Getting a complete score on the GRE quantitative reasoning section might seem unattainable until you learn how it’s done. While a lot of people pay more attention to the verbal sections for numerous reasons, very little is given to the quantitative reasoning section. This has greatly impacted the average score of those who take the GRE tests.
I remember how I felt when I saw my first Gre quantitative reasoning score, It wasn’t what I expected and I really felt bad about it. Months of hard work down the drain. All because I didn’t know the secret behind the awesome scores I see people get.
So I set out to learn and change this awful experience, and boy! did I do that!? Understanding the intricacies behind the good score really changed the narrative for me, and in this course of this article, I’d share my secrets with you. Stick with me.
Check out the Top 10 MBA Programs That Waive The GMAT Exam, if you’re interested in MBA programs.
Overview Of GRE Quantitative Reasoning
According to ets.org/gre Some of the Quantitative Reasoning questions are situated in real-life situations, while others are strictly mathematical. Many of the questions are “word problems,” which must be mathematically translated and modeled.
And all these questions in the quant section are supposed to measure your basic mathematical skills and test you. It would also test…
- your understanding of elementary mathematical concepts,
- your ability to reason quantitatively and
- to model and solve problems with quantitative methods.
If you have a clear understanding of the concepts listed above, you’re already on your way to passing your GRE test. However, to ensure that you’ve fully understood what it takes, we will elaborately look at strategies you must employ.
Therefore, this article will give an overview of the GRE quant section, x-ray the different types of questions, and help you understand how best to approach your quant section.
Before we do get fully into that, what is GRE?
What is GRE
According to Investopedia, the graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized exam used to measure one’s aptitude for abstract thinking in the areas of analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary. The GRE is commonly used by many graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the program.
GRE tests can be taken from any one of the 16o countries that are eligible for it, in any of the centers, or from the comfort of your home. The test is usually computer-based but there can be exceptions where necessary.
See Also: How hard is the GMAT exam?
How GRE Is Scored
The following are the various sectional scales for GRE tests. The quantitative score is 130-170, scored in one-point increments. While the analytical section writing section is scored 0-6 in half-point increments.
Consequently, the GRE mean score is:
- Verbal Reasoning: 150.4
- Quantitative Reasoning: 153.4
- Analytical Writing: 3.58
With the GRE quantitative reasoning as the highest-scoring section, getting a perfect score would increase your chances of acing the test. Ergo, giving this section the time it needs would be in your best interest.
How GRE Scores Are Used In Admission Processes
Graduate and business schools commonly use the GRE General Test to screen applicants. Applicants to some colleges may be required to take GRE Subject Tests, which assess expertise in specific subjects of study. Physics, psychology, biology, English literature, and chemistry are examples of these subjects.
GRE Subject Test themes of focus are not necessarily static; exams for topics like computer science and biochemistry have been introduced or withdrawn, while past test scores are still reportable.
Read What is a Good GMAT Score? to find out if your score is good enough.
What You Need To Know About The GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section
The Gre quantitative reasoning section would likely be made up of four question types or categories. They include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic topics include divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, remainders, and odd and even integers. You would also see topics like arithmetic operations, exponents, and roots, as well as concepts like estimation, percent, ratio, rate, and absolute value. The number line, decimal representation, and number sequences will also be part of topics you’d be tested on.
Algebra
Exponent operations, factoring, and simplifying algebraic expressions, relations, functions, equations, and inequalities would form part of the topics in this section. You’d also be solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, solving simultaneous equations and inequalities, and setting up equations to solve word problems.
Additionally, you’d solve coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations and inequalities, intercepts, and slopes of lines. All these topics form part of your algebra in the GRE quantitative reasoning section.
Geometry
Topics you’d encounter would include parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangles (including isosceles, equilateral, and 30°-60°-90° triangles), and quadrilaterals. You’d also see various polygons, congruent and similar forms, three-dimensional figures, the Pythagorean theorem, and degree angle measurement. The ability to build proofs isn’t put to the test.
Data Analysis
You should expect topics like descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles, and percentiles. You’d also find data interpretation in tables and graphs, such as line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, boxplots, scatterplots, and frequency distributions. There will also be some other data analysis-related topics. All these concepts are commonly covered in high school algebra and introductory statistics classes. Inferential statistics aren’t put to the test.
Read Also: GRE to LSAT Conversion in 2022: How it Works
How To Pass Gre Quantitative Reasoning
Below are practical steps you must follow to ensure you ace your GRE quantitative reasoning.
#1. Don’t rush the Word Problems.
When it comes to word problems, take it slowly. Make sure you fully comprehend the concepts at the heart of the inquiry. One or two words can completely transform the meaning of a sentence. Even if the arithmetic appears to be simple, don’t speed through these difficult questions; you’ll need to familiarize yourself with “English-to-Math” translation tables.
#2. Ensure You Use your calculator prudently.
Make good use of the calculator. If you’re studying for the GRE, don’t use a calculator unless it’s really necessary. Without one, most GRE Quant questions may be answered in 1-3 minutes. It’s included on the GRE and can be used for easy computations, but don’t rely on it. It should only be required for a few questions. If you can do easy conversions in your head, you’ll save time.
#3. Don’t spend more than 2 minutes per question
There are around 20 questions in each Quantitative subject, and you have 35 minutes to complete them. Some questions will take one minute to answer, while others will take two. If you’ve spent more than two minutes on a question, make a calculated guess and move on.
#4. Consider all the given info on Quant Comps.
On your scratchpad, jot down any important numbers, variables, or words from the Quant Comp question. Don’t immediately scan the screen and start solving — QC questions are different from Problem Solving questions in that they don’t always involve any arithmetic! Consider this: why am I being provided this centered piece of information? Always take a planned strategy.
#5Backsolve when there are numbers in the answer choices
Backsolving is a good way to double-check your work while working on Problem Solving questions. Start with either (B) or (C) and work your way through the answer possibilities, plugging each one into the question (D). Based on your first set of calculations, you’ll have a 40% probability of getting the right answer!
#6. For Quant Comps, memorize the answer choices ahead of time
They’re never going to change, so get comfortable with their phrasing so you don’t waste time reading and rereading them. It helps if you have a little more time!
See this: Gmat study guide: How to prepare
#7. Always break down complex figures into smaller shapes.
Triangles with quadrilaterals and circles within squares are common in difficult Geometry questions. Look for opportunities to transfer data from one element of the shape to another. If necessary, redraw the figures on your scratchpad and label everything!
#8. Properly Analyze your tables/graphs
Don’t speed through the problems when it comes to Data Interpretation questions. Before you begin, read the names, labels, and units, and make a mental note of the data’s overall tendencies. What is the relationship between the variables? What broad inferences may be taken from the information presented? If you have a complete understanding of the data, you will know exactly where to look for the proper answer.
Conclusion
All the strategies listed above will only prove helpful if you had practiced and properly prepared for the exam. There are no shortcuts to good grades in the GRE quantitative reasoning, other than the good ole hard work!
Talking of hard work might come off as a cliche, but it’s what it is. I had to put in more our even after adopting these strategies, you should do the same too. Good luck.
References
- https://www.ets.org/
- Manhattanreview.com
- Kaptest.com
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