Testing For the Public

This is a long time coming, I never got around to leaving a review, but better late than never. I benefitted tremendously from the skill and knowledge that David provided with regards to the GRE. My scores definitely went up due to his deep insights into the nature of the test, and his commitment to the success of his students.
In addition to his wealth of knowledge about the exam, his prices are extremely reasonable and he has a killer sense of humor to boot, so going to his prep classes after a long day of work never felt like a chore, which I would imagine a lot of these prep courses are like (I don’t actually know).
I would highly recommend David’s courses to anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding GRE prep course. He’s the best in the game.

To anyone planning to take the GRE I highly recommend David and Testing for the Public. He really emphasizes strategy over just teaching problem solving. He teaches you all the pitfalls in the test and how to overcome them. Again, highly recommend!

I took this class and couldn’t score about a certain number in verbal before this class and after I score 300 points higher. I was shocked how just following the rules boosted my verbal score by so much. I got accepted into Columbia University for my master’s degree and I am now doing my PhD at the University of Michigan, but got into 12 other schools for my PhD. My GRE had been holding me back for so long and I really don’t know if I would have gotten into these schools if it weren’t for this test prep class. I did repeat the class a few times, because it was free before I took the exam. The fee was the best I could find anywhere and I am glad I did this course. Thanks Dave!

David White has an obvious passion for helping people and addressing injustice, which was clear from the first class I took with him. He trained at Harvard Law and has been asked numerous times to testify against ETS on the various biases of standardized tests, still perceived by many as gateway to The Good Life.
David’s enthusiasm and generosity never ceased to amaze me as I took full advantage of his free repeat policy, randomly dropping in on various class locations for a refresher after work (and in large part to motivate myself and be around other people studying for the test). This year I’m in grad school at my top choice school; UC Berkeley. David truly cares for his students and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, David!

If you’re looking for the no nonsense, cut to the chase, secret sauce of cracking the GRE, then do come here. Dave’s classes are insightful, initially mind boggling (just hear him out on the psycho-​drama of the ‘nerds’ who frame the test) but totally worth it. This is not your regular crash course in the GRE, so you will need to do all the grinding work — practicing math, wondering how you forgot 8^th grade algebra, staring at strange words you’ve only heard rattle off from Dicken’s novels — and top that with a bi-​weekly class from Dave. I suggest doing it closer to the exam date, since his methods are ALL about strategy and less about content. Prepare for the GRE 70% and then use his strategies to fill in the blanks.
He gives out practice material which is interesting since it’s all test questions from the last couple of years. I got a really high score in Quant, thanks to his strategies (it helps he comes up with weird rhymes to remember them) — and I’m someone who hasn’t done good ol’ math since 10^th grade. Verbal was pretty good too (none of the words I read from those damned lists showed up) but I did use his strategies in the reading comprehension section — and I got some real toughies!
Classes are in USF Daly City. well connected by the Muni. Grab your snack at the nearby Trader Joe’s (if you’re like me, I nosh & study) and head to a 4 hour class. I can’t say much about the new revised GRE, but his methods were close to spot-​on for the old GRE administrated before Aug ’11.

I first took David’s Testing for the Public course a few months after a Testmasters course. I just didn’t quite feel ready for the LSAT, and I signed up for TFP on a recommendation. Since I have the experience, I can probably give a few comparisons to Testmasters. Instead of the 15 different «question types» (ex: 4 °F vs. 5 F, sufficient v necessary), David goes through the logic of the types of questions, which felt more intuitive. The system is not based on memorizing «strategy,» but rather learning to keep a reasonable, and in-the-test-writers’-shoes mindset. There are question «groups» in this class, but they are separated more logically such as, «what are the test writers’ goal with this type of question» and «try to spot the same type of wrong answers.» (The point of the last one is to say that if answer choice #A is wrong for X reason, then answer choice #B would be wrong if it also uses X reason). It may sound confusing but it’s a huge time saver. David also provides only real LSAT practice questions, and begins practice tests from the beginning.
On my actual test day, I was able to put ome of David’s LSAT tricks to the test, although this wasn’t really my ideal forum to test this out. In class, we would do some exercises about how to quickly eliminate question types if you were pressed for time on the exam. To my chagrin, I was in this exact situation on the June 2008 Logic Games section (anyone remember the dinosaurs question… because it sucked). Anyways, I was in the middle of my 3^rd game when the 5 minute time was called. I probably spent about 30 seconds just panicking. Then I realized I had to move really fast. I blazed through the rest of Game #3, making educated guesses about the answers based solely on «reading the question,» and then proceeded to do this with Game #4 as well. I perhaps skimmed the rules for Game #4, but had no time to actually work anything out. I barely finished bubbling in my answer sheet before time was called.
I went through the rest of the test thinking I would somehow have to prop up my Games score, because I was sure it was going to be my weakest section. To my complete surprise when I received my results, I only missed 3 questions on the Games section. So, my point is, although I would not wish running out of time to anyone, David’s strategies really pulled me through when I had to finish two games in 5 minutes.
Personally I would recommend taking 2 – 3 courses for the LSAT. David has a free repeat policy, and taking a few months to prep for the LSAT is the norm these days. It is not a hard test, but it stresses you out, and the more you spend prepping, the more used to the style you become. Just to give some background, I scored in the 98^th percentile, and I currently attend a T25 law school.

I just finished this GRE prep course offered by Dave White.
Dave was an outstanding teacher and really knows his material. He has compiled over 40 old GRE tests and found a way to really beat this exam.
His strategies were presented well, and easy to learn. I tested them out on a few practice tests offered by ETS (Real GRE exams) and they really work!
I’m also taking another GRE prep course offered by Princeton review and i have to say that i prefer the testing for the public’s course.
The Princeton review offers no REAL exam questions but just ones they came up with that try to mimic what is actually on the GRE Exam.
Dave takes REAL questions, all form previous GRE exams and gives you the skills on how to beat this test (that is certainly not about knowing the material but knowing how to pick the right answers from the wrong ones).
You can save a LOT of time using these strategies in combination with your brain.
This class offered more hours than other courses and was HALF the price.
–you can also attend the course more than once (if needed).
My only warning is that to those that are looking for a math or English tutor and are in serious need of learning the basics– this is NOT the class for you.
You need to know some math and some English to get by. This course teaches you the strategies to use on the problems when you can (which is actually a good majority.)
Glad i took the course and can’t wait to smash the GRE with my new skills! –Thanks DAVE!

Yes, I’ve taken other test prep companies (ummm Kaplan) and picked up a few books here and there for my LSAT. However, if you are like me with a short attention span and refuse to give in to this test, you must take this course. This course teaches you obvious techniques and I almost didn’t want to write the review to give away the secret.
I will note that this course is extremely beneficial if you have taken another prep course, because you are able to compare the techniques and understand why they were wasting your time. This test is not about understanding all the details vs. getting that damn number to get into that dream school.
In addition, there is a 100% free repeat policy (regardless if you improved your diagnostic score). David also uses only real lsac questions and prep materials.
Now, this course is not glamorous and there are no extra gimmicks and marketing brochures, but this is the real deal in terms of content. Please don’t expect free stress balls with the test companies logos and other crappy supplies. There is no official building with study space (he uses mostly university rooms). So, go to a coffee shop!!!
Pros:
1) Content, Content, Content
2) Instructors (They actually give a damn about you which is ironic– not that this is needed, but this was kind of nice)
3), So when I call the office, the instructor picks up!
4) Locations (Usually on campus or is centrally located)
5) Take as many courses as you want (hopefully, you will only need 1 though)
6) Socratic Method and Cold Calling you in class until you get it! LOVE LOVE THIS…
7) Price (almost half the price of others). Regardless, I still would have paid for it (even if it was just as expensive as Kaplan). In the end, what’s another 600‑1000 to your law school bills? Seriously…
8) For reading comp, the technique is reading less! And I am strong in games, but he makes you anticipate the answers before choosing the technique (and you don’t need to draw out all the limited options– waste of time/​space). I mean I get done games with time to spare.
Cons
1) No homework/​study guide (so, you need to be a little more self-​directed/​organized– I mean just get with the program if you plan on going to law school (at some point no one is going to hold your hand)
2) No online materials/​syllabus (bummer, but you can pick up other stuff to supplement) For the GRE, I know there are many online presentation stuff, etc.
3) I do wish the course was longer (in duration), but I think he changed his class to reflect the needs.
4) Sometimes, I think it is annoying that there are so many random drop-​ins (previous test-​prep people) as a 1^st timer since they did a lot of the problems before. However, it didn’t bug me once I got to know all the random drop-​ins and the technique doesn’t call for a set group of individuals. But please people, bring your materials to class.
Now, this class is like getting authentic Chinese or Italian food from the Mom and Pop chefs on price and quality vs. P.F. Chang or Olive Garden. Seriously, dislike. All and all, I’m really grateful for the course and the time/​energy he puts into his research. Go check out a free strategy session now before you sign up.
P. S. I don’t give 5 stars, but this is as good as it gets.