Tips to Improve GRE Quantitative Score: Know How to Improve GRE Math Score?

The quantitative reasoning section evaluates your capacity to solve mathematical problems. This portion demonstrates how effectively you comprehend, analyze, and interpret problems. To succeed in this section, you need familiarity with foundational mathematics concepts, arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and algebra principles.

The quantitative reasoning section features a scoring scale ranging from 130 to 170.

Certain quantitative reasoning questions draw from everyday scenarios, whereas others are strictly mathematical. A significant number of questions are word problems that require mathematical translation and modeling.

The quantitative reasoning assessment includes four question formats, listed below. You may select the links to view example questions.

• Quantitative Comparison
• MCQs - select any one answer
• MCQs - select more than one answer
• Numeric Entry Questions

Every question is presented either individually or as part of a grouped set known as a Data Interpretation set.

You are permitted to use a standard calculator throughout the test. For computer-based exams, an on-screen calculator is provided; for paper-based tests, handheld calculators are supplied at the testing facility.

Let us review the quantitative reasoning curriculum before exploring methods to enhance GRE math scores.

Within the quant section, you will be tested on subject matter spanning four distinct categories: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Below are the subjects you will need to cover:

1. Arithmetic: integer characteristics and classifications (divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, remainders, along with odd and even integers); fundamental arithmetic operations, exponents, roots, and concepts (estimation, percentages, ratios, rates, absolute values, number lines, decimal notations, and number sequences).
2. Algebra: operations involving exponents; factoring and algebraic expression simplification; relations, functions, equations, and inequalities; linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; simultaneous equations and inequalities; formulating equations to address word problems; alongside coordinate geometry, covering function graphs, equations, inequalities, as well as line intercepts and slopes.
3. Geometry: parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangles encompassing isosceles, equilateral, and 30°-60°-90° triangles, quadrilaterals, alternative polygons, congruent and similar shapes, three-dimensional structures, area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, and angle measurements in degrees. The ability to build formal proofs is not evaluated.
4. Data Analysis: foundational descriptive statistics, including mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles, and percentiles; data interpretation from tables and charts, such as line graphs, bar charts, circle graphs, boxplots, scatter plots, and frequency distributions; basic probability, encompassing compound and independent event probabilities; conditional probability; random variables and probability distributions, featuring normal distributions; plus counting techniques, including combinations, permutations, and Venn diagrams.

These subjects are typically covered during high school spanning grades 10 through 12. You may also utilize official GRE preparation guides to review these topics.

Let us now transition to learning how to elevate your GRE math performance.

A key aspect to keep in mind regarding the GRE quantitative reasoning section is that the questions utilize very basic concepts, yet they are framed in potentially confusing ways. Therefore, maintaining concentration and ensuring all your foundational concepts are solid is essential.

Bearing that in mind, here are several guidelines that will provide insight into raising your GRE math score:

1. Do Not Rush

This stands as one of the most critical pointers when tackling the GRE math section. Never hurry through the problems. Always maintain your composure while reading and comprehending the questions with great care. Rushing through queries drastically increases your likelihood of errors because you might overlook vital details within the problem. Consequently, account for all minor details in a question before proceeding to solve it, as this approach helps raise your GRE math score.

1. Keep an Eye on The Clock

While you should avoid rushing through questions, you also cannot afford to spend an excessive amount of time on a single problem. Always practice managing your time efficiently by allocating specific time limits for every question you solve. This practice applies equally during your preparation phase.

Bear in mind not to spend too much duration attempting to solve a single highly challenging question while neglecting simpler ones, given that all 20 questions in a given section carry equal weight.

1. Visualise the questions

When you face a tough GRE question, visualization can assist you in solving it. This implies picturing the scenario described or sketching a rough drawing of your mental image on scratch paper. This technique helps break down the question, allowing you to formulate a better response.

1. Process of elimination

When you are stuck on a question and cannot find the correct answer, you can use the process of elimination. Here, you simply rule out choices that seem irrelevant or incorrect within the context of the question, leaving you with the option that appears least wrong. You then select that choice and move forward.

1. Be careful when making answer choices

Always verify that you have selected the correct answer choice. Since the options can look very similar, you might get confused. Certain questions may also feature multiple answers, meaning choosing only one will be insufficient. Therefore, you must ensure that all correct answers are chosen.

1. Answer everything

There is no penalty for wrong answers on the GRE, so make sure to answer every question and leave none blank. If you are running out of time, you can attempt an educated guess. If fortune favors you, you might earn some points, and if not, you lose nothing since negative marking does not apply.

1. Simplify the numbers

When dealing with numbers that end in numerous zeros, simply mentally cancel out the zeros before performing your calculations. You can then append the zeros back onto the end of the final result to arrive at the correct answer.

1. Double-check when you come across irrational numbers

When working with irrational numbers, always verify your calculations because equations containing square roots demand extra care when squaring or multiplying them with other expressions, as the risk of making an error is always present.

1. Do not mess up calculations

Always pay close attention to your work and ensure you are computing the correct figures. The likelihood of making careless errors during calculations is quite high.

You also need to master all multiplication tables so that you can handle calculations efficiently without wasting valuable time on the calculator.

1. Practice a lot

The most effective approach to boosting your GRE quantitative score is through extensive practice. It is equally crucial to practice intelligently rather than just solving every single problem you encounter. Identify what matters and create a solid study plan to cover everything properly. Begin your preparation early and study wisely.

Additionally, try practicing difficult problems so you are prepared to handle them on the exam.

You can consult the official GRE preparation guide by ETS to gain a clear understanding of the types of questions you might encounter. Various practice test PDFs can also be found online and downloaded at no cost.

Those were the top 10 tips to help you elevate your GRE quantitative score.

You must remain calm, focused, and patient throughout the entire test because it is not difficult, but carelessness can cost you marks simply due to silly mistakes.

Therefore, continue practicing diligently, master your foundational math principles, and maintain an error log to help identify recurring patterns in your mistakes so you can easily correct them.

Another way to better monitor your progress is through the Ashiraj GRE Prep tool. This free GRE resource lets you take quantitative tests and provides a scorecard highlighting areas that need improvement. Since our complimentary tool offers limited GRE preparation access, most students choose to invest in the premium tier, Ashiraj GRE Prep+. This version grants students access to additional GRE practice tests, the ability to pause and save their test progress during mini and full-length exams, and much more.