first is a Word document that prints to Avery business cards (or plain paper) and the second file will allow you to review the vocabulary in Excel.

 

The following are the sections and specific question types on the exam:

  • Text Completion:  Just as it sounds, you will read a sentence with one or more blanks, and will then be expected to fill in those blanks from the choices below.  This has changed slightly from the old format.

  • Sentence Equivalence:  The "old" GRE had antonyms and analogies to test your mastery of vocabulary.  The new GRE focuses on synonyms, or at least words that have similar meanings.

  • Reading Comprehension: This question type will ask you to read one or more scholarly articles and answer a series of questions.  Keep in mind that you can see the passage (though you may need to scroll) at anytime, but you'll see only one question at a time.

  • Data Interpretation:  Unique to the GRE, you will see a few questions that expect you to work with graphs.  Make certain that you are comfortable with the various elements of graphs.

  • Quantitative Comparisons:  You'll be asked to compare two equations to determine which is larger, if they are equal, or if the relationship can't be determined.

GMAT-Specific Review Items

The GMAT is scheduled to change in July 2012, but in the meantime, the following are the sections and problem types upon which you should focus.

  • Critical Reasoning::  The GMAT provides you with a short passage, which you are then expected to analyze in a number of possible ways.

  • Sentence Correction:  In this section, you'll be asked to apply basic grammatical rules to a sentence, and to recommend the best option out of five choices.  In some cases, the sentence is correct as written!

  • Reading Comprehension: This question type will ask you to read one or more scholarly articles and answer a series of questions.  Keep in mind that you can see the passage (though you may need to scroll) at anytime, but you'll see only one question at a time.

  • Data Sufficiency:  The GMAT applies your quantitative skills in this unique section that asks you to evaluate two statements.