GRE Study Guide: How To Prepare For GRE Quantitative Reasoning?

Apart from the GMAT, most of the fastest-growing graduate business schools require the GRE exam as part of their admission process. In order to assess the math skills, the business school gives high importance to the quantitative section scores. With that, aspiring students must have a prudent approach in preparing for the GRE, especially for the quantitative section. Some examinees might be intimidated by math subjects, especially the difficult questions, so we compiled some tips and strategies to prepare for quantitative reasoning.

Why is the GRE Quantitative Section Important?

The examination is conducted that very year by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Top graduate schools, master’s degree programs, and business schools focus on the scaled score of quantitative reasoning more than anything else. The test results are necessary for the examiner to be successfully admitted to their desired school. Quantitative skills are highly needed for various programs, especially when pursuing a business-related higher education. The skill is needed for prospective students to immerse themselves in valuable data and learn more about operations directly related to their future profession. Acing a competitive score in the quantitative reasoning on GRE is important because it increases the chances of admission to top schools.

What is the Syllabus for the GRE Quantitative Section?

The syllabus for the GRE quantitative section is listed below:

  • Algebra. It refers to the involvement of divisibility, factorization, remainders, prime numbers, and even and odd integers. Exponents, roots, arithmetic operations and estimation, ratio, per cent, decimal representation, absolute value, and number line sequence are also covered.
  • Arithmetic. It refers to the geometry, graphs of functions and equations, formulation of equations for word problems, the relation of numbers, inequalities, factored and simplified algebraic expressions, and quadratic linear equations and inequalities.
  • Data Analysis. It refers to the interpretation of data, frequency distribution, statistics, elementary and conditional probability, combinations, permutations, Venn diagrams, and the distribution probability of random variables and counting methods.
  • Geometry. It refers to the measurements of the angles in degrees, quadrilaterals, perpendiculars and parallel lines, triangles and circles, Pythagorean theorem, polygons and figures of congruent, area, volume, perimeter, and figures in 3-D.

The word and algebraic problems are the most common types of problems in the GRE quantitative section, given that the problems included are mostly at a high school level, which does not include calculus, trigonometry, etc.

What are the question types in the GRE Quantitative Section?

The following are the question types in the GRE quantitative section:

  • Multiple-choice question – one answer selection. It refers to choosing only one answer among the provided five choices. It is always helpful to scan the provided choices briefly prior to solving to ensure what is truly asked.
  • Multiple-choice question – one or more answer selection. This question type is a selection of one or more answers from the choices, wherein some questions may or may not have provided a particular number of choices to select. In this case, considering all the options and determining the least from the most outstanding value will enable you to identify the correct answers.
  • Numeric Entry Questions. It refers to the questions that ask you to input the answer as an integer or decimal in the provided answer box or input it as a fraction in the provided two separate boxes (for numerator and denominator). Always be mindful to double-check your entered answers.
  • Quantitative Comparison Questions. This type of question includes queries being asked to compare two given quantities (Quantity A and Quantity B) and identify whether the following choices describe the presented comparison. You can simplify the given comparison by presenting their relationship and relevance.

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning is divided into two sections with 20 questions each, and there are 35 minutes designated per section.

What are the best books for GRE quantitative reasoning preparation?

Listed below are the best books for GRE preparation:

  • Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, 2nd Edition
  • The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, 3rd Edition
  • Manhattan Pre’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, 2nd Edition
  • Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides, 4th Edition
  • Barron’s 6 GRE Practice Tests, 2nd Edition
  • Kaplan’s GRE Math Workbook, 10th Edition
  • ETS Math Review PDF
  • ETS Mathematical Conventions PDF
  • Khan Academy
  • Texas State GRE Quantitative Handouts

The books included above vary in content and price. Make sure to assess their pros and cons and content strategies to get the most out of them.

How to prepare for the GRE Quantitative Section?

The following are the study tips for the GRE examination:

  • Manage your time wisely. Time management skills should be prioritized to complete the entire section within the limited time range during the actual exam.
  • Familiarize Questions. Make yourself familiar with the identified concepts for the GRE quantitative section, as the questions can be tricky.
  • Keep practising. You need to practice as many different types of questions as possible. Adapting the format appropriately by taking mock tests and solving the questions within the same time range as on the exam is beneficial. Also, pinpoint your strong and weak areas, which helps you plan a strategy to answer the questions.

The discussed tips serve as a guide to preparing effectively for the GRE Quantitative Section and choosing the correct answer choices.

How to prepare for the GRE Quantitative Section one week before the exam?

The following list includes the tips for the one week before the examination:

  • Make sure you are not studying under pressure.
  • Focus on practising proper solving of the various mathematical problems.
  • Avoid trying to adapt and apply new concepts. Stick with your practised concepts.
  • Change your weak strategies.
  • Answer as many practice tests as possible.

The examiners can apply these measures one week before the GRE test, which helps them focus and get higher GRE scores.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your GRE Math Prep

To get the most out of your GRE Math Prep, follow the tips below:

  • Create a log of your mistakes and be familiar with them. Familiarizing mistakes will help test-takers avoid wrong answers on the actual GRE.
  • Precisely read each question. Practising detail-orientedness is beneficial so you can answer tricky math questions correctly.
  • Don’t forget to seek help if you need it. Tutor sessions or paid courses are widely available. If you think the additional support is necessary to attain a higher GRE score, go for it.
  • Be positive. Even if you feel like the section is challenging, believe in yourself and trust the process you used in preparing for the exam.

This advice will effectively help the examiner maximize the preparation time and resources for GRE Quantitative Reasoning.

What are the tips for the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section on exam day?

Follow these strategies when taking the GRE quantitative reasoning on the exam day:

  • Go to the testing centre promptly.
  • Take your breakfast so your body can function well throughout the exam duration.
  • Secure all the necessary requirements/documents needed in the test centre.
  • Keep calm and focused.

Keep in mind the tips above during the exam day for the GRE General Test.

What are the tips for the GRE quantitative section quantitative comparison?

The tips for the GRE quantitative section in quantitative comparison can be found below.

  • Be familiar with the given choices.
  • Utilize estimation of equations rather than lengthy calculations.
  • You can apply simplification to make the comparison easier.
  • You can replace variables in algebraic expressions with numbers to make a correct comparison.

The list above helps in answering the quantitative comparison in the GRE math section.

What are the tips for the GRE quantitative section five-choice multiple choice?

The list of tips for the GRE five-choice multiple choice in the quantitative section includes the following:

  • Wisely examine the choices.
  • Determine the acceptable amount of approximation.
  • Utilizing approximation can provide a correct answer and save time.
  • Don’t proceed to the calculation immediately.
  • Review the solution, or use other applicable measures.

The points discussed above are significant for the examiners to ace the math tests for the five-choice multiple-choice section in the GRE quantitative section.

What are the tips for the GRE quantitative section Multi-answer multiple-choice questions?

The following tips are beneficial for the multi-answer multiple choice:

  • Carefully read the questions, and determine the number of expected answers.
  • Identify the least to greatest possible value as an answer through mathematical knowledge.
  • Remove the unnecessary choices.
  • Avoid lengthy calculations, which might result in confusion.

The above discussion can help the examinees answer the questions with ease and thoroughly decide on confusing topics.

What are the strategies for answering the GRE quantitative section’s numeric entry?

The strategies for answering the numeric entry in the GRE Quantitative section are the following:

  • Determine the needed type of answer (in units, etc.).
  • In rounding off, observe the level of required accuracy.
  • Review the selected answers when applying different equations or by administering the solve values.

The above tips are relevant to maximizing mathematical skills and getting more correct answers to quantitative questions.

What are the GRE math tips for beginners?

The tips for beginners for the GRE examination are:

  • Improve the GRE results through continuous practice. By making use of different test-preparation websites, you can study the significant solutions carefully.
  • Program your mindset for learning. It can level up the skills and knowledge of the examiners through reviewing and practising by following and setting a routine, which can help ease math anxiety.

The strategies listed serve as prep tricks for beginners to hit their goal scores.

What are the GRE math tips for advanced students?

The tips for advanced students for the GRE examination are:

  • Review your work after finishing problem-solving. Connect your selected answer to the question to make sense given the problem. Double-checking before time should be done to make sure you don’t miss anything.
  • Indulging yourself in the examination and concepts of the GRE examinations. This serves as a mind game that helps in advancing/for the growth of your own mindset.

Advanced students can apply the discussed points above as their guide for an achievable and better examination experience.

What are the GRE Quantitative Section Tips for Test Day Success?

The following are the tips in acing the test day for the GRE examination:

  • Provide answers to the easy questions first. The given questions are equivalent to the same amount of points, so answer the given questions which are easy for you.
  • In terms of confusion and frustration at a certain problem, if you have no supporting information and answer, move forward to the next to avoid wasting your time.
  • Be confident and never panic about the forgotten formula. Have a mindset that minor setbacks can be mitigated and rescued.
  • Slowly read the questions to avoid unwanted and careless errors.
  • Provide the answer to the question based on what is really being asked.
  • Secure you have encoded the correct format for answering the possible questions
  • Never be swayed by details presented, and avoid overwhelming questions.
  • Write clearly and neatly on your scratch paper for solutions.
  • Estimating rather than drinking. The process of estimating the GRE in solving the question rather than granular equations.
  • Don’t pressure yourself, slow down and utilize extra time for difficult and time-consuming tasks.
  • A benefit is claimed after answering every question.
  • Put in your answers. After answering and solving, you are now ready to check for the points or results.
  • Getting the answer doesn’t matter. It means spending a lot of time on shortcuts rather than using the right methods and equations based on how it really works.

By following the above points, the examiners have the possibility to pass the exam successfully.

How to manage your time well in answering the GRE quantitative section?

In order to manage your time well in answering mathematical reasoning, take a look at these strategies:

  1. Curate a comprehensive study plan.
  2. Learn how to prioritize the topics.
  3. During the preparation time, practice answering questions with a time deadline.
  4. Review practice exams and practise questions, watch educational videos, or attend a prep program.
  5. Make and utilize a math cheat sheet.
  6. Log all your mistakes and remember them to avoid wrong answers.
  7. Take time to memorize the required formula.

Practising time management while taking the GRE test is vital because there is a time limit during the test. It can help you handle and maintain your focus on finishing the GRE examination.

What are the ways to boost your score in the GRE Quantitative Section?

The tips for boosting the score for quantitative reasoning in the GRE examination are:

  • Keep neat records for your calculations.
  • Never skip questions, but you can take a guess.
  • To save time, use approximations and simplifications.
  • If you encounter confusion about the answer, move forward to the next question.
  • Calculate the option and then the questions to acquire the correct answer.
  • For the geometry, draw diagrams.
  • If needed, use the on-screen calculator.

The above strategies will help the test-takers improve their scores in the quantitative section.

Do GRE Prep courses help with Quantitative Section?

Yes, the best gre test prep courses are specifically designed to enhance a student’s proficiency in various sections of the exam, including the Quantitative Section. They offer structured study plans, practice questions, and test-taking strategies tailored to the math concepts tested. By engaging in these courses, students often gain a deeper understanding of the material, build confidence, and improve their ability to tackle challenging quantitative problems efficiently.

References:

  • https://www.gyandhan.com/blogs/gre-quantitative-section
  • https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/gre-quantitative-study-guide/
  • https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/how-to-study-for-gre-math/
  • https://magoosh.com/gre/best-gre-math-tips/
  • https://galvanizetestprep.com/blogs/gre-quant-time-management-tips/
  • https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/best-gre-math-prep/