The GRE can be challenging, particularly if math isn’t your strong suit. Some of us haven’t thought much about quantitative (math) subject matter since high school, which could have been a few or many, many years ago. If you feel that it’s going to take significant time and effort to either learn quant concepts for the first time or brush the cobwebs off those that have been lying dormant in the deepest recesses of your mind, you’ll need a GRE schedule that focuses on improving your quantitative reasoning skills.
So, while many study plans emphasize dividing your focus pretty evenly between quantitative and verbal, this article will guide you through how to modify a Magoosh GRE study guide (1 week, 1 month, 3 month, or 6 month schedules) for those who need to devote more time to improving their quant scores.
Before diving into the modifications, it’s essential to understand the core strategies that will help you succeed on the quantitative reasoning section:
The GRE quantitative section covers a wide range of topics from arithmetic to data analysis. Make sure you have a strong grasp of the basics, as advanced problems often build on fundamental concepts. If you’re weaker here, you’ll want to spend more time with introductory lessons. You also might look into supplementary materials to build foundational skills:
Focus on areas where you’re weakest, but be aware of how frequently concepts are tested. Arithmetic, algebra and geometry are tested far more often than counting, statistics, or probability. So, if you’re weaker in high-frequency concepts, be sure to prioritize mastering those before dedicating much time to the rarely tested ones. Furthermore, you should practice not just to complete problems, but to understand underlying principles and improve your problem-solving strategies and techniques.
The GRE is largely template-based. The test writers follow particular patterns and structures for both Quantitative Comparison and Problem Solving question types. Therefore, the more familiar you are with the question types and associated common trap answers, the easier it will be for you to navigate the twists and turns of the exam–both in Verbal and Quant. The ability to think like a test writer is a large step towards efficiently navigating the quant section of the exam.
Plugging in Numbers and Backsolving are essential tools in your GRE strategy arsenal. They can turn an exceedingly complex algebra problem into a much gentler arithmetic one, which can greatly reduce the time it takes to solve it. These techniques also help efficiently and effectively knock out quantitative comparisons. Thus, it’s important to understand when and how to use them. Be sure that you are immediately able to recognize clues that indicate a problem might be approached thorough plugging in or backsolving.
FAQ: Are there tricks or techniques to help quickly solve the Numeric Entry question type? Unfortunately, No. Numeric Entry questions require you to work a problem (without a list of answer choices) and then enter the numerical value of your solution into the box. Because these don’t offer opportunities to shortcut or make the math easier, consider skipping and solving them later OR just making a guess and moving on. The good news: You should only see a total of around three Numeric Entry questions on the GRE.
Data interpretation (DI) questions can be tricky. In terms of how much time to devote, keep in mind that these are low-frequency question types. Still, you should learn how to quickly and accurately interpret graphs, tables, and other data presentations. This will help you manage time effectively during the test. Check out the advice Chris shares for solving a DI question in the following video:
As you progress in your study plan, work on answering questions more quickly while maintaining accuracy. You have an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds per quant question–timing is crucial on the GRE, and being able to solve problems efficiently will significantly impact your score.
Note: We’ve based these modifications on our 3-Month schedule for beginners, but these substitutions can be applied to any study schedule. Ultimately, you’ll want to scale back on Verbal and add additional time for Quant.
As your GRE test day approaches, shift your focus from learning new concepts to refining your existing knowledge. Use the last few days to review your error log, focusing on areas that still pose challenges. On the day before the exam, avoid cramming; instead, relax and ensure you’re well-rested.
Tailoring your study plan to focus more on math can make a significant difference in your quantitative scores. By consistently practicing and refining your skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the math section with confidence.
Good luck with your GRE preparation—you’re on the path to achieving your best possible score!
After graduating from CU Boulder with degrees in Literature and Women’s Studies, Linnea stumbled into the world of test prep and admissions consulting and never looked back. Over the years, she has worked with students in the U.S. and abroad, trained new teachers for the classroom, and written curricula for various test types. Her experience includes teaching the GRE, ACT, SAT, LSAT, and GMAT for The Princeton Review and working as the Director of Instruction Management for The Princeton Review Taipei. Looking for a way to help more students, especially those who were unable to afford access to expensive test prep programs, Linnea joined Magoosh in 2019. She is a content creator who connects with students as a blog contributor and through various lessons and practice on the Magoosh platform.