The Alternative Way To Med School

Before I start explaining my process of how I got to exam day, I would like to share my scores. I took the GRE twice. I needed a specific score of 300 or above in order to apply for the program I wanted. My program was not concerned entirely with the writing score. First attempt: 295 W3.5 Second attempt: 306 W4.5 The first attempt, I used the 12 week study plan and felt like it was too long of a study period. I focused more on the concepts. The second attempt, I used the 6 week study plan. I focused more on the test taking skills, my vocabulary, and quizzing. Now onto the study plan... Step 1: Take the practice GRE that Princeton Review offers for free There are various locations. For me, my scheduled building was easy to find and plenty of street parking for early in the morning. It simulated real test time and break times with exception that it was a paper test rather than the computer based test. I treated this practice test as my way to introduce myself to the GRE so th

There are a variety of ways to study for the GRE -- classes, online materials, self-paced, books, etc. Personally, I work best in a self-paced manner, so I chose to not pay for a tutor or class. Out of the various companies that produce workbooks, I went with Princeton Review. How did I come to this decision? I went to Barnes & Noble study aid section and paged through Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barron's, and Manhattan Prep. All were great at presenting information and providing examples and practice questions, but Princeton Review clicked with me more than the others. It was easy to follow and understand. I strongly recommend you read a paragraph or two in the various books before deciding on which book to buy. It will be important when you actually go to study.  There are a few Princeton Review book choices for the GRE -- I went with Cracking the GRE Premium . The basic version of Cracking the GRE  does not offer a study plan with your purchase or as many practice exams.