126 of 126 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty solid Math Review, Great Layout for Vocab training. Overal nice package., October 2, 2009
This review is from: Barron's GRE Flash Cards (Cards)
When I set out to practice for the GRE General, I bought 3 items from different testing groups: a 500 vocab set from Kaplan, Princeton Review Book, and these Flash Cards.
*** Long story short, for Vocab, you WILL acquire the words from the Barron's Flash cards than the Kaplan set. They're far better presented.
For Math, I personally found the majority of the problems on these flash cards more encompassing than the problems I found on ETS's Powerprep software... but DO practice with PowerPrep! ***
As for details... the box itself is real sturdy, the cards are pretty durable, and you get a convenient ring to grab a few cards on the go. The stock cards are far more durable than the flimsy Kaplan set, which are paper-thin sheets moreso than cards.
The cards themselves are split as follows: 250 Vocabulary words, 25 Math Strategy Cards, 75 Math Facts, 75 Quantitative Comparison, and 75 Multiple Choice Math problems.
The presentation for ALL the cards is really well done, in my opinion.
The 250 Verbal cards are set up as follows:
Front: Word, Context Clue, and a space for putting your own personal clue.
Back: Definition (and synonyms), Antonyms, fill-in sentence, and Analogy sample (with explanation of the relationship)
All in all, there's plenty of material on each card, and I found myself learning the words on these cards far better than those on the Kaplan set. My only quip for the cards were that they did not come with pronunciations, not a major deal I suppose... unless you legitimately want to improve your vocabulary permanently.
The Problems for the Math card sets were well constructed as well, minus the grievous typos I found.
All Math cards came with a sample setup matching what you'd see on a GRE screen for Quant Comparison and Multi-Choice. In the back, you will find at least one explanation for WHY the answer choice is correct. In many cases, they give you an Algebraic explanation... but they realize in some cases, plugging in works well, and you can use Process-of-Elimination to finish the problem as well. They also give references to see certain Math Strategy or Fact card #s when applicable to help explain the answer choices.
Overall the package is a pretty good deal.
**NOTE**
1) You *should* look into other sources for additional GRE vocabulary words. 250 words are not enough, especially when considering that there are so many random words that ETS can pick for the test. By comparison to the Kaplan Vocab Card set, *most* of these words were also found in their set, however.
2) DO THE POWERPREP Software from ETS. Simply put, there's no better way to prepare for the Computer Adaptive Test than by taking a Computer Adaptive Test. IT IS FREE to download... and WILL help you time yourself.
For those who have purchased the cards, here's a couple corrections for two of the Math cards:
MC 12 claims the answer is C, but the explanation and work prove the answer is D.
MC 36 *should* say (7^a)(7^b) and NOT (7a)(7b), otherwise the problem would require logarithms to solve, which are NOT on the GRE.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing GRE Study Aid, December 2, 2008
This review is from: Barron's GRE Flash Cards (Cards)
These were the best study aid I bought for the GRE, by far. While the Kaplan Vocab Flash Cards features trickier words, I saw more of the Baron's words on the actual test.
The layout and form of these cards is also nicer. The front of the vocab ones has the word in boldface, followed by its part of speech, a context clue, and a space for you to add your own clue (which I didn't use). The back has the definition (usually list of synonyms and similar phrases), antonyms (which were VERY helpful for the actual test), a complete sentence, an example analogy, and a little hint.
If I had to take the exam again, I'd buy these. In fact, I lent my cards to a friend who took hers and she raved about these cards after her test (i.e. the words appeared on her test, etc.)
The math cards are also good review. It basically takes the Barrons book (which is also one of my preferred study aids) and puts it into card form. There are 3-4 different types of math questions testing quantitative ability, basic knowledge, multiple choice, etc.
This is definitely a good investment. Best of luck!
The cards are also made of a better cardstock than the kaplan paper ones and come pre-hole punched with a ring to keep them together.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Barron's GRE - very good flash card set, April 13, 2009
This review is from: Barron's GRE Flash Cards (Cards)
The cards are of good quality - I read someone complaining that the Kaplan cards are like business cards - small, flimsy, not well constructed. But the Barron's cards are more like a deck of playing cards that are sturdy and plastic coated.
There is a small hold punched in the corner of each card and a ring to put however many card you want on it so that you can carry some with you without brining the entire stack.
There are 250 math and 250 verbal cards. The verbal questions lend themselves to the flash card format more so than the math questions. Still, if you want to drill with flash cards, Barrons is the way to go.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
