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If you are preparing for the GRE, you know that quant is no joke. Many students must study for several months to get a great or even above-average GRE math score. That said, GRE quant is very learnable. Believe it or not, if you follow the proper steps, work your butt off, and maintain your focus on the day of your GRE, you have a shot at scoring 170 (a perfect score) on the GRE math section. This article will answer the question of how to score 170 in GRE quant, giving you 7 tips to help you attain that lofty score goal.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Tip #1: Get a Sense of What You Are Up Against
- Tip #2: You Need to Know How Far You Are From Q170
- Tip #3: Your Study Plan Must Be Thought Out and Thorough
- Tip #4: You Must Know Every Time-Saving Formula and Technique
- Tip #5: You Need a Solid Timing Strategy
- Tip #6: Use the Calculator to Your Advantage
- Tip #7: Take the Remaining Four ETS Practice Exams
- In Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
The first step is to “know your enemy.” Let’s discuss.
Tip #1: Get a Sense of What You Are Up Against
So, you are wondering how to get a perfect score on GRE math? Before you can make the leap to scoring 170 on GRE math, you have to know GRE quant like the back of your hand!
The first step is to know the full scope of the tested GRE quant topics. For example, you can’t start your GRE study plan thinking that you need to learn trigonometry or calculus, right? (You don’t!) So, to start, let’s review our cheat sheet of major math topics you must learn to nail the GRE quant section, as listed in the Target Test Prep GRE course.
- Basic Arithmetic
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Exponents and Roots
- Number Properties
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- Word Problems
- Rates
- Work
- Unit Conversions
- Ratios
- Percents
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Geometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions and Sequences
- Data Analysis
Hopefully, you are not intimidated by the GRE quant syllabus above. Yes, it contains numerous math topics, but hey, if you want perfection in the GRE quantitative section, you can’t run from it! Also, notice that these topics are ones that you have, for the most part, already studied at some point in your life.
TTP PRO TIP:
To get a Q170, master all the major GRE math topics.
Learn About the Question Types in GRE Quant
Now that you know the major topics tested on the GRE, the next step is to learn about the quantitative question types you’ll face. Becoming familiar with these question types is necessary for achieving a perfect 170 in GRE quant.
There are four major GRE quant question types.
- Multiple-Choice – Single-Answer
Multiple-choice, single-answer questions are likely the type you are most familiar with, as you probably have encountered multiple-choice questions throughout your time in school. Multiple-choice questions have five answer choices (A, B, C, D, E) and one correct answer.
- Multiple-Choice – Multiple-Answer
Multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions are quite similar to single-answer questions except for one major difference: there are multiple correct answers! To correctly answer this question type, you must choose all the correct answers, as there is no partial credit.
- Quantitative Comparison
Quantitative Comparison questions are a question type unique to the GRE. Each question has optional “given” information and two quantities, A and B. Your job in these questions is to determine whether one quantity is greater than the other, whether the two quantities are equal, or whether you do not have enough information to determine which quantity is greater. The answer choices are:
- Quantity A is greater.
- Quantity B is greater.
- The two quantities are equal.
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
- Numeric Entry
In a numeric entry question, you are given no answer choices. Rather, you must input your answer into a box.
If you want to get some GRE quant practice, check out our article containing hard GRE practice questions with solutions.
Tip #2: You Need to Know How Far You Are From Q170
You now know the quant topics and types of questions you will see on your exam. The next step is to take a full-length official practice exam! After all, how can you plan your studies if you don’t know how far you are from Q170?
So, after about a week of familiarization and basic GRE math prep, set aside some time when you’ll be mentally fresh and take a full-length practice exam. One of the common mistakes I see students make is that they skip this practice test because they are scared about what their score will be. Don’t worry! This score is just a starting point to establish your baseline.
Keep in mind that although we are focusing on GRE quant questions in this article, you must complete all sections of the practice test (both quant and verbal) and take the test with the same mindset you will have on the actual GRE. So, take the practice test in conditions similar to those of the real exam, following test-day rules. Once the practice test is complete, you’ll see how tall a mountain you must climb to achieve your Q170 score goal!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take your practice test seriously so that you get an accurate baseline GRE quant score.
Tip #3: Your Study Plan Must Be Thought Out and Thorough
The practice test is complete; now it’s time to get down to business! So, how do you start climbing the GRE quant mountain? One topic at a time! As we have mentioned in many of our past articles, the best way to master all aspects of GRE quant is by following a topical study plan. This is one of the most important tips for GRE quant.
The essence of topical studying is that you focus on just one topic at a time, and then complete quant practice questions from the topic until you achieve mastery. This step-by-step approach of preparing for GRE quant keeps your studying organized and prevents you from trying to “build Rome in a day.”
TTP PRO TIP:
Topical studying is a must when mastering GRE quant.
To better understand topical studying, let’s look at the quant topic of Number Properties from the TTP GRE self-study course.
An Example of Topical Studying From TTP
The TTP Number Properties chapter contains 90 lessons on all the important Number Properties concepts. Each lesson teaches about a topic, and then following the teaching, three to four questions test you on what you just learned. We repeat this process for each lesson throughout the chapter. The small dose of practice is important because it will solidify your understanding of what you just learned.
In addition, once students complete a chapter, they take a series of chapter tests based on the content of that chapter. These tests are divided into three categories: easy, medium, and hard.
Following each chapter test, students see detailed analytics based on the problems completed. From those analytics, they can quickly see their strong and weak areas, allowing them to fill in gaps based on those weaknesses.
However you plan to do your topical studying, you can use the TTP method as a guide. Doing so will bring you one step closer to a perfect quant score on the GRE.
Tip #4: You Must Know Every Time-Saving Formula and Technique
While you are learning about all the GRE math topics, you’ll see a vast number of important concepts and strategies you must learn in order to crush GRE quant on test day. So, one of the very important GRE quant perfection techniques is to know these concepts like the back of your hand. Doing so will make you a very efficient test-taker and help you eliminate silly mistakes. One great way to learn these concepts is with the use of flashcards.
TTP PRO TIP:
You need to know every time-saving technique and formula for GRE quant.
Creating and Using Flashcards
As you learn important concepts throughout your quant prep, commit them to flashcards. One of the many beneficial features of flashcards is that you can use them practically anywhere.
For example, use the time spent traveling to and from work on public transportation to go over your flashcards. Or, if you’re in line at the grocery store, pull out your flashcards and give yourself a quick review quiz. You will likely find numerous opportunities to squeeze in “quick-hit” flashcard study sessions throughout your day, and these sessions add up. And the best part is, every time you study these flashcards, you build up your GRE quant armor to ensure that you are bulletproof for test day. Being bulletproof is what you’ll need to pull off a Q170.
If you want more details on creating your flashcards, we wrote a detailed article about using flashcards for your GRE prep.
TTP PRO TIP:
Use flashcards often to help memorize formulas and concepts.
Let’s look at three key concepts in GRE quant to give you a sense of what to include in your flashcards.
Flashcard Concept Number 1
A great algebra concept to memorize is the difference of squares formula:
x^2 – y^2 = (x + y)(x – y)
It should also be noted that any base raised to an even power is a perfect square, not just an exponent of two. You could include that point as well on your flashcard. By having this detailed flashcard of the difference of squares, you’ll ensure that you can nail any question involving that topic on test day. Let’s look first at a basic numerical example:
What is the value of 4^6 – 1?
Rather than multiply 4 by itself 6 times and then subtract 1, we can express 4^6 – 1 as a difference of squares. We note that 4^6 can be re-expressed as (4^3)^2 and proceed as follows:
4^6 – 1 = (4^3)^2 – 1 = (4^3 – 1)(4^3 + 1) = (64 – 1)(64 + 1) = 63 x 65 = 4095
Let’s look at a more challenging example.
Difference of Squares Example
If x = 3^8 – 2^10 and y = 2^8 – 1, then the product xy is divisible by all of the following numbers except:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 5
- 7
Solution:
We can express 3^8 – 2^10 as (3^4)^2 – (2^5)^2. Notice this is now in the form of a difference of squares.
Thus, x = 3^8 – 2^10 = (3^4)^2 – (2^5)^2 = (3^4 – 2^5)(3^4 + 2^5) = (81 – 32)((81 + 32) = 49 x 113.
Similarly, we can express 2^8 – 1 as (2^4)^2 – 1^2. This is now in the form of a difference of squares.
Thus, y = 2^8 – 1 = (2^4)^2 – 1^2 = (2^4 – 1)(2^4 + 1) = (16 – 1)(16 + 1) = 15 x 17
Since x = 49 x 113 and y = 15 x 17, their product xy = 49 x 113 x 15 x 17. This product can be re-expressed, after factoring, as 7^2 x 113 x 3 x 5 x 17.
Now let’s check to see which answer choice does not evenly divide 7^2 x 113 x 3 x 5 x 17. We see that 1, 3, 5, and 7 all divide into the number. The only answer choice that does not is 2.
Answer: B
Flashcard Concept Number 2
Another important (flashcard-worthy) concept is recognizing that perfect squares have a fixed number of possible units digits. In other words, perfect squares can have a ones (units) digit of only 0, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9. Having this information for quick recall will be incredibly useful for a question such as the following.
Units Digit of a Perfect Squares Example
We are told that x is a positive integer. Which of the following cannot be the value of x^2?
- 23,716
- 90,000
- 122,507
- 152,881
- 227,529
Solution:
There are two ways to solve this, the smart way and the time-wasting way. The time-wasting way is to enter each answer choice into your online calculator and use the square root button. You’ll be able to identify the correct answer when your calculator gives a result that is not an integer.
Now let’s use the smart way to get the answer, saving time and energy. We recall that the perfect square of any integer can end only in the digits 0, 1, 4, 5, 6, or 9. Let’s see why this works:
0^2 = 0 and units digit is 0
1^2 = 1 and units digit is 1
2^2 = 4 and units digit is 4
3^2 = 9 and units digit is 9
4^2 = 16 and units digit is 6
5^2 = 25 and units digit is 5
6^2 = 36 and units digit is 6
7^2 = 49 and units digit is 9
8^2 = 64 and units digit is 4
9^2 = 81 and units digit is 1
We see that any squared integer will end only in 0, 1, 4, 5, 6, or 9. Thus, choice C, which has a units digit of 7, is not a perfect square.
This fact is easy to put on a flashcard and memorize. If you encounter a question like the one above on the GRE, you will need about 5 seconds to identify the correct answer!
Answer: C
Flashcard Concept Number 3
A final example of a concept you’d want to memorize is the very cool formula we can use in any catch-up-and-pass distance question. Sure, you can solve catch up and pass problems without using this formula, but you will waste a lot of time — something you can’t do when shooting for Q170!
When determining how long it takes a person or object to catch up to and pass something by a certain distance, we use the following formula:
Catch up and pass time = (change in distance) / (change in rate)
Let’s practice with an example.
Catch Up and Pass Example
Pierre and Jean-Luc are running at constant rates of 1200 ft/min and 800 ft/min, respectively. If Pierre is currently 50 feet behind Jean-Luc, how many seconds will it take Pierre to catch up to Jean-Luc and end up 30 feet ahead of him?
- 6
- 8
- 10
- 12
- 14
Solution:
Since Pierre is 50 feet behind Jean-Luc and must catch up to Jean-Luc and pass him by 30 feet, the change in distance is 50 + 30 = 80 feet.
The change in rate is 1200 – 800 ft/min = 400 ft/min.
Thus, the catch up and pass time is:
Time = change in distance / change in rate
Time = 80 feet / 400 ft/min
Time = 1 / 5 minute = 0.2 minute
The question asks for the time in seconds, so we use the conversion 1 minute = 60 seconds:
0.2 min x 60 seconds/min = 12 seconds
Answer: D
As we can see, studying flashcards with these concepts will be a big help with quick recall, saving you precious seconds.
To score Q170, you also need a “big-picture” strategy for your test timing. Let’s discuss.
Tip #5: You Need a Solid Timing Strategy
The first thing I want to mention is that if you follow all the tips we provide here, you should be fine with timing during GRE quant. However, that does not mean that you should ignore your timing strategy.
Going into test day, you must have a strategy that allows you to understand how much time you have left in a section, so you can easily decide how much time to spend on the remaining questions in the section.
Micro Timing Strategy: Your Internal Progress Clock
To complete a GRE quant section on time, on average, you must complete each question in 1 minute and 45 seconds. Thus, you need to start getting a feel for when you’ve spent that much time solving a question. However, just because you hit that time marker, you don’t automatically have to move on from a question. Some questions may take as little as 30 seconds, and others as long as three minutes.
So, as you progress through your studies, spend a little time each week doing some practice questions with a timer, so you can get a feel for how long different questions are taking and what it feels like to spend 1 minute and 45 seconds attacking a question.
TTP PRO TIP:
Train your brain to understand what it feels like to spend 1 minute and 45 seconds solving a question.
Macro Timing Strategy: Understanding How Much Time You Have Left
We already discussed that you have an average time of 1 minute and 45 seconds per question in a GRE quant section. To determine how much time you have left in the quant section, you multiply the number of questions left by 1.75. Since this calculation may be tedious, you can quickly perform the calculation using the onscreen calculator. Also, it’s not necessary to perform this calculation after every question. Rather, you can check in on your time every five questions or so.
For example, if you have ten questions left in a section, you should have around 10 x 1.75 = 17.5 minutes left on the clock. If the remaining time is under 17.5 minutes, you may need to think about speeding up. If it’s above 17.5 minutes, you have extra time “banked” if you need it. This strategy is important because you need a method that allows you to see whether you are ahead or behind on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Every five questions, determine whether you are ahead or behind on timing.
Tip #6: Use the Calculator to Your Advantage
Many GRE students incorrectly assume that having the GRE calculator, regardless of how or when it’s used, is an advantage on the exam. The truth is, the calculator can be an advantage, but only when used strategically. Remember, one misstep when using the calculator can cost you your Q170 on the GRE!
For example, there is no sense in using the calculator for basic calculations that you can do on scrap paper or even in your head. However, there is a need to use the calculator when dealing with longer and more tedious calculations, such as the division of decimals.
TTP PRO TIP:
Ensure that the GRE calculator is an asset, not a hindrance, by knowing when to use it.
Let’s look at several scenarios in which the use of a calculator is either recommended or not recommended, starting with when to use a calculator.
When to Use the GRE Calculator
All of the calculations below would be time-consuming and potentially messy to do by hand, so these are great examples of when it makes sense to use your calculator:
— 2.00444 / 0.033
— 229 x 3,456
— The square root of 938
— 559^2
Now let’s look at some situations in which it might be best not to utilize the calculator.
When NOT to Use the GRE Calculator
Looking at the examples below, it’s clear that you should be able to efficiently perform these calculations without the calculator, especially if you are shooting for Q170!
— 10 x 19
— 11 + 17
— 99 / 11
— The square root of 169
So again, deploy the GRE calculator strategically and only when necessary.
Tip #7: Take the Remaining Four ETS Practice Exams
The final step of your GRE quant preparation is something we at TTP call the practice test phase. During this phase, you complete the remaining four ETS practice exams (you don’t need to repeat the one you took at the beginning of your study plan). If you are wondering, one of these four tests is free, and you must purchase the other three.
As you did with your first exam, follow test-day rules and take these tests seriously! Because you are shooting for a perfect GRE quant score, you must treat your practice tests just like you would the real GRE. If you do something advantageous that is not allowed on the GRE, your quant score will be artificially inflated.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t score Q170 on your first practice test. What’s more important is that you take time to analyze your mistakes, so that you do not repeat them on future exams or on test day. Ideally, as you get closer to test day, your quant score will get closer to 170, putting a perfect GRE quant score in your sights. Armed with that confidence, the final step is to go into your test and get the job done!!
In Summary
In this article, we have covered the following techniques and tips for GRE quant:
- Get a sense of what you are up against.
- You need to know how far you are from Q170.
- Your study plan must be thought out and thorough.
- You must know every time-saving formula and technique.
- You need a solid timing strategy.
- Use the calculator to your advantage.
- Take the remaining four ETS practice exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Percentile Is a 170 Quantitative GRE Score?
The highest score you can earn on GRE quant is 170, which corresponds to the 96th percentile.
What Is a Good GRE Quant Score?
The phrase “good GRE quant score” is relative. For some, a quant score in the 50th percentile (Q154) is good, whereas for others, a score in the 75th percentile (Q161) is good. Others want to score at or above the 90th percentile, with a score of Q167 or greater.
How Do I Improve My GRE Quant Score?
Follow the advice provided in this article to improve your GRE score!
What’s Next?
Getting a perfect GRE quant score is a lofty goal, but getting a perfect or near-perfect overall score is even more impressive. It’s not impossible! Read our article about scoring 330+ on the GRE to get even more tips and techniques for doing your very best on test day.
Happy studying!
