Transitioning to GRE

Question

Dear all,

Like many of you, I'm pretty ticked off at GMAC's decision to institute an online white board for Quant. Given the complexity of some GMAT Quant problems, this just isn't going to cut it for me who can only do well while physically writing out my math with a quick hand. I've been prepping for the GMAT since January, stopped around mid March, and have started again about 2 weeks ago.

That being said, I've been pretty much sold on the GRE's alternative which allows math to be done on a whiteboard/erasable sheet. After taking a practice test, I feel that I have the hang of it (still have to learn some vocabulary but that's okay). How do you recommend transitioning and prepping for the GRE with a 2-month GMAT prep experience?

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi adriangump,

Before we can discuss how you might most effectively shift over to the GRE, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying for the GMAT and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT/GRE?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

adriangump · Answer

Hey Rich,

1) I studied about 2 months from January to March, dropped off from mid-March to mid-April, and started again.
2) I used the OG Guides, GMAT Club CATS, and Veritas Prep for most of my full CATs. 
3) I went from ~650 on my first few CATs in January to a peak of 720 in early March. It was a gradual trend upwards.

4) My minimum threshold for GMAT was 730, but was going to shoot as high as I could while I had the time.
5) GRE at end of May. GMAT was cancelled twice.
6) I'm actually applying to deferred enrollment programs for 4 M7s.

Hope this helps.

adriangump

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi adriangump,

A good place to start would be to begin using specific GRE prep resources. Have you had a chance to check out what is available? Also, you may find it helpful to check out the following article:

How to Score 330+ on the GRE — A Guide for Success

I’m here if you have any further questions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi adriangump,

Many of the skills that you've developed while studying for the GMAT will transfer over to the GRE (although you the GRE places a much greater emphasis on a Test Taker's vocabulary knowledge - (including when to use certain words instead of others - and the Quant section has its own special question type called Quantitative Comparisons - QCs - that can be approached with similar Tactics to those that you use on DS questions.

The logical next step would be for you to take a practice GRE test (you can access 2 for free from www.gre.org). You might consider working through some practice questions before taking that first practice GRE so that you can get a feel for the presentation of the GRE. Once you have that score, you should post back here (or you can feel free to PM me directly) and we can discuss the results and how you might best proceed with your GRE studies.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Transitioning to GRE

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards