Today’s article will focus on studying for the GRE on your own. Not all physician assistant programs require the GRE for admission, but if you are applying to one or more that do, maximizing your score through good GRE preparation is crucial. For me, the GRE felt like another hoop I needed to jump through to become a PA – a flaming hoop that hovered six feet off the ground.
How to Prepare for the GRE: Self Study Plan. Manhattan Prep has put together a little. I recommend completing the practice exercises in the official guide. Self-Study Guide for GRE. Manhattan GRE study guide has a set. Verbal Reasoning and Official guide to GRE. These Gre Prep Books are created by the. GRE self study is the way to go if you're on a budget. But that's not the only consideration. Here we cover why you might want to go it alone.
But hopefully this article will get you started on your own flaming hoop jump. First, I’ll briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the do-it-yourself approach to GRE study. Next, I will share some guidelines for self-study, and finally, I’ll share some of the reputable GRE self study resources, along with my opinions on them. Is GRE Self Study for You? Before you commit to doing it on your own, make sure you consider the following factors – self-study isn’t for everyone.
Be honest with yourself about whether or not it’s best for you. GRE Self Study Advantages: • It’s cheap. Doing it yourself is definitely the least expensive way to prepare. Most self-study review books run from $10-30, with sets of books around $95. Most contain a DVD or access to online resources.
GRE Study Plans and Guides. On the list of materials the The Official Guide to the GRE. As for practice questions Manhattan GRE has six online tests.
• It’s convenient. You do it on your own time – squeeze it in after work, during a break, on the weekend, or whatever. You don’t need to go anywhere special.
• You can do it your way. Know what works best for you and your learning style? Use that knowledge to tailor your preparation. GRE Self Study Disadvantages: • Limited structure. You need to be self-disciplined to really make it work. If you are a procrastinator, self-study is probably not the best choice. • Limited feedback.
Not sure where to start? Do you lack confidence in your test taking ability? Are you weak in one area of the test’s subject matter?
If any of these are true you do it yourself, it cost you many points if you don’t get some help. Summary If you are a disciplined student who feels confident and has no areas of huge weakness, you’re probably okay to study on your own. If you need more structure and/or guidance, you probably should consider a GRE class or tutor. GRE Self Study Guidelines • Start early. Three months of study should be a functional minimum for anyone serious about improving their score. • Get very familiar with the test’s format. You want no surprises when you take the test.
• Download to take a free online practice test. Save the second downloadable test for one or two weeks before your exam. • Take the Powerprep tests under conditions that are as close to your test day as you can replicate. • Assess your strongest and weakest area(s). Don’t forget to examine which specific question types you struggle with the most.
• Pick a reputable GRE prep book. Don’t buy one solely on the number of questions or tests it contains. • Schedule your study time so you don’t get bogged down in any one area.. • About every week, take a timed practice test from your prep book.
Like most things, doing well at the GRE takes practice. • Get used to answering questions while you are being timed. Set an alarm so you get used to the time constraints. You can master the material, but if you aren’t used to pacing yourself, you can easily run out of time. • Study and take practice tests at approximately the same time of day when you will take the test (morning, afternoon, etc.) • Encourage yourself – even aloud – while you study and take practice tests. Okay, I did one just like this last week – I’ve got this. I’ve got this!
On test day you will do this too, but you will do it silently. The Human Abstract Mea Culpa Mp3 Download. • Work on your English vocabulary at every opportunity.
Vocabulary flash cards and books can be excellent ways to broaden your verbal ability, which will help you on all sections of the GRE. • Read all types of material. Spend some regular time reading literature, research, news, opinion, and technical writing. GRE Self Study Resources Though not my favorite, I consider this one essential. Printed by the Educational Testing Service – the very same company that makes the is a must-have. It will familiarize you with the test by showing you how it is organized and scored.
It also claims to provide some test-taking strategies, but they are basic at best (they aren’t motivated to make the GRE easy for you – that would cost them money!) The reason to get this book is that its questions come from actual (retired) GRE tests, so you get a sense for what the real thing will really feel like. This is a good way to decide what areas might be hard for you. It contains 4 practice tests – two traditional hard copy ones, and two on the computer via Powerprep II software – which by itself is a good reason to have it. Offers great test taking strategy, particularly for the verbal section.