Review of GRE Psychology Study Guides
As you well know, there are two versions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE General Test and the Subject Test in Psychology. Whereas the GRE General tests broad verbal, math, and analytical skills, the GRE subject test focuses on content learned within undergraduate Psychology courses. It may have been several years since you have taken a course in a particular area of psychology, so many students find it necessary to use test preparation materials. Which test prep guide works best for you depends on your individual study needs.
1. Princeton Review Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test
The Princeton Review's major focus is to teach you how to think like a test writer rather than offer specialized knowledge in psychology. This book is designed to help you eliminate "trick" answer choices, focus on material most likely to appear on the test, and offers review questions for each of the 19 fields covered. However, there is only one full-length practice GRE Psychology test. For someone who needs extra practice, a one-shot-deal at practicing questions for the GRE Psychology test may not be sufficient.
2. Barron's GRE Psychology
Barron's test prep book includes five full-length tests with detailed answers to every question. Two of the samples tests are designed to point out weak areas that require more intensive study. For someone who needs to determine exactly which areas of psychology they need to brush up, this book seems like a good choice.
3. Kaplan GRE Exam Subject Test: Psychology 2009-2010 Edition
Kaplan's version offers a combination of both of the other test prep guides: specialized review of major areas of psychology - such as social psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics - as well as general test-taking strategy. If you need a combination of review of specialized psychology knowledge and test-taking strategy, then Kaplan looks like a sure fire bet to help you ace the GRE.