My D1 (a rising senior) plans to take the GRE later this summer and is asking about the best way to prep. I looked at the pinned GRE thread but it doesn’t seem very active. She’s generally done very well on standardized tests (SAT, SAT subject tests, AP exams all 5’s) and prepped for those using prep books that were recommended here on CC. So I’m flattered that she’s asking me to inquire about prep books for the GRE. Do people use prep books more or online resources? She wants to pursue a PhD in economics. In terms of math she’s taken linear algebra, intro to real analysis, probability, and will be taking a second statistics class this Fall. Any tips would be appreciated.
The prep books typically are valuable because you can take practice tests. If your daughter has done well in her classes and takes tests well, then she should have no problem with the General GRE quantitative section. The verbal section is generally easier if the student likes to read and has read a lot in the past. It is very difficult to practice vocabulary and comprehension if a student is not an avid reader already. The writing part really depends on her ability to write. many science and engineering students are a bit weak in this section.
The best advice I can give is not to stress out about it and realize that you can take the test more than once and only send the scores you choose although in most cases, taking it multiple times does not help the scores all that much. By all means use a test prep system if you like. I am pretty sure that they all do the same kinds of things.
The best way to prep is taking practice tests under realistic conditions. The material of the test isn’t all that challenging, but sitting through a grueling 4-hour exam is no small feat.
I’m a fan of the Manhattan prep stuff. The bulk if her prep will be individual study, so online or a class depends more on her personal style. Of course, most of the prep companies now offer both online and in-class, or even hybrid courses.
My D took a hybrid course but soon found that the time to and from class was better spent – for her – by studying alone, so she then just focused on the online stuff. (She did Manhattan and the online course still received most of their hardcopy prep materials.)