How tough is the Math GRE if you have a pretty severe math phobia and are thinking about just going for it anyway? Dave KC7WGB
By my recollection, pretty darned tough--but bear in mind you're talking to a guy who has only earned 6 sh of math credit in his entire academic career (CLEP Intermediate Algebra and DANTES Business Mathematics). Cheers,
First Thoughts... My first thought is to use the test prep book that best suits you, AND the ETS sample book: "Cliff's Graduate Record Examination General Test : Preparation Guide" or "The Best Test Preparation for the Graduate Record Examination (Gre) : Mathematics (Gre Mathematics Test)" [Includes a comprehensive review of mathematics topics found on the exam.] Combine this with (ETS' own) "Practicing to Take the Gre Mathematics Test," and you ought to know what to expect. I have an old friend teaching stats at MIT--if he says anything different (he went abd in Math at University of Minnesota before winding up doing his doctorate in stats), I'll post it. --Orson
The math gre (as I recall) has all the problems to solve through algebra, algegra II, geometry and trigonmetry. Having taken calculus would help. I don't think there is much problem getting 500 based on high school math. but I think to cross over the 700 level you may need calculus. All the best!
Try and then self-score the GRE free practice exam, available via the link on my website. Then you will know if you know enough to pass the exam or if you do not. No GRE subject exam is trivial, least of all the GRE subject math exam. You could not pass the exam with only US high school math. Additionally, a score of 500 would not even begin to yield a passing percentile score at Excelsior or even at COSC (where the passing score is in the 40th percentile). See my GRE subject exam primer for information on the use of the exam in garnering academic credit and for links to original, and other relevant support materials. http://www.geocities.com/ba_in_4_weeks/GREsubject.html Lawrie Miller (HND Applicable Maths) BA in 4 Weeks http://www.geocities.com/ba_in_4_weeks/ .
