Kaplan GMAT, LSAT, and GRE Deluxe 2001

I used this product for the general GRE. I found the testing diagnostics helpful for developing a studying strategy, with which I was able to address my most serious weak points. I studied for about a month leading up to the GRE, and was very pleased with my score. The practice tests I took with this program gave me a really good sense of time and pace, and I was actually surprised when the real GRE ended at how much surplus energy I still had. Incidentally, I scored much better than the program had predicted I would, and likewise I found the practice questions slightly more difficult on the whole than the actual test.

This is a good product for someone like me: a couple/few years out of college and eons since basic requirement classes, or someone who usually tests pretty well but who needs a crash refresher on standardized testing, or someone who is new to the computer-based test thing (I have a hard time thinking while looking at a screen). Caution though: I'd also recommend that this program be augmented with some good old book studying too, or you could be disappointed.


The best way to study for the GMAT   April 26, 2001
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I used this software for the GMAT CAT and I can certainly say that it helped me a great deal. For starters, the test interface is almost exactly the same as the actual GMAT CAT. This is really the only way to study for a test that you must take on a computer. Working from a book, you won't get the same emphasis on the timing. That is where it really helped me. I learned how long it takes to get through the test and where I should spend more time and where I should move a little more quickly. The interface is a little confusing but once you click around a bit you get the hang of it. The tips they give about the way to approach each type of question are quite good. Using these approaches I was more confident about certain answers which allowed me to move quickly through most answers and save enough time to really work on the head scratchers. Be advised that the score you get on the included CDs will be much lower than the score you will get on the actual test. The reason is the practice tests seem to give a lot more hard questions than the actual GMAT. But I think that's a good thing. Everybody knows that the best way to learn is to make mistakes and learn you will. I also downloaded the free PowerPrep software from ETS but since they only give you 2 full length tests I used them for before and after tests. On the first Powerprep test I scored a 700. On the CD tests I generally scored in the mid-600's. After finishing the CD (my only study material), I took the other Powerprep and got a 750. When I took the actual GMAT I scored a 760.


It's all about coaching   February 16, 2001
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Successful scoring on the GRE has less to do with what you know, and more to do with your preparation. This software got results for me. My results were similar to other reviews on this site. The diagnostic test, lessons, flash cards, and practice tests simulate the real test VERY well. I highly recommend this software. If you take the time to follow the software's recommendations, you will find the coaching pays dividends.