
What Are the GRE Sections? How Do They Differ?
Verbal | Quant | AW | |
Focus | Vocab knowledge, reading comprehension | Math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, dat ... | Writing (essays) |
# of Sections | 2* | 2* | 1 |
Order | Random | Random | 1st |
# of Questions | 20 per section | 20 per section | 2 |
What level of Math is covered on the GRE?
- Numbers and operations
- Sequences and series
- Equations and expressions
- Coordinate geometry
- Plane geometry
- Factoring with FOIL, graphing parabolas and solving quadratics
- Probability and statistics
- Inequalities
- Rational equations and expressions
- Exponents
What are different sections of GRE?
Test Content
- Analytical Writing. The Analytical Writing section requires you to provide focused responses based on the tasks presented, so you can accurately demonstrate your skill in directly responding to a task.
- Verbal Reasoning. ...
- Quantitative Reasoning. ...
- Modified Versions of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Questions. ...
How many sections are on the GRE?
These are the most important differences between these two test types:
- The computer-based exam time duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the duration of the paper-delivered one is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Although the difficulty level and topics covered are the same, the GRE paper test doesn’t have reading comprehension.
- The number of questions in verbal and quantitative reasoning varies depending on the test. ...
How to improve your GRE math score?
The average student does one or more of the following:
- Collects tons and tons of material from the internet – never even opens most of them
- Downloads every GRE related video they find – never watches most of them
- Gets multiple GRE practice books at once in hopes of finishing them all – doesn’t have a dedicated study plan
See more

What math is covered on the GRE?
But what math is on the GRE? There are four major areas of math tested on Quant: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Is the GRE math section hard?
Compared to the ACT and the SAT, the GRE is typically considered more difficult because, even though the math tested on the GRE is a lower level than the math tested on the SAT and ACT, the GRE has more challenging vocabulary and reading passages, and the math problems have trickier wording or require higher-level ...
How much of the GRE is algebra?
22.8%GRE Quant Topic Breakdown by FrequencyGRE Quant ConceptPercentage frequency on the testWord problems35.5%Ratios, percents, and fractions23.9%Algebra22.8%Data interpretation20%10 more rows•Jan 8, 2019
Is algebra on the GRE?
The GRE® Math Review consists of 4 chapters: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
How hard is it to get 300 on GRE?
It's very easy to achieve 300 on the GRE. The average score falls somewhere between 150-152 per section (and 3,5 for writing). So yes, 300 is a perfectly average score and you can do much better than that. Includes 8 practice tests, 60+ online drills, 2500+ practice questions, and interactive and video-based lessons.
Is 300 a good score in GRE?
A total score of 325 and above should help you to get admission into the topmost colleges. However, even a score above 300 is good enough for MS. Nursing: A score ranging between 305 and 316 can be considered a good GRE score for anyone who wants to take admission in nursing.
Does GRE give you formulas?
The GRE only tests arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis (e.g., reading graphs, tables, etc.) — all concepts you studied in middle school and high school. In other words, all GRE math formulas are formulas you learned at some point prior to college.
Can you use calculator on GRE?
Sometimes the computations you need to do in order to answer a question in the Quantitative Reasoning measure of the GRE ® General Test are somewhat time-consuming, like long division, or involve square roots. For such computations, you can use the calculator provided with your test.
What is the highest math on the GRE?
Plane Geometry: Triangles are the most-tested shape on the GRE. You should know the Pythagorean Theorem, Triangle Inequality Theorem, the special right triangle ratios (45-45-90 and 30-60-90), as well as the properties of isosceles and equilateral triangles.
How do I ace my math GRE?
Top 10 Math Tips for Better Scores on the GRESlow down on Word Problems. ... Use the calculator judiciously. ... Plan to spend no more than 2 minutes per question. ... Consider all the given info on Quant Comps. ... Backsolve when there are numbers in the answer choices. ... Pick Numbers as much as possible. ... Stick to your methods.More items...•
How do I prepare for the maths GRE?
How to Study for GRE Math: 11-Step GuideStep 1: Learn the Quant Format. ... Step 2: Set a Goal Score. ... Step 3: Find Your Baseline Score. ... Step 4: Calculate Your Study Hours. ... Step 5: Make a Study Plan. ... Step 6: Review Content. ... Step 7: Drill Practice Questions. ... Step 8: Learn Strategies.More items...•
Is the GRE math all multiple-choice?
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE ® General Test contains four types of questions: Quantitative Comparison Questions. Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice. Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices.
What are the sections of the GRE?
The three sections of the GRE are Verbal Reasoning (Verbal), Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), and Analytical Writing (AW). Each section targets a different topic — reading, math, or writing — to test both your knowledge of basic skills and your overall preparation for grad school. At a little less than four hours long, ...
What are the four math topics in the Quantative Reasoning section?
The four math topics it tests are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis . For more information on what to expect on Quant, check out our GRE math review.
What is the verbal reasoning section?
A reading-heavy section, Verbal Reasoning asks you to identify correct vocab words for isolated sentences and paragraphs, and comprehend the main points, meanings, and implications of dense, scholarly passages.
How many answer choices are there in a multiple choice question?
These are your basic multiple-choice questions, each containing five answer choices and one correct answer. They make up about half of Quant and cover a wide array of math topics, from coordinate systems and shapes to data interpretation and probability.
How to plug in numbers in multiple choice?
There are two ways you can plug in numbers. For multiple-choice questions, plug in the answer choices one by one, starting with C (or whatever the middle value is). C is an ideal starting point, as it shows you whether you’ll need to plug in a higher or lower value (unless the correct answer is C — if so, lucky you!).
How many multiple choice questions are there in Quant?
Each Quant section contains about two multiple-answer multiple-choice questions.
What are passages in writing?
Passages encompass topics from an array of fields, including the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Most of the time you’ll choose one of five answer choices; other times, however, you’ll have to highlight a particular sentence in the passage or select multiple answer choices.
What does a high score on the GRE mean?
A high score on the quantitative section of the GRE can mean the difference between getting into graduate school and making other plans – even if you are planning on majoring in a non-quantitative field. Don’t neglect this section, and start studying early.
What are the properties of integers?
the properties of integers: divisibility, prime numbers, prime factorizations; types of integers: even and odd, prime and composite; basic arithmetic (though you will have a calculator) exponents; radicals (roots); ratios and percents; using absolute value; the number line; sequences of numbers; and decimal representation.
Do you have to worry about constructing proofs on the GRE?
However, you will NOT have to worry about constructing proofs – only problems such as:
Is there a hypothesis test on the GRE?
There is no hypothesis testing or linear regression on the GRE. But, there are a wide variety of stats topics covered such as: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation (not calculating it – only the idea and intepretation), quartiles and interquartile range, percentiles, reading from graphs and tables of all types including scatterplots ...
Quantitative Comparison Questions
Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare 2 quantities—Quantity A and Quantity B—and to identify the relationship between them. You’ll likely see about 7–8 of these in each quantitative section.
Problem Solving Questions
The most common Problem Solving questions are standard multiple-choice questions with 5 choices and one correct answer. Variants include questions that ask you to select 1 or more answer choices from a list (all-that-apply) and questions that ask you to enter your answer in a box (numeric entry).
Data Interpretation Questions
There are also a handful of Problem Solving questions associated with a set of charts or graphs. These are Data Interpretation Questions. The questions—there will typically be three of them—work like other Problem Solving questions, but it’s important to note that gleaning the information from the graphs is the key to answering these questions.
Kaplan Expert Tips
As a multi-stage test, the GRE allows you to move freely backward and forward within each section, which can be a big advantage on Test Day. If you get stuck on a particular question, you can mark it and come back to it later when you have time.
What is the GRE math?
In other words, all GRE math formulas are formulas you learned at some point prior to college. The bad news, however, is that the GRE likes to trick test takers.
Why is it important to understand the math formulas on the GRE?
Understanding how the major GRE math formulas are tested on the GRE is important because it provides you with a clear and accurate vision of what to expect on test day.
Is the GRE unbeatable?
Still, the GRE isn’t unbeatable. Once you know the ins and outs of the major formulas tested on Quant, you’ll likely score higher than you ever imagined yourself capable of scoring. Without further ado, let’s dive into our GRE math cheat sheet! Thankfully, you won’t need to know formulas like this for the GRE.
Do you need a math formula for the GRE?
At other times, a GRE math formula isn’t an absolute necessity for solving a problem, but knowing it will save you time and complicated calculations. Remember, you should never spend too much time on a single Quant question. If you do, you might fail to finish the test and therefore get a lower score.
Can you remember a formula on the GRE?
Clearly, formulas are a pretty big deal on the GRE! In fact, GRE math formulas are often the major key to solving certain types of Quant problems. If you can’t recall a specific GRE formula, there’s a strong chance you won’t be able to solve the problem at all without it.
Is everyone taking the GRE an engineer?
Not everyone taking the GRE is an aspiring engineer or an exceptional mathematician. In fact, many of us are surprised to find we remember little of the basic math concepts we studied back in high school. (When I took the GRE in 2015, I hadn’t studied math in more than six years!)
Does knowing how to apply formulas increase your chances of getting into grad school?
And as you might have guessed, a higher Quant score can significantly increase your chance of getting into grad school.
Overview
The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level.
Content Specifications
The following content descriptions may assist test takers in preparing for the test. The percents given are estimates; actual percents will vary somewhat from one edition of the test to another.
How long is the GRE?
The GRE is a 3 hour 45 minute computer-adaptive test (CAT) that has three sections: an Analytical Writing Assessment, a Quantitative Section and a Verbal Section. Here's an overview of what's on each GRE section.
What are the math tests?
Tests basic math topics in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry , plus ability to problem solve and analyze data. Tests ability to analyze sentences and writing passages, including understanding key concepts and vocabulary-in-context.
4 Question Types for GRE Math Section
Now that we’ve broken down the GRE quant itself, let’s dive deeper into the question types you’ll be seeing on practice tests and the actual GRE test.
5 GRE Math Tips & Tricks for Studying
While we’ve covered tips for each question type, here are some study tips to help you pass any mock tests and feel comfortable scheduling your GRE test day.
6 Last Minute GRE Math Tips
While most of your GRE math tricks should be tried out before test day, here are some helpful ways to get the GRE quant score of your dreams on the big day.
The Bottom Line: Follow these GRE Math Tips & Tricks
If you follow the math tips we’ve laid out above, you are sure to rock the GRE which is governed by the Educational Testing Service.
How long is the GRE?
GRE. General Test Structure. The overall testing time for the GRE ® General Test is about three hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section.
What is the first operational section of each measure?
The first operational section of each measure (i.e., Verbal and Quantitative) is of average difficulty. The difficulty level of the second section of each of the measures depends on your overall performance on the first section of that measure.

Math Topics on The Gre's Quantitative Reasoning Section
- One of three sections on the GRE revised General Test, the quantitative reasoning section features two subsections and is where you'll be tested on your math skills. The mathematical subjects assessed within these two subsections include:
Preparing For The Quantitative Reasoning Section
- Study.com offers a GRE Practice & Study Guidecourse that provides comprehensive reviews of all the subjects and concepts covered on the GRE revised General Test, including all content assessed in the Quantitative Reasoning portion, such as: 1. Numbers and operations 2. Sequences and series 3. Equations and expressions 4. Coordinate geometry 5. Plane geometry …
Scoring For The Quantitative Reasoning Section
- Scoring for the Quantitative Reasoning section is on a 130-170-point scale. A raw score is determined using the number of questions answered correctly from both sections. This score is then equated to the scaled score. Like the Verbal Reasoning portion of the GRE exam, the Quantitative Reasoning portion is section-level adaptive where questions for the second section …
What Are The Gre sections? How Do They differ?
The Verbal Reasoning Section
- A reading-heavy section, Verbal Reasoning asks you to identify correct vocab words for isolated sentences and paragraphs, and comprehend the main points, meanings, and implications of dense, scholarly passages. The three types of questions you’ll encounter on Verbal are as follows: 1. Text Completion 2. Sentence Equivalence 3. Reading Comprehension Below, I explain each of …
The Quantitative Reasoning Section
- The Quantitative Reasoning section centers around basic math (i.e., middle school and high school math). The four math topics it tests arearithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. For more information on what to expect on Quant, check out our GRE math review. On test day, you’ll receive ample scratch paper and access to an on-screen calcula...
The Analytical Writing Section
- The Analytical Writing section tests you on your ability to develop a clear and cogent essaywith supporting evidence, a logical flow, and technical accuracy (i.e., correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization). For this section, you must write two separate essays: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” While there’s no way of predicting which prompts you’ll receiv…
Are Some Gre Sections More Important Than Others?
- So far, we’ve provided you everything you need to know about the three sections of the GRE, including what kinds of questions they test you on and how you can get the scores you want on test day. But do grad schools really care about every single one of your GRE scores? The answer is, not really. Of all GRE test sections, AW is by far the least important. Most grad programs don’t…
Review: The 3 Gre Sections
- The three GRE sections are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section tests a different skill set — i.e., reading, math, and writing — as a way to gauge whether an applicant is sufficiently prepared for grad school. Verbal consists of 20 questions per section and targetsvocab knowledge and reading comprehension. Quant, too, consists of 20 qu…
What’s Next?
- Want more information on how the GRE works? We cover everything you need to know about what’s on the GRE and what the exam pattern isin our in-depth guides. For premier GRE tips and strategies, read our top 34 GRE tips and learn the #1 thing you must do to improve your GRE scores! Ready to get the best GRE score you can get? Check out our guides on how to pass the …