How to prep for Reading Comp. and Verbal Ability

[pch]

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Hi there, I've taking the PCAT two times. I realzied my weakest part is Verbal ability and reading comprehension. But I think I have already done the best I could for these two sections. I plan on taking the exam again in the summer. Can someone please give me some hints on how to succeed in these two sections? Thank you!!

 

[chemguy79]

For verbal, I'd definitely study word suffixes and prefixes. I'd also recommend making flash cards of the 300 most common GRE words. They were uber helpful and the main reason why I scored a 92 in the Verbal section.

For the reading section, I'd brush up on the literary terms like "antithesis, parallelism, etc." I wasn't expecting to study these at all until I took Pearson's practice exam. I was doing rather horribly on the practice exams, but after studying those terms, I managed a score in the 80's.

 

[MrsAppleseed]

For verbal, I'd definitely study word suffixes and prefixes. I'd also recommend making flash cards of the 300 most common GRE words. They were uber helpful and the main reason why I scored a 92 in the Verbal section.

For the reading section, I'd brush up on the literary terms like "antithesis, parallelism, etc." I wasn't expecting to study these at all until I took Pearson's practice exam. I was doing rather horribly on the practice exams, but after studying those terms, I managed a score in the 80's.

These are great suggestions. I've always done really well in verbal on standardized tests, so I don't have any recommendations there. However, reading comprehension is tricky so take a lot of extra time to underline the key points and think like a question writer of what you think sounds important while you're reading it. Definitely learn what the terms mean as chemguy suggested, and have a good understanding of the word so that you don't spend time trying to figure out what the question is asking, and instead, just answer the question. Best of luck!

 

[pch]

Thank you both of you for your reply! but actually, I did do what you guys sugested but still got a really low score. that is why I fee so hopeless in those sections. the biggest disappointment was when I actually thought I nailed RC but ended up geting a 26 percentile score. do you think reading scientific journals or other publications would be helpful? thanks!

 

[CK8652]

Honestly, if you want to increase you Verbal - you can buy Dr. Collins and his practice questions have about 10-15% of the actual questions you'll find on the PCAT, that should boost your Verbal.

As far as RC - try doing a very quick skim through the passage using your pencil or finger as a guide through the paragraph (I believe it really does help). MAYBE underline things that are very specific (names, terms, dates) (this takes up time and sometimes you underline too many things). Then go through the questions and bang them out, marking questions that you're not sure if your answer is right and coming back at the end if you have time.

 

[chemguy79]

I don't want to be the bringer of bad news; However, Reading Comprehension is something that you're either good at or you're not. I don't believe that reading scientific journals would be all that helpful unless you just want to read. Practice questions, testing your comprehension would be the best bet. Purchase the Pearson Practice Exams since those questions were the most similar to the practice test. Dr. Collins' exams were great for the Verbal, no doubt!

 

[pch]

Thank you guys for your help. Any ideas where I can get Dr. Collins practice material? I'm from Canada and nobody here knows or uses Dr. Collins. Thanks again!

 

[nextyearrx]

For verbal, I'd definitely study word suffixes and prefixes. I'd also recommend making flash cards of the 300 most common GRE words.

Can you tell me where I can find those 300 most common GRE words from?

Thanks..

 

[pharm B]

Thank you guys for your help. Any ideas where I can get Dr. Collins practice material? I'm from Canada and nobody here knows or uses Dr. Collins. Thanks again!

http://www.pcatprepclass.com/

That's the official site for his products.