Working carefully and accurately on the Quant sections of the GRE is critical because you simply will not have time to double-check your work. Unlike homework or untimed practice, the clock in a GRE Quant section moves steadily, and every second counts.

Consider this scenario: you solve a problem and your answer matches one of the choices. You decide to spend an additional 30 seconds verifying each step. Now imagine doing this for every question. Each 35-minute Quant section contains roughly 20 questions. Spending 30 extra seconds per question adds up to approximately 10 minutes per section. That is nearly 30 percent of your total time. In practical terms, time spent rechecking your work is time taken away from solving new problems, which could cost you points on questions you might otherwise get correct.

Because of this time constraint, developing a methodical and focused approach is essential. You want to ensure that the work you submit is accurate the first time. This means carefully reading each question, identifying what is being asked, setting up your solution clearly, and checking for errors as you go rather than after the fact. By cultivating this habit during practice, you train yourself to be precise and efficient under real test conditions.

Ultimately, your goal is to answer each question correctly without the luxury of double-checking. Focusing on accuracy from the outset not only helps you manage your time effectively but also builds the confidence to tackle the Quant section efficiently on test day.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep