Comprehensive GRE Prep for Working Professionals: Beyond Barron's and Manhattan Prep
Are Barron's '1100 Words You Need to Know' and Manhattan’s 5lb book sufficient to achieve a score above 320 on the GRE, especially for working professionals? While these resources are excellent, a well-rounded preparation strategy is crucial. This article explores additional resources and strategies tailored for working professionals to optimize their study time and enhance their chances of scoring above 320 on the GRE.
Barron's '1100 Words You Need to Know'
Focus: This book is an excellent tool for building vocabulary, which is crucial for the GRE Verbal section. Mastering vocabulary can significantly improve your reading comprehension and sentence equivalence skills.
Recommendation: Regularly review and practice the words in context. Supplement with additional resources or apps like Quizlet or Anki for spaced repetition. This will help reinforce your understanding and retention of the words.
Manhattan Prep’s Books
Focus: This resource provides a wide array of practice problems across various topics in quantitative reasoning. It is particularly useful for those seeking to strengthen their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Recommendation: Work through the problems methodically and review any mistakes thoroughly. Consider using the Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides for deeper dives into specific topics, such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Additional Suggestions for Working Professionals
Official GRE Guide
Use the ETS Official GRE Super Power Pack: This includes real GRE questions and explanations, helping familiarize you with the test format and question types. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are not yet familiar with the GRE structure.
Online Resources
Consider Platforms Like Magoosh or Kaplan: These offer comprehensive GRE prep courses and practice questions. They can be accessed flexibly around your work schedule, making them ideal for working professionals.
Practice Tests
Take Full-Length Timed Practice Tests: These will help you build stamina and get a sense of your pacing. The ETS website offers free practice tests, which can significantly enhance your test-taking skills.
Study Schedule
Create a Realistic Study Schedule: This should fit your work commitments. Aim for consistent shorter study sessions rather than cramming, as this can lead to burnout and less effective learning.
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify Your Weak Areas: Use diagnostic tests to identify areas that need more attention. Allocating more time to these topics can significantly improve your overall performance.
Study Groups
Join or Form a Study Group: This can provide motivation and accountability. Engaging with peers who are also preparing for the GRE can enhance your learning experience and provide additional support.
Apps and Flashcards
Use Apps Like GRE Vocabulary Builder or Flashcards: These tools are great for reinforcing learning during short breaks at work. Regular review can help cement knowledge and improve retention.
Conclusion
While Barron's '1100 Words You Need to Know' and Manhattan’s 5lb book are valuable resources, a well-rounded preparation strategy that includes a mix of practice, review, and additional resources will be more effective for achieving a score above 320 on the GRE. Prioritize quality study time, leverage various materials, and focus on your weaknesses to maximize your chances of success.