Graduate Preparation Books - Page 5

Get Into Medical School: A Strategic Approach (Get Into Medical School)

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Waste of money 3 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

Worthless book. The only thing I probably learned from it is the fact that a vast portion of medical students get married during medical school (which by the way is an irrelevant fact to the topic "Get Into Medical School")

The rest of the information you can scour from the internet.

The book probably will just reassure you of what you already know, like get good grades, do volunteer work, study what you like for undergraduate school, etc.

Editorial Review:

This guide gives applicants the insider advice on everything from:

• Planning for medical school during college--what courses to take and extracurricular activities to get involved in
• Researching the best medical school for each applicant
• Preparing an outstanding application and excelling in the interview
• Personalized information for all applicants, including minorities, women, the disabled, and international applicants
• Detailed advice on how applicants can finance their M.D.s without going too far into debt after graduation
• Interviews with successful medical students and admissions advisers

Kaplan MCAT 2007-2008 Premier Program (w/ CD-ROM) (Kaplan MCAT Premier Program (W/CD))

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Solid information but poor preparation 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book gets three stars, because it did contain pretty much all the information you need to take the MCATs, and made a good attempt to prepare you for the actual test.

However, as a study aid, it left a lot to be desired. First of all - no index. I find this inexcusable. Part of my reason for getting this book was so that if I missed a question on, say, stereoisomers on a practice test, I could quickly look up stereoisomers and review them. Don't expect to be able to do that here.

The much vaunted practice tests in here are pretty useless. According to a study I came across, they don't predict your scores on the real test at all - see [...]. One reason is probably that the raw-to-scaled scoring system in this book seems really off; it's much easier to get a good scaled score in here than it is on the real MCAT.

There were also a few errors that just annoyed me. Occasionally there will be careless typos in science sections, like writing 10^6 as 106 or mixing up an HO and H - seemingly minor, except that if you trust the book you can spend hours trying to figure out why the answer seems to be opposite to everything you've learned, and get very confused. And there was one part mentioning that you didn't have to be perfect because on some MCAT tests people got seventeen questions wrong and still got scores of 11 - without mentioning that those MCAT tests had half again as many questions as the current test.

So, all in all, I think this makes an okay review of biology, chemistry, physics, etc, but you wouldn't want to use it as an actual MCAT preparation aide.

Editorial Review:

Includes:

*Full-length practice MCAT with detailed explanations

*2 Full-length verbal reasoning tests

*Complete Science Review

*Effective tips and strategies

*CD-ROM with practice questions and flashcards

Medical School Essays that Made a Difference, 2nd Edition (Graduate School Admissions Gui)

Princeton Review

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Many pre-med students have great MCAT scores and excellent grades—the best way to stand out in a crowd of medical school applicants is to write an exceptional essay!

Medical School Essays That Made a Difference, 2nd Edition puts you in the admissions officer's seat — inside you'll find real application essays, interviews with admissions pros, and profiles of students who've been through the process and made it through to medical school. This book is an essential guide for anyone navigating the very competitive medical school admissions process.

Medical School Essays That Made a Difference, 2nd Edition includes essays submitted to the following schools:

Albany Medical College
Baylor College of Medicine
Boston University, School of Medicine
Brown University, Brown Medical School
Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine
Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
Cornell University, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical Center
Creighton University, School of Medicine
Duke University, School of Medicine
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emory University, School of Medicine
Florida State University, College of Medicine
George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Howard University, College of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
Loma Linda University, School of Medicine
Louisiana State University, School of Medicine
Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Medical School
Medical College of Georgia, School of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical University of South Carolina
Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine
Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
New York University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York University, NYU School of Medicine
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
Ohio State University, College of Medicine and Public Health
Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine
Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rush University, Rush Medical College
Saint Louis University, School of Medicine
Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine
State University of New York–Downstate Medical Center
State University of New York–Stony Brook University, School of Medicine
State University of New York–University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and
Biomedical Sciences
State University of New York–Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine
Temple University, School of Medicine
Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Tufts University, School of Medicine
Tulane University, School of Medicine
UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School
UMDNJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
University of Alabama–Birmingham, School of Medicine
University of California–Irvine, College of Medicine
University of California–Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California–San Diego, School of Medicine
University of California–San Francisco, School of Medicine
University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
University of Florida, College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC College of Medicine
University of Iowa, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
University of Kentucky, College of Medicine
University of Maryland, School of Medicine
University of Massachusetts, Medical School
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University
University of Michigan, Medical School
University of Minnesota–Duluth, Medical School
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, Medical School
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Services
University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine
University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
University of South Alabama, College of Medicine
University of South Dakota, School of Medicine
University of South Florida, College of Medicine
University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
University of Tennessee–Memphis, College of Medicine
University of Toledo, Health Science Campus
University of Virginia, School of Medicine
University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health
Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine
Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine
Wake Forest University, School of Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
West Virginia University, School of Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein School of Medicine

Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Prep

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 2.0 of 5

Typos Galore 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book to carry with me during my commute to work. It is about the size of a paperback novel and it is very conducive to studying while you travel. That is about the only thing it has going though.

Frankly, after running across mistake after mistake I got more than a little peeved. Here is a company selling an overpriced book, that basically just requires typing up some definitions, and they didn't even have the courtesy to do a proof-read. Mistakes I found include:

-Misspelled words
-Words in the incorrect alphabetical order
-Using the word itself as it's own definition
-Using the word itself at it's synonym
-Forgetting to list the synonyms
-Repeating the same definition twice for the same word ( ex. "strong; forceful; strong"
-Using words found later in the book as the definition for the earlier "easier" words

I know these are nit-picky things, but there is just something annoying about holding a 14 dollar book meant to teach you new words and realizing that the company selling it didn't even run a spell-check. Plus this book is really bare-bones(no learning activities or root word lists like in Barron's), combine that with a hefty price tag, not a lot of words (490), and lots of typos and you start feeling like you got bamboozled.

If you really need a small book for travel then maybe it would warrant a purchase (although you might be better off with Barrons Essential Words book). It obviously does a satisfactory job of telling you a word and then it's definition, but you could get more bang for your buck elsewhere.

Editorial Review:

-- 500 of the hardest and most-tested GRE vocabulary words

-- Sample sentences provide the words in context

-- Includes synonyms and a pronunciation key

Kaplan GMAT 800, 2007-2008 Edition (Kaplan Gmat 800)

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Honest Review of GMAT Books! 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful.

After going through all the GMAT books, here is my honest opinion about some of the most popular GMAT books:

Official Guide:
Pros - Excellent source of GMAT questions. Very well organized with real test like questions.
Cons - No review of any math content or test-taking strategies. Not enough explanations of practice questions.
Overall, the Official Guide is a must have for all test-takers. It will give you a good idea about the type of questions to expect on the GMAT; however, if you need more than just a bank of questions, you need to look at some other source.

Kaplan:
Pros - Good for additional practice questions as a supplement
Cons - Review of math content is not thorough but just the very basics. Not enough explanation of test taking strategies. Full of guessing techniques with no real mathematical solutions. Not good enough explanations of practice questions. Unrealistic questions.

Princeton:
Pros - Good for additional practice questions as a supplement
Cons - Review of math content is not thorough but just the very basics. Not enough explanation of test taking strategies. Full of guessing techniques with no real mathematical solutions. Not good enough explanations of practice questions. Weird sense of humor.

Barrons:
Pros - Good math review. Big list of questions. Good test taking strategies. Very well organized. This is by far the best of the all-in-one kinds of books.
Cons - Although the book has a good math review, it doesn't go deep enough into each concept. Not enough explanations to practice questions. Does not have a good section for logical reasoning (permutation, combination, probability, etc) questions, which is one of the most important question-type. Does not break down the concepts/questions step by step.

EZ Solutions (set of 9 books):
Pros - Thorough math review from A to Z. Effective test taking strategies. Abundant solved examples. Numerous practice exercises. Great practice question bank in basic and advanced workbooks.
As with most books, you are expected to already have a good knowledge about the various match concepts, but with these books, you can literally start from scratch and reach the most advanced level of the GMAT.
Cons - To get the best result from these books, you have to invest in buying several books (set of 9 books), but if you compare the cost and benefits, the benefits outweigh the cost, or you can buy a few not all. Missing the verbal section. This is not a good option if you are looking for a mediocre score or just looking for a very basic brush-up. Recommended for serious test takers only.

Some of the other books has no real content; whereas, there are some other books that I haven't yet had an opportunity to review, but may be some of them are good supplementary aids.

I hope my review will help some of you in making the right decision.

Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog

William B. Badke

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Badke hits another home run... 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This update to Badke's previous work on library research is excellent. I teach Language and Research at a Bible college and used to use his first book as required reading for my students. I was so disappointed when it went out of print. Now, this updated version is my new requirement. This book is written with the same humor and simplicity as the first, but with updated information that is a must. Dealing with electronic research is now the norm and Badke explains it very, very well. This is a must have resource for anyone taking on research.

Editorial Review:

Are you ready for your next research project? Really ready? In today's increasingly technological world, it's becoming harder to find the information you want. Do you have the skills and strategies you'll need to get the job done?

With his concise, understandable, witty manner, librarian William Badke shows you that research doesn't have to be painful. You'll learn the skills that are essential to the success of any research project so that you can take control of the research process and make it work for you. Research Strategies is as friendly as a puppy, as informative as your friend's diary, and as helpful as a personal valet. Don't go to a library without it!

Kaplan DAT with CD-ROM, 2007-2008 Edition (Kaplan Dat (Dental Admission Test))

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Some good some bad 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The science portion of this book was pretty comprehensive in "topics" however I found myself referring back to my text book many times for details, clarification and examples. I am "horrible" and "slow" with math and QR in this book did not help at all. Putting off the math section until week before the test earned me 15 on QR though I ended up making a "wild", not educated, guess in more than half of the questions (I am still proud I managed 15 :) I have taken the Kaplan course and did not find the class itself useful other than instructions in how to take the test(it is not worth $1000+)! However, their online subject tests (similar to 6-7 full length test with explanation) were pretty darn useful. I thought it prepared me well for the science section, and was surprised how easy the science section felt while taking the actual DAT (got me 22 in science avg). I havent tried the "Top-score Pro computerized DAT product, but many be you can get the same benefit for $50 for what it cost at their website. Kaplan's perceptual section threw me off in the folding dotted page section as the ones on the actual test had much smaller dots. For some reason, this really distracted me and threw me off. I am an average joe and a slow learner but was able to manage 19 academic (with 15 on QR) and 20 pat. LOL, applied many but didnt get in! Perhaps a bad year (avg of 3000 applicant per school, insane!!)? Dont lose hope guys, apply and apply again and you'll eventually get in! I think this rout will give you an opportunity to appreciate things more? Most people dont even have this opportunity! SMILE~

Kaplan USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (Kaplan Medical)

Kaplan

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Editorial Review:

Features:

• Expert advice on how to master the CS exam
• 35 realistic practice cases
• Proven strategies for doctor-patient communication, history taking, the physical exam, patient note writing, and clinical reasoning
• Kaplan's proven test-taking strategies
• Additional practice cases online with detailed explanations

Kaplan GRE Exam 2007-2008 Premier Program (w/ CD-ROM)

Kaplan

List Price: $35.00 By: Kaplan Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $4.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

A note for the previous reviewer 4 out of 5 stars.
22 of 23 people found this review helpful.

If you look at the ETS website for the GRE, you will find that they have decided not to switch to the new test. They made that decision in conjunction with colleges and universities because they would not be able to make the new test available across the board just yet.

Problems with the SOftware 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Please be aware that the software for Kaplan does not work with Mac or windows vista, and they it doesnt say anywhere visible in the book until you've bought it. Otherwise the book is good

buyer beware! 1 out of 5 stars.
7 of 25 people found this review helpful.

Bourght this as a gift for my girlfriend because she is a bit stressed about the new GRE. This book does NOT help with that apparently, as none of the practice tests or questions are for the new GRE. If you are looking for a study aid for the new GRE do not buy this book.

Kaplan GRE Exam, 2007 Edition: Premier Program (Kaplan Gre Exam (Book & CD-Rom))

Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Includes:

*A rich online study plan that guides students through all of the integrated assets of the comprehensive program, including the book, online, and software

*Guidance throughout the program, directing students to additional resources within the program if they need it

*A diagnostic experience to help students concentrate on the areas in which they need the most help

*A progress report, so students can keep track of and analyze their performance as they make their way through the program

*Email communication at key points during the program, providing extra tips and guidance, as well as motivation to keep improving

*Monthly online additions to ensure that the student has the latest content and information about the exam

*Remedial content to ensure students are up-to-speed on the basic concepts before attacking higher-level content

*Downloadable strategy and reference guides for easy prep on the go

*Realistic practice experiences

*Online question banks

*5 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations