The Best Math Prep for the GRE
According to Educational Testing Services -- the Graduate Record Exam's creator -- the standardized test is required for entrance into many graduate and business schools across the nation and is also used to determine fellowship recipients. The GRE measures your ability to apply basic math knowledge through reasoning and problem solving. Preparation is key to increasing your score, building confidence and reducing test anxiety. GRE math preparation involves reviewing basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry concepts and getting familiar with the test's structure.
Before diving into practice GRE problems, first concentrate on remembering definitions and rules. Create flashcards with definitions, examples and rules for concepts such as integers, factors, multiples, fractions, ratios, percent and exponents. Include important algebraic formulas related to linear and quadratic equations, functions and graph of functions. As for geometry, designate a flashcard for each type of angle, quadrilateral and circle and include related formulas and rules for finding area and volume. The official GRE website offers an outline of concepts that can aid you in creating your flashcards.
High School Textbooks
While flashcards are great for learning fundamentals, you will need practice in applying concepts. High school textbooks are a great resource, as they explain topics in detail and contain practice exercises. You may even find ACT math prep books helpful, as they target similar skills as the GRE. When using textbooks, spend time reviewing the text. Stop to work in-text example problems until you are comfortable with each concept. Use end-of-chapter problems to ultimately test your comprehension. You can find free math worksheets at math tutorial sites such Math.com, Purplemath and Analyze Math for additional practice.
GRE Math Prep Guides
Use GRE prep material to get to know the quantitative reasoning section by analyzing the structure, content and question types. Some questions may prompt you to select one or two answers, while others may ask you to fill in a numeric answer. You will also need to apply basic concepts to real situations or to abstract models. The more you practice GRE-type problems, the less test anxiety you may experience. Begin with free practice materials from ETS. Helpful sites that offer free GRE math practice tests include Majortests, GREGuide and Free Test Online. Dive into a GRE math prep workbook such as "5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems" by Manhattan Prep.
Smartphone apps help incorporate GRE math prep into your daily routine. GRE apps vary as some apps provide flashcards of essential math facts and vocabulary, while others offer practice tests and problems. You may also find apps that incorporate math practice into games and videos. Free android-based apps include "Ultimate GRE Prep!" and "GRE Flash Cards." Apple users may find apps such as "Magoosh GRE Prep" and "Math GRE Prep Game" beneficial. ETS also offers an official app for the GRE.
- GRE Guide: GRE Math
- Math.com: Math Practice -- Practice Worksheets
- Analyze Math: High School Math (Grades 10, 11 and 12) - Free Questions and Problems With Answers
- ETS: About the GRE® Revised General Test
- ETS: Introduction to the Quantitative Reasoning Measure
- Purple Math: Quizzes and Worksheets -- Reviews
- Majortests: GRE Math Problem Solving
- Free Test Online: GRE General Test
Erin Wheeler is an emerging educational consultant who focuses her research and efforts to improve student success rates in higher education, particularly in science and technology. She has been writing for more than five years. She received her doctorate in Science & Math Education from Southern University and A&M College.