How to Choose a Study Guide for the GRE

A good study guide can help you prepare for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Follow these steps to find the right mentor for you.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your learning style. If you are an auditory learner you might want to consider GRE study guides presented on compact disc or online that offer lectures. Visual learners may also benefit from the animated visuals used in online and CD-based GRE study guides. Other learners may find that nothing works as well as a book.

2. Determine the time you will have to prepare for the GRE. If your GRE test day is several months away, pick an electronic study guide that has a slower pace or a text study guide that goes over material in more detail. If your GRE test day is fast approaching then choose a study guide that goes over the main GRE concepts and offers tips and tricks for GRE question types.

3. Compare study guides. Visit your local bookstore or library and spend some time comparing GRE study guide books. Choose the one with the layout and writing style you can easily understand. Or, give online GRE study guides a trial run before choosing one.

4. Make sure the GRE study guide you choose has a sample exam. Sample questions are good practice but, to really get a feel for the exam you will need to take a practice exam. Many study guides come bundled with a CD containing at least one practice GRE.

5. Use more than one GRE study guide. If you can't find everything you need in just one study guide, pick out another guide to complement the first.

Tips & Warnings

• Use both a text-based and electronic-based GRE study guide for a well-rounded study approach.

• If you need a study guide in a hurry, compare just the tips and tricks sections.