👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

The first step toward raising your GRE Quant score is recognizing that the section tests a different set of skills than the math you encountered in high school and college. At its core, GRE Quant is not simply a math exam. It is a reasoning game that uses math as its language. Increasing your score therefore requires not only brushing up on concepts but also developing the ability to think in the precise way the GRE demands.

Of course, a strong foundation in essential math topics is necessary. You should know rules such as:

• Properties of special right triangles, including 30-60-90 relationships
• Key algebraic identities, like the difference of squares
• Common number properties, including divisibility rules and patterns in remainders and units digits
• Basic probability, combinations, and permutations
• The structure of Venn diagrams and set problems
• How to translate word problems into algebraic expressions

This knowledge is important, but it is only the starting point. To excel, you must go well beyond memorization. What truly matters is how you apply these ideas in novel situations under strict time constraints.

Traditional math tests challenge students by increasing the complexity of formulas or concepts, often allowing the use of calculators. The GRE takes a different approach. It assumes you know the basics and then asks: Can you recognize the logic behind the problem? Can you connect familiar math concepts to unfamiliar contexts? For example, you may need to solve for a ratio that looks unfamiliar, eliminate implausible answers through reasoning, or work backward from the choices instead of performing lengthy calculations.

At first, these questions can feel unusual, even awkward. But as you continue practicing, you will begin to notice recurring reasoning patterns. You will recognize when a problem is essentially a disguised application of a known concept. That recognition is what allows you to work both accurately and efficiently.

Efficiency is critical because the GRE allots only about one minute and forty-five seconds per Quant question. Early in your preparation, it may take you four minutes or more to solve a problem. That is acceptable at the start because you are learning the reasoning process. But by test day, you must refine your approach so that you can solve accurately and quickly. Otherwise, even strong math knowledge will not translate into a high score.

The key takeaway is this: GRE Quant is not a collection of isolated math problems. It is a reasoning-based challenge built on math. When you train yourself to approach it in that way, you build the mindset needed for consistent, efficient problem-solving. That mindset, more than any single formula, is what leads to top performance on the GRE.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep