GRE Prep Tutoring-Expensive

[knowing]

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Has anyone paid to have additional tutoring in preparation for the GRE General Test? I looked into it and spoke with a friend who did pay the 600.00 for additional practice testing and preparation. I have 9 weeks to prepare. I have Kaplan 2009 GRE Premier Program book to prepare and have been working on it. I am worried this is not enough. My friend raised his score by 114 points.

 

[cara susanna]

Yup, I paid $1,600 for online tutoring through Princeton Review. Raised my score 130 points, but you should note that the biggest change (90 pts) was in the area I was already good at.

 

[glasscandie]

I started off studying with just books (Kaplan, etc.), but I eventually ended up paying for private tutoring through Princeton Review (which I'm involved in now - 3rd session so far and my score has jumped 100 points just from that).

Some of the stuff on the quant. I haven't seen since middle school or high school, and with all the other stuff going on in my life ATM (full time school, 3 year old daughter, p/t behavioral neuroscience internship, editor of school psych. newsletter, working on 2 senior theses) I'm really finding it useful to have someone who can help me with the specific areas I'm not doing well in so I'm not wasting a whole bunch of my time. I have enough work to do right now lol For example - I'm doing fine on the verbal, I got a 670 on a practice test (ETS) without studying, and I know with studying more vocab. I can do better.

I'm planning on taking it in late April/early May (probably May, b/c my classes will end the first week of that month), so I'll have about 6 weeks of tutoring under my belt by then. Some may think I'm crazy for spending the $$ on something I could probably figure out on my own, but anything that will make this whole process less harrowing is totally worth it to me.

 

[knowing]

Yup, I paid $1,600 for online tutoring through Princeton Review. Raised my score 130 points, but you should note that the biggest change (90 pts) was in the area I was already good at.

With the online tutoring...what was the biggest advantage?

 

[cara susanna]

I had to do online because there was no one in my area.

Learning strategies was the best thing for me. For instance, everyone says for verbal, just study vocab. I disagree--I had the vocab, but I didn't know how to approach certain questions. Also, learning the tricks to the quant section (though I still didn't do very well on it).

 

[knowing]

I started off studying with just books (Kaplan, etc.), but I eventually ended up paying for private tutoring through Princeton Review (which I'm involved in now - 3rd session so far and my score has jumped 100 points just from that).

Some of the stuff on the quant. I haven't seen since middle school or high school, and with all the other stuff going on in my life ATM (full time school, 3 year old daughter, p/t behavioral neuroscience internship, editor of school psych. newsletter, working on 2 senior theses) I'm really finding it useful to have someone who can help me with the specific areas I'm not doing well in so I'm not wasting a whole bunch of my time. I have enough work to do right now lol For example - I'm doing fine on the verbal, I got a 670 on a practice test (ETS) without studying, and I know with studying more vocab. I can do better.



I'm planning on taking it in late April/early May (probably May, b/c my classes will end the first week of that month), so I'll have about 6 weeks of tutoring under my belt by then. Some may think I'm crazy for spending the $$ on something I could probably figure out on my own, but anything that will make this whole process less harrowing is totally worth it to me.

So, do they streamline things for you ...basically narrow it down? How many sessions do you receive?

 

[knowing]

I had to do online because there was no one in my area.

Learning strategies was the best thing for me. For instance, everyone says for verbal, just study vocab. I disagree--I had the vocab, but I didn't know how to approach certain questions. Also, learning the tricks to the quant section (though I still didn't do very well on it).

I have to wonder because thats what people say....just study but there are tricks and strategies or the online tutoring wouldn't exist and they wouldn't make money. I study but I feel pressure like its a one shot deal and perfection must reign..

 

[glasscandie]

So, do they streamline things for you ...basically narrow it down? How many sessions do you receive?

Yes - I mean, we're going over everything, but I'm less concerned about verbal/writing because I always score higher on that, even on the SATs my scores were lopsided. So, for instance, my 2 hour tutoring session yesterday spent about an hour 1/2 on the quant., and 30 minutes on verbal. It also is helpful for me b/c there's time to address specific questions I have about specific problem types as I come across them - the guy is right there across the table from me, and can show me as many times as I needed it done.

I've taken online classes before as part of my undergrad. degree (never for tutoring though), and there are pro's and con's. If you're good at a subject, I loved online because it let me study at my own pace and I found it actually more challenging than in-person classes sometimes. For things that I wasn't great at it was difficult because there are limits to how things can be explained online, you can't get your questions answered right away, etc.

My sessions are 2 hours each (you have the option for 3), for 18 hours of tutoring total - so I have 9 sessions altogether. It was $1900 through Princeton Review (Kaplan was more expensive for private tutoring), and I was lucky to receive it as a birthday present from my mom. I don't think I could have afforded it otherwise.

 

[knowing]

Yes - I mean, we're going over everything, but I'm less concerned about verbal/writing because I always score higher on that, even on the SATs my scores were lopsided. So, for instance, my 2 hour tutoring session yesterday spent about an hour 1/2 on the quant., and 30 minutes on verbal. It also is helpful for me b/c there's time to address specific questions I have about specific problem types as I come across them - the guy is right there across the table from me, and can show me as many times as I needed it done.

I've taken online classes before as part of my undergrad. degree (never for tutoring though), and there are pro's and con's. If you're good at a subject, I loved online because it let me study at my own pace and I found it actually more challenging than in-person classes sometimes. For things that I wasn't great at it was difficult because there are limits to how things can be explained online, you can't get your questions answered right away, etc.

My sessions are 2 hours each (you have the option for 3), for 18 hours of tutoring total - so I have 9 sessions altogether. It was $1900 through Princeton Review (Kaplan was more expensive for private tutoring), and I was lucky to receive it as a birthday present from my mom. I don't think I could have afforded it otherwise.

This sounds exactly like what I would need and prefer. I haven't taken the test yet so I can't say that for positive. The money is a concern since that would lower my savings...😱😱 This gives me some insight and aspects to think about it..The person coming to your house ...that really is beneficial...🙂

 

[prettypandee]

I guess everyone is different, but what raised my score 200 points (I took the GRE once without doing anything bc my SAT scores were good, I imagined my GRE scores would be the same... wrong, completely wrong...) - I did the whole math extensive preparation section of Princeton Review for an hour every day for 3 weeks. I wrote down all of the formulas I forgot and examples to questions I had problems with (probability is not fun).
I raised my verbal score by memorizing words everyday for 3 hours and more on the weekend for 2 weeks straight. It was painful, and 6 months later I forgot everything I learned. I had the Kaplan book I believe and in the back they have lists and lists of words, some with definitions and some without. I made lists that I would go over everyday. Yes, the tricks could help you in verbal, but when it comes down to it, memorizing vocab will make the difference between a 600 and 650 in my opinion.
A class would be great if you're easily distracted. I found that studying with my med school friends everyday really helped - misery loves company 😛

 

[knowing]

I guess everyone is different, but what raised my score 200 points (I took the GRE once without doing anything bc my SAT scores were good, I imagined my GRE scores would be the same... wrong, completely wrong...) - I did the whole math extensive preparation section of Princeton Review for an hour every day for 3 weeks. I wrote down all of the formulas I forgot and examples to questions I had problems with (probability is not fun).
I raised my verbal score by memorizing words everyday for 3 hours and more on the weekend for 2 weeks straight. It was painful, and 6 months later I forgot everything I learned. I had the Kaplan book I believe and in the back they have lists and lists of words, some with definitions and some without. I made lists that I would go over everyday. Yes, the tricks could help you in verbal, but when it comes down to it, memorizing vocab will make the difference between a 600 and 650 in my opinion.
A class would be great if you're easily distracted. I found that studying with my med school friends everyday really helped - misery loves company 😛

I made flashcards that I have been studying..I am leaning towards taking some type of tutorial online.🙂

 

[Emilee]

I did online tutoring too, through Kaplan. It cost about $1000, but it soooo worth it. I used several GRE books and even took a class to prepare for the GRE the first time. But I was able to raise my math score by 200 pts the second time after doing online tutoring. I like the online version because you can go at own pace and there is no social pressure (Although, this might be a disadvantage for some people) I was even able to take a simulated GRE test session (passing car sounds and random coughing sounds included!!!). Then you get to go over your answers at the end. As a extra bonus, if you feel like you are not adequately prepared at the end of the your paid 3 months, you can extend your time for no extra charge (At least they had this policy two years ago when I did it and I did extend my time with no questions asked).
You should consider it.

 

[knowing]

I did online tutoring too, through Kaplan. It cost about $1000, but it soooo worth it. I used several GRE books and even took a class to prepare for the GRE the first time. But I was able to raise my math score by 200 pts the second time after doing online tutoring. I like the online version because you can go at own pace and there is no social pressure (Although, this might be a disadvantage for some people) I was even able to take a simulated GRE test session (passing car sounds and random coughing sounds included!!!). Then you get to go over your answers at the end. As a extra bonus, if you feel like you are not adequately prepared at the end of the your paid 3 months, you can extend your time for no extra charge (At least they had this policy two years ago when I did it and I did extend my time with no questions asked).
You should consider it.

yes..I will more than likely do that but the cost will break me...😱😱

 

[ioliz]

I reviewed on my own for six months, and raised my score 300 points.. it is possible!

 

[numbereight]

it's an investment in your future. i went up 140 points after taking the kaplan course. try to finish the course a few weeks prior to your test date, and continue drilling on your weaknesses. the kaplan program makes it relatively easy to work on what you need. best of luck!

 

[knowing]

I reviewed on my own for six months, and raised my score 300 points.. it is possible!

That is so awesome....it gives me hope....😎

 

[knowing]

it's an investment in your future. i went up 140 points after taking the kaplan course. try to finish the course a few weeks prior to your test date, and continue drilling on your weaknesses. the kaplan program makes it relatively easy to work on what you need. best of luck!

Which course did you take that brought you up 140 points? I was looking at it...theres online, classroom etc....

 

[aly cat]

That is so awesome....it gives me hope....😎

I reviewed on my own for 6 weeks (2-4 hours a day, a practice test on Fridays, and 30 new words per day). I worked through the Princeton Review book, GRE powerprep software, and the 10th edition book from ETS with practice tests in it.

I raised my score 290 points ( 1000 on my first practice test with no preparation whatsoever and scored 1290 on my actual test). All together it cost me maybe $40.

I know different things work for different people and getting a score higher than 1300 probably requires more specialized training, but I just didn't have the money.

Good luck!!

 

[knowing]

I reviewed on my own for 6 weeks (2-4 hours a day, a practice test on Fridays, and 30 new words per day). I worked through the Princeton Review book, GRE powerprep software, and the 10th edition book from ETS with practice tests in it.

I raised my score 290 points ( 1000 on my first practice test with no preparation whatsoever and scored 1290 on my actual test). All together it cost me maybe $40.

I know different things work for different people and getting a score higher than 1300 probably requires more specialized training, but I just didn't have the money.

Good luck!!

I hope I can do as well as you guys did. Thank you for the luck I will need it.

 

[numbereight]

Which course did you take that brought you up 140 points? I was looking at it...theres online, classroom etc....

i did the classroom which included online. again, highly recommended as an investment in your career, if you can swing it financially.

 

[knowing]

i did the classroom which included online. again, highly recommended as an investment in your career, if you can swing it financially.

Thamks again for the information. 🙂

 

[ladysky61]

How are/did you guys prepare for the Psychology subject test? Is there anywhere online you can take a free practice test? I heard from people to just review you psych 101 stuff, but I think I need more help then that!

Also, did anyone do private tutoring and get help for both test? I might sign up for private tutoring if that is the case.

 

[cara susanna]

They send you a free practice test when you sign up to take it.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry. I didn't study at all for the Subject test and I did fine.

 

[FranklinR]

How are/did you guys prepare for the Psychology subject test? Is there anywhere online you can take a free practice test? I heard from people to just review you psych 101 stuff, but I think I need more help then that!

Also, did anyone do private tutoring and get help for both test? I might sign up for private tutoring if that is the case.

I downloaded a bunch of Psych 101 lectures from other schools (available on itunes) and listened to them while doing other things. I found it quite helpful.

 

[knowing]

I haven't taken it yet or scheduled it. I think only some schools require this? I will probably take it anyway because one of the schools I am interested in making application to requires it. The idea Franklin had was good downloading previous lectures or maybe reading previous Psych books. Does Kaplan have a prep for this as well?