If you are gearing up to study for the GRE and are intimidated by GRE Quant, you’ve come to the right place. This article will walk you through some best practices to consider when crafting your GRE Quant study plan and 12 steps to take, in your GRE Quant preparation, from start to finish. After reading this article, you will be well on your way to earning a top GRE score.
We’ll cover the following topics:
- Step #1: Get to Know GRE Quant
- Step #2: Take an Initial Practice Exam to Get a Starting Score
- Step #3: Map Out the Order of Your Quant Study Plan
- Step #4: Map Out Your GRE Quant Prep Timeline
- Step #5: Make a Personal Study Schedule
- Step #6: Find Great GRE Prep Materials
- Step #7: Follow a Study Plan That Allows for Topical Learning
- Step #8: Move From Topical Learning to Topical Practice
- Step #9: Get to Know Your GRE Calculator
- Step #10: Use Flashcards!
- Step #11: Incorporate Mixed Problem Sets Into Your Study Routine
- Step #12: Save 4 to 6 Weeks for Practice Exams
- In Summary: GRE Quant Study Plan
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by discussing the basics of GRE Quant.
Step #1: Get to Know GRE Quant
If you’ve asked others about how to study GRE Quant, I’m sure you’ve been given the advice to take a practice test to get a baseline score. While I 100% agree with that advice, you need to get to know a bit about GRE Quant before you take this test!
You need to familiarize yourself with the question types and math concepts that you’ll see in the GRE Quant section, and even practice a few questions. So, let’s do that now.
The Types of Quant Questions on the GRE
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section has 4 types of questions that you will encounter:
- Multiple-Choice – Single-Answer
- Quantitative Comparison
- Multiple-Choice – Multiple-Answer
- Numeric Entry
Let’s discuss each problem type in detail.
Multiple-Choice Questions – Single-Answer
The question type with which you are likely most familiar is the single-answer multiple-choice question. It’s the question type that you have seen for most of your life on math tests, science tests, and a variety of achievement/assessment tests. And if you are a converted GMAT-to-GRE test-taker, these problems are identical to the Quant problem-solving questions you saw on the GMAT. A typical multiple-choice question (single answer) has 5 answer choices, A, B, C, D, and E, with one correct answer.
KEY FACT:
Multiple-choice questions have 5 answer choices with one correct answer.
Let’s practice a multiple-choice question below.
Multiple-Choice – Single-Answer Example
105 is what percent of 15?
- 70 percent
- 90 percent
- 170 percent
- 190 percent
- 700 percent
Solution:
We can translate “105 is what percent of 15” to an equation and solve for x:
105 = (x/100)(15)
105 = 15x/100
(105)(100)/15 = x
700 = x
Thus, 105 is 700 percent of 15.
Answer: E
The second type of GRE Quant question is the Quantitative Comparison question.
Quantitative Comparison Questions
If you are new to the GRE, then Quantitative Comparison (QC) questions will be new and perhaps daunting to you. However, once you know how to attack them, solving QC questions should be a piece of cake!
The essence of a Quantitative Comparison question is that you are provided with the following:
- given information (usually)
- Quantity A and Quantity B
- 4 standardized answer choices for every QC question
The purpose of a Quantitative Comparison question is to determine whether one quantity is greater than the other (answer A or B), whether the two quantities are equal (answer C), or whether you cannot determine a consistent relationship between the two quantities (answer D).
Let’s practice a basic QC question.
Quantitative Comparison Example
Quantity A:
x
Quantity B:
4x
- Quantity A is greater.
- Quantity B is greater.
- The two quantities are equal.
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Solution:
At first glance, you might be tempted to choose answer choice (B), thinking that Quantity B is greater. After all, multiplying a number by 4 makes it bigger, so 4x must be greater than x, right?
Wrong. With QC questions, you have to dig deeper. Go below the surface! Yes, if x = 2 or 8 or 13, or a host of other numbers, then multiplying any of them by 4 will yield a greater number than what you started with. But, consider this: We were not told that x must be a positive number. So, if x were, say, -5, then 4x would be -20, which is less than -5. In this case, Quantity A would be greater. And, to add insult to injury, if x were equal to 0, then the two quantities would be equal!
So, we have seen in this seemingly straightforward question that the two quantities do not have a consistent relationship between them. Therefore, the correct answer is (D).
Answer: D
Next, let’s discuss multiple-choice – multiple-answer questions.
Multiple-Choice Questions – Multiple-Answer
Multiple-choice – multiple-answer questions are just what they sound like. You are given a question to answer, and there are multiple correct answers.
Keep in mind that for this question type, there is no partial credit. In other words, you must choose every correct answer to get the question correct. Let’s practice with an example.
Multiple-Choice – Multiple-Answer Example
The least common multiple of 8, 10, and x is 120. Which of the following could not be the value of x? Indicate all such answers.
- 3
- 6
- 9
- 12
- 15
- 18
Solution:
By definition, the LCM is the smallest positive integer that all of the numbers in a set will divide into. Thus, we’re looking for a number that will not divide evenly into 120. Of the answers given, only 9 and 18 will not divide into 120.
Let’s consider a more rigorous explanation. The prime factorization of 120 is:
120 = 10 x 12 = 5 x 2 x 4 x 3 = 5 x 3 x 23.
Since the prime factorization of 9 is 32, and that of 18 is 32 x 21, neither 9 nor 18 could be the value of x.
If x were 9, the LCM of 8, 10, and 9 would be 5 x 32 x 23, which is 360.
If x were 18, the LCM of 8, 10, and 18 would be 5 x 32 x 23, which is 360.
All of the other answer choices provide the missing value of 3 without changing the LCM from 120.
Thus, the correct answers are 9 and 18.
Answer: C, F
The fourth and final type of GRE Quant question is the Numeric Entry question. Let’s look at it now.
Numeric Entry Questions
Numeric Entry questions are an alternate version of a single-answer multiple-choice question. The main difference is that, unlike a multiple-choice question, in which you see the possible answer choices, in a Numeric Entry question, you have to input the correct answer.
Let’s practice with an example.
Numeric Entry Example
If a certain dog can choose among walking down 4 streets, sniffing 3 trees, and eating 4 treats, how many different ways are there for the dog to walk down one street, sniff one tree, and eat one treat?
Solution:
We can use the fundamental counting principle to solve this problem.
If there are x ways to make one choice, y ways to make a second choice, and z ways to make a third choice, then there are a total of (x)(y)(z) choices that can be made.
Thus, (4 streets) x (3 trees) x (4 treats) = 4 x 3 x 4 = 48 different ways for the dog to make these choices.
Answer: 48
Now that we have a good idea of the types of Quant questions tested on the GRE, let’s discuss other smart steps to take in your GRE study plan.
Step #2: Take an Initial Practice Exam to Get a Starting Score
Now that you are familiar with GRE Quant, you’re ready to take your first practice test. ETS offers a total of 5 practice exams. Two tests are offered for free, and you may purchase 3 additional tests. So, I recommend taking the first free ETS practice exam for your first practice test.
Remember, getting a baseline score is of the utmost importance, so you must take your practice test seriously! Taking it seriously means following test-day rules and mimicking test-day conditions. For example, if you plan to take your GRE at a test center, try to take your practice exam in a location similar to the test center, such as a library.
Also, take the allotted break only, don’t use a handheld calculator, and don’t eat or drink during your test. These things may seem small, but remember, you don’t want an artificially inflated GRE score. After all, your practice exam score will allow you to set a path forward for your GRE Quant study plan.
TTP PRO TIP:
Treat your practice exam with the same level of seriousness you’ll have on the day of your GRE.
Step #3: Map Out the Order of Your Quant Study Plan
If there is one thing I find myself constantly telling students, it’s that to be successful in GRE Quant, there is a ton you need to learn! So, the first part of a great GRE study plan is mapping out the order in which you’ll study all the GRE material. By doing so, you’ll avoid the mistake of trying to learn all topics at once. Instead, you’ll stick to topical studying (more on that later).
A common question I am asked is, “What are the key topics covered in the GRE Quantitative section?” Below is my topics list in my recommended study order. Keep in mind that how long it takes to learn these topics depends on the student, but the order I suggest below is for all students learning GRE Quant.
- Essential GRE Skills
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Number Properties
- Exponents and Roots
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- General Word Problems
- Unit Conversions
- Rates
- Work
- Ratios
- Percents
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Geometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions
- Sequences
- Quant Data Interpretation
TTP PRO TIP:
A great GRE Quant study plan will list the topics and the recommended order of Quant topics you need to study, from beginning to end.
Next, let’s discuss determining your study timeline.
Step #4: Map Out Your GRE Quant Prep Timeline
After taking your practice exam, you should clearly understand how far you are from your score goal. Armed with that knowledge, you can create an estimated timeline for your GRE Quant studying.
For example, let’s say you score 300 on your practice test and have a score goal of 330. In that case, if you are studying for around 18 hours per week, you may need around 6 months of prep. However, if you score 320 on your practice exam and have the same score goal of 330, then perhaps you can achieve your score in closer to 3 months.
While these are just a couple of examples, I think you get the point. Spend some time getting a rough idea of how long you may need to study.
TTP PRO TIP:
It’s important to map out a general timeline for your GRE Quant prep.
Step #5: Make a Personal Study Schedule
Now that your timeline is in place, you need to find the time to master GRE Quant! Thus, as I advise all my students, take some time to get a study schedule in place. Certainly, there are options for how you can assign your study time, but in general, a good starting point is around 18 hours per week of GRE prep.
When determining your daily study schedule, make sure to take into account everything you have going on in your life, both professionally and personally. Then, figure out how you can devote at least 18 hours a week to your preparation. Are you able to get up early and study before you start your workday or school day, or do you find that studying in the evening is more productive for you? Also, are you able to devote at least 8 hours to studying on the weekends? When you are putting together your calendar, you need to keep all of these factors in mind.
TTP PRO TIP:
Try to create a study schedule that allows you to study for at least 18 hours per week.
Once your study schedule is complete, you’ll be almost ready to dive into your GRE studying. However, before you do, you need to pick out your study materials.
Step #6: Find Great GRE Prep Materials
So, you have learned about the GRE, taken your practice exam, and estimated your prep timeline. We’re almost there! However, before you can jump into your Quant studying, you need great prep resources.
To see what math resources are available, you can check out sites such as GRE Prep Club, which has actual student reviews of GRE prep courses and study materials. Once you have a few options for your resources in mind, sign up for some trials to give a few courses a shot. From there, you should be able to pick the math study materials that work for you.
Remember, when evaluating these resources, try to find one that comes with a detailed study plan (or road map) so you know what you are doing from beginning to end in your GRE Quant preparation.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make sure to check out a few GRE Quant courses to find the one that best suits your needs.
Now, we are ready to discuss some finer points of your GRE Quant study plan.
Step #7: Follow a Study Plan That Allows for Topical Learning
If you have read any of our other articles or looked at the Target Test Prep GRE self-study course, you likely know that we are huge proponents of using topical learning! As far as I’m concerned, topical learning is far and away the best way to learn GRE Quant. As you saw earlier, there are about 22 major topics you must learn to succeed in GRE Quant. Clearly, practicing those topics randomly won’t do you any favors. What will help is focusing on one topic at a time.
A common question I frequently hear is, “Should I focus on specific math concepts or review all of them for the GRE Quant section?” My answer is always the same. Master every concept! The list of topics is long, but questions can come from any of the topics.
Do you think it would be helpful to jump from quadratic equations to ratios to geometry in the same study session at the beginning stages of your prep? Of course not. Rather, spend as much time as possible on a single topic before moving on to the next one.
TTP PRO TIP:
Topical learning is the name of the game when you’re learning GRE Quant.
Next, let’s discuss something as important as topical learning: topical practice!
Step #8: Move From Topical Learning to Topical Practice
So, we have discussed the importance of topical learning, but what do you do once you have finished learning a particular topic? Do you move on to the next Quant topic? No! You begin your topical GRE math practice. Remember, learning is important, but if you do not practice what you have just learned, how can you expect it to stick? So, spending time answering questions is as important as learning the topics on which those questions are based. This type of practice will also help you with your math time-management.
TTP PRO TIP:
Topical practice will help solidify the concepts you master during your topical learning.
Let’s refer to the TTP ratios chapter to illustrate topical practice. After completing the lessons on ratios, our students must take several chapter tests just on ratios: 4 easy, 5 medium, and 4 hard tests. By combining topical learning with topical practice, our students develop real mastery.
Step #9: Get to Know Your GRE Calculator
The onscreen calculator is an important tool for GRE Quant. Your ability to know when to use the calculator and when not to use it is important. The fact is, if you overuse your calculator, then you may waste significant amounts of time, and if you underuse your calculator, then you may get caught up in lengthy and time-eroding manual calculations.
So, let’s look at some scenarios for which you should use the calculator and some for which you should not.
When to Use the Calculator
- 7.3 x when x = 8
- 67 x 0.08
- The square root of 91
- 6^4
If you are dealing with tricky decimals, percent calculations, non-perfect roots, or large powers, the calculator will come in handy.
How about when we should not use the calculator?
When Not to Use the Calculator
- 10% of 120
- 20 + 17
- 20 / 100
- The square root of 81
When we are dealing with simple and clean math that is easily done without a calculator, we shouldn’t use the calculator.
TTP PRO TIP:
Understand when you should use the onscreen calculator and when you should not.
Now, let’s discuss why flashcards should be a part of any great GRE Quant study plan.
Step #10: Use Flashcards!
It’s important to make Quant flashcards from your study notes. Using flashcards is a great way to enhance the effectiveness of your GRE preparation and improve your quick recall of formulas and strategies.
In addition, flashcards play an important part in your prep because they can be used on the go. For example, you can review your flashcards while commuting to school or work. Or, if you’re waiting for an appointment, pull out your flashcards and do a quick review session. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare, look at your flashcards. Those extra minutes of studying can knock minutes, if not hours, off your weekly study schedule!
Use flashcards that work for you. Go old-school and create them by hand or use a digital stack. Just keep them handy and go through them often. In the TTP self-study course, we actually have a custom flashcard study tool that allows students to build their own flashcards.
Whichever medium you choose, create many flashcards spanning both GRE Quant and Verbal. Your flashcards can consist of common formulas, rules, techniques, or even questions you incorrectly answered. No matter what you put on your flashcards, just make sure they help you improve every time you review them. Also, check out our article dedicated exclusively to how to use flashcards for the GRE.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make flashcard review a part of your weekly study routine.
Step #11: Incorporate Mixed Problem Sets Into Your Study Routine
Topical learning and practice are the foundation of successful GRE preparation. However, as you know, the questions you see on the GRE will not be from just one topic, but from a random array of topics. So, to prepare for the mix of problems you’ll see on test day, you need to include mixed problem sets in your study routine.
Mixed problem sets are a great review vehicle, and they allow you to start working on your test day time-management. For example, say it has been a month or two since you last studied percents, functions, and ratios. Now would be a good time to do a problem set on those topics. You’ll be able to determine whether any concepts have slipped through the cracks. Doing weekly mixed sets will keep you fresh and will ensure that previously learned material has not fallen by the wayside.
TTP PRO TIP:
Mixed problem sets give you an opportunity to review and to become acclimated to GRE time-management.
Step #12: Save 4 to 6 Weeks for Practice Exams
When test day is fast approaching, the last step in your preparation is to take the remaining 4 ETS practice exams. They are important because they will give you a clear snapshot of where you stand. These exams are the closest thing to what you’ll encounter on test day, so they are the best tool to prepare you for test-day rigors.
In your final 4 to 6 weeks of studying, make time to take the practice exams, perhaps 1 each week. Don’t rush through this process! It takes a lot of energy to get through each test. So, be sure to take each practice test when you are fresh and unstressed. If you don’t, you’ll waste a great opportunity to get a true sense of your projected GRE score, and the questions you get wrong likely won’t truly reflect your weak areas.
Remember, the data you glean from the results of your practice exams is essential in helping you make last-minute tweaks. For example, getting a function question wrong indicates that you need to review functions. Likewise, if you get a probability question wrong, you likely need to bone up on your probability rules. After each practice test, spend the time you need to identify your weak areas and to review them thoroughly!
By the time you get through your last practice test, you should be hitting your target score, and you’ll be ready to go for test day!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take your practice exams when you’re fresh, and give yourself enough time to review your weak topics.
In Summary: GRE Quant Study Plan
Prepping for the GRE as a self-learner is an admirable undertaking, and you’ll need all the tips you can find. In this article, we’ve presented you with 12 useful and actionable tips to help you be as effective as possible in your GRE Quant preparation.
- Get to know GRE Quant.
- Take an initial practice exam to get a starting score.
- Map out the order of your Quant study plan.
- Map out your GRE Quant prep timeline.
- Make a personal study schedule.
- Find great GRE prep materials.
- Follow a study plan that allows for topical learning.
- Move from topical learning to topical practice.
- Get to know your GRE calculator.
- Use flashcards!
- Incorporate mixed problem sets into your study routine.
- Save 4 to 6 weeks for practice exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Create a Personalized GRE Quant Study Plan?
If you follow the 12 steps presented in this article, you should have a comprehensive, personalized study plan for GRE Quant success.
How Much Time Should I Allocate for GRE Quant Preparation Each Day?
Generally, it’s recommended that you study for about 18 hours a week. You might study for 2 hours each weekday and 4 hours each weekend day in order to reach this goal.
What’s Next?
If you’re dedicated to preparing for the GRE so you can earn a great score, you’re already demonstrating both self-discipline and a commitment to excellence. So, check out our article about getting the best GRE score possible. That article provides tips that will help you study more effectively and keep you motivated, so you can earn the score you want!
Good luck!
