The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a crucial step for many students aiming to pursue graduate education. Proper preparation is essential for success, and one of the most effective ways to prepare is by using GRE prep books.
Importance of Using GRE Prep Books
GRE prep books offer comprehensive coverage of the test content, including practice questions, test-taking strategies, and detailed explanations. They are designed to help you understand the format of the GRE, improve your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, and ultimately achieve a high score.
Top GRE Prep Books
ETS Official Guide to the GRE
The “ETS Official Guide to the GRE” is a must-have for any GRE test-taker. Published by the test makers themselves, it offers the most accurate representation of the test format and questions.
Key Features
- Authentic Practice Questions: The book includes real GRE questions from past tests, providing the most accurate practice experience.
- Comprehensive Content: Covers all sections of the GRE, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
- Detailed Explanations: Provides thorough explanations for each answer, helping you understand the reasoning behind correct responses.
- Practice Tests: Includes two full-length practice tests with answers and explanations.
Strengths
- Accuracy: Since it’s published by ETS, the content is highly reliable and reflective of the actual GRE.
- Depth: Offers in-depth coverage of all test sections and question types.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Provides valuable tips and strategies for tackling each section of the test.
Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus
“Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus” is a comprehensive guide that combines in-depth content review with practice questions and test strategies.
Key Features
- Practice Questions: Over 1,500 practice questions with detailed explanations.
- Online Resources: Includes access to online practice tests, quizzes, and instructional videos.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Offers strategic advice for managing time and approaching different question types.
- Score Reports: Provides detailed score reports to help you track your progress.
Strengths
- Extensive Practice: A large number of practice questions and tests help reinforce learning.
- Online Resources: The inclusion of online tools and videos enhances the learning experience.
- Detailed Explanations: Comprehensive explanations help clarify complex concepts.
The Princeton Review’s Cracking the GRE
“The Princeton Review’s Cracking the GRE” is known for its engaging and effective test preparation strategies.
Key Features
- Practice Tests: Includes six full-length practice tests (two in the book and four online).
- Drill Exercises: Numerous drills and exercises to practice specific skills.
- Review Sections: Detailed reviews of all GRE sections, including tips and techniques.
- Online Tools: Access to online resources, including video tutorials and additional practice questions.
Strengths
- Engaging Content: The book’s conversational tone makes studying more enjoyable.
- Extensive Practice Tests: Multiple full-length tests provide ample practice opportunities.
- Effective Strategies: Offers practical strategies and techniques for improving your score.
Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
“Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems” is renowned for its extensive collection of practice questions.
Key Features
- Practice Questions: Contains over 1,800 practice questions covering all GRE sections.
- Detailed Explanations: Each question is accompanied by a thorough explanation.
- Variety of Questions: Includes a wide range of question types to ensure comprehensive preparation.
- Skill-Building: Focuses on building the skills necessary to tackle each section of the GRE.
Strengths
- Volume of Questions: The sheer number of practice questions provides extensive preparation.
- Detailed Explanations: Clear explanations help you understand the reasoning behind each answer.
- Skill Development: Emphasizes the development of critical skills for GRE success.
Barron’s GRE
“Barron’s GRE” is a well-rounded prep book offering a balanced mix of content review, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
Key Features
- Practice Tests: Includes two full-length practice tests.
- Content Review: Comprehensive review of verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.
- Diagnostic Test: A diagnostic test to help identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Strategies and Tips: Offers strategies for each section of the test.
Strengths
- Balanced Approach: Combines content review with practical test-taking strategies.
- Diagnostic Test: Helps you focus your study efforts on areas needing improvement.
- Practice Tests: Provides realistic practice with full-length tests.
Magoosh GRE Prep
“Magoosh GRE Prep” is an excellent resource for those looking for flexible and interactive learning options.
Key Features
- Online Access: Includes access to online resources, including video lessons and practice questions.
- Customizable Practice: Allows you to customize practice sessions based on your needs.
- Video Explanations: Video explanations for every question.
- Study Plans: Offers various study plans tailored to different timeframes and goals.
Strengths
- Interactive Learning: Online tools and videos provide an engaging learning experience.
- Customization: Tailor your practice to focus on specific areas.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access to a wide range of online resources and study plans.
GRE Prep by Manhattan Review
“GRE Prep by Manhattan Review” offers a strategic approach to GRE preparation, focusing on high-yield content and effective strategies.
Key Features
- Content Review: Thorough review of all GRE sections.
- Practice Questions: Numerous practice questions with detailed explanations.
- Strategic Insights: Strategies for tackling each section of the GRE.
- Full-Length Tests: Includes full-length practice tests to simulate the test day experience.
Strengths
- Strategic Focus: Emphasizes effective strategies for each section.
- High-Yield Content: Focuses on the most important content for the GRE.
- Simulated Tests: Full-length tests provide a realistic test-taking experience.
Choosing the Right GRE Prep Book
Assess Your Needs
Choosing the right GRE prep book depends on your specific needs and learning style. Consider the following factors:
Skill Level
- Beginner: If you are new to GRE preparation, look for books that offer comprehensive content reviews and basic strategies.
- Intermediate/Advanced: If you have some familiarity with the GRE, choose books that provide advanced strategies and challenging practice questions.
Learning Style
- Visual Learners: Books with plenty of diagrams, charts, and video explanations may be more effective.
- Text-Based Learners: Traditional prep books with detailed written explanations may suit you better.
Time Available
- Limited Time: If you have limited time to prepare, choose books that offer efficient study plans and high-yield content.
- Ample Time: If you have several months to prepare, consider books with extensive practice questions and in-depth content reviews.
Combine Resources
Using a combination of prep books can provide a more rounded preparation experience. For example, you might use the “ETS Official Guide to the GRE” for authentic practice questions and “Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus” for additional strategies and practice.
Study Tips for Using GRE Prep Books
Create a Study Schedule
Develop a study schedule that allocates specific times each week for GRE preparation. Consistency is key to retaining information and building skills.
Sample Study Schedule
- Week 1-2: Focus on verbal reasoning, including vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Week 3-4: Concentrate on quantitative reasoning, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Week 5-6: Practice analytical writing, including issue and argument tasks.
- Week 7-8: Take full-length practice tests and review answers to identify areas for improvement.
Practice Regularly
Regular practice is essential for success on the GRE. Use the practice questions and tests in your prep books to build familiarity with the test format and question types.
Daily Practice
- Morning: Review vocabulary and complete a few verbal reasoning questions.
- Afternoon: Work on quantitative reasoning problems and review mathematical concepts.
- Evening: Write practice essays for the analytical writing section.
Review and Reflect
After completing practice questions and tests, spend time reviewing your answers and understanding the reasoning behind each one. This will help reinforce your learning and identify patterns in your mistakes.
Review Sessions
- Correct Answers: Understand why the correct answer is right.
- Incorrect Answers: Analyze why you chose the wrong answer and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Utilize Online Resources
Many GRE prep books come with online resources, including additional practice questions, video explanations, and interactive tools. Make the most of these resources to enhance your preparation.
Online Practice
- ETS PowerPrep Online: Use the free practice tests to simulate the actual test environment.
- Kaplan and Princeton Review Online Tools: Access video tutorials, quizzes, and practice questions for additional practice.
Stay Motivated
Preparing for the GRE can be challenging, but staying motivated is crucial for success. Set small goals, reward yourself for milestones, and keep your end goal in mind.
Motivation Tips
- Set Achievable Goals: Break your study plan into smaller, manageable goals.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate small victories to keep yourself motivated.
- Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself of the benefits of achieving a high GRE score.