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queenkatez · 09-23-2008, 03:14 PM

Hi,

I started studying for the GREs and plan on taking the test in late December. Math has never been my strong point.
I've been reading a lot of the posts on this forum and think it's amazing that SO many of you here score extremely high on the quantitative section. WOW!

Before I started studying, I took a practice test just to see how I would do on the math section. I scored a 500. I know, I know, it's bad.

Can you help me? Can you PLEASE offer me some advice and wisdom on how I should go about studying for the math section? I've purchased the following books: Barron's, Kaplan, and Princeton Review.
I will do my best to go through the math sections of each book and practice the problems. But I've been reading on this forum that the math on the real GRE is much, much harder than the questions in any of these books and even Powerprep. This all makes me very nervous. What should I do?
Do you have to be born a math genius to get a high score?

On the day of the test, I DON'T want to get scared and freeze up on the math section. I want to be able to breathe, relax, think clearly, and solve each problem to the best of my ability.

Sorry for the long post. Thank you in advance for your help.

Katie

Goldust · 09-23-2008, 04:58 PM

Math is indeed more difficult on the actual GRE than the practice tests, though Powerprep comes quite close. The questions are not of a higher difficulty level, but they do require you to think carefully before attempting the questions.

Among the books that you have mentioned, Barron's is pretty good for quickly covering the basics, and has some pretty good practice questions. Kaplan is almost useless, unless you find Barron's difficult, in which case you need to start from an even more basic level. I have not read Princeton, but am yet to hear a single good word about the Quants section.

I suggest that you get hold of GRE Nova, which has some good math questions. Also, the 501 Questions series is pretty good. Of course, you have plenty of time to brush up your skills. It really helps if you are comfortable with math, but that level of comfort can be attained through practice.

salil_water · 09-24-2008, 06:55 PM

I think one can also solve R.S. Agarwal for quantitative Aptitude

ramzrambo · 09-24-2008, 07:12 PM

Well, queenkatez, I recommend that before going deep into maths, you refresh your math basics.
Try Nova's Mathematics Gmat prep course for 1 to 2 weeks so that you know your basics before going for higher level probs.

queenkatez · 09-25-2008, 02:42 AM

Thank you for the advice. If anyone else has additional input, I would greatly appreciate it!

09-23-2008, 03:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
queenkatez Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2	PLEASE help me prepare for Quantitative section! Thank you!! Hi, I started studying for the GREs and plan on taking the test in late December. Math has never been my strong point. I've been reading a lot of the posts on this forum and think it's amazing that SO many of you here score extremely high on the quantitative section. WOW! Before I started studying, I took a practice test just to see how I would do on the math section. I scored a 500. I know, I know, it's bad. Can you help me? Can you PLEASE offer me some advice and wisdom on how I should go about studying for the math section? I've purchased the following books: Barron's, Kaplan, and Princeton Review. I will do my best to go through the math sections of each book and practice the problems. But I've been reading on this forum that the math on the real GRE is much, much harder than the questions in any of these books and even Powerprep. This all makes me very nervous. What should I do? Do you have to be born a math genius to get a high score? On the day of the test, I DON'T want to get scared and freeze up on the math section. I want to be able to breathe, relax, think clearly, and solve each problem to the best of my ability. Sorry for the long post. Thank you in advance for your help. Katie

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09-23-2008, 04:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Goldust Let's get it on Join Date: May 2008 Location: India Posts: 375	Math is indeed more difficult on the actual GRE than the practice tests, though Powerprep comes quite close. The questions are not of a higher difficulty level, but they do require you to think carefully before attempting the questions. Among the books that you have mentioned, Barron's is pretty good for quickly covering the basics, and has some pretty good practice questions. Kaplan is almost useless, unless you find Barron's difficult, in which case you need to start from an even more basic level. I have not read Princeton, but am yet to hear a single good word about the Quants section. I suggest that you get hold of GRE Nova, which has some good math questions. Also, the 501 Questions series is pretty good. Of course, you have plenty of time to brush up your skills. It really helps if you are comfortable with math, but that level of comfort can be attained through practice.

09-24-2008, 06:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
salil_water Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5	I think one can also solve R.S. Agarwal for quantitative Aptitude

09-24-2008, 07:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
ramzrambo Eager! Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 79	Well, queenkatez, I recommend that before going deep into maths, you refresh your math basics. Try Nova's Mathematics Gmat prep course for 1 to 2 weeks so that you know your basics before going for higher level probs.

09-25-2008, 02:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
queenkatez Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2	Thank you for the advice. If anyone else has additional input, I would greatly appreciate it!

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