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Cracking the GRE, 2007 Edition
Cracking the GRE brings you proven techniques from the test prep experts! The 2007 edition includes over 300 practice questions and exclusive free access to practice exams and further review online. In Cracking the GRE, we'll teach you how to think like the test writers and
·Solve analogies even when you don't know the meanings of all the words in the problem
·Crack even the most complex algebra problems by plugging in numbers in place of variables
·Understand the nature of computer-adaptive tests and use that knowledge to your advantage
·Master even the toughest problems in the Verbal and Quantitative sections
We give you plenty of practice problems to help you master our proven techniques. In addition, you can access 2 full-length GRE practice tests online. Our practice questions are just like those you'll see on the real GRE--but with detailed answers and explanations for every question.
·Solve analogies even when you don't know the meanings of all the words in the problem
·Crack even the most complex algebra problems by plugging in numbers in place of variables
·Understand the nature of computer-adaptive tests and use that knowledge to your advantage
·Master even the toughest problems in the Verbal and Quantitative sections
We give you plenty of practice problems to help you master our proven techniques. In addition, you can access 2 full-length GRE practice tests online. Our practice questions are just like those you'll see on the real GRE--but with detailed answers and explanations for every question.
- GenresSchoolNonfiction
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 1995
23 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
The Princeton Review
2,160 books36 followersThe Princeton Review is an education services company providing tutoring, test preparation and admission resources for students. It was founded in 1981. and since that time has worked with over 400 million students.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 13, 2017
Compared with Europe, America has a strange fixation with standardized tests. Administrators and bureaucrats seems to view these tests as tools of accountability, allowing for standard measurement across the system with no possibility of error. But the result is often quixotic: the attempt to come up with a test that creates a normal curve in scores, a test immune to differences in social and cultural background, and a test that measures something predictive of future success, irrespective of the field or career.
As far as these tests go, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is well done. The math sections only include the most basic techniques, focusing instead on tricky word problems or painstakingly lengthy operations, which theoretically would put all students—regardless of math background—on an equal footing. The essays focus on equally fundamental skills: creating and defending a thesis, and critiquing somebody else’s thesis. The verbal section is a straightforward vocabulary and reading comprehension drill. In sum, as far as possible, I think that the GRE is focused on fundamental skills needed for study.
The catch, of course, is the “as far as possible.” For no matter how much the test-makers try, a physics major and a history major will not be on an even footing in the math and verbal sections. What is more, by making vocabulary such an integral part of the exam, people from more privileged backgrounds—whose well-educated parents work white-collar jobs—have an obvious advantage. This is not to mention the upper hand that the well-off always have in competitions of this sort: the time available for studying (without worrying about multiple jobs or rent), and the resources (private tutors and so on) to prepare adequately.
In any case, can even a well-designed test give valuable information at the graduate school level? For lower-level education, where students are taught the basics of academic skills, a general test seems more plausible. But as students apply to Masters and Doctorate programs—the final steps of vocational and academic specialization—the usefulness of a generalized skill exam is far more questionable. The ability to write an essay in 30 minutes taking a stance on a randomly generated quote (one of the essay tasks) is perhaps hardly related to the ability to, say, write a detailed exploration of the post-Soviet period in Poland.
Granted, I can see why admissions offices like tests such as this one. First, it is a quick and easy to cut down the hefty stack of applications. What’s more, the GRE scores do provide a standard measurement across varying backgrounds (but what is it a measurement of?). And even if the admissions office sees the GRE as purely pro forma—something that is not uncommon—the obstacle of a $205, 4-hour test may help whittle out those less interested in applying.
However convenient it may be for these admissions officers, I personally cannot help being frustrated with exams like this. At present, Educational Testing Services (ETS), its creator, is the Standard Oil of the testing business. To apply to any institution of higher education in the United States, you must pay a toll—in time, stress, and money—to this organization. If I thought that this ritual improved educational quality in any way, I would tolerate it; but I have trouble believing that.
ETS is not the only entity that benefits from this arrangement, since the competition for scores gives rise to innumerable test-prep companies and products, such as this book. I have used the Princeton Review on numerous occasions, and have consistently appreciated their prep-books. This book provides quite a bit of value for the price: including dozens of specific techniques, and 6 full-length practice tests.
Because the Princeton Review can’t use real ETS questions, they must come up with their own. And this is no easy thing, since their questions must replicate exactly the look, difficulty, and type of questions on the real thing. For what it’s worth, in my own experience I have found that the real ETS verbal questions are easier than the Princeton versions, while the ETS math section is more difficult than Princeton’s—though admittedly this difference is fairly small.
A world where we didn’t have to spend months preparing for standard exams would be ideal. But in the world we live in, Princeton Review books are a valuable aid.
As far as these tests go, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is well done. The math sections only include the most basic techniques, focusing instead on tricky word problems or painstakingly lengthy operations, which theoretically would put all students—regardless of math background—on an equal footing. The essays focus on equally fundamental skills: creating and defending a thesis, and critiquing somebody else’s thesis. The verbal section is a straightforward vocabulary and reading comprehension drill. In sum, as far as possible, I think that the GRE is focused on fundamental skills needed for study.
The catch, of course, is the “as far as possible.” For no matter how much the test-makers try, a physics major and a history major will not be on an even footing in the math and verbal sections. What is more, by making vocabulary such an integral part of the exam, people from more privileged backgrounds—whose well-educated parents work white-collar jobs—have an obvious advantage. This is not to mention the upper hand that the well-off always have in competitions of this sort: the time available for studying (without worrying about multiple jobs or rent), and the resources (private tutors and so on) to prepare adequately.
In any case, can even a well-designed test give valuable information at the graduate school level? For lower-level education, where students are taught the basics of academic skills, a general test seems more plausible. But as students apply to Masters and Doctorate programs—the final steps of vocational and academic specialization—the usefulness of a generalized skill exam is far more questionable. The ability to write an essay in 30 minutes taking a stance on a randomly generated quote (one of the essay tasks) is perhaps hardly related to the ability to, say, write a detailed exploration of the post-Soviet period in Poland.
Granted, I can see why admissions offices like tests such as this one. First, it is a quick and easy to cut down the hefty stack of applications. What’s more, the GRE scores do provide a standard measurement across varying backgrounds (but what is it a measurement of?). And even if the admissions office sees the GRE as purely pro forma—something that is not uncommon—the obstacle of a $205, 4-hour test may help whittle out those less interested in applying.
However convenient it may be for these admissions officers, I personally cannot help being frustrated with exams like this. At present, Educational Testing Services (ETS), its creator, is the Standard Oil of the testing business. To apply to any institution of higher education in the United States, you must pay a toll—in time, stress, and money—to this organization. If I thought that this ritual improved educational quality in any way, I would tolerate it; but I have trouble believing that.
ETS is not the only entity that benefits from this arrangement, since the competition for scores gives rise to innumerable test-prep companies and products, such as this book. I have used the Princeton Review on numerous occasions, and have consistently appreciated their prep-books. This book provides quite a bit of value for the price: including dozens of specific techniques, and 6 full-length practice tests.
Because the Princeton Review can’t use real ETS questions, they must come up with their own. And this is no easy thing, since their questions must replicate exactly the look, difficulty, and type of questions on the real thing. For what it’s worth, in my own experience I have found that the real ETS verbal questions are easier than the Princeton versions, while the ETS math section is more difficult than Princeton’s—though admittedly this difference is fairly small.
A world where we didn’t have to spend months preparing for standard exams would be ideal. But in the world we live in, Princeton Review books are a valuable aid.
January 20, 2009
If you have to take the GRE, this book has lots of useful information about the test, and was a decent study guide.
October 13, 2010
If only I'd had these useful mathematics tips in high school! My parents could have saved loads of money on tutors! No, really.
Read
September 9, 2012Done. It was fine.
March 9, 2013
Amazing must-read book for anyone taking the GRE. I was very pleased with the way the guide was divided and organized. One of the few times I actually enjoyed studying. Didn't care that much for the verbal section (doesn't play that big part in my grade). but the math and writing sections were very helpful, condensed, and breif.
August 31, 2008
This book was helpful but the online tests that came with it had answer choices that were not correct or didn't have the correct answer choice at all. It was a good starting point but I would use a different book if I could do it over again.
October 24, 2012
Can't recommend this prep book (current 2012 version) for those looking to take the GRE. This is a no-nonsense, "how do I outwit this test" kind of book. Practice items, explanations, strategies..... good stuff.
July 27, 2007
bad, bad memories...
October 29, 2007
the folks who wrote this book display utter disdain for the GRE, the people who write the GRE and all schools that require the GRE. The smart-ass commentary helped me get through hours of studying.
August 22, 2007
not a bad prep book, but rated poorly cause I HATE STANDARDIZED TESTING and think it's the devil.
October 19, 2007
Okay, this book probably deserves more stars, but it's labor day weekend and I'm studying it!
September 9, 2007
One of the better GRE prep books. Stay away from the Kaplan-based ones. Hate.
October 31, 2007
Re-taking the GRE was the worst idea i've ever had...
November 16, 2007
thank fucking god this is all over.
January 11, 2008
Pretty good to prep you for destroying yourself with the GRE
Read
March 18, 2008I was able to practice the math and make some good vocab flashcards from wordlists in the book. I already knew most of the words though. The math is really why I got it.
March 27, 2008
Easy to handle.
November 24, 2009
Maybe I should review this AFTER I take the test...
Comprehensive, easy to understand, thorough; it's been my constand study guide.
Comprehensive, easy to understand, thorough; it's been my constand study guide.
December 12, 2011
It's a GRE book...not much beyond that.
October 7, 2013
Extremely helpful for GRE prep, I especially like their sardonic attitude about the test and the fact that it only measures how well you take it.
November 7, 2014
I read the 2009 version of this. Very helpful and wish our high-school was more like this and less about skipping through and memorizing everything.
November 20, 2016
Helpful for revision and exam prep.
January 7, 2008
Not exactly a page-turner.
January 22, 2008
Good for strategy.
November 13, 2009
Good tips!
November 22, 2010
Great study aid. Wish they had more practice materials available.
December 28, 2012
Very useful tool
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews