Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for GRE prep books specifically for the quantitative section of the GRE. Participants share their experiences and opinions on the difficulty of the quantitative questions and the necessity of preparatory materials.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks recommendations for advanced GRE prep books that focus on challenging math questions, aiming for a perfect score.
- Another participant argues that the quantitative section is relatively easy, likening it to middle school math, and emphasizes the importance of getting used to the computer format and time management.
- Some participants express skepticism about the perceived ease of the GRE quantitative section, noting that the average score for engineers is around 750, suggesting that it is not trivial for everyone.
- There are claims that preparation should focus on test-taking strategies and avoiding careless mistakes rather than on the mathematical content itself, which some consider basic.
- One participant mentions that many in their institute achieved perfect scores, attributing any lost points to familiarity with the test format or time management issues rather than difficulty with the material.
- A later reply criticizes the tone of some responses, suggesting that belittling those who find math challenging is unhelpful.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the difficulty of the GRE quantitative section, with some asserting it is easy for those in quantitative fields, while others argue that it is not trivial and requires practice. There is no consensus on the necessity of prep books versus practice tests.
Contextual Notes
Some participants highlight the importance of test-taking strategies and familiarity with the test format, indicating that preparation may vary based on individual experiences and backgrounds in mathematics.