Friday, October 31, 2003
another friday, more studying
Test date looms ominously over my head. I have about 10 days to learn all my useless vocabulary, become a speedy math freak, and have the ability to write a well-thought-out, balanced essay. Yep. The GRE. Also known by many as the Ass Test.
My social life has taken something of a beating with all this test preparation. Not that my life was particularly exciting or eventful before I started my study regimen. I've always been a bum--I live a quiet life of matinees and Blockbuster nights. But the GRE has stifled even the possibility of such entertainment. So, what shall I be doing this weekend?
I feel like an idiot. Does the average grad school applicant put this much preparation in studying for GRE? Probably not. But I don't think I'm your average applicant, and I need all the help I can get...
"Good luck on ass testing." - Jess Chung
Test date looms ominously over my head. I have about 10 days to learn all my useless vocabulary, become a speedy math freak, and have the ability to write a well-thought-out, balanced essay. Yep. The GRE. Also known by many as the Ass Test.
My social life has taken something of a beating with all this test preparation. Not that my life was particularly exciting or eventful before I started my study regimen. I've always been a bum--I live a quiet life of matinees and Blockbuster nights. But the GRE has stifled even the possibility of such entertainment. So, what shall I be doing this weekend?
I feel like an idiot. Does the average grad school applicant put this much preparation in studying for GRE? Probably not. But I don't think I'm your average applicant, and I need all the help I can get...
"Good luck on ass testing." - Jess Chung
Thursday, October 23, 2003
11.10.03
I too, have set my test date. Gaaah. It is too soon. The paranoia is truly setting in. I took a practice test the other day. Verbal turned out okay, but I got slammed on math. I just simply ran out of time! I did okay on the questions I actually worked on, but I'm too slow, and ran out of time before I could finish the section. Thus leaving 10 questions unanswered--and poorly reflected in my score. DEATH TO THIS FREAKIN' TEST.
I too, have set my test date. Gaaah. It is too soon. The paranoia is truly setting in. I took a practice test the other day. Verbal turned out okay, but I got slammed on math. I just simply ran out of time! I did okay on the questions I actually worked on, but I'm too slow, and ran out of time before I could finish the section. Thus leaving 10 questions unanswered--and poorly reflected in my score. DEATH TO THIS FREAKIN' TEST.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
11.11.03
I called ETS and scheduled the dreaded test. When the phone representative asked me if I wanted to confirm the date, I almost said, "No, actually, I don't want to take the test on that date. I don't want to take the test at all." But of course, I didn't. I have 3 weeks to shape up and make it happen. The countdown begins.
I called ETS and scheduled the dreaded test. When the phone representative asked me if I wanted to confirm the date, I almost said, "No, actually, I don't want to take the test on that date. I don't want to take the test at all." But of course, I didn't. I have 3 weeks to shape up and make it happen. The countdown begins.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
spanker/spankee
I've been getting my math on, workin' my testing techniques, starting to get the hang of this. Is it worth it? Let me work it... So last night, feeling somewhat confident, I make a run at a hard math problem set--and get my ass spanked. Oh mama.
Today I'm riding along on the bus to work, casually studying some of my vocab flash cards. I'm staring purposefully at "UBIQUITOUS," trying to somehow will the defintion into my head, with little success. Suddenly, the woman one seat over impatiently pokes me in the shoulder and asks "Excuse me, what does 'ubiquitous' mean?"
Lady, I wish I could tell you. But I have to flip the card over to find out.
I've been getting my math on, workin' my testing techniques, starting to get the hang of this. Is it worth it? Let me work it... So last night, feeling somewhat confident, I make a run at a hard math problem set--and get my ass spanked. Oh mama.
Today I'm riding along on the bus to work, casually studying some of my vocab flash cards. I'm staring purposefully at "UBIQUITOUS," trying to somehow will the defintion into my head, with little success. Suddenly, the woman one seat over impatiently pokes me in the shoulder and asks "Excuse me, what does 'ubiquitous' mean?"
Lady, I wish I could tell you. But I have to flip the card over to find out.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
more whining
I've moved on to using the CD-ROM in hopes of actually getting some real instruction on how to do those weird "heart" math equations. It's helped, although I'm still sticking to my claim that the Kaplan Method sort of sucks. I'm getting tired of studying... already. My score isn't getting better, but dude, this studying business is tedious. It's ironic that I'm already weary of studying even though the goal of this test is to get into grad school where I get to study for more tests. Is this for me? Okay, I'll stop complaining... for now. You know you felt/feel/will feel the same way. I'm just saying it so you don't have to.
I've moved on to using the CD-ROM in hopes of actually getting some real instruction on how to do those weird "heart" math equations. It's helped, although I'm still sticking to my claim that the Kaplan Method sort of sucks. I'm getting tired of studying... already. My score isn't getting better, but dude, this studying business is tedious. It's ironic that I'm already weary of studying even though the goal of this test is to get into grad school where I get to study for more tests. Is this for me? Okay, I'll stop complaining... for now. You know you felt/feel/will feel the same way. I'm just saying it so you don't have to.
Monday, October 06, 2003
kaplan vs. princeton review
While studying for the GRE sucks big fat doodoo, as far as studying methods go, I'm partial to Princeton Review. It's the lesser of two evils. The book is often pretty subversive with regards to standardized tests, and has an overall irreverent regard for ETS. (ETS=Evil) It has no illusions about the tests being some kind of accurate measure of academic potential. Rather, it says, "Hey, this test is a sham, but you have to take it. Here are the secrets and tricks to getting through it." Perfect for me.
While studying for the GRE sucks big fat doodoo, as far as studying methods go, I'm partial to Princeton Review. It's the lesser of two evils. The book is often pretty subversive with regards to standardized tests, and has an overall irreverent regard for ETS. (ETS=Evil) It has no illusions about the tests being some kind of accurate measure of academic potential. Rather, it says, "Hey, this test is a sham, but you have to take it. Here are the secrets and tricks to getting through it." Perfect for me.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
alchemy
Why is the word alchemy on the GRE vocab list? Since when does the word that refers to the medieval process of changing metals into gold an important word to know in the 21st century?
My math score improved! Okay, okay, so Kaplan doesn't sucks that much. I'm still going to pick up minsoo's Princeton book to brush up on more strategies.
Why is the word alchemy on the GRE vocab list? Since when does the word that refers to the medieval process of changing metals into gold an important word to know in the 21st century?
My math score improved! Okay, okay, so Kaplan doesn't sucks that much. I'm still going to pick up minsoo's Princeton book to brush up on more strategies.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
did i mention the kaplan method sucks?
After finishing reading my Kaplan GRE book (which sort of sucks, by the way), I took another diagnotic test. My score improved, however my quantitative score is still very low and my verbal could definitely be better. I really don't think that the "Kaplan Method" made my score dramatically increase. I think it was just a combination of getting more familiar with the questions and not taking the test at Starbucks. I've decided that I don't really like the Kaplan book. I can't say it totally sucks because some people might really appreciate the Kaplan method and I have learned some good skills from the book. I just feel like it's over-rated.
By the way, I'm definitely moving my test date back.
After finishing reading my Kaplan GRE book (which sort of sucks, by the way), I took another diagnotic test. My score improved, however my quantitative score is still very low and my verbal could definitely be better. I really don't think that the "Kaplan Method" made my score dramatically increase. I think it was just a combination of getting more familiar with the questions and not taking the test at Starbucks. I've decided that I don't really like the Kaplan book. I can't say it totally sucks because some people might really appreciate the Kaplan method and I have learned some good skills from the book. I just feel like it's over-rated.
By the way, I'm definitely moving my test date back.
