which is the best book for GRE preparation

[chet80]

HI, Every one.
I am new in this forum.I like to know which are the best books for GRE preparation.I highly appreciated for your kind consideration and reply.

[mani24]

barrons and kaplan..and for software power prep is the best.

[Oldman]

Mani is right. Once you have the concepts down, work on timing. At least 100 points lie in the timing.

[Peter GMAT]

Hi

Are you sure "powerprep" is the best software? I have two friends who took the test two days ago and told me the graphics for data interpretation were different. Besides, I think "powerprep" has not updated the questions. Finally, it doesn't give you the explanations of the questions in the CATs, only the score (at least in the CD I have)? Am I right? How can you improve if you still don't know how to solve the questions?

Thanks

Peter

[Oldman]

PowerPrep uses the same scoring algorithm as the real test, so it is the most accurate indicator of how you will score on the real McCoy.

Regarding changes, there are too many variables:

1. What was your friends scores?

2. How many times did they take PowerPrep (the question bank is large-they may not have encounterd every graph in the powerprep question bank)?

3. They could have encountered new graphs if they took an experimental quant section.

As stated, too many variables to account for their anomolies.

PowerPrep is the most accurate indicator of your actual score. However, it should be used as a reference for the skill level you need to obtain a given score on the real test. For example, you probably won't encounter the exact same vocab words on your test. But the vocab you encounter on PowerPrep should give you an indication of the level of vocab you need to score in your desired range.

If you're looking for a tutorial on how to approach problems, use Kaplan or Barron. Also you can post questions here.

[Peter GMAT]

Thanks for the information

I didn't know there was a big pool of questions in the CATs in powerprep. The bad thing is the lack of feedback because the software does't provide explanations.

Does the questions in powerprep include topics about sets, coordinate geometry or probability? You said that the software is an indicator of the level in the real test, but my friends told me that the reading texts were long.

My friends also told me that they had two quantitative sections in the exam. Is that occurring nowadays? I know that two to three years ago you could have an additional verbal or quantitative section (one of them experimental). Then, in 2006, other friends who took the GRE told me that they were asked to do an additional section ONLY IF THEY WANTED to do it. That "extra" section (verbal or quantitative) contained questions with the new GRE format (it was going to change last year, do you remember?). I think the new questions were tested before the change. Do you know anything about all this?

Thanks

Peter

[Oldman]

Yup, you'll have to use a test prep company or the ETS' Official Guide for explanations.

There is an additional experimental section on the test. You may get a verbal or quant experimental section. You won't know which of the two it is.

I recommend reading the ETS site. They announce any changes to the test on the front page. The new question types are not counted at this time.

[Marlili]

After taking some diagnostic test you should have an idea which one is your level:

Low level: Arco, ETS
Medium level: Kaplan, Barrons,
High level: bigcd, 800 score…all CAT test you can find.



Good luck..

[WellThen]

thanks for this info!

[ObfuscateOften]

Originally Posted by Marlili

After taking some diagnostic test you should have an idea which one is your level:

Low level: Arco, ETS
Medium level: Kaplan, Barrons,
High level: bigcd, 800 score…all CAT test you can find.



Good luck..

Marlili, the Kaplan's tests are CAT tests. Does this put them in the high category?