GRE quantitative reasoning comprises arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis sections and measured on a score range of 130 to 170. The three main objectives of the GRE quant section are:
- Testing the fundamental mathematical skills;
- Knowledge of elemental numerical skills;
- Proper use of mathematical formulas, methods, and solutions.
GRE Quant Statistics of 2020
The 2020 GRE exam saw an increase in complexity in the quant section especially. The GRE test takers of 2020 have stated that the questions were more difficult than the ETS practice questions, though they covered the original syllabus. Concept mixing is noticed in last year’s quant questions where the data interpretation section was combined with high-level mathematical topics like probability and combinatorics, as well as statistics and graphical representation. Since GRE is a time-bound exam, the passage of time made the test-takers even more nervous with the advanced level of calculations.
There is a handful number of test-takers who were able to achieve a perfect 170 in quant and we’ve listed the scoring method of one of them:
- The complexity level of section 1 is generally moderately hard, and the candidate was able to correctly answer 19 questions out of 20. This led to the next section being difficult;
- The candidate was able to answer 20 out of 20 questions correctly
This was the candidate’s second attempt since in her first attempt she failed to score 170 in quant and ended up getting 166.
A recent post from a test-taker who took the test a day back stated that the GRE quant section was ten times harder than what she had prepared. Tricky and confusing are two terms continuously used by the GRE aspirants when it comes to the quant section.
GRE Quant Syllabus 2023
The GRE quantitative reasoning contains 2 sub-sections each containing 20 questions and the duration for each section is 35 minutes. So, the total number of GRE quantitative reasoning questions is 40 and the total duration is 70 minutes.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Topics
The GRE quant syllabus has 4 broad sections under which the following topics are included:
| Areas | Sub-areas |
|---|---|
| GRE Arithmetic | Absolute value |
| Arithmetic operations | |
| Decimal representation | |
| Divisibility | |
| Estimation | |
| Exponents and roots | |
| Factorization | |
| Odd and even integers | |
| Percent | |
| Prime numbers | |
| Properties and types of integers | |
| Rate | |
| Ratio and proportion | |
| Remainders | |
| Sequences of numbers | |
| Simple and compound interest | |
| The number line | |
| GRE Algebra | Equations and inequalities |
| Equations with word problems | |
| Factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions | |
| Functions | |
| Graphs | |
| Intercepts and slopes of lines | |
| Linear and quadratic equations and inequalities | |
| Operations with exponents | |
| Relations | |
| Simultaneous equations and inequalities | |
| GRE Geometry | Angle measurement in degrees |
| Area | |
| Circles | |
| Congruent and similar figures | |
| Parallel and perpendicular lines | |
| Perimeter | |
| Polygons | |
| Pythagorean theorem | |
| Quadrilaterals | |
| Three-dimensional figures | |
| Triangles (isosceles, equilateral and 30°-60°-90° triangles) | |
| Three-dimensional figures | |
| Volume | |
| GRE Data sufficiency/Analysis | Basic descriptive statistics - mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation |
| Conditional probability | |
| Counting methods - permutations combinations | |
| Elementary probability | |
| Interpretation of data in tables and graphs (line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, boxplots, scatterplots, and frequency distributions) | |
| Interquartile range | |
| Quartiles and percentiles | |
| Random variables and probability distributions | |
| Venn diagrams |
How Difficult is GRE Quant?
When it comes to the comparison of SAT/ACT and GRE, the former is considered harder in terms of the quant section. GRE has a more difficult verbal section than the quant. But from the GRE quantitative reasoning practice, it can be noted that the questions have critical wordings and also require top-level reasoning abilities.
GRE Quant Question Types
From the official GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions, the test-takers can get an idea of the 4 different types of questions. They are explained in details below:
- Quantitative Comparison Question: Here, the candidates will be asked to compare between two quantities - A and B and find the correct statement that explains the comparison:
- Quantity A is greater;
- Quantity B is greater;
- Both the given quantities are equal
- No relationship can be determined from the provided information
- Multiple Choice - Single Answer: Here, the candidates need to select a single correct answer from a list of 5.
- Multiple Choice - Multiple Answer: Similar to the previous type, the candidates need to select more than one correct answer. Remember, the question may not state how many answers to select.
- Numeric Entry Questions: This question requires the candidate to write their answer in the form of a decimal or integer in a single box, or as a fraction in two separate boxes.
While preparing from ETS GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions, candidates will notice the focus is on the real-life backdrop or a mathematical setting, which provides the candidates with a pragmatic experience. In these areas, the common ‘word problems’ are found in abundance.
Tip: Test-takers finding the GRE quant section hard can take help from the GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions with answers as they contain authentic study materials.
GRE Quant Score
The GRE quant score is measured on a score range of 130 – 170 in one point’s increment. Therefore, the highest possible score is 170, and the lowest being 130. The average GRE quant score is 150. GRE quant score above 155 is claimed to be rare.
Check out: GRE Score Chart
GRE Quant Score Calculation
GRE score calculation is a complex process – for the quant section, the candidates obtain a raw quant score based on the number of correct answers given. The raw score is calculated on a scale of 130-170 to get the scaled score of GRE quant section.
| Raw Score | Scale Score |
|---|---|
| 0 | 130 |
| 5 | 135 |
| 10 | 140 |
| 15 | 145 |
| 20 | 150 |
| 25 | 155 |
| 30 | 160 |
| 35 | 165 |
| 40 | 170 |
In GRE quant, the total number of questions is 40 and each question carries 1 point. Therefore, the total possible raw point is 40 in GRE quant. The easiest way to calculate the scaled score is to add the obtained raw point with 130.
Check out: GRE Score Calculation
Is 165 a good GRE Quant Score?
If you score a 165 in the GRE quant section, you are already in the top 5% scorers. The top grad schools require high scores ranging from 160 - 165. Scoring around 165 will place you among the top schools.
GRE Quant Preparation Tips
GRE quant section requires some extra effort since most candidates fear this section, some of the GRE quant preparation tips to be followed are:
- Try to solve the quant questions in your mind before solving them;
- Time-management needs to be followed, don’t waste too much time on a single question;
- Follow the elimination process thoroughly;
- GRE quant tests the patience of the candidates, therefore, keep the composure;
- Don’t hurry up while answering the questions, properly mark the answer choices
- Even if you can’t find the correct answer, don’t leave a particular question unanswered;
- Practice from the official GRE quantitative reasoning practice of ETS;
- Understand the GRE quant format properly, take help from ETS GRE reasoning practice questions PDF to get in-depth information.
Check out: How to Improve your GRE Quant Score
GRE quant is not an easy section to deal with because the questions given here often take more time to solve. Therefore, using GRE quant smart tips are mandatory. Candidates can take the help of GRE quant practice papers to boost up their practice session and ace GRE quant with a 150+ GRE quant score.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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