GRE Preparation — Quantitative Reasoning
Preparation for the math part of the GRE General Test — the test required for admission to many master’s and doctoral programs, including business and law.
What is the GRE
The GRE General Test is run by ETS and taken on a computer. Since 22 September 2023 it takes about 1 hour 58 minutes and has three parts: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning — the math part.
The math part has two sections: 12 questions in 21 minutes and 15 questions in 26 minutes. The first section is of average difficulty; the difficulty of the second depends on how the first one went.
What the math covers
- ›Arithmetic — integers, divisibility, primes, remainders, exponents and roots, percent, ratio, absolute value, sequences of numbers
- ›Algebra — algebraic expressions, functions, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, simultaneous equations, word problems, coordinate geometry (slopes, intercepts)
- ›Geometry — parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, similar figures, 3-D figures, area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem
- ›Data analysis — mean, median, mode, standard deviation, quartiles, percentiles, reading tables and graphs, probability (including conditional), the normal distribution, combinations and permutations
The level is high school, no higher than a “second course in algebra”, as ETS puts it: no trigonometry, no calculus, no proofs and no inferential statistics. The difficulty comes from the timing and the way questions are asked, not from the content.
Question types
Quantitative comparison (which of two quantities is greater), multiple choice with one answer, multiple choice with one or more answers and numeric entry. Some questions come in sets based on the same table or graph. A basic on-screen calculator is provided.
Scoring
Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning are each scored from 130 to 170; Analytical Writing from 0 to 6. Scores can be sent to universities for 5 years after the test date, and repeat test takers can choose which scores to send.
GRE or GMAT?
Many business schools accept both the GMAT and the GRE. The math in the two tests covers almost the same ground — arithmetic, algebra, word problems and data interpretation — so preparation starts from the same place.
Dr. Georgiana Popovici has prepared candidates for the GMAT math part since 2007 and holds a PhD in Mathematical Statistics (University of Bucharest, 2008) — useful for the GRE’s data analysis and probability questions.
Classes are taught in groups, in person in Bucharest or online. Preparation covers the math part (Quantitative Reasoning).
Questions about the GRE
What math is on the GRE?
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis at high school level. ETS states that trigonometry, calculus, proofs and inferential statistics are not tested.
How long is the math part?
Two sections: 12 questions in 21 minutes and 15 questions in 26 minutes — 27 questions in 47 minutes. The whole test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes.
How is the GRE scored?
Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning are each scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6. Scores can be sent to universities for 5 years.
GRE or GMAT for an MBA?
Many business schools accept both tests. Check the exact requirement on the program’s page; the math in the two tests covers almost the same topics.
Book your GRE preparation
Tell me the program you are applying to, the application deadline and your target math score.