Book Description
DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY?
Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.
To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on the bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions to discover their top five talents.
In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more (see below for details). While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.
Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself -- and the world around you -- forever.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN THE NEW & UPGRADED EDITION OF STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0
(using the unique access code included with each book)
* A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
* A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month, and year
* A more customized version of your top five theme report
* 50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)
* The more user-friendly StrengthsFinder 2.0 companion website, with a strengths community area, library of downloadable discussion guides and activities, a strengths screensaver, and a program for creating display cards of your top five themes
Customer Reviews:
The Online Quiz Doesn't Function - Only Received "Error".......2007-10-20
The book was enticing, especially because the leader of a meeting I attended this week recommended it. I purchased it on a Thursday, sat down to take the assessment on this Saturday morning, and after 35 minutes of the quiz, NO RESULTS! Instead of results, my computer screen just said, "Error. Please contact customer service."
The company must not work weekends because 6 hours later, no response, not even a thank you, we'll get back to you later. The three times I relogged onto the website, I waited while it said, "Please wait. Calculating your results." and then the same error message. If you're busy, this is not for you. The book is pricey and absolutely useless without results from the quiz. Based upon my experience, DON'T BUY IT.
Strengths Finder.......2007-10-18
It was an interesting exercise but not altogether aligned with my strengths. However, the book is inexpensive and short enough for you to read each of the themes (strengths), highlight your strengths within each theme, and reread each theme a few times. By doing this you'll be able to determine which are your primary themes.
Useful insights but annoying you can't buy the tests only.......2007-10-09
Whilst the questionnaire can provide you useful insights on what you do best, it is annoying that you have to buy the book to get the code for the on-line tests. There is little extra information in the book that doesn't come with the test results so they've missed a good opportunity to add value. A better approach would be to allow you to buy the tests on line and say get the book at a discount. Only having one shot at the test is also frustrating as I'd like to have another go or two but don't want to stump up the money for more books. If you're happy to pay for the book to do the test then you'll probably get some useful information to help with career planning and personal development.
Dinamic Strengths.......2007-10-01
I found the Strengths Finder 2 to be a great, dinamic tool to helping my team find their talents. The good thing about this version, compared to Now Discover your Strengths is that it has guidelines and activities you can do to change the talents into strengths.
Find and Maximize your strengths...fast.......2007-09-24
Great product for anyone wanting to know themselves better. Especially helpful for job seekers or people in transition.
Customer Reviews:
abhi.......2007-10-19
Being official guide, it gives most closest look at GMAT questions. Required book for GMAT preparation
Pretty Good.......2007-10-18
This is a great studay guide. My wife got a 700 using just this guide. i doubt I will do as good but am hopeful.
Excellent.......2007-10-17
I don't think I have to write anything. This is the bible.What Can I say?
Go through this book sincerely, follow the instructions in it and then see the result in GMAT.
100% of GMATTERs will agree with me
way over-rated.......2007-10-07
The Kaplan book is soooo much better. This gives you the answers but doens't explain how to get to them. obviously if you're trying to brush up on your math...it's very very very very frustrating.
Great guide for GMAT.......2007-10-05
It is imperative that when you practice for the GMAT you actually practice with questions that are most likely to appear on the GMAT.
All questions are GMAT are copyrighted, that means other guides cannot reproduce or even represent the questions with minor modifications. Since you cannot predict the question that will come on the GMAT, the best thing to do is to practice on questions that have previously appeared on the GMAT.
This guide book does exactly that, it gives you a LOT of past questions arranged in ascending order of difficulty for both the quantitative and the verbal section. According to me, it is the best guide book you can find for practicing for the GMAT.
Book Description
The PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible is the most comprehensive book available for the Logic Games section of the LSAT. The intent of this book is to provide you with an advanced system for attacking any game you encounter on the LSAT. This same system is covered in the live classes taught by PowerScore, and all of the methods and techniques discussed in the book have been tested in classroom situations over many years.
The book features and explains a detailed methodology for attacking the games section. All aspects of Logic Games are covered, from recognizing game types to diagramming rules to making inferences and answering questions. Entire chapters are devoted to the most advanced game techniques and to time management strategies.
Logic Games are divided into individual types, and a discussion follows that teaches you how to approach each type of Game, and drills are presented to help you apply and understand the techniques. Thereafter, real LSAT logic games are used to illustrate how the techniques apply to real tests. Using real LSAT questions is a must for high-level LSAT preparation, and twenty-one real LSAT logic games are contained in the book. Each logic game is accompanied by a detailed analysis of the game setup and related questions.
The author has over 12 years experience teaching the LSAT and has scored in the 99th percentile on a Law Services-administered test. An expert in LSAT preparation, he has overseen the preparation of thousands of students and founded two national LSAT preparation companies.
The Logic Games Bible can be supplemented by The Ultimate Set-Ups Guide, which features setups for every game in each released LSAT from 1995 to 2002. Also, both books provide access to a unique website for additional LSAT and Logic Games information, and has answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information about the renowned PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible, contact PowerScore at (800) 545-1750.
Customer Reviews:
A MUST HAVE.......2007-10-05
I wish I would have purchased this book months ago! In contrast to other LSAT prep books, this one explains the Logic Games in a much more clear, concise, and easy to understand way. If you decide to use another LSAT prep book, I highly reccomend using this one to prepare your self for the Logic Games part, and skipping that part in your other LSAT prep, as this one is the best. I just took the LSAT on 9/29/07, and everything that was covered in the book, I utilized on the test!
Useful, despite being overpriced and a bit odd.......2007-09-30
The Logic Games Bible teaches techniques for diagramming games and, to a lesser extent, attacking the questions. The most useful things I picked up from the book were:
1) Never erase your work (do one master diagram at the bottom of each page and then, if necessary, do mini-diagrams the questions).
2) Diagramming numerical distributions.
3) "Hurdling the uncertainty, TM," which is an effective method of diagramming inclusion/exclusion rules when presented with rules like "A, B, and C can not all be selected at the same time."
4) Diagramming abstract sequences
It's worth noting that along the way, the book utilizes some strange conventions. For example, when diagraming a sequence where A comes before B (that is, it's in a lower numbered position) the book suggests that the following shorthand be used: A>B, that is A is greater than B. If you've taken a math class in the last decade, this is disconcerting--in practice I diagrammed all of the abstract sequences exactly opposite of the book. Also, when diagramming morning and afternoon games, the book suggested that the diagram look like this:
afternoon.|_ _ _ _ _
morning....|_ _ _ _ _
A strange reversal of morning and afternoon that is, again, off-putting to anyone who has used outlook, or even a regular calendar. These are minor quibbles, but to some extent, they make the book seem a little amateurish and undermine the reader's confidence in it.
All said, this book can be very useful if used correctly. Its well worth purchasing if you're aiming for the 170s, still have a month or two left to study, and have not taken many practice exams (I say this because there aren't that many old logic sections to go through, and it takes a decent number of practice sections to learn how to efficiently apply the techniques taught in the book). If, however, you're planning on skipping a game on the test, expect to score
<170, only have a couple of weeks before the exam, or have chugged through most of the practice exams, this will be an expensive book of little use.
Great Buying Experience.......2007-09-26
I have been looking at all the bookstores in the Atlanta area for this book. I needed it to study for my upcoming LSAT. The book was out of stock everywhere in Georgia. I simply went online to Amazon and the book arrived at my doorstep within 3 days-and it was cheaper than the bookstores! This book is an excellent tool if you are unsure about the logic games portion of the LSAT. I would recommend it to anyone, even if they feel pretty confident on logic games.
The BEST LSAT book available.......2007-09-09
I used this book as a supplement to the PowerScore classroom course, and I found the book more helpful than the actual course! When I began to work through the book my score was a 168, but I now score consistently in the 173-174 range. As I practice, I get even faster...the techniques really are superb. Just leave yourself enough time (2-3 weeks) to work through the book without rushing so that you can absorb each concept, and then leave at least 3 weeks to do your own practice, honing the techniques on actual LSATs. I've been working just the games section from one test each day, and then an entire test every 4th day.
Unless you think the games are easy, this is the most important LSAT prep book you can buy.
Worth Every Penny!!!.......2007-09-03
Before purchasing this book, I purchased both Kaplan and Princeton Review prep books and still SUCKED at the analytical reasoning/logic games section of the LSAT. I spent two weeks with this book and was able to complete every logic game accurately. I'm still working on the timing but at least I'm able to diagram the games and arrive at the correct answers, which is something I struggled with before. If you have difficulty w/ the logic games - this is the book for you!!!
Book Description
A useful review tool in preparing for the NCLEX-RN examination, this full-color guide is based on the latest NCLEX-RN test plan including alternate item formats. In an outline format, it comprehensively reviews all areas of nursing, including maternity, pediatric, medical-surgical, psychiatric, and gerontologic. More than 4,000 practice questions are included in the book/CD-ROM package, along with comprehensive rationales and test-taking strategies.
Customer Reviews:
NCLEX-RN.......2007-10-20
tHE BOOK WAS PURCHASED FOR MY SON. HE SAYS IT IS THE BEST STUDY GUIDE HE HAS EVER USED!
Must Have.......2007-10-18
This book is a must for Nursing Students. Use it along with your coursework to get ahead of the rest. It works and I have the A's to prove it.
Good study guide.......2007-09-22
This was a requird book for my school. but it was really be helpful.
Must have for NCLEX!!!!.......2007-08-13
I would not have passed my boards without this book!!! I got it only 3 weeks before I took my test and I am so glad I did!! I had a few areas I knew I was weak in, but didn't even know where to begin studying....but this book broke down all the information I needed so well for every section that I needed to study!!! This book is worth every penny!!! Highly Recommend to anyone needing a good refresher and good study questions for boards!!!
Must have!.......2007-08-07
Out of all the NCLEX books this one is the best! I really like how it is organized and it comes with a great CD. Gotta go study!!
Product Description
The PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible is the most comprehensive book available for the Logic Reasoning section of the LSAT. This book will provide you with an advanced system for attacking any Logical Reasoning question that you may encounter on the LSAT. The concepts presented in the Logical Reasoning Bible are representative of the techniques covered in PowerScore s live courses and have been consistently proven effective for thousands of our students. The book features and explains a detailed methodology for attacking all aspects of Logic Reasoning problems, including recognizing question types, identifying common reasoning elements and determining their validity, the methods for efficiently and accurately making inferences, and techniques for quickly eliminating answer choices as you solve the questions. Entire chapters are devoted to every currently-tested question type, to section strategy and time management, and to even the most challenging reasoning concepts presented, such Formal Logic, Conditional Reasoning, and Causality. In addition, the Logical Reasoning Bibl features over 100 real LSAT Logical Reasoning questions that are used to illustrate and reinforce our techniques. The two Logical Reasoning sections on the LSAT represent approximately 50% of your final score and are frequently considered to be the most challenging aspect of the test. However, once you understand how to efficiently approach each question type and deconstruct the reasoning presented, the solution to each question can be quickly discovered. Through step-by-step analysis of every reasoning idea that you will encounter, detailed explanations for every answer choice, and extensive drills to enforce every major concept, this book with teach you how to correctly solve even the most complicated Logical Reasoning problems. The Logical Reasoning Bibl is also supplemented by a unique website that provides additional materials to complement the book and answer frequently aske
Customer Reviews:
Powerscore Methods are Severely Limited.......2007-10-13
I scored a 176 on the June 2007 LSAT. Despite what many people say about how great this book is, it is not a miracle maker. I found that this book actually decreased my ability to read the questions correctly - their methods are actually very time consuming and could be detrimental for your prep. Powerscore's marketing strategy is really to mock other prep company's materials, but they're not really different from other companies. I would recommend LSAC's OWN PREPRERATION MATERIAL - no one can make a prep better than the actual test makers themselves. If you have money, just buy LSAC's 3 LSAT books that have explanations inthem. This is a waste of money and valuable time.
The Must-Have for logical reasoning practice.......2007-08-22
I got this book and the PowerScore Logic Games Bible to self-practice for the LSAT. When it became clear that I wasn't motivated enough for self-study, I decided to take the TestMasters LSAT program, which drills LSAT questions in for 80 hours during 2 months. The good thing about the Logic Reasoning Bible is that, unlike test prep courses, it gives step by step explanations that you can go over again and again. It's more comprehensive than taking a class, where you're sitting for 4 hour blocks going over only 3-4 questions per hour. The Logic Reasoning Bible allows you to study at your own pace (recommended to study in blocks, chapter by chapter -- once you're interrupted, it's hard to go back without rereading everything). I used it in tandem with my TestMasters booklets (the two methods are pretty similar, so it's an easy conversion). I found that the LR Bible supplemented my class well, because it explained some concepts that were confusing to me, and gave some tips that weren't in my class.
The downside is that there aren't many practice questions, only 6-8 per question type (whereas taking an LSAT course usually gives you 5000 questions). If you're already taking a class, this could be a good way to refresh some concepts that you need help with. If this is your primary mode of study, buy the 10 LSAT books and PrepTests to get yourself more real questions. Also, it's imperative to study with real LSAT questions, and the LR Bible only has real LSAT questions in it. Of course, this is no breezy read, and using it as a study guide only suffices if you put the time in to study -- about 3 hrs/day two months before the test. Since the logical reasoning sections are 50% of the test, and arguably the hardest questions on the test, you benefit greatly from learning techniques to shave down the amount of time it takes you per question on the test.
However, PRACTICE IS KEY. No book is going to be a miracle if you don't put the time into studying. Logical reasoning is tough, and if it's not your strong spot, this book can break down some of the mental blocks you might have. Definitely better than the other books out there (I've also browsed Princeton Review, Kaplan, Kaplan LSAT 180).
The PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible: A Comprehensive System for Attacking the Logical Reasoning Section of the LSAT.......2007-08-02
Thank you for writing me, sad to say i have not receive my order as of to date.
Words don't explain how good this book is!!!.......2007-07-07
I was having a hard time on the LR section of the LSAT...a really hard time. I scored well on the AR and the RC sections, but my LR was very, very bad. I was getting 10 or so wrong on every section...without staying in the time frame! This book helped me go from 10 wrong to 2 and cut my time down from an hour to 30 min. Studying for the LSAT is hard and it can be depressing when you just can't seem to improve your score. BUY THIS BOOK. It not only helps your score, but you confidence as well.
Before this book I was getting a 157 -- After this book; a 170 (top score 173).
Great Study Guide.......2007-06-25
This book is not a casual read. You can not skim through it and expect to see great results. If, however, you are seriously studying for the LSAT and are prepared to devote some time to this book you will find it extremely helpful.
I found the insight into the way the questions are developed especially useful. Now that I am able to better understand how the questions are being developed I am better able to discern the correct answers and even spot common incorrect ones very quickly.
This is a great book and I found it the single most helpful item in my preparation for the LSAT. I was able to raise my practice scores from the low 160's to the middle to upper 160's- I find that to be a significant increase. I'm pleased with the results.
Book Description
This is a 5 volume set of the newest editions of the now famous ExamKrackers MCAT Manuals. You'll find everything that you need to know to score your best on the MCAT. For the first time, these books are sold as a five volume set with a top quality, full length practice MCAT included as a bonus. 980 pages of color and black and white illustrations on text book quality paper. 31 thirty minute topical exams in MCAT format. Over 1400 MCAT questions in all. This 5 volume set is certain to become the top selling MCAT study set this year.
Customer Reviews:
Mehh, its OK - dont believe the hype.......2007-08-23
I admit that Examkrackers is all right - they are the best condensed review for the MCAT on the market. Of course this doesn't mean jack considering that the rest of the review materials (kaplan, etc.) are pretty much garbage. Does it make you the best if you're king of the garbage pile? I'm not saying that Examkrackers sucks - its just OK. Its the best MCAT review on the market, but it has a ton of problems - many concepts are explained vaguely (thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics to name a few), the answers for the review questions are vague, and THEY ARE ACTUALLY NOW CHARGING FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THEIR WEBSITE TO SEE THE ERRATA TO THEIR BOOKS. So if you buy this set, be prepared to shell out more cash to join their forums to get a clearer explanation to certain topics only vaguely referred to in their books. Let me also say to look elsewhere for a condensed review on electromagnetism (they left A TON of stuff out). Its pros are that they give great condensed reviews on Biology and Organic chem.
I don't know how they've got a ton of 5 star reviews - I think THE ExamKrackers COMPANY IS ACTUALLY filling out at least 75% of the 5 star reviews on amazon (shame shame) - its 4 stars AT BEST... Not that that means its a totally crappy product...
this book is all you'll need for MCAT.......2007-08-15
This package is geared toward to new computer-based MCAT. The entire package consists of five books (bio, organic chem, chem, physics, verbal and a practice exam). The materials covered in the book is succint and colorful that makes studying fun and efficient. Highly recommended to everyone who is going to take MCAT.
Examkrackers Mcat Complete Study Package (Examkrackers).......2007-08-13
This is a great package with all you need to know about the material that's on the MCAT's. This package includes a review book on each subject. Each book sums up the material, which i normally find difficult to understand, and makes it easy to remember with a little bit of humor. This package was perfect for what i needed to prepare. Don't waste your money on the exam classes. teach yourself with these books and you'll remember more.
Examkrackers for MCAT.......2007-08-09
This product is definately the way to go. I have gone through the Kaplan book as well as this series, and there is really no comparison. Examkrackers is a superior product.
MCAT Preperation.......2007-07-27
Outstanding product! I prepared for the MCAT last year with a different company and spent almost $1700 for an online class (completed all the material too). My first MCAT scores were less than adequate to say the least. I have spent 4 weeks now using this material (Plus Audio Osmosis- and a few other ExamKrackers material-Examkrackers MCAT Audio Osmosis with Jordan and Jon (Examkrackers)Examkrackers 16 Mini Mcat's (Examkrackers MCAT Manuals)) and feel SO much more prepared than I did last year. I could have saved over $1200 if I used ExamKrackers last year.
This product sums up a tremendous amount of information. Even better, it is full of short cuts and memory aids that are essential for the timed MCAT test. My scores have improved DRAMATICALLY!
Book Description
Includes:
*A rich online study plan that guides students through all of the integrated assets of the comprehensive program, including the book, online, and software
*Guidance throughout the program, directing students to additional resources within the program if they need it
*A diagnostic experience to help students concentrate on the areas in which they need the most help
*A progress report, so students can keep track of and analyze their performance as they make their way through the program
*Email communication at key points during the program, providing extra tips and guidance, as well as motivation to keep improving
*Monthly online additions to ensure that the student has the latest content and information about the exam
*Remedial content to ensure students are up-to-speed on the basic concepts before attacking higher-level content
*Downloadable strategy and reference guides for easy prep on the go
*Realistic practice experiences
*Online question banks
*5 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations
Customer Reviews:
Great Prep Book.......2007-07-11
As a professor, I have used Kaplan materials for over 7 years to teach a prep course for my university. I find the Kaplan materials to be at a realistic testing level and have found that student's scores on the actual exam correlate very well with post course testing exams in the classroom. Many books are too easy and students develop unrealistic expectations. The verbal prep and math prep together with this edition provide an excellent study course.
Nothing really special..........2007-05-31
These GRE study guides are all overrated... I first purchased an Arco study guide for the GRE and it helped me brush up on my rusty math skills and didn't really do anything else. So I then purchased Kaplan in hopes of finding better practice tests and a little more help on the verbal section. Kaplan didn't do much for this either, although the book does provide a list some "hit" words (not very many though). Also, the math that Kaplan has on its practice tests are significantly harder (and scored in a much tougher fashion) than the actual ETS GRE exam and I found this needlessly discouraging and frustrating.
The best advice I would give to future GRE test-takers would be to use the actual ETS practice tests and practice questions that are on the CD-ROM that ETS provides. I also memorized every word in the Princeton Review's "Word Smart for the GRE" and that was a TREMENDOUS help. I ended up scoring: V 670, Q 590
Good luck!
excellent book to help you prepare.......2007-05-22
I bought this book and started using it about 6 weeks before my GRE test, which was today. I hadn't taken a standardized test in the past 10 years, but I managed to pull off an above average score in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. I would say the only negative thing about the book and included software, is the the way the software practice problems are presented. It would be great to see software that would emulate the actual screens of the GRE and behavior of a computer-adaptive test more closely as well as provide scores for all the practice problems, not just the full tests. I think Kaplan pushes you do perform better by setting the bar on their tests much higher than the actual GRE. If you combine this with the free POWERPREP software from the ETS website, I truly believe that you will be more than adequately prepared for the GRE. Good luck!
Somewhat good review but their proofreaders need to be fired.......2007-05-19
I found the reviews helpful although I found that powerprep software actually helped me out more. But one thing is the amount of mistakes their book and software has! Come on now....students are relying on Kaplan's to help them with the GRE and their proofreaders can't even help with that.
Two Examples:
1. In the software, I chose the right answer and it marked it wrong. Even in its explanation it stated "The answer is 25,000 which makes the answer (D)". But actually 25,000 was answer (C) which is what I picked.
2. In the explanations for a couple of math problem...they explained completely different problems with different numbers!
Talk about annoying. I'm buying a Barron's right now....
GRE Book.......2007-05-16
This book was really helpful to get me in shape for the GRE. It was a great introduction to the test, and I felt 100% more prepared than I would have been if I had not had this book. I would recommend it because of all the great resources you get with it.
Book Description
Students planning to take the Graduate Record Exam will find six full-length model tests with answers and explanations in this up-to-date manual. They will also find intensive test topic reviews covering antonym questions, analogy questions, sentence completion, reading comprehension, vocabulary, analytical writing, quantitative comparison, data interpretation, and math. A 3,500-word master vocabulary list with definitions is supplemented with a GRE high-frequency word list. The CD-ROM enclosed with the book offers a computer-adaptive model GRE test that is similar in structure to the actual GRE test. All questions on the CD-ROM are answered and explained, and exam results are scored automatically.
Customer Reviews:
Helpful Resource .......2007-10-09
I purchased this book in April in preparation for an early August GRE. The Barron's book was my main source of preparation. I created a study schedule up to the date of the test, based on the material in this book. I did EVERY practice exercise. The book is very thorough. I found all sections to be helpful. My personal weakness was/is Math so I did get the Ultimate Math Refresher the last 2 1/2 weeks before the test. I highly recommend that also. I also purchased the GRE Official Guide so I could get some extra Math practice in. I worked with the GRE Powerprep as well. Still, Barron's was my primary source. The Barron's writing section was very helpful in my opinion, but writing is probably one of my better suits. If it's not yours, you may want to try a supplement to the Barron's book. I DID study all 50 of the vocab. lists in the Barron's book. I'd say that's pretty important. So, how did I do on the exam? I scored 670 in Math, 700 in Verbal, and 5.5 on the writing. Good luck to you!
Pretty comprehensive review.......2007-10-04
I couldn't decide between this book and the Princeton Review book (Cracking the GRE, 2007 Edition (Graduate Test Prep)), so I ended up buying & using both. Clearly, Barron's has an extensive vocabulary list. I must admit that, in the end, I wasn't able to study all the words (there's so many!), but there's a high-frequency word list that helps you prioritize which words you should be sure to learn. In comparison to the PR book, Barron's had a lot more exercises; there's a group of exercises at the end of each section. That gave me a lot of practice in applying concepts that I had just reviewed. Also, the book has 5 model tests, which means you have a lot of chances to practice. However, since these are paper-based tests, they're different from the CAT test that you'll actually be taking, and they don't really reflect what your actual scores will be. The CD that comes with this edition of the book simply didn't compare to the online supplement to the PR book. Of interest on the CD are a diagnostic test and a CAT practice test. However, the practice test on the CD recycles all the questions you see in the 5 tests in the book. I took all the tests in the book before I took the one on the CD, and let's just say my score was a little higher than expected because I had remembered the answers to a lot of the questions. I think Barron's gave a pretty good review of the material that shows up on the GRE, but I'd recommend the PR book if you want to get a better idea of how you'll actually do on the GRE.
Excellent GRE prep.. with a couple of caveats.......2007-09-28
I tend to over-research everything, so before embarking on my GRE prep I spent the better part of a day in my neighborhood B&N looking at the plethora (that's a GRE word right there) of prep books available for purchase. My eventual conclusion was that Barron's approach appears to differ substantially from all the other guides, in that it does not place much emphasis on "hacking" the GRE. Instead, it gives you well-thought out guidance and practice opportunities, all with the bare minimum of fluff (I am looking at you, Kaplan). In any case, I gradually became convinced that Barron's would be best suited for my studying style and goals, and it was therefore the only guide that I've used in the course of my GRE prep, along with some freely available ETS materials that I'll touch on in a bit.
So, a month later, with the test finally behind me and having scored in the high 700s on both sections, I still feel that Barron's is a quality product. Firstly, the word lists are excellent; there were at least 3 words on the actual test that I wouldn't have known if it wasn't for Barron's "Essential" list. The ginormous 3500 word list is also quite useful, although I found the word selection to be a little arbitrary -- there are some weirdly specialized terms (tessellated?), and a couple of words felt antiquated (benison? really now). I did like how Barron's went the extra mile with the example sentences -- some were unexpectedly clever and good for a chuckle. Having said that, Barron's also appears to place too much importance on distinguishing fine shades of meaning -- some of the analogies are almost guaranteed to give you a headache, and I thought that the Powerprep and the real GRE were considerably less anal-retentive on that front. Also, the Analytical Writing section is quite short; it won't help you much if your writing skills aren't already reasonably up to par. On the plus side, it has some valuable tips about adapting your writing to the GRE format; the information about structuring your essay was well thought out and matched up with the guidelines on the ETS website. So kudos on the verbal -- the actual test held no surprises on that front, with the level of question difficulty about equal to that of Barron's.
Now on to the math, which is a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, the math review is excellent, takes a while to get through, and has some pretty good exercises that get the brain cells firing. In fact, there were a couple of questions on the actual exam that contained "traps" that I was able to recognize quickly due to having seen them in Barron's earlier. However, the test experience on the Q section was very different from Barron's; the time constraints were intense, after the first few questions the level of difficulty increased substantially past anything I've seen in the book, and didn't let up until the very end. I think this may also be why reviewers tend to disagree about whether or not the actual test is more difficult than the material contained in the book. This is probably due to the way the CAT works; it'll give you questions tailored to your level of knowledge. Thus, it's possible that some reviewers had questions that were easier than the book, and some whose questions were more difficult. Having said that, my GRE score were higher on the actual exam than on any of the practice tests from Barron's..
Impressively, the book appears to be almost completely error free. My copy had some typesetting issues with a couple of Quantitative Comparison questions on the sample tests (one or both of the values were missing), but that wasn't overly bothersome. Unfortunately, the Barron's CD is essentially worthless -- it repeats questions from the paper exams, and the actual test experience has a much different feel. Make sure to download the PowerPrep software from the ETS website, but be careful -- if you are taking a PowerPrep practice test at night and your computer's clock rolls over to 12:00am, the software will inform you that you have just ran out of time and kick you out of your current section.
Anyway, that's my take -- hope someone finds this useful..
Barrons is what you need.......2007-09-25
First off let me say I am not good in math and I had not heard ALOT of these words prior to ordering this book. After taking the exam Barrons certainly helped alot because all the words I ever encountered on any practice test were in this book. I used this book, GRE Bible, Powerpre, and the Ultimate Math Refresher. This book teaches you the mechanics of the GRE and offers an abundance of words. I went through the most frequent word list, made flash cards of those words, and made flash cards of any word I encountered on any other practice exam. Instead of reading barrons all night long I just took practice test after practice test which allowed me to get in the flow of taking the exam. The reading comprehension was a bit dense at first but after reading several passages I get use to it. The key is to take multiple tests. GRE bible has 15 tests. Keep taking tests and using this book.
BEWARE. POWERPREP is the only software that gives scores close to the actual GRE exam. GRE Bible is WAYYYYY harder than the actual exam.
Too much great info!.......2007-09-03
I bought this book after reading all the reviews on Amazon. And yes, the 3000 word list is a bit daunting, but I focused my attention on the ones that they hi-lighted as being the high-frequency words to appear on the GRE. That helped ease the anxiety of having to learn 3000 vocab words. I loved that Barron's provided example sentences following their definitions b/c it helped jog my memory as I was studying. Compared to Kaplan, I also loved Barron's approach to the analytical writing portion...it's very straightforward and helpful in the way they instruct you to formulate your essays. I scored pretty high marks on that portion and I primarily used the tips provided by Barron's. As for the math portion, well, I'm entering a social science field, so I just glazed over that part. Overall, I would recommend coupling this purchase with the Princeton GRE prep b/c both offer unique techniques to tackling the GRE.
Book Description
This book contains 101 MCAT verbal passages in the form of 11 full length verbal exams formatted exactly like the New 2003 MCAT. Questions have complete explanations for correct and incorrect answer choices. There are 12 tear-out answer grids in MCAT form in the back of the book. Language, diction, passage length, question length, question difficulty, and even font have been carefully crafted to resemble an actual MCAT. You won’t find a more MCAT accurate set of verbal exams.
Customer Reviews:
Decent book.......2007-08-14
Decent book, decent responses to the questions. Sorry at work and shouldn't be typing this.
MCAT Verbal Prep........2007-07-27
MUST HAVE, if you are taking the MCAT. I prepared through a nationally known company last year that predicted my verbal reasoning score at 10, my actual verbal score was 6. I was dumbfounded. I asked my friends that got into Med School for advise and they suggested ExamKrackers.
Once again ExamKrackers cuts to the essentials of how to get a high score. The text focuses on the harder aspects of verbal reasoning section and cuts out the "soft ball" questions. The format is exactly as I remember it on the actual test and the score I got on the first passage was exactly the same as I had on the actual test. I have seen a continual increase with each successive full length test in this product. I anticipate the actual retake of the MCAT will mirror or exceed (as others have experienced) the ExamKrackers predicted scores!
Great practice.......2007-07-15
I have only done two of the exams so far, after just receiving the book last week, but already I have seen an improvement in how I approach passages and questions. My only suggestion would be to create a new version that is in-synch with the current MCAT--40 questions over 60 minutes rather than 60/85. Whoever is saying that the questions and answers are too ambiguous should bear in mind the true intent of MCAT verbal reasoning; for that reason, this book is a great way to prepare.
Waste of time, don't bother.......2007-07-15
Full of errors and ambiguities, not worth it at all. Other MCAT prep courses offer much more realistic VR passages and questions.
Great, but Very VERY VERY DIFFICULT.......2007-07-06
EK Verbal reasoning book is ONLY be purchased for SERIOUS STUDYING! This is not like those other verbal books where the passages are so easy that youre getting 12's or 13's..this book WILL bring you back to reality. My first practice test I scored a 7 and the second test I scored a 6. I usually score 10 on other exams. I think this book is HARDER than the actual MCAT but its worth every penniy. The choices really do suck and sum of tehm make ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOOO sense, but they make you think more like the MCAT writers. Do not be discouraged if you are not doing well on these exams. Just focus and you start to improve. By teh end of teh book I was getting 13's!
Book Description
The Official SAT Study Guide is the only book that features official SAT practice tests created by the test maker.It's packed with the information students need to get ready for the exam.They'll gain valuable experience by taking eight practice tests and receiving estimated scores.With 900 pages and 21 chapters, the book helps students raise their confidence by reviewing concepts, test-taking approaches, and focused sets of practice questions.
Customer Reviews:
The Official SAT study Guide.......2007-10-14
I was sxtremely satisfied with the price, the condition of the book and its delivery time. Now I would be very comfortable to use Amazon for my future purchases.
Best investment for your high schooler.......2007-09-30
I recommend this book to all parents who have children entering college and are required to take the SAT. This book is High Schools top recommendation.
It has more than you need.......2007-09-09
OK, This is 889 pages of material. There are 8 practice tests in the book and it takes about 5 hours per test. I don't know about you, but this is way more stuff that you need. Unless you really want a good score, you may only use one or two of the tests.
Wrong old version!.......2007-08-31
The book is too old!
I expected to get 2008 version.
Very dissapoint.
Best SAT study available.......2007-08-15
This book is the only source for real test questions. There are several knock offs but this is the one and only real deal. College Prep Coach, the premier test prep company in the country, uses this guide exclusively in its course. If you are serious about SAT test prep this book is a must have item.
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