are older GRE study versions ok to use?
July 30th, 2009 | 
Author:
Looking for info on gre preparation classes, gre preparation courses,gre test course and more?
Hi and welcome to my blog,
I opened this blog to help anyone who is preparing for his GRE exam.
I remember myself when I started - I was so lost and in such a panic.
Luckily I got this great Gre guide that helped me a lot
So study hard and good luck!
I don’t want to spend the money on a 2008 GRE study guide. I can find a really cheap 2007 one. Do the tests change THAT much? I’m guessing that the main concepts of the test are the same….would I perhaps worsen my score by using the older version?? any advice on this? thanks!
Posted in 
Tags:
Hi,
I took the GRE a couple of years ago and did quite well after studying with a couple of really out of date books, so no, you really don’t need the most up-to date study guide.
However make sure not to study the logic portion if it is still included, because that part of the test has been replaced with a writing evaluation. The GRE includes mathematics, a verbal portion and a writing evaluation. The part that used to have questions like, "Sam is sitting next to the heaviest person at the table, The tallest person is sitting to the right of the shortest person, Bob is of middle height, and is sitting next to the heaviest person at the table. Who is Aunt Helen’s favorite movie actor?" is gone.
I am joking about how obscure these questions used to be, but it is a relief to many that they are gone.
Another thing to consider when taking the GRE: In the past the tests were given in paper form, which allowed the test-taker to skip difficult questions and answer those that seemed easy. After that the testee could go back to earlier questions and work on them. This is NOT the case with GRE examinations if they are administered via a computer. Each page must be submitted, and once that has been done, it is impossible to return to the page in question. So no more skipping around!
Good luck on the exam. It may seem daunting, but don’t let that stop you. I hadn’t used algebra in 35 years, but after using a few study guides and an Algebra primer, I scored high in the 600s. If I can do it, so can you. Go for it!