Gre

[LovesAnimals]

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How'd you study for them?

What helped? What didn't?

How long did you study?

Did you take them more than once?

 

[LynnKat]

I do best studying on my own, though many people have success with courses. I got a book with CD and after taking the diagnostic, I planned my own studying to address my weak areas. I was a bit different than many other pre vets in that I had high verbal and lower math. I had problems with math in a multiple choice format and remembered no Geometry and needed the tricks that the courses or books teach you to work more quickly through basic things. The Algebra was easy; the "easy" math was my downfall. I bought the GRE Math Review book and brushed up on the basics, then went through the tricks in the GRE book. It helped me raise my Math around 200 points from that first diagnostic.

I didn't need to do much for Verbal, because I was scoring 700+ on the practice tests, and I had a second major in English, so I wasn't stressed over the essay.

I only took them once, on just about the last possible date (NOT reccomeded), but it worked out just fine. I was way high for every school I applied to compared to their verbal averages and about 20-50 points low for most in math, so it all worked out. My advice would be to take them as early as you can be ready, and to think about how you work best. If you need deadlines and structure, think about a course, but if you can study on your own, you can try taking a diagnostic test and making a study plan to address your weaknesses. Best of Luck!

 

[NoleDevil]

Try a search for past GRE threads on this forum - I know there's at least one where someone else asked for advice b/c I posted in it! 😉

 

[LovesAnimals]

Thanks for the advice LynnKat

NoleDevil - I tried searching GRE, but it came up with nothing (I assume it doesn't search acronyms and I tried Graduate Record Exam but no one writes it out )

 

[pressmom]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=520362&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=513111&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=503753&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=395368&highlight=study+tips

Just a few....hope they help...if they don't, post some more questions here. 🙂

 

[Sweetcaroline14]

How'd you study for them?

What helped? What didn't?

How long did you study?

Did you take them more than once?

Hey there! I studied for the GRE with Kaplan. I bought the online version which came with the study guide(huge)and printable vocab cards. I was a little nervous about the GRE because it had been SO long since I graduated from high school. So, I was a little nervous. I've taken the GRE 5 times....ha,ha,ha...Yes, you read it correctly! Over the years, I've improved my scores, but most importantly, I think its all about test logic. I just got "good" at taking it. I think if you are weak in vocab, by all means learn the list of 1000 words they recommend in all the study guides. This helped me a ton. In addition, the quant section can be crazy because it may be basic but its also very analytical, so do as many tests as you can! I studied for about 6 months before I took each test. My first GRE was a 1250(6 on the writing), then up it went to 1480(5.5 on writing) with Kaplan, so its really up to you!
I'd give myself enough time to take it over if you have a bad day or need extra time. In addition, if you go on Kaplan's website, they offer free "tests" that you can register for. They like to get you in there to sell you their product, but its free to anyone, so try that! You don't have to buy Kaplan products or anything to register to take a test at one of their sites. Its worth it in my opinion to get an idea of the actual test itself.
My highest score happened when I actually set out a plan of studying. I did vocab cards one day for 2 hours, math another day for 2 hours, writing for 1 hour. I did this about 5 days a week for 6 months and I really did much better. You'll do great. Just jump on in and try your best. And remember, its not the "end all, be all" of the world....Its just a test. 🙂

 

[LovesAnimals]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=520362&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=513111&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=503753&highlight=study+tips

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=395368&highlight=study+tips

Just a few....hope they help...if they don't, post some more questions here. 🙂

so smart to search study tips!!! Thanks!!

Hey there! I studied for the GRE with Kaplan. I bought the online version which came with the study guide(huge)and printable vocab cards. I was a little nervous about the GRE because it had been SO long since I graduated from high school. So, I was a little nervous. I've taken the GRE 5 times....ha,ha,ha...Yes, you read it correctly! Over the years, I've improved my scores, but most importantly, I think its all about test logic. I just got "good" at taking it. I think if you are weak in vocab, by all means learn the list of 1000 words they recommend in all the study guides. This helped me a ton. In addition, the quant section can be crazy because it may be basic but its also very analytical, so do as many tests as you can! I studied for about 6 months before I took each test. My first GRE was a 1250(6 on the writing), then up it went to 1480(5.5 on writing) with Kaplan, so its really up to you!
I'd give myself enough time to take it over if you have a bad day or need extra time. In addition, if you go on Kaplan's website, they offer free "tests" that you can register for. They like to get you in there to sell you their product, but its free to anyone, so try that! You don't have to buy Kaplan products or anything to register to take a test at one of their sites. Its worth it in my opinion to get an idea of the actual test itself.
My highest score happened when I actually set out a plan of studying. I did vocab cards one day for 2 hours, math another day for 2 hours, writing for 1 hour. I did this about 5 days a week for 6 months and I really did much better. You'll do great. Just jump on in and try your best. And remember, its not the "end all, be all" of the world....Its just a test. 🙂

Sounds good! 🙂 I'm not *too* worried about it, but I just want to start getting prepared for it all

 

[LVT2DVM]

I know there are multiple thread on this subject as pointed out by Noledevil and Pressmom, but I was going to ask something specific. In studing the verbals, Barrons and Kaplan recommend flashcards. So, Im trying this and Im having issues with
a. spending so much money for cards and the environmental implications of wasted paper.
b. storing the cards...hence more money and wasted space and my cards get scattered on the floor at least one a day. (Child, cat, whatever)
c. Writer's cramps!
d. Most importantly...Their not interesting enough and I dont seem to be retaining the information quickly enough...Im still working on the A's.

So, I was going to ask if anyone had any better solutions? I came across this and it seems (so far) like a suitable alternative. As long as you make sure the slides you choose to study by are correct. I like the memory game too. Fun yet educational. (Yes, I was the geek who like to play Biology and Verbal Jeopardy in HS.) What do you guys think?

Flashcard Exchange link
http://www.flashcardexchange.com

 

[pressmom]

For me, working through Latin roots helped on some of them. On others, I'd just make up sentences. That seemed to cement it in my brain better. I HATE flashcards and they have never worked for me.

 

[Truth74]

I got the Kaplan flip book, and I use number2.com. (no paper)
I also found it useful to subscribe to one of those word a day programs through a dictionary website. I don't remember which one I use, and I've recently purged my inbox. I think its webster's, though. They pulled the examples from news articles and books.

I know you can't carry the majority of that around, but you could set up a folder and go through them while you're emptying her trash folder.

I feel your pain about the cards on the floor. Have you tried a key ring? I tried flashcards that were not connected with a ring once. Kids would destroy them ritually.

 

[Pennvet]

Anyone that has really studied Kaplan will do well. All you need to know.

 

[enchantingme2]

I think that the kaplan books are very very good. I did take the course, but I did not really find it that helpful. I think that if you need someone to push you to study, the course is good. If you have the resolve to study without going to weekly sessions then just doing the books or the online course might be for you.

 

[TCVM808]

I definitely suggest buying a book with a CD. It's important to be able to do practice tests in the computer format....it makes a big difference.

 

[LVT2DVM]

I got the Kaplan flip book, and I use number2.com. (no paper)
I also found it useful to subscribe to one of those word a day programs through a dictionary website. I don't remember which one I use, and I've recently purged my inbox. I think its webster's, though. They pulled the examples from news articles and books.

I know you can't carry the majority of that around, but you could set up a folder and go through them while you're emptying her trash folder.

I feel your pain about the cards on the floor. Have you tried a key ring? I tried flashcards that were not connected with a ring once. Kids would destroy them ritually.

I checked out number2.com. Great site! A little time consuming with all the explanations but I liked the practice questions and the word / question of the day feature. Great tip, Thanks Truth74.
And I havent tried keyrings yet, merely because I was trying not to spend anymore $ and I dont have enough extras lying around. Plus I fear the kids would just tear them off the rings. Perhaps what I need is better behaved children or better hiding places. LOL😉

 

[Truth74]

Perhaps what I need is better behaved children or better hiding places. LOL😉

Don't we all. If you don't have keyrings, I've used wire and yarn in a pinch. The cards being connected together only buys you a little time. Not a lot, but some. My younguns are like that too, but I have a two drawer file cabinet with a key, now. If I forget, and leave something out or the drawer open, then I suffer.

I don't know what I've been doing to accumulate so many keyrings and keys. I can definitely use my keychain for self defense.

 

[LVT2DVM]

I don't know what I've been doing to accumulate so many keyrings and keys. I can definitely use my keychain for self defense.

😆hahaha Me Too! Everytime I go to the dealer for an oil change they read me the riot act about having too much weight on my keychain (supposively messes up the ignition switch or something). I said the same thing you did..." but I use those for defense." 😀 They were not amused.

 

[BrumleyVet]

So with the GRE's, do I just take the "standard" test, or do Vet schools want the specific tests taken? I'm starting my junior year (undergrad) and want enough time to retake as needed.

Any classes recommended to have taken before doing this?

 

[dyachei]

So with the GRE's, do I just take the "standard" test, or do Vet schools want the specific tests taken? I'm starting my junior year (undergrad) and want enough time to retake as needed.

Any classes recommended to have taken before doing this?

Though there are a couple of vet schools that require the Bio GRE (UGA comes to mind), most simply require the general test. As for classes, this has been covered extensively in other threads - the answer is pretty much no unless you feel like a Kaplan (or another brand of a similar sort) class will help you.

 

[twelvetigers]

There are only two schools that require the Bio GRE - OKSU and UGA. I don't think UF does... hmm. I could go look really quick. But otherwise, nope, just the general GRE is good. Lucky you! 🙂

EDIT: Nope, UF doesn't. So it's just those two schools. Also, I wanted to add that there aren't any courses you should take before the general GRE that you haven't taken already. Basic algebra is good to know, but I think many of us came out of highschool with enough algebra to understand the GRE material. Just get a study book or two, consider the Kaplan course, and spend a few months reviewing the material. That should be plenty.

 

[carrbear21]

I took a Kaplan prep class and it was very helpful. It MADE me study because I had to go there. This was last spring. I took the course in April (twice a week for a month) then took the GRE mid-May. I took tons of practice tests (once I had studied then I could gauge what I needed to work more on). I only took it once and ended up with a 710 A, 620 V, and 4.5 AW. My goal was a 1200 so it worked out well! I had bought 3 books and only used the Kaplan ones. The best thing to do is to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE on the tests. It's all about test-taking. Good luck!