The GRE for Dummies

by Suzee Vlk

It goes without saying that if you're taking the GRE you're not really a dummy. But GRE scores are an important part of any graduate-school application--so you need to do your best. Suzee Vlk, long time test-prep specialist and author of several Dummies books, can help. The GRE for Dummies is packed with useful information and strategies to help you prepare for the test. The book includes advice on how to use the book efficiently (Vlk estimates you'll need 31 hours to work through it), review chapters for all three sections of the exam, and two complete practice exams. Vlk also discusses the pros and cons of taking the GRE by computer or with paper and pencil and special advice for those who choose to take the computer-based test. In familiar Dummies style, Vlk includes a handy tear-out "Cheat Sheet" with a summary of the most important information and a "Part of Tens" section with 10 "wrong rumors" about the GRE and 10 relaxation techniques to use before and during the exam. With its witty writing, helpful icons in the margins pointing out important information, and useful vocabulary scattered throughout, The GRE for Dummies makes test preparation easy and relatively painless. --C. B. Delaney

360 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was invaluable to me when I was studying for the GRE. It made absolutely no assumptions that I'd remembered anything from high school math, and there are funny little quotes and cartoons to help break it up. I passed on the first try, so well worth the buy.

[Dana Cordelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as soon as I'd signed up for the GRE (I'd finished undergrad two years earlier and had no idea what I was in for.) Because I don't have a past GRE experience to compare, I couldn't say how much my score improved because of the book. HOWEVER, that being said, I thought this was a great part of my studying. It spells out what the test is and what you're graded on, which is extremely useful. It gives lots of lists in vocab, easy formula-memory techniques for the math exam, and great tips on your essays. The one thing I could have used more of, was simply practice exams and questions.

In my opinion, you should study for the GRE with multiple sources because it keeps you thinking on your toes. This book is a useful, engaging method of study and I'd sincerely recommend it to someone as green as I was. If nothing else, it made me feel much more prepared and comfortable. Both of which are key when you're stuck in a testing room! :-)

...oh...and I got a pretty great score, too! Not perfect (I plan on taking it again this year before applying for my master's) but solid. I was proud of it. And this book had a lot to do with it!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

prepping for the GRE, seems good so far. I browsed thru several other GRE prep books before choosing this one I like the organization and sample tests, plus the bonus CD. Hopefully it will be a good enough review to pass the test.

I spend time studying and then just before I was scheduled to take the GRE, I did the practice tests included in the CD.

It was helpful that the CD follows the format of the GRE test so it takes some of the mystery out of it. I do think it helped me prepare.
The flash card section on the CD was fun, but ultimately I do not think it added much.

In the vocabulary part the GRE, I would recommend spending time with the fill in the blanks section. Since the choice is not always what you think and you must answer all the blanks correctly to get credit. So for instance in a fill in the blank if there are three blanks an you get two correctly, it is still counted as a miss.

That was one of the most stressful tests I ever took, not just because of test anxiety, but because the way it was administered.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this particular GRE prep guide because I was looking for the most simplistic, back-to-basics math crash course I could find, and this book was good for that. But after looking at some other guides, and then actually taking the test, I realize that this one is actually way too simplistic. But I can't complain, really, since I just scored 1360 on the first go at the test - not too shabby, I think, for someone who didn't even remember how to do long division when she started studying...

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is NOT the book you want to buy if you are really serious about studying for the GRE. I got it from a friend (thank goodness) because, if I had spent the enormous amounts test prep people charge for these books, I'd be upset.

It's a funny read--there are jokes, which makes it more enjoyable I guess to read. But in terms of practice, there's not much.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it cover to cover. Sadly I had to start with the GRE for Dummies version, but it was kind of a fun read. I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed taking all the practice tests and studying for the GRE. It was the actual taking of the test that I hated!!

[Catherine Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy, at times funny read. I thought it put the GRE in perspective and gave a lot of helpful tips for studying. I haven't taken the GRE yet so I can't say how much it helped me on that but it did help me relax and put it all in perspective.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of help

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book majorly up-ed my GRE game. Great common sense tips.

[Casey Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from cover to cover...I am counting it- plus it helped me pass :-)

[Andrew Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its alright as a resource but shouldn't be your one stop to preparing.

[Valerie Heruska · Rating 4 out of 5]

KIcks it old school with good, basic math. ugh.