Physics GRE Woes: Battling Practice Problems for Test Prep

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and experiences related to preparing for the Physics GRE, including the effectiveness of practice problems, personal study experiences, and the perceived value of the test itself. Participants share their thoughts on the preparation process, the nature of the test questions, and their own performance expectations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with the time-consuming nature of Physics GRE practice problems but hopes the effort will pay off.
  • Another participant encourages continued effort, suggesting that studying for the GRE can be beneficial.
  • A participant mentions their upcoming test date in October and acknowledges that their practice test scores are lower than desired, indicating a need for improvement.
  • One contributor reflects on their changing attitude towards ETS tests, arguing that the questions are well-worded and provide a fair assessment of knowledge, which can be beneficial for study.
  • Another participant shares their enjoyment of studying for the GRE, noting that it helps identify strengths and weaknesses in their understanding of physics.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the subject tests genuinely assess understanding or merely memorization of formulas, suggesting a potential debate on the test's effectiveness.
  • A participant admits to making careless mistakes under time pressure, highlighting a personal challenge in test preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of appreciation and frustration regarding the Physics GRE preparation process. While some find value in the practice and assessment, others question the test's ability to measure true understanding versus rote memorization. No consensus is reached on the overall effectiveness of the GRE as a measure of physics knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific challenges such as recalling formulas and making mistakes under time constraints, indicating that individual experiences may vary significantly. The discussion reflects a range of attitudes towards the preparation process and the nature of the test itself.

G01
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
2,709
Reaction score
19
Sorry if I have been kind of quiet lately. These stupid Physics GRE practice problems have been taking up so much of my time outside of the lab, that I haven't had time for much else!

Hopefully it pays off when I take the test.

I hope to make at least part of tomorrow's chat. Hopefully I'll see you guys there!Stupid ETS...grrrrr...<more random bitter ramblings>
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It pays off majorly. Keep at it!
 
G01, when do you take the Physics GRE?


Good luck!
 
Hehehe, October. I know its far off, but my practice test scores are much lower than what i want them to be. Hopefully I'll get my scores up to where I want them by the fall. Thanks for the luck Astro! I'll need it more for the prep work, than for the actual test I think!:rolleyes:
 
I used to hate these ETS tests but recently I've come around and started to appreciate them.

1) I think studying for ETS tests especially the subject tests can be extremely useful. Unlike some of the questions your teachers give, the questions on ETS tests are usually perfectly worded and have an unambiguous answer. So you can only blame yourself if you do poorly. I think the questions are really fair and well-thought out to make them thought-provoking yet not really painful since they are designed to be answer in about a minute.

2) I think it is a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledge and understanding of physics. It straightforwardly tests how well you know physics and that is why it is required.

Anyway GO1, my point is that you shouldn't feel like the time you spend studying for the Physics GRE is wasted. I have actually been enjoyed a lot studying for the math GRE (which I am probably taking in October also). It has shown me what my strong points are and what topics I need to work (stupid auto-link) on. The problems are pretty fun and are at a good level for me. So, you can learn a lot from GRE preparation if you view it more as a regular course than as just a chore or a graduate-school "rite-of-passage".

EDIT: oh yeah, good luck; since you have even helped me and lots of others with physics homework I'm sure you will do well
 
Last edited:
ehrenfest said:
I used to hate these ETS tests but recently I've come around and started to appreciate them.

1) I think studying for ETS tests especially the subject tests can be extremely useful. Unlike some of the questions your teachers give, the questions on ETS tests are usually perfectly worded and have an unambiguous answer. So you can only blame yourself if you do poorly. I think the questions are really fair and well-thought out to make them thought-provoking yet not really painful since they are designed to be answer in about a minute.

2) I think it is a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledge and understanding of physics. It straightforwardly tests how well you know physics and that is why it is required.

Anyway GO1, my point is that you shouldn't feel like the time you spend studying for the Physics GRE is wasted. I have actually been enjoyed a lot studying for the math GRE (which I am probably taking in October also). It has shown me what my strong points are and what topics I need to work (stupid auto-link) on. The problems are pretty fun and are at a good level for me. So, you can learn a lot from GRE preparation if you view it more as a regular course than as just a chore or a graduate-school "rite-of-passage".

EDIT: oh yeah, good luck; since you have even helped me and lots of others with physics homework I'm sure you will do well


Thanks. Honestly I have learned a lot from studying for the test:

1) I have trouble recalling Atomic Physics Formulae

2) I make REALLY stupid mistakes under time constraint. (i.e. 4X4=8) :rolleyes::redface:


I still think whether the subject tests actually test your ability in that area is up for debate. This test seems more focused on whether or not you have memorized formulas than whether or not you actually understand physics.
 

Similar threads

Physics GRE first time practicing -- Need advice for improvement
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Admissions GRE for USA PhDs? (and a couple more questions)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Testing Preparing for Physics GRE: Moving Test Date?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions Safety School Programs for a Physics PhD
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Testing Electricity and Magnetism section in GRE Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Testing Need Help planning my study for Physics GRE
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
When is the Best Time to Prepare for the GRE?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Testing Bombed the Physics GRE....Now What?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Planning on doing the physics GRE (not a physics major)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Testing Do I have a chance with low physics gre ?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K