For nearly 100 years, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) has been an integral part of students’ applications for advanced degree programs. Whether you’re taking the GRE to apply to a graduate program, business school, or law school, you know how important it is to do your best.
The GRE consists of three main categories: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Generally, students are more concerned about preparing for the math section than the verbal section or the essay section. Therefore, in this article, we will focus on “all things Quant.” We’ll familiarize you with every aspect of what you can expect to see on test day in the GRE Quantitative Section.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The GRE – An Overview
- Structure of the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Sections
- Section Adaptivity on the GRE
- A Detailed Look at the GRE Quantitative Section
- Five Great Tips for Getting a Great GRE Quant Score
- In Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Before we focus our attention on the GRE exam Quantitative Section, let’s first look at the GRE as a whole.
The GRE – An Overview
The GRE measures the knowledge and skills you need for success in your chosen graduate program and in your postgraduate career. Its questions test your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. Understandably, you might think that it is almost impossible for one test that lasts less than 2 hours to assess your abilities in all 4 areas. However, the GRE has been shown for many years to be a valid, reliable instrument for predicting success in graduate programs and beyond. Let’s look at the basic facts about the GRE:
Cost: $220
Location: Test center or at home
Duration: 1 hour, 58 minutes, with no break
Sections:
- Analytical Writing: 30 minutes, 1 essay (Analyze an Issue)
- Verbal Reasoning (2 sections); 27 questions, 41 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections); 27 questions, 47 minutes
Scoring:
- Analytical Writing: 0-6 in half-point increments
- Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 in 1-point increments
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 in 1-point increments
TTP PRO TIP:
Familiarity with the basic facts about the GRE will help you develop an optimal study strategy.
Structure of the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Sections
The Analytical Writing section is always presented first on the GRE. After that, you will see either the two Verbal sections or the two Quantitative sections. Let’s use the Quantitative sections to illustrate the format.
The first Quantitative Reasoning section will consist of 12 questions. You will have 21 minutes to answer them. Within Quant section 1, you may choose to answer all the questions in the order in which they are presented, or you may skip questions and come back later to answer them. Additionally, if you answer a question but aren’t sure of the answer, you may mark the question so that it is easy to find later. This “mark and review” option makes it easy to ensure you haven’t left any questions unanswered.
After Quant section 1, you will be presented with section 2. Here, you will encounter 15 questions, and you will have 26 minutes to answer them. Similarly, you will have the same “mark and review” option available to you. Note, however, that once you begin section 2, you cannot go back to section 1 for any reason.
A similar situation applies to the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE. The difference is in the timing. Section 1 presents 12 questions, and you have 18 minutes to answer them. Section 2 has 15 questions, and you have 23 minutes to answer them.
KEY FACT:
The “mark and review” option allows you flexibility in answering questions in a section.
Now let’s look at another aspect of the GRE: section-adaptivity.
Section Adaptivity on the GRE
We mentioned earlier that the GRE presents 2 Verbal sections and 2 Quantitative sections. Why the need for two of each? The answer is critical to the ability of the GRE to provide valid, reliable data to test-takers and the schools to which they apply.
The GRE is what is called a section-adaptive test. Simply, this means that the test is tailored to the abilities of each student. The digital platform of the GRE allows each person to experience a different test, based on his or her abilities. Let’s look at how section adaptivity works, using the Quantitative sections as an example.
In the first Quant section, you answer a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions. After you finish that section, the computer scores your responses. If you score well, you will encounter more difficult questions in section 2, and answering these questions correctly will give you more points. If instead, your section 1 score was not so good, section 2 will present easier questions, but correct answers won’t be worth as much.
Section-adaptivity works in the same way for the 2 Verbal Reasoning sections. Thus, your performance on the first Verbal section will determine the difficulty level of the second section. You’ll earn more points for answering more difficult questions in the second section, so, again, a good score on the first section will pave the way for getting those high-value questions in the second section.
KEY FACT:
If you score high on the first Quant or Verbal section, you’ll see more difficult (and higher-value) questions in the second section.
Let’s focus the rest of this article on the GRE Math Section.
A Detailed Look at the GRE Quantitative Section
On each of the two Quantitative sections of the GRE, you will encounter four question types. Let’s look at each of them.
Question types
Single-Answer Multiple Choice
This is the traditional multiple-choice question that presents 5 answer choices, only one of which is correct. The majority of questions you’ll see on the GRE Quant sections will be single-answer multiple choice. Note that the answer choices will not be labeled A, B, C, D, or E. Instead, they will have round radio buttons, and you will click on the radio button that signifies the answer you have selected.
Multiple-Answer Multiple Choice
This multiple-choice question instructs you to choose all the answers that are correct. Notably, there is no partial credit, so you must choose all of the correct answers and choose none of the incorrect ones. You will be instructed in the question stem to “choose all that apply.” Additionally, this question type will not have round radio buttons for selecting your answers. Instead, the answer choices will have square buttons, and you will click on each of the square buttons that correspond to your selections.
Quantitative Comparison
You will be required to compare two quantities, labeled Quantity A and Quantity B, to determine if
(1) one quantity is greater than the other
(2) the two quantities are equal
(3) you have insufficient information to make the determination
This question type is unique to the GRE, so you might need to give extra attention to learning the logic and reasoning needed for answering the questions, in addition to having the requisite math skills.
Numeric Entry
This question type offers no answer choices. Instead, you’ll calculate an answer and enter an integer or a decimal in a single answer box. On some questions, you may be asked to enter your answer as a fraction. In that case, you’ll be provided two answer boxes, one for the numerator and one for the denominator.
TTP PRO TIP:
Become familiar with the 4 Quant question types on the GRE.
The On-Screen Calculator
The GRE provides a basic calculator for your use during the exam. While it can shorten computation time, it certainly doesn’t replace the math knowledge you will need for success in the Quant section. The GRE tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills much more than your ability to perform tedious calculations. Therefore, you should use the calculator sparingly.
You can see that the calculator performs only basic functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as square roots.
Guidelines for Using the On-Screen Calculator
Here are some guidelines for using the calculator.
- You can operate the calculator by using either the mouse or the keyboard.
- A useful key at the bottom of the calculator — Transfer Display— allows you to transfer an answer from your calculator display screen directly to a Numeric Entry box. This can save you time, and it can ensure the accuracy of your answer’s entry into the box.
- The GRE calculator uses PEMDAS for its order of operations. Recall that PEMDAS means (1) Parentheses, (2) Exponents, (3) Multiplication and Division (left to right), and (4) Addition and Subtraction (left to right). So, for example, the answer to the problem 3 + 5 x 2 is 13 rather than 16. The multiplication of 5 x 2 is performed before the addition of 3. Note that not all calculators use this convention, so it is important to study with one that does.
- The memory function buttons, denoted by M+, MR, and MC, can be quite useful for keeping track of totals when you’re performing multi-step arithmetic calculations. If you choose to use the memory capability of the calculator, be sure to master its use during your GRE preparation.
- The calculator can perform calculations with an answer no greater than 99,999,999, which is 8 digits. Any number greater than that will show an error message on the display screen. And any number less than 0.0000001 will show as 0 on the display screen.
TTP PRO TIP:
Know the capabilities and limitations of the on-screen GRE calculator.
The GRE Math Topics
Following is a list of the topics and the major subtopics. Know them well!
- Basic Arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, PEMDAS, estimation, decimals, fractions, factorial arithmetic
- Linear Equations – solving single-variable and multiple-variable linear equations, solving systems of linear equations, solving for one variable in terms of other variables
- Quadratic Equations – distributive law, factoring, quadratic identities, the zero factors theorem,
- Exponents and Roots – combining exponential expressions, solving exponential and square root equations, fractional exponents, rationalizing denominators
- Number Properties – positive/negative integers, even/odd integers, prime numbers, remainders, divisibility, LCM and GCF, units digit patterns
- Inequalities – adding and subtracting inequalities, multiplying an inequality by a negative number, compound inequalities
- Absolute Value – solving absolute value equations
- General Word Problems – consecutive integer problems, age problems, profit problems,
- Rates – The basic rate x time = distance formula, average rates, converging and diverging rate problems, catch-up problems
- Work – combined work, opposing work
- Unit Conversions – basic unit conversions, squared and cubed unit conversions
- Ratios – the ratio multiplier, two-part and three-part ratios, proportions
- Percents – percent change, percent of, percent more and less
- Overlapping Sets – the set matrix, Venn diagrams
- Statistics – mean, median, mode, weighted average, range, standard deviation, data analysis
- Combinations and Permutations – fundamental counting rule, permutation formula, combination formula, circular permutations, creating codes
- Probability – basic probability, mutually exclusive events, independent events, addition rule of probability, multiplication rule of probability
- Geometry – parallel and intersecting lines, angles, triangles, Pythaogorean theorem, quadrilaterals and circles, areas and volumes, three-dimensional objects
- Coordinate Geometry – axes, slope, slope-intercept form of a line, distance and midpoint formulas, graphing inequalities
- Functions and Sequences – function notation, domain and range, composite functions, geometric and arithmetic sequences
- Data Interpretation – statistical charts and graphs, frequency tables, contingency tables
KEY FACT:
There are 21 major GRE math topics and over 100 subtopics.
Five Great Tips for Getting a Great GRE Quant Score
Tip #1: Know Your Target Score and Take an Initial Practice Exam to Establish Your Baseline Score
You need to know where you’re going before you start a trip, right? The same goes for the GRE. You need to know your target score. Do your due diligence. Therefore, you must research the schools to which you wish to apply. Discover the mean/median scores of accepted students. And once you have this target score in mind, take a practice test to establish your baseline score. The closer your baseline score is to your target score, the less time you’ll need to invest in your GRE preparation. You can obtain 2 free official GRE practice tests through the ETS website. Take one test now and save the other for the weeks just before your test date.
In addition to the overall GRE score, pay attention to the Quant requirements at your schools of choice. For example, if you want to apply for an advanced degree in Psychology, your Quant target score will most likely be lower than if you want to get an advanced degree in Chemistry. So you have to align your career goals (quant-focused versus verbal-focused) with your study efforts.
TTP PRO TIP:
Taking a practice exam before you start your GRE preparation will give you a baseline score for gauging your progress.
Tip #2: Make a Personal Study Schedule
Once you know your target and baseline scores, you’ll have an idea of how much time you’ll need to devote to your GRE preparation. At this point, determine how many hours you can devote each week to study. We recommend about 18 hours each week, but this number varies by individual. Make sure that you will be ready to take your exam before your application deadlines.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make a study schedule and stick with it!
Tip #3: Find Great GRE Study Materials!
It’s not enough to just grab a GRE study book and start answering practice questions. You need structure and organization in your approach to your GRE prep. The best way to do this is to choose a robust GRE resource that will provide realistic learning and practice of the topics that are tested on the GRE, including a large number of GRE math practice questions. But, just as important, you want a resource that will keep you organized by providing you with a study timetable, analytics, error trackers, periodic review, and other tools to allow you to keep your focus on learning and practice.
KEY FACT:
A great study resource will save you time and energy.
Tip #4: Use Flashcards!
You can’t escape the fact that the GRE, especially the math sections, will require some amount of memorization. Whether it’s the Pythagorean theorem or the quadratic formula, there is no way around the fact that memorization is part and parcel of your GRE prep. The easiest way to memorize the myriad facts, formulas, and vocabulary words is by the use of flashcards. It matters not if you choose to use an app or old-fashioned paper cards, the fact remains that you must commit to memory a huge amount of information.
Flashcards have so many benefits. First, you can flip through them even if you have just a few minutes. Use those wasted minutes waiting for a fast food order, waiting in line at the grocery store, or even at stoplights or railroad crossings, to study your flashcards! Those couple of minutes of quick study every day can add up over time. Make sure you shuffle the deck on occasion. And make 2 piles: those you’ve mastered and those you haven’t. Periodically, you should review the entire deck. In no time at all, you’ll be able to recite the formula for the volume of a triangular prism effortlessly!
TTP PRO TIP:
Get in the habit of reviewing your flashcards when you have a spare few minutes.
Tip #5: Save 2-4 Weeks for Practice Exams
Near the end of your GRE prep, you’ll want to set aside time during the final weeks to take the remaining practice tests from ETS. Make sure you are well-rested before you take them, and follow all test-day rules. After you finish each test, spend as much time as needed to carefully review every question you missed, as well as any lucky guesses. Go back to your course material if you have some knowledge gaps that need to be filled in. Compare your score to your target score, and if you are hitting your target, you can approach test day with confidence!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take the remaining GRE practice exams near the end of your preparation, just before test day.
In Summary
The GRE is taken by students who want to pursue advanced degrees. It is 1 hour and 58 minutes long. Students write an essay in response to an assigned topic, and then they answer 27 questions each on Verbal and Quantitative reasoning.
The GRE is described as section-adaptive. This means that the score on the first Verbal section is used to determine the level of difficulty of the second verbal section. The same scenario is used for the Quant sections. Students scoring well on the first section will encounter more difficult (but more score-enhancing) questions on the second section.
It’s important to be familiar with the 4 question types that will be encountered in the GRE math sections. Special attention should be given to the Quantitative Comparison question type, which is unique to the GRE and is unfamiliar to students.
The on-screen calculator should be used sparingly. You should know its capabilities and its limitations.
There are 21 major math topics on the GRE and hundreds of subtopics. During your GRE prep, you should study all of them so that you can earn the highest score.
Five tips for getting a great score are:
- Know your target score and take an initial practice exam to establish your baseline score.
- Make a personal study schedule.
- Find great GRE study materials!
- Use flashcards!
- Save 2-4 weeks for practice exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the GRE Quantitative section?
The GRE Quantitative Section consists of 27 questions in two sections. Section 1 includes 12 questions, for which you are given 21 minutes. Section 2 includes 15 questions, for which you are given 26 minutes.
How to prepare for GRE Quantitative section?
We have provided you with some excellent information and study tips for preparing for the GRE Quantitative section in this article. For more tips, read our article about getting a great GRE score.
How to study for the GRE Quantitative section?
It is said that the more you study, the better you get! Read this article that presents representative GRE practice math questions, and you should see your score improve almost immediately!
What’s Next?
For many students, the math material on the GRE is the most challenging. Knowing the structure and format of the Quant section is a great start in preparing for the exam. Read more tips for improving your Quantitative score in this article. Good luck!
