Testing Physics GRE without classical mechanics

Click For Summary
Preparing for the Physics GRE (PGRE) without having completed classical mechanics can be challenging, but effective strategies exist. Focus on memorizing key formulas, as the exam emphasizes speed and familiarity with introductory and modern physics concepts rather than complex problem-solving. Practice with released PGRE problems repeatedly to improve speed, aiming to solve each in under 1.7 minutes. This will help identify frequently tested material and develop problem-solving tricks. Since calculators are not permitted, practice mental math, rounding, and estimation. Rely on old GRE problems for study materials, as they closely represent the current test format. Additional resources include physicsgre.com, grephysics.net for answers to past questions, and various university websites offering released tests and study guides.
Slepton
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Howdy!

I am taking Phyiscs GRE next semester and won't have taken classical mechanics by the time I take the test. I am not comfortable with the situation. Can anyone please suggest me a good preparation strategy for me ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
300 level classical mechanics usually only encompasses two problems on the PGRE. You may have to set up a lagrangian or hamiltonian, but other than that, the mechanics problems will be at a difficulty of a 100-200 level course.

The PGRE is not about complex problems, but instead about testing how quickly you can solve introductory and modern physics problems. Hence, you are going to need to memorize as many formulas as you possibly can! (Yeah, I know it's stupid but this is the PGRE...)

The best way to figure out what you need to know is to do the released practice PGRE problems over and over again until you can solve each one in under 1.7 minutes! This will help you see what material they ask most often and you will figure out some tricks to help you solve the problems fast!

Remember there is no calculator allowed so you also need to practice rounding, estimating, and doing math in your head if your not used to this.

Your studying should revolve around the released GRE problems, not problems from other sources! Only old GRE problems are going to give you a good representation of what the current test may be like.

Here are some other resources to help you find advice for the PGRE:

physicsgre.com

grephysics.net (answers to old PGRE questions)

http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/ugs_gre.php (has all the PGRE released old tests)

http://onphysicsbooks.blogspot.com/2009/01/studying-for-physics-gre.html (good books to study from)
 
TL;DR: How can I begin to gain an understanding of astronomy? Hello there, and thank you in advance to anyone that might answer this. I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post a question like this, as I am new to this website and also very nervous about making a post that others might see/reply to. I am a freshman in high school and I am interested in astronomy. I want to learn about space, but I am not quite sure where to begin. Is there anything that I can do to seriously expand my...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K