How much time should I dedicate to studying for the GRE quant section?

The ideal study time depends on your current math skills and target score. Generally, aim for 4–6 weeks of dedicated practice with 2–3 hours of daily study.

What are the best resources to prepare for the GRE quant section?

Official ETS materials, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, and Kaplan GRE are some popular resources. You may consider a combination of practice problems, the Manhattan Quant section specifically, and topic-specific guides.

Is the GRE quantitative reasoning difficult?

The difficulty of GRE quantitative reasoning depends on your math background. It tests basic math skills like algebra, geometry, and data analysis. If you’re comfortable with these concepts, you shouldn’t find it too hard. However, the GRE can also test more advanced topics, so brushing up on your math skills is always a good idea.

What is considered a good score in the GRE quant section?

A good score on the GRE quant section is generally considered to be above 153. This falls into the “high” percentile range, which means you scored higher than around 70% of test takers. Scoring above 160 puts you in the “Very High” percentile, which is even more competitive.

What topics are covered in the GRE quantitative reasoning?

The GRE quantitative reasoning section covers a broad range of math topics, including algebra (basic operations, manipulating equations, and inequalities), data analysis (interpreting graphs, tables, and statistics), and geometry (areas, volumes, and properties of shapes). These topics are not necessarily tested in isolation, and you may see questions that combine multiple areas of math.

10 Tips to Increase Your GRE Quant Score

Contrary to popular belief, the GRE quant section is an area where students can achieve top scores with a focused approach. This section assesses your basic mathematical skills, understanding of core concepts, and ability to apply them to solve problems. Whether you consider yourself a pro at math or have a more cautious relationship with numbers, this blog is here to guide you.

We’ll get into the specifics of the GRE quant section. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips and techniques to boost your GRE math score. By the end of this blog, you’ll be prepared with a clear understanding of how to approach the quant section with confidence and maximise your score.

Overview of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your aptitude for quantitative problem-solving. It tests your foundational skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You’ll come across problems that range from straightforward calculations to interpreting graphs and tables. The goal is to assess your ability to solve problems and to analyse and apply mathematical concepts to new situations.

With two sections of 21 minutes and 26 minutes each, you’ll face various question formats, including quantitative comparisons, multiple choice with one or more answer choices, and numeric entry questions. The question format breaks down into three categories: Quantitative Comparison, Problem-Solving, and Data Interpretation. For Quantitative Comparison questions, you will compare the values of two expressions. Problem Solving questions will require you to solve a word problem to arrive at a definitive answer. And Data Interpretation questions will present you with data sets that you will need to analyse and interpret.

Also read: How to Prepare for the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section?

The 10 Best Tips to Increase Your GRE Quant Score

1. Don’t rush: take your time and be thorough

This is a golden rule for the GRE math section. Resist the urge to speed through the problems. Stay calm, and prioritise careful reading and comprehension. Rushing increases careless mistakes because you might miss crucial details. Consider all the information presented before you jump into solving. This meticulous approach will significantly improve your GRE math score.

2. Keep an eye on the clock

During tests, keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself. Don’t rush through questions, but avoid spending too much time on any one problem. Allocate time slots for each question based on its difficulty. This applies to your preparation as well—practice allotting time during practice tests. Remember that all the questions in a section are typically worth the same points, so don’t get stuck on a hard one and miss easier ones.

3. Visualise the problem

When you come across a difficult question on the GRE, take a moment to visualise the information being presented. This can involve picturing what you’re reading or drawing a rough sketch of the problem on scratch paper. By creating a mental image, you can:

Simplify the question: Break down complex problems into more manageable parts.
Identify key relationships: See how different elements of the problem interact.
Improve your recall: Remember the information you need to solve the problem.

This visualisation technique can be a powerful move to solve challenging GRE practice questions.

4. Process of elimination

The process of elimination is an important strategy when you’re faced with a challenging question and can’t pinpoint the definitive answer. It involves systematically analysing the available options and discarding those that can be demonstrably proven wrong or irrelevant to the question at hand. This winnowing process continues until you’re left with a single option or a smaller pool of possibilities that are more likely to be correct.

While the remaining option might not be one you’re 100% confident in, by eliminating the demonstrably incorrect answers, you’ve increased your chances of selecting the right one.

5. Double-check your answer choices

Double-check your answer choices before submitting your test. Similar wording in answer options can be tricky, and you might accidentally pick the wrong one. Remember that some questions might have multiple correct answers.

In those cases, simply choosing one won’t be enough. Make sure you’ve reviewed all the options and selected every answer that fits the question. This extra vigilance will help ensure you’re getting the most out of your test performance.

6. Answer everything

The GRE doesn’t penalise you for wrong answers. This means it’s always in your best interest to answer every single question, even if you’re unsure. Running out of time? Take a shot at an educated guess. You might get lucky and score a few points!

Even if your guess is off, there’s no penalty, so you won’t lose any points for trying. By answering every question, you maximise your potential score and increase your chances of achieving your target GRE score.

7. Simplify numbers

Simplifying numbers with zeros at the end can be done quickly by mentally removing those zeroes. For example, instead of calculating 5,000 divided by 2, you can think of it as 5 divided by 2. Once you have the simplified answer (in this case, 2.5), you can then add the zeroes back on to get the final result (which is 2,500).

This trick works because zeroes act as placeholders that don’t affect the actual value of the number. By removing them temporarily, you can focus on the core digits and perform the calculation more easily. Remember to reattach the zeroes at the end to get the answer in its original form.

8. Double-check irrational numbers

When working with irrational numbers, it’s important to be extra careful with your calculations. Irrational numbers, like pi (π) or the square root of 2, cannot be expressed as a simple fraction. This can make them slightly trickier to work with compared to whole numbers or fractions. The main concern arises when squaring irrational numbers. Squaring an irrational number often results in another irrational number, and mistakes can easily creep in during this process.

9. Accuracy is key

Accuracy is key when it comes to calculations. Rushing through or losing focus can lead to mistakes, so it’s important to pay close attention to the numbers you’re working with and double-check your work throughout the process. This will help to avoid those silly mistakes that can throw off your entire calculation.

Memorising multiplication tables is a valuable skill that can improve your overall calculation speed and efficiency. Being comfortable with basic multiplication allows you to perform calculations mentally or with a simple pen and paper, freeing you from relying on a GRE calculator for every step. This not only saves time but also strengthens your understanding of fundamental math concepts.

10. Practice, practice, and practice

The cornerstone to acing the GRE quantitative section is consistent practice. However, simply grinding through problems won’t maximise your score. To see real improvement, you need strategic practice. First, assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify areas requiring more focus. Prepare a study plan that allocates time for each topic based on this analysis. Begin your prep well in advance of the test date to allow ample practice time.

As you progress, incorporate challenging problems into your practice routine. By working on these more difficult questions, you’ll build the stamina and critical thinking skills necessary to approach the toughest questions on the GRE.

From the Desk of Yocket

The key to increasing the GRE quant score lies in a strategic combination of solid foundational knowledge and strategic practice. You should solidify your understanding of the core concepts tested in the GRE, which include algebra, data analysis, and geometry. You should constantly refresh your memory on essential formulas and hone your problem-solving skills. Utilizing GRE Prep Premium resources can provide structured guidance and advanced strategies to further enhance your preparation and boost your score.

Additionally, continue to practice problems that mimic the GRE format and difficulty level of the GRE. Pay close attention to time management and develop test-taking strategies like estimation and backsolving to answer questions efficiently. Regularly analyse your GRE practice tests to identify weaknesses and target those areas for further improvement. This two-pronged approach will provide you with the knowledge and agility to take the GRE quant section with confidence.