Best way to prepare for physics GRE?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around strategies for preparing for the GRE physics test, particularly in relation to textbooks and practice materials. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for effective study methods, focusing on both content review and test-taking strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for advice from those who have taken the GRE physics test, specifically regarding effective preparation methods and recommended textbooks.
  • Another participant claims that most books designed for physics GRE preparation are ineffective and suggests using undergraduate textbooks and released PGRE exams instead.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the material and being able to express it clearly, although this advice is questioned in the context of a multiple-choice format.
  • One participant recommends reviewing basic concepts using Serway or Resnick, solving numerous problems from the Schaum's collection, and focusing on practice tests, particularly the 2008 ETS version.
  • Another participant notes the importance of time management during the test, advising against spending too long on individual questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of specific preparation materials, with some advocating for traditional textbooks and others criticizing dedicated GRE prep books. There is no consensus on the best approach to preparation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the limited availability of released PGRE exams and the need to manage time effectively during the test, but these points remain unresolved in terms of specific strategies or recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals preparing for the GRE physics test, particularly those seeking insights on study materials and test-taking strategies.

SUDOnym
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I am hoping to take the GRE physics test soon in order to apply to US grad schools..
I would be very interested to hear advice from people who have taken this test in relation to their opinion on how best to prepare for it and if they used any textbooks designed specifically for physics GRE preparation.
... So if you are one of these people, please leave a comment!
 
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The general consensus is that every book designed specifically for physics GRE preparation sucks. :smile:

Your best bet is to review using your undergraduate textbooks and the released PGRE exams. (You have to ration your use of the exams, since there aren't many of them. I started by taking one untimed and open book just to see where I needed to focus my efforts, and then periodically took the others under simulated conditions to see what sort of score I could get.)
 
I'm not "one of these people".

But generally, know your stuff and know how to express it clearly verbally and in writing and you shouldn't have any problem with any tests in the subject.
 
InternetHuman said:
But generally, know your stuff and know how to express it clearly verbally and in writing and you shouldn't have any problem with any tests in the subject.

Strange advice for a multiple choice test!

Although I can agree, if you can express the material clearly, you have a sufficient understanding of it to do well.
 
First go and review the basic stuff in a Serway or Resnick. Then do a LOT of the problems in the Schaum's collection and finally focus all the rest of your time in solving the practice tests released by ETS, focusing on the 2008 version since your test will be extremely similar to this one.
 
Oh, one additional thing to keep in mind... there are 100 questions and 170 minutes. So if you are spending more than about a minute and a half on a question, you are doing something wrong and should probably move on.
 

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