GRE Study Group

[This post first appeared on GRE Vocab Zone, a site for learning GRE Vocabulary words in context.]

While studying for the GRE, I used several resources. Some were free and others I had to pay for. I took the GRE 2+ times to achieve my target score so these recommendations come from having several opportunities to try different approaches to studying.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of free resources for GRE preparation. Anytime, I had a problem with a specific type of question or concept, which was often, I simply Googled it, and found various resources. I did this to better understand mixture problems and also special right triangles. Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, and many other GRE preparation sites offer blogs with useful tips and strategies for the test. I did not rely on any of the blogs because I searched extensively for the resources that worked for my own learning style- I encourage you all to do the same.

Greenlight Test Prep (FREE): This site has pretty good videos for the quantitative section. I think it is similar to Magoosh’s instructional videos.

Vocabulary.com (FREE): This is my favorite dictionary for looking up words. Nothing beats it. The tagline for vocabulary.com is “Definitions with Soul” and I totally agree.

Google Search as a dictionary (FREE): You know this- but I still can’t say enough about it.

Youtube (FREE): So many instructional videos are available on YouTube.

Books (PAID). All these books are available on Amazon.

I tried the following books: 

Official ETS GRE Guide: A most have book to practice real GRE questions from the test maker.

Barron’s books: I took a short GRE course that used Barron’s, I did not like the book with the 6 practice tests but I really liked the general GRE book by Barron’s.

CliffNotes GRE General Test (with CD): I got this book for free but even at that, I don’t really recommend it.

Manhattan Prep Books (7 Guides): I am an avid user of Scribd, so I checked out all 7 guides using their service (I already pay monthly for e-books and audiobooks anyway). 

Manhattan Prep 5ibs Book: I tried the 5ibs book (online version) but seeing all those questions to go through actually stressed be out so I stopped using it. I can’t really say much about it for that reason. I also think a hard copy of the book would be easier to navigate than the e-book.

CliffNotes Math Review for Standardized Tests: I worked through this book before I even started really studying for the GRE, I believe it is a great refresher.

GRE Vocab Capacity: I tried to use the book and I know that it is a great resource but I did not get past the “A” words. I did, however, resort to using book #8 on this list.

VOCABBUSTERS GRE: Even though this book contains less words that the GRE Vocab Capacity book, I loved it because it was more interactive and I could be sure that I really really knew a few words, rather than just reading to get through the book- which is what I found myself doing with the GRE Vocab Capacity book.

Apps

Magoosh’s Vocabulary Builder (FREE): I actually liked this one more than the Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcard App. But try both out and see which one works for you. I plan to continue to use the vocabulary builder app.

Quizlet (FREE): I did a search for GRE vocabulary sets, and spent a lot of time listening to these words in my car on my way to work. I also played the matching game on my phone. It was actually pretty fun and you are always playing to beat your previous time.

Vocabulary.com (PAID app): As I mentioned previously, I absolutely love vocabulary.com. I bought the app but I hardly use the app version. I still use the website.

Memrise (FREE): I suggest that you all try this. You can create your own GRE vocabulary lists or use one that someone else created.

Paid Online Resources

Magoosh (PAID, referral link is used): Great all around GRE preparation service. I believe Magoosh helps you become familiar with your timing on each question type. It also gives you the opportunity to continuously practice on the computer (i.e. moving from scratch paper to answer entry and making sure that you are copying down the right numbers and solving for the right value).

EmpowerGRE (PAID): This site provides test taking tactics for the GRE quantitative section and they use the Official ETS Book. If you actually need to learn basic math, I would recommend that you begin with Magoosh videos or start with Khan Academy videos for a real refresher. EmpowerGRE is really all about tactics to answering the questions.

Quantum GRE (PAID): This is a site with video explanations to questions in the Official Guide to the GRE and PowerPrep II. Please note: I did not purchase the course ($89 for 3 months of access) but I did watch the FREE videos that were available.

My Site

GRE Vocab Zone (PAID): Trying to remember the word definitions was a little challenging for me. So I created a story with memorable characters and then I studied the story and it helped with my vocabulary retention. The story can be accessed on GREVocabZone.com.

Quick Tip

For those of you who have an Amazon Echo, it is a great way to study GRE Vocabulary. I simply say “Alexa, define: xxx” and I get the definition. Great way to practice vocabulary. I believe the definitions are obtained from Google.

I hope all of these resources help you to reach your target score. 

I initially planned to archive this blog in December 2016, but I have since decided not to. The site and resources will remain accessible but please note that I have taken the GRE, successfully applied to grad schools, and will be starting my Ph.D. at UCLA this Fall (2017).

The permalink for this post will be at: http://www.grevocabzone.com/free-gre-resources

While studying for the GRE, It was difficult for me to retain the GRE vocab words that I was learning. So, I created a story with memorable characters to help vocabulary retention. The book has over 400 vocabulary words and definitions in context. Checkout a free sample of John Janda’s Story: GRE vocabulary in context on Amazon. Alternatively, you could visit GREVocabZone.com to learn more about the book.

[This post first appeared on GRE Vocab Zone, a site for learning GRE Vocabulary words in context.]

While studying for the GRE, I used several resources. Some were free and others I had to pay for. I took the GRE 2+ times to achieve my target score so these recommendations come from having several opportunities to try different approaches to studying.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of free resources for GRE preparation. Anytime, I had a problem with a specific type of question or concept, which was often, I simply Googled it, and found various resources. I did this to better understand mixture problems and also special right triangles. Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, and many other GRE preparation sites offer blogs with useful tips and strategies for the test. I did not rely on any of the blogs because I searched extensively for the resources that worked for my own learning style- I encourage you all to do the same.

Greenlight Test Prep (FREE): This site has pretty good videos for the quantitative section. I think it is similar to Magoosh’s instructional videos.

Vocabulary.com (FREE): This is my favorite dictionary for looking up words. Nothing beats it. The tagline for vocabulary.com is “Definitions with Soul” and I totally agree.

Google Search as a dictionary (FREE): You know this- but I still can’t say enough about it.

Youtube (FREE): So many instructional videos are available on YouTube.

Books (PAID). All these books are available on Amazon.

I tried the following books: 

Official ETS GRE Guide: A most have book to practice real GRE questions from the test maker.

Barron’s books: I took a short GRE course that used Barron’s, I did not like the book with the 6 practice tests but I really liked the general GRE book by Barron’s.

CliffNotes GRE General Test (with CD): I got this book for free but even at that, I don’t really recommend it.

Manhattan Prep Books (7 Guides): I am an avid user of Scribd, so I checked out all 7 guides using their service (I already pay monthly for e-books and audiobooks anyway). 

Manhattan Prep 5ibs Book: I tried the 5ibs book (online version) but seeing all those questions to go through actually stressed be out so I stopped using it. I can’t really say much about it for that reason. I also think a hard copy of the book would be easier to navigate than the e-book.

CliffNotes Math Review for Standardized Tests: I worked through this book before I even started really studying for the GRE, I believe it is a great refresher.

GRE Vocab Capacity: I tried to use the book and I know that it is a great resource but I did not get past the “A” words. I did, however, resort to using book #8 on this list.

VOCABBUSTERS GRE: Even though this book contains less words that the GRE Vocab Capacity book, I loved it because it was more interactive and I could be sure that I really really knew a few words, rather than just reading to get through the book- which is what I found myself doing with the GRE Vocab Capacity book.

Apps

Magoosh’s Vocabulary Builder (FREE): I actually liked this one more than the Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcard App. But try both out and see which one works for you. I plan to continue to use the vocabulary builder app.

Quizlet (FREE): I did a search for GRE vocabulary sets, and spent a lot of time listening to these words in my car on my way to work. I also played the matching game on my phone. It was actually pretty fun and you are always playing to beat your previous time.

Vocabulary.com (PAID app): As I mentioned previously, I absolutely love vocabulary.com. I bought the app but I hardly use the app version. I still use the website.

Memrise (FREE): I suggest that you all try this. You can create your own GRE vocabulary lists or use one that someone else created.

Paid Online Resources

Magoosh (PAID, referral link is used): Great all around GRE preparation service. I believe Magoosh helps you become familiar with your timing on each question type. It also gives you the opportunity to continuously practice on the computer (i.e. moving from scratch paper to answer entry and making sure that you are copying down the right numbers and solving for the right value).

EmpowerGRE (PAID): This site provides test taking tactics for the GRE quantitative section and they use the Official ETS Book. If you actually need to learn basic math, I would recommend that you begin with Magoosh videos or start with Khan Academy videos for a real refresher. EmpowerGRE is really all about tactics to answering the questions.

Quantum GRE (PAID): This is a site with video explanations to questions in the Official Guide to the GRE and PowerPrep II. Please note: I did not purchase the course ($89 for 3 months of access) but I did watch the FREE videos that were available.

My Site

GRE Vocab Zone (PAID): Trying to remember the word definitions was a little challenging for me. So I created a story with memorable characters and then I studied the story and it helped with my vocabulary retention. The story can be accessed on GREVocabZone.com.

Quick Tip

For those of you who have an Amazon Echo, it is a great way to study GRE Vocabulary. I simply say “Alexa, define: xxx” and I get the definition. Great way to practice vocabulary. I believe the definitions are obtained from Google.

I hope all of these resources help you to reach your target score. 

If we got a dollar every time someone used “alot” instead of “a lot,” we’d be able to buy Tumblr. 😏

Here’s the rundown on alot, allot, and a lot.

💁 If you’re trying to say “many” or “much,” use “a lot” (always two words)!

As far as allot and a lot are concerned, here is the TL;DR answer:

Although we have not gone over our allotted space, we think we’ve said a lot, so with a recap (featuring Alot), we bid you adieu.