Suggestions for calculus review for mGRE?

Question

I'm currently studying for the mGRE that will be given in October of this year and I'm having trouble deciding which books to use for the calculus review. I'm currently brushing up in Stewart's Precalculus and was planning on moving to Spivak after. I also have Apostol's Calculus, which seems to cover a lot of relevant material like DEs, vector calc, and some linear algebra, but I'm not sure which text to devote time to. Also, I've read the comments left by other users that seem to indicate that Stewart's Calculus is important for the mGRE-type problems. I would appreciate any suggestions so I can start to study more efficiently for the test. Thanks.

Answer 1

You may probably do better on the math portion of the GRE with a solid understanding of calculus. If you wish to enter a graduate program that emphasizes math, statistics, or quantitative techniques, I recommend you practice well for the math portion. On the other hand, many graduate programs in the humanities expect their students to do only adequately on this portion.

Both Stewart's Calculus and Apostol's Calculus are reputable textbooks, and it's great that you have access to them. Here are some suggestions to help you make an informed decision:

1. Consider the mGRE content: Take a look at the official mGRE syllabus or the topics covered in past exams. Identify which topics are heavily emphasized, and ensure that your chosen textbook(s) cover those areas thoroughly.

2. Balance depth and breadth: While Apostol's Calculus covers a wider range of topics, including differential equations, vector calculus, and linear algebra, Stewart's Calculus may provide a more focused and comprehensive review of the core calculus concepts relevant to the GRE. It's important to strike a balance between depth of understanding and breadth of coverage.

3. Study efficiency: Evaluate your available study time and resources. If you have sufficient time, you can consider using both textbooks. Start with Stewart's Calculus for a focused review of core calculus concepts and then move on to Apostol's Calculus to supplement your understanding with additional topics.

4. Practice problems: Solving a variety of practice problems is crucial for success on the GRE. Ensure that the chosen textbook(s) provide an ample number of practice problems, preferably with solutions or answer keys, to reinforce your learning and allow for effective self-assessment.

5. Seek additional resources: Apart from the textbooks, you can explore other resources such as online video lectures, practice tests, and study guides specifically tailored for the GRE. These additional resources can provide alternative explanations, further practice, and specific strategies for tackling mGRE-type problems.

Remember to create a study schedule, allocate time for regular practice, and monitor your progress as you work through the material. Best of luck with your GRE preparation!