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The Kaplan instructors for the most part are all enthusiastic and really try to help you make sense of the material. They give you tips on how to go about the GRE problems and really are there to help you. Of course, you can't just take part of the class and that's it. It really requires that you set time to study on your own and do those Qbanks. Unfortunately, I did't have time to fully prepare since may of my deadlines were right after my Kaplan class ended but If I had a couple months more or even weeks, I am sure that my score would have improved even more than it did.
Improvement N/A
Course Kaplan GRE Prep - In Person
Instructor Peninah Wolpo
Location Santa Maria, CA USA
My biggest concern about the GRE was the Quant section. I graduate undergrad 7 years ago and it had been longer than that since I had seriously worked with math. The Kaplan course shifts the focus away from it being an intense math course to it being a reasoning test through the medium of math skills. The tricks we learned to save time (multiple 15 seconds adds up!) and navigate seemingly tricky questions settled me as I sat for the actual GRE. Plus the Kaplan Higher Score is a bonus - if your scores don't improve you get your money back or can take the class again. I initially thought it was an expensive investment but it paid itself off in the studying and actual exam day strategies.
This course, in my opinion, is a must get if you are not a naturally gifted test taker. Gene, my instructor, and Anne, our TA, worked with my condensed study schedule to help me create a study schedule geared just for me, jump into other class sections to get material early, and ultimately achieve the scores I wanted. I am a person who needs a schedule and something to keep me disciplined. I wanted to improve my score because I did not like my first score. I originally bought just a GRE Kaplan prep book, but I never got myself to study or read from it at all. Having the online class times made sure I was not only engaging with GRE material, but Gene let us go through problems on our own and then reviewed where we might have messed up. We were given many strategies to get to answers faster and work through problems efficiently. There are so many resources for studying. I highly suggest taking the course from Gene. I had a couple different teachers when I jumped into a different class section, and they were not as engaging and talked at us instead of getting us involved as much. BUT, in general, I would not have done as well without this course. I would absolutely get it. If it's too expensive, find a friend and split the cost. Just find a way to get this Kaplan course.
Before enrolling in the course, I was incredibly anxious about taking the GRE. Once the course began, many of the fears I had were eased. Since I am not particularly strong in math, the focus on and review of mathematical concepts was incredibly helpful to me. Additionally, I appreciated how the instructors went over strategies on how to approach the different types of questions that would be on the exam. I would definitely recommend the Kaplan GRE Prep Course to others because the instructors not only help students prepare for the content on the GRE, they also help students improve their study habits on how to prepare for the actual test.
Good Value for Money combined package, i.e. the book + CD + Online Materials with many exercises that help a lot when practicing. While the professor is giving the class there are other teacher in the room just to answer the students questions and also if we have questions after class we are free to send them an e-mail and they answer us very fast.
The topics and responses are discussed in great detail. There is an immaculate Foundation and Content review chapter under the AWA section as well, which is probably the best feature of this product. It also discusses the pacing strategy (writing the essay within 30 min) and nuances of Scoring.
The Foundation and Content Review Chapters under both, Quant and Verbal sections are very detailed and beginner friendly. The theoretical coverage on the topics is fairly detailed.
The answers to the practice questions, in the book, are very detailed and insightful.
Practice test are of paramount importance for test prep. The six tests equip the user to perform SWOT analysis and monitor progress from time to time. The test analysis report is a lifesaver!
Improvement 30 Points
Course Kaplan GRE Prep - Live Online PLUS
Instructor Jen Fletcher
Location Online
I took Kaplan when I thought that I wanted to be a dentist and needed to take the DAT. I took Kaplan when I wanted to become a nurse and needed to take the NCLEX; and I just took Kaplan again because all my PHD programs want me to have a GRE score. Kaplan has been there my entire academic career. I passed each test the first time around and for this current GRE for my PHD, we consider it a formality, because schools ultimately let in whom they want to let in at this level. But each school had a preferred 149 for verbal and I received a 147, and I was told to not bother about my math due to my subject matter, but guess what? That accidentally improved, there was barely anything on the test that was actually "hard". I remember propping my feet up in my cubical with the keyboard on my leg typing away during the essays. I struggle the most with argumentative essays the entire month, but after trudging along with the examples provided and a session with my coach, well I told you how I was typing in that cubicle. I knew I did good when I walked out. But was excited to see my math score, I wanted to cry! but they were trying to finish me up in the testing center. We have done it once again Kaplan, but I hope this is the last time I see you guys! :lol:
Improvement 20 Points
Course Kaplan GRE Prep - Live Online PLUS
Instructor Jen Fletcher
Location Online
The Kaplan GRE course was very beneficial to my personal development. The courses, lesson on demand videos, workshops, and the one on one tutoring was informative. I definitely learned a lot and the instructors gave me good feedback throughout my email whenever I struggle on certain concepts. They truly were invested into my success and I even got a personalized study plan on the areas that was specific for my weaknesses. Even though I didn't get the score I wanted to achieved, I plan on taking the courses for a second time. I will be using these effective Kaplan strategies when I retake the test.
My scores improved from the mid-150s to the high 160s after taking this course. I found the verbal and quantitative in-class review to be helpful, in addition to the Kaplan GRE vocab app. The full-length practice tests online helped me prepare. It was nice to be able to practice writing the essays and then get feedback from real, live graders. I took advantage of my private online Kaplan Plus session after completing the in-person class and my Official Test Day Experience. I found this to be very helpful in finalizing my preparation for taking the actual test. I would recommend Kaplan to anyone looking to improve their GRE scores.