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
Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards cover 500 of the most difficult words frequently tested on the GRE; each flashcard includes definitions, synonyms, sample sentences, and a pronunciation key
Customer Reviews:
Good vocab builder.......2007-10-10
Loved the flashcards! It was so easy to tote the book around. Also like how it has synonyms of the words. Having antonyms would make it even better!
good selection of words, simple selection of synonyms.......2007-09-27
This book is reasonably useful, yet the synonym selection is not very impressive and the definitions are comically oversimplified from time to time. The bottom line is that this felt like an SAT study guide and not a GRE helper.
NOT flashCARDS.......2007-09-12
The content is good; however these are NOT flashcards as the title states. It is actually a paperback book with two words on each page w/ their definitions on the reverse side. The pages are regular paper, not even the type you could tear out & make into CARDS. There IS another BOX of Kaplan GRE Exam review cards. Be careful when ordering.
Not so great..........2007-09-07
I wasted a lot of time with this list of 500 words, many of which are common knowledge to grad students already...I literally saw only TWO out of the 500 words on the actual GRE verbal I took five days ago. I know Kaplan can't predict which words will be on the GRE, but come on, only two? I did find that the usage of the vocab. words in sentences did help me remember the word if I didn't yet know it. Sometimes the sentences were a bit odd just enough to make you recall them. Just too bad the GRE didn't actually test those words! Could have been harder and better. Test the HARD words to get a high score, not fill 300 pages with more common, untested words, Kaplan!
more like flash book than cards.......2007-09-07
this book is really helpful if you don't mind carrying around a strangely shaped book with super thin pages. The fold down tabs were helpful, but still didn't make the words function really as cards... it was more like flipping through the dictionary than using flashcards. clumsy book, but really helpful w/ each word... includes the definition, a sentence and synonyms. overall wouldn't purchase this over just making actual cards.
Book Description
A comprehensive math review for the GRE, GMAT, and SAT. This math refresher workbook is designed to clearly and concisely state the basic math rules and principles of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry which a student needs to master. This is accomplished through a series of carefully sequenced practice sets designed to build a student's math skills step-by-step. The workbook emphasizes basic concepts and problem solving skills. Strategies for specific question types on the GRE, GMAT, and SAT are the focus of the Lighthouse Review self study programs.
Customer Reviews:
Really is good refresher book.......2007-10-10
This was a very good review for me. I used to be good at math, but haven't used it in so long. This was a nice refresher, with a good amount of practice problems. The only thing, is that they don't go over word problems in depth. Also, if you are using this for the GRE, you also need to learn the tricks for taking the test at a faster pace. This book does not do that. I still recommend this book to use, initially.
So Glad I Heard About This on Amazon!.......2007-10-09
I found out about this book by reading reviews of the Barron's GRE Prep manual. (which I did use and do endorse) Still, Math was not a strength for me and I'd forgotten so many little things. UMR brings these forgotten things back to memory in a simple and non-intimidating way. This really helped me to get back into the Math groove so that I could be successful on my GRE.
Definatly written by a mathamatician .......2007-09-27
This book is good. To the point and well explained with no extra fluff, it is exactly what it says, a math refresher especially useful for those of you, like me who haven't taken a math course in 8 or 9 years. This book is helpful. I reccommend it.
After "Ultimate Math Refresher," NOW I'm ready to study for GRE.......2007-08-28
** UPDATE - I got a 780V and 670Q on the GRE. Couldn't have done it without this book. Spent two weeks after review below playing around with "tactics" in the Barron's book...I would have benefitted more by mastering every one of the concepts in the Ultimate Math Refresher. Then again - I'm not a math person. I can see where math people would find the book too easy and not helpful. To the math people go the tactics - to B.A. folks like myself - bone up on the basics with this easy-to-use book. Good luck! **
I spent about a month doing every single problem in this book - there are 33 sets of problems, 10 - 20 problems each set. Total time invested...maybe 20 hours? My practice scores on the math part of the GRE have gone up somewhat. But the point is, I'm no longer mystified by the problems. NOW I'm ready and equipped to study the GRE books and learn tactics, etc.
The Math Refresher really is a pre-course for GRE math study. It starts with prime numbers, fractions, decimals, etc...all the basic stuff you learned before 8th grade but have long ago forgotten. The best part of the book walks you through percentages (part = whole X percent) and ratios. Toward the end there is a decent section with 20 or so typical word problems, and it was nice to see me finally getting most of those questions correct. (After bombing them repeatedly on practice tests.) There are also good sections on geometry, factoring, variables, proportions, work problems, distance problems.
Having said all that - be prepared to BEGIN your GRE study after this refresher. That's where I'm at. I now have 2 weeks to prepare, with practice test scores at 770 V and 660 M. (ha, I don't really believe that...my math scores vascillate between 520 and 660 - my V is usually around 660. But I did log that score over the weekend following completion of the Ultimate Math Refresher.)
This is a good workbook, written simply with step by step instructions for solving math problems. There are no multiple choice answers...this is a workbook that makes you work out each problem yourself. Want several hundred math problems that get you up to speed on basic math operations? This book works. THEN start studying the GRE prep books. Good luck!
Unbelievable simple.......2007-08-23
I bought this book looking at the product details and the content. I was expecting it to have some tips and trips to save time in calculation or computation. I must say that I was very disappointed with it. 10th graders perform more complicated math than what is shown in the book. It is oversimplified and gives a false sense of confidence to the test taker. Returned the book immediately.
Book Description
Higher Score Guaranteed!
Kaplan GRE® Exam Verbal Workbook comes complete with a targeted review of all the tested material on the Verbal section of the GRE®, plus Kaplan's renowned test-taking strategies. This powerful combination makes Kaplan GRE® Exam Verbal Workbook the most effective way for you to score higher on what is often described as the most challenging section of the GRE®.
In-Depth Review of Analogies, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, and Antonyms -- with practice drills in every chapter.
Special Chapter on the Writing Assessment Test to help you score well on this new section of the GRE®, including tips on writing clearly, concisely, and effectively.
Exclusive Strategies to manage time, master all the question types, and succeed on the new computer-corrected Writing Test.
A Mini-Dictionary for the Verbal Section of over 1,000 words, including special tips for the "Top 200" words most often found on the test.
Customer Reviews:
Not a good test prep.......2007-10-20
I used this book diligently over the course of a month to prepare for the verbal section of the GRE, but found that I was totally unprepared for taking the test. I do not recommend purchasing it for preparation. Instead look to the Princeton review. It's also a little cheaper for poor college students.
Brand New Item !.......2007-09-16
I bought a brand new item from amazon and it's really brand new with reasonable price.
fantastic vocab sections, but so-so on question types.......2007-04-03
The Kaplan Verbal Workbook has a great vocabulary list, often with related words and synonyms in the definition. There's a word root list comparable with other GRE prep books, but the Workbook takes word recognition one step further with its Word Groups (eg audacious, courageous, and dauntless are all degrees of boldness) and Opposite Drills--good strategy for GRE, since GRE doesn't test the exact word definition, but your recognition of the best answer choice.
However, I found the exercises on the actual four types of questions to be different from ETS published exams. The "best" answers were sometimes not as clearly differentiated from the rest of the choices. I prefer to do test simulations with ETS's past exams or from Barron's books.
Despite my doubts on the questions, I would still buy this book again for its stellar vocabulary-building sections.
Wonderful workbook with good explanations.......2007-03-14
I graduated from college 20 years ago so I needed a good review of principles as well as several practice tests. This book helped me understand the "whys" of both verbal and quantitative questions. The book was great for studying away from home and the CD was great for the computer. I would recommend this study guide 100%.
This book improved my GRE score markedly.......2007-02-11
I took the GRE a few weeks ago, and I had 2 1/2 weeks to prepare for it, having never seen or heard of the GRE before that time. I panicked and ordered four books. Kaplan's verbal workbook was a great purchase and it improved my verbal score - I got a 610 and I am not even born and raised in the USA.
I used Kaplan in conjunction with Barron's Passkey to the GRE Test and The Ultimate Verbal and Vocabulary Builder. Together, the three of them and 6 stacks of flashcards were the reason I did well on the test. The best part of the Kaplan book is the exercises and strategies given to help you through the challenging verbal section. I learned to make an educated guess even if I didn't know what any of the words meant and I got quite a few of them right. It is not so much about roots, prefixes and suffixes, but more about using the word in context with the other words and ruling out possibilities that are impossible. I strongly recommend making this book part of your GRE study regimen. I did one of each group of exercies per day. For reference, I studied on average 12 hours a day for two straight weeks. This book is worth your money and MUCH better than anything published by ETS which proved useless to me.
Book Description
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test consists of verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections. This book is the only test prep guide that contains questions and topics from actual tests administered worldwide. It contains verbal and quantitative questions from seven actual GRE General Tests and sample analytical writing topics from the complete pool of topics for the analytical writing measure. It includes information about the structure of the test, answering procedures, explanations of correct answers for verbal and quantitative questions, sample writing responses with scores, scoring information, a math review, and test-taking strategies.
Customer Reviews:
This book is superb.......2007-10-10
Although the last couple people have knocked this book for not providing ready explanations, I found it to be the most useful tool for preparing for the GRE. I actually used this book as part of a Princeton Review class, and although the teacher offered explanations for the problems if we needed them, that happened very rarely. I recommend using this book in conjunction with a variety of other GRE books, like the Princeton Review "Cracking the GRE." If you do the PR book first, you can treat this book as extra practice. And yes, this doesn't really help with the whole computer adaptive aspect of the GRE, but you know what? Nothing really does. That format sucks. Thanks ETS for this helpful book, but screw you for the test format.
Written by those who write the GRE.......2007-10-06
This is the best source for GRE preparation because it is written by the company who writes the actual test. Recommend using other books to supplement and absolutely use the free online resources.
Great for GRE prep!.......2007-10-01
You'll find this book very useful in preparing your GRE test. A lot of prep material: questions, answers and reviews. It's worth every penny.
Answer explanations!!????.......2007-08-29
I was incredibly disappointed to find out that this book has very few answer explanations compared to other test-prep books. For example, in the review of the quantitative section (p. 19-25) they do provide a few problems with answers that have explanations. But in the long Math Review (p 27-91), the exercises have no explanations for the answers given! Ridiculous! If I get the answer wrong and cannot figure out the logic, how am I supposed to learn?
Also, it is very misleading (at least mis-written) on the inside cover under "IMPORTANT" that "it contains the verbal and quantitative sections from seven full-length paper-based GRE General Test editions, including two sections of each that are complete with explanations." From the logic of this sentence, one would think that there are 14 total sections of tests in this book that come complete with explanations. But not so. Only 4 total sections (basically the first test) have answers WITH explanations.
So, buy another book that actually gives you answers with explanations so that you can learn better.
Good book for intensive practice.......2007-08-10
It is a Good book for intensive practice.
There is lots of practice material in the book/
Customer Reviews:
Good, But Not Challenging Enough For Top Scorers.......2007-08-09
Despite typos that make a few isolated problems, and a few entire pages, unusable, this is a useful tool for preparing for the quantitative portion of the GRE. The graded problems build confidence, and the solutions sometimes provide multiple strategies for attacking a problem.
However, as someone attempting to score 800, I felt that much of my time was wasted on the simpler problems. Also, more specific advice about test conditions during the exam and strategies for budgeting time might have been useful. Overall, this book is a good value for the money, but additional preparation might be necessary for those trying to eke out those last few points on the test.
Great math review for non-math people........2007-07-23
This book was really an excellent review for the GRE general test math section. I really am horrible at math, and I was dreading taking the GRE because I thought my math score would really bring me down. I didn't start using the book until a week before the test (after not taking a math course for two years) and it definitely prepared me. It helps you look for "tricks" in the quantitative section - such as problems when they don't necessarily want you to work out some complicated problem but rather see in simple ways how the two columns equal. This was such a help to me, as I would probably have tried to work out all these crazy problems without realizing there are simple solutions.
The best way to use it is to read the explanations, and then look at lots of the sample problems to help you see how to work them. Some of the explanations I don't think were the best (thus the "4 star" rating) but the tons of examples makes up for this.
I just took the GRE, and I ended up doing great on the math section! When I saw my score I actually laughed because I assumed it had to be wrong... :)
So yes -- great little review for someone taking the GRE general test that really needs to go through all those things (like fractions heh) that they perhaps haven't done in years and just need a refresher on what the heck all that math crap means ;)
Good luck taking those tests!
Kaplan GRE Exam Math Workbook.......2007-05-12
Amazon was great in delivering it. The book itself is okay.
greatest help ever sold.......2007-02-09
i love, love, love what kaplan has done for us with the math workbook. i haven't taken math for more than four years and so i was beyond rusty, but this book really does what it claims to do: it goes step by step and has easy to understand explanation for every question so even the math inept can pass the gre
Good basic math review.......2006-12-04
This book offers a good overview of the math tested on the GRE General Test. It's essentially an overview of math concepts learned in high school - but this is the level of math tested on the general test. (Only the GRE Math Subject Test tests more advanced concepts like calculus.) If you are like me and have not taken any sort of math class in years and would like a refresher in Algebra and Geometry to prepare for the GRE General Test, then this book is a good place to start.
It provides overviews of the concepts - including how to apply them to the specific kinds of questions you will see on the GRE - and there are lots of practice problems, which are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels so you can focus on the level you're at in each section. The difficulty levels of the problems are comparable to the difficulty levels of the practice problems you can download from the ETS site itself. (The main difference is that the Kaplan book offers many more practice problems.)
However, if you already have a solid understanding of high school level math concepts, then even the most advanced problems in this book will seem easy. The Barron's "How to Prepare for the GRE" book is a much better book for practicing difficult math problems and upping your chances for an 800 in math. Overall, the Kaplan math workbook offers more practice problems than any other study resource I came across and is a great place to start if you're not already at the advanced level in math. It's also sufficient enough to use as your only math preparation if you're not aiming for the 800 level.
Book Description
The new edition of this comprehensive test-preparation manual has been radically revised and updated to reflect the most recent Graduate Record Exams in length, structure, question types, and degree of difficulty. The book features five model tests with answers and explanations. It also contains all new and up-to-date subject review material in its mathematics and analytical ability sections, as well as all-new questions in those sections of the model tests. Other important features include a 3,500-word vocabulary building list, plus practice and review in sentence completion, reading comprehension, and all other test areas.
Customer Reviews:
Helpful review & practice tests.......2005-01-07
Hi!
The review section is excellent, and the explanation of the test format was exactly what I needed. I not only worked on the CD-ROM (which by the way, the GRE is computer-based anyway), but on the paper-based exams. Both helped. I highly recommend this book!
Best book for GRE preparation.......2004-05-29
I studied for 2 months for the GRE's and tried out lots of books. This one was the best. (I used the 15th edition which is bit more recent). The math review was the most comprehensive I found, and I needed a great deal of math review because I've been out of school 15 years and haven't taken a math course in 19 years. The vocabulary lists were terrific too. Unlike some other reviewers, I found the practice questions to be about the same, and in some cases a bit easier, than the actual test. But I scored higher than I'd expected to on both the math and verbal sections, largely due to this book. My one complaint was there there is no index listing where to find help with specific math concepts so I had to do a lot of flipping around to find particular sections. I'd say: leave yourself plenty of time to study, try several books out to get different tactics (such as Cracking the GRE, the GRE for Dummies, the Kaplan's GRE Prep) but use this book extensively and definitely, definitely, definitely work with the GRE Powerprep software offered by the ETS, the people who make up the real GRE. I'd recommend downloading it from the web site because, although you're supposed to receive it in the mail once you register for the GRE's, it may not arrive in time. Best of luck!
Errors run rampant but helpful.......2003-08-20
The vocab review is very helpful and will greatly increase your vocabulary score. Though, I agree with the reader about the numerous errors in this book. There are many flat out errors and many printing errors. Keep an eye out when doing the practice math problems because there are quite a few errors. The math review is helpful. I would recommend this book because it is so cheap (used) and it offers a nice review of math and vocab.
Great book.......2003-04-21
This and the ETS software were all that I used. The book is great, with really helpful explanations. On my first practice test I got in the low 600s in all 3 sections, and on the real test I got 800Q, 770A, and 630V. Since in my field the Q is by far the most important, I was quite happy with the results :)
Has the Info, but Needs Better Presentation.......2002-10-20
This Barron's guide to the GRE probably has equivalent information and study tips to the other GRE guides that are available, making it an acceptable guide. This especially applies to the Verbal Ability section and the diagnostic and model tests. The 3500-word dictionary of brainiac words is also useful but takes forever to get through if you tackle it from a study angle. The biggest problem with this guide is the Quantitative (math) Ability section, in which complex solutions are difficult to read and sometimes contain errors and typos. Take this example: "x+.25x=1.25x=2000=>y=2000/.75=2666.67." Now imagine that crammed into the middle of a paragraph containing various fonts and typefaces - and this example doesn't even contain square roots, exponents, fractions, or other hard to read symbols. Add to that some flat-out errors (see some of the other reviews here for examples) and the Quantitative section presents some difficulties. The Analytical Ability section falters in some places as it tries to explain how you should "infer" or "deduce" answers. I found myself just plain disagreeing with some of the answers in the Analytical section, with no explanation as to why I should agree with the guide's answer. One final humbug in this edition is the 2-page synopsis on the new Analytical Writing portion of the test, which is hidden at the end of the book after about 140 pages of model test information.
This guide will surely help you practice adequately for the GRE, but the presentation leaves a little to be desired. Also, you can buy this book with the optional CD-ROM, which gives tips on the current computer-based version of the test. If you have at least competent computer skills, the CD-ROM is unnecessary, so skip it and save some money.
Book Description
Includes:
*2 full-length practice tests
*Intensive psychology review, including social psychology, developmental psychology, personality, abnormal psychology, statistics, and more
*Effective strategies for scoring higher on the test
Customer Reviews:
Not worth the paper it's printed on.......2007-10-10
I have had very little luck with Kaplan products in the past, and this was no different. I tried the Barron version also, it didn't find it to be any more comprehensive. I understand that this test requires a widespread mastery of concepts, but the holes in this book were ridiculous. I guess I should've listened to my profs when they told me just to read an Intro Psych textbook from cover to cover a couple times. Alternatively, the Princeton Review version of this book is at least somewhat better than Kaplan's copy. If you want good GRE General test stuff, definitely check out Princeton Review instead. I have both sets of books (Kaplan and PR) and have found the latter to be way better. Good luck.
So-So.......2007-10-08
This book is not enough preparation alone, but if used in combination with a good intro and social psych book it is great.
GRE psychology subject study guide.......2007-10-07
I used this book in conjunction with Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test, 7th EditionThese books combined totally prepared me for the Oct 07 psychology subject GRE. I found that there is no single book that does the job, but these two together were perfect.
good and bad.......2007-06-04
Agreed with the previous reviewer re: the manifest typos and grammatical problems in this book. Granted, it's not a review for the English subject test, but one or two passes by a proof reader wouldn't have hurt anybody. It's a little hard to trust that you're getting good preparation for any test from a book that is so poorly written and edited.
As far as the usefulness of the book is concerned, I would give it a higher grade than others. I scored in the 60th percentile on my initial practice test, and after going through this guide (and reviewing my intro psych text) was in the 90s on the actual test. I hadn't encountered much of the material in this book since my intro class 6 years ago, and I actually thought that most of the big names and key experiments from the history of psychology were in here. That being said, one should definitely only use it as a supplement to other review materials; the best way to prepare for this test is still just to thoroughly flip through your intro to psychology text.
I SCORED LOWER USING THIS BOOK VS. NOT STUDYING AT ALL.......2007-04-15
Words cannot describe how useless this book was to me and my frustrations for using it to study for 50+ hours only to see that so much of what i studied, wasn't on the test and what wasn't in this book was. By using this book, i totally blew my attempt to increase my score on a second round of testing.
Also, typos abound in every chapter (e.g. "by" supposed to be "be," "see" meaning "is," etc.) This book felt like 8 different authors crudely compiled chapters according to what they felt like discussing.
Shoddy research. Poorly edited. Questionable content. This book is absolute marketing BS.
Book Description
You will score higher. We guarantee it.
Kaplan's GRE® Exam 2004 with CD-ROM comes complete with a comprehensive review of all the material on the exam, plus Kaplan's test-taking strategies to help maximize your score. This powerful combination makes this book a highly effective way for you to score higher on the GRE®.
Succeed on the computer-adaptive GRE® with Kaplan's exclusive computer test-taking strategies.
Prepare with hundreds of practice questions to build your skills in the critical content areas of the GRE®.
Practice with 3 computer-adaptive practice tests with explanations for every answer and complete score analysis -- plus a paper-and-pencil exam for even more practice.
Score Higher with effective strategies and advice from Kaplan's expert instructors.
Special CD-ROM Features Include:
3 computer-adaptive practice tests
Personalized study plan
12 section-length practice tests
More than 700 flashcards
In-depth review of GRE® math concepts
7 question-type tutorials
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Customer Reviews:
Warning: CD-ROM does NOT work for Macs.......2006-09-27
Kaplan's test strategies are decent, and since the GRE is computer-based test, I bought this book primarily because it comes with a CD-ROM of practice tests. As an educator, I know that it's crucial to practice under test conditions. I thought this book was the answer, except that the disc is for Windows only! This is the 2007 edition, and I'm very dissatisfied with the useless coaster this book comes with--it would have been halfway decent of Kaplan to include a disclaimer somewhere on the cover or in the Amazon description informing the buyer that they chose to ignore a significant (and ever-increaasing) segment of the population, known as Mac users.
I also bought the 2006 edition of Barron's GRE test prep book, and while they do have a disc that works for both PC and Mac, it only works for Mac OS 8 (!). Apparently, the people making these study guides think that Mac users are not applying to grad school.
A Review that's Real.......2004-08-30
First, you might note the 5 stars and assume I'm trying to inflate Kaplan's reputation, or even work for Kaplan.
Let me start by saying I think Kaplan's operation is more or less a scam, preying on those who lack the confidence and guidance to study on their own. I nearly fell into the trap, and cancelled my approximately $1000 Kaplan course the last second.
That decision led me to get 90th percentiles in both Math and Verbal, w/a combined score of 1360.
This review is written for those who want to know how to do that, and aren't standardized test wizzes. Although I made my position clear on Kaplan's overpriced course, make no mistake: the Kaplan Book + CDROM is *very good* -- I could NOT have achieved my score without it. My prep schedule includes:
-the Kaplan GRE Book (Quantitative and Verbal Sections). I wanted to get a feel for the test and not dive into problems. Kaplan does an excellent job showing you math techniques that work again and again, such as "doing the same thing to both sides" and backsolving (plugging in). This technique works for half the problems on the real thing.
-I proceeded to the Kaplan practice tests (in the booklet). After this, I got a pretty good feel for the types of questions.
-I moved onto the CD, which has 6 full practice tests (both Quantitative AND Verbal), and 3 full adaptive CATs. The CATs predicted me at a little BELOW what I got on the real GRE, so don't fret if you're seeing 400's, especially on the verbal (got a 610 on the real verbal, which is 90th+ percentile).
-After exhausting the Kaplan book and CD, an equally high-quality and INDISPENSIBLE prep tool was ETS's PowerPrep software (www.gre.org). Like Kaplan's CD, it has a practice section full of exercises, plus two additional CATs. Also like Kaplan, it UNDERESTIMATED my scores, putting my quantitative at 720 and verbal at 550 -- on the real one, Q was 750 and V was 610.
-After these two materials, I felt mentally prepared for the test. Whether you want to fish around for more materials is personal preference. I personally am not the greatest standardized test taker, so I used (lightly) other sources like princetonreview.com, California's Berkeley GRE Prep (do a google search), and the prep materials on GRE's own website.
If you follow these steps, you WILL see results. To gauge for error, here's a little background about me:
I'm a 4th year Computer Science student -- being in engineering, I've had extensive math, but that does NOT mean I would automatically do well on quantitative. GRE Quantitative is VERY different from "school math" and it takes practice, practice, practice.
For the verbal, I practiced all the question types using the sources above, as well as Kaplan's word list on the CD-ROM and book. It definitely helped, but what unfortunately ended up helping more was growing up in the U.S. and simply speaking English -- which I think is unfair for foreign test takers. Again, practice practice practice.
BOTTOM LINE: if you're in a comparable position as me, i.e. in school or not out of school for too long, the above strategy is golden. However, I know a lot of you are "coming back after 30 years" and the like -- a different preparation strategy is necessary to refresh math concepts and test taking skills. GRE.org has an excellent math review for that.
Good luck in tackling these mindless tests that us academics must endure. Remember, you're better prepared than most.
Andy
Excellent software, but the textbooks is a bit useless.......2004-08-27
I was really impressed by the software (3 cat tests, 1 diagnostic test, many excercises, advices and so on).
So, if you want a sofware for your training, which is not a bad idea since the GRE is computer based, go for it.
However, the textbok is not good: you can read it in no time because there is not much to read; the math review is rather brief and simple; and if you need a good verbal training, you should buy Kaplan GRE Verbal Workbook...
Therefore, if you need a textbook (not software preparation kit), you should go with Barron's.
Make sure to have another study guide.......2004-08-14
I used the Barrons and Kaplan study guides to prepare for the GRE. Of the two I greatly preferred the Barrons. I felt the Kaplan questions, practice tests and overall quality of the material was inferior to Barrons. However, one could do much worse than use the Kaplan's guide, as I went through quite a few of the GRE books that are available at the library and bookstore, and in comparison to many others, Kaplans appears to be decent. Being in engineering, I stressed the math section and essay section and did not really take advantage of the verbal portions of the study guides, so I really cannot comment on if Barrons or Kaplans is better for that portion of the test. For the math section, it felt weaker than the Barron's, and the questions and practice exams seemed easier. For the essay, Kaplan's was ok with the sample essays, however a lot of example essays are also available through the downloadable sample test software off of the GRE website, and I thought those were better.
GREAT!.......2004-07-30
This book was incredibly helpful, and by studying out of this book for about two months, I was able to get a perfect score on the GRE's without taking any classes or buying any other books or study materials.
I memorized all of the word lists that they gave, and they also have a handy appendix in the back of the book with little math tricks for math that you might have forgotten or don't know the shortcuts for.
I also found the CD-ROM extremely helpful because of all of the practice tests and extra problems, in addition to the lessons. Although the interactive format was very cheesy at times, it still kept me more focused than if I were just reading through black and white pages of text in the book.
Definitely a great buy if you don't want to spend the money to take any of the expensive (thousands of dollars!) courses, but still want to get an amazing score!
Product Description
The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible will teach you how to break down GMAT argumentation, how to recognize GMAT question types, and how to separate correct answers from incorrect answers. You will improve your accuracy in answering questions and your speed as well. If you are shooting for the highest score possible, the Critical Reasoning Bible will help you maximize your performance. The approaches discussed in the Critical Reasoning Bible are also useful when attacking Reading Comprehension questions. The Critical Reasoning Bible is also supplemented by an exclusive website that provides additional material for the book, including suggested study plans and answers to frequently asked student questions.
Customer Reviews:
Defenitly Deserves the Title. (Add "And A Quick Reference too!".......2007-03-25
Defenitely deserves the title and what'smore, this book can be a very quick reference, making it very practical and helpful.
Don't be afraid to buy a whole book for this question type. All the other books (Princeton, Kaplan, Official Guide, etc...) do not cover this GMAT speciality topic in depth. This book will clear all your doubts about how to solve and how to think about CR questions. It also provides a quick reference. For example, if you think you need to review how to best think about "Weaken" questions, you can very easily in five minutes read the section summary and be confident again. Tomorrow is my exam and in 1/2
an hour I reviewd the whole book!
This book clearly divides the CR question types into ten and not eight like most of the other question types and believe me knowing the question type is a fundamental that you need to master. Even more, it gives you innovative specific techniques for each question type, example, Fact Test, Variance Test, Assumption Negation Techniques. All these techniques are simplifying techniques that allow you to intelligently tackle CR questions.
The book also discusses why its techniques are different from and better than those of other books. Eg: This book unlike Princeton (I am not Against Princeton, in fact I think it is much better that Kaplan) teachs you and convinces you to read the Argument first and then questin.
By exactly knowing what you should do for eah question type you can become an expert in solving CR questions. The thinking process becomes "automatic" one, that is you don't have to think really hard because the strategies that you learned become natural.
I recommend this book to anyone seriously preparing for the GMAT.
useful book.......2007-02-04
I have covered almost all popular books in the market like Official Guide, Kaplan , Barrons ,Princeton ,Kaplan 800 and was looking for more practice questions and decided to buy this book.The questions in the book are really in the tougher category and lots of teasers which u may get wrong unless u r reallyyyy sharp. Explanations are very natural and feels like ur attending a class . looks the author was teaching GMAT prep students since many places he mention that his students got this answer and argued like this etc etc.
I would recommend this book if u have run of popular books and still looking to perfect ur score.
Very similar to LSAT Prep Class Material.......2007-01-09
I took Powerscore's LSAT prep class 2 years ago. If any of you have taken the LSAT before, you'll know that the LSAT critical reasoning questions are slightly more comprehensive than the GMAT questions. Regardless, I thought that Powerscore's LSAT classroom materials were very well organized and had a straight-forward methodology. Imagine my surprise when I opened this book and found the materials to be very similar, if not the same! (I did find several instances in the book where "LSAT" appeared instead of "GMAT")
If you find the Critical Reasoning questions of the GMAT to be challenging, and you actually want to understand the approach to answering these questions, as opposed to memorizing "short cuts", then I would recommend this book to you. If you belong to the other camp, then you might not want to consider it at all.
Best GMAT book.......2006-03-19
To improve your score across the board in the verbal section, you need to first improve your critical reasoning skills. It not improved my critical reasoning section score but also had a direct impact on my comprehensive reading section score. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to improve the verbal score to beyond the 90th percentile.
Good Breakdown of subject material.......2006-03-03
Excellent breakdown on each of the different parts of critical reasoning. Good format and it helped me better understand how to attack each critical reasoning question.
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General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards
Kaplan GRE Exam Verbal Workbook (Kaplan Gre Verbal Workbook)
How to Prepare for the GRE with CD-ROM (Barron's How to Prepare for the Gre Graduate Record Examination)(16th Edition)
The Ultimate Math Refresher for the GRE, GMAT, and SAT
GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test 10th Edition (Practicing to Take the Gre General Test)
