Funding and GRE

<p>So I was told that since my combined GRE score was below the median, I am not eligible for a higher financial award unless I got a higher score. Since there isn't much place for my Quantative to go...I need to improve my Verbal score in the next few weeks. I didn't study for the Verbal at all the first time I took it and ended up with a 530...and I need to increase it by at least 80 points. What study aids did you guys/girls use to get higher verbal scores? Help is appreciated...a lot of money is on the line!</p>

<p>Hire a private tutor through an agency or highly recommended. Identify up front you need verbal skill. Make every moment of prep count.</p>

<p>alright let me clarify....i don't have a lot of money to spend...and while i'm sure the investment would certainly pay off..i dont think a private tutor is possible. i can buy books or software...but there are also some free vocab builders online...did anyone use these? which ones and were they helpful?</p>

<p>Given your timeframe, I second the idea of personalized and targeted training. If you rather DIY and risk not getting some serious awards (from your school), then that choice is yours indeed. Many "free" stuffs worth exactly the price.</p>

<p>Just memorize a bunch of common GRE words. A few weeks is more than enough time to do this. A tutor just to raise the verbal section 80 points when you hadn't studied at all the first time sounds like a huge waste of money.</p>

<p>You don't even have to buy, just go to the library, or (even better) bookstore, go to the verbal section in each book and memorize all their top word lists. They really do help. I did this for 6-8 hours(checked out a book for the ride to the center) and got a 690. A few weeks and you'll be solid.</p>

<p>u can even find word lists (the same ones published in copyrighted study materials) online.</p>