Most, if not all, GRE Quant questions have relatively simple solutions, yet too often, students look for complex solutions. This approach is a mistake. A crucial aspect of GRE Quant questions is that they tend to be designed such that each question contains one or two key elements that the test-taker must identify in order to answer the question efficiently. Once you identify those key components, the question can become quite simple — far simpler than you expect. It’s often the case that a question that takes many test-takers three minutes to solve can be correctly answered in less than one minute if you pinpoint one or two key aspects of the problem.

Often, students get caught up in algebra-heavy or overly technical approaches, thinking that the more steps they take, the more likely they are to get the correct answer. But the GRE rarely rewards unnecessary complexity. Instead, it rewards clarity of thought and the ability to find the straightest path to the solution. In other words, GRE Quant is less about brute-force math and more about pattern recognition and logical reasoning.

Consider the following questions, all of which seem complicated until we identify the simplicity within them:

GRE Sample Units Digit Pattern

Even when a test-taker is scoring high and thus seeing relatively challenging questions, many of those questions can be solved using methods that are not particularly sophisticated. In other words, for most questions, the optimal path to the solution will be quite basic. Simplicity is your goal.

Keeping this goal in mind, you should ask yourself the following questions when solving GRE Quant problems:

“What is the question really asking?”

“How can I make this question as simple as possible?”

“What is a shortcut to answering this question?”

You might also ask, “What is the test writer trying to get me to do — and is there a more efficient route?”

At this point, most students ask, “How do I learn to see what I need to see?” The answer is that you must prepare with study materials that teach you how to answer GRE Quant questions accurately and efficiently. Then, you must engage in a ton of systematic practice. Through that deliberate study and practice, you’ll gain the skills you need to recognize the keys that “unlock” GRE Quant questions and expose their inherent simplicity.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep