GRE Quant — Score 165+ with These Strategies
Score 165+ on GRE Quantitative Reasoning with topic-wise strategies, shortcut techniques, common traps to avoid, and practice tips.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning tests mathematical concepts you learned in high school, but with tricky question framing. Indian students have a natural advantage here — use it to score 165+. This guide from ExamHub covers every strategy you need.
GRE Quant Question Types
| Type | Questions | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | ~7-8 | Compare two quantities; pick numbers strategically |
| Multiple Choice (Single) | ~5-6 | Standard problem solving |
| Multiple Choice (Multiple) | ~2-3 | All correct answers must be selected |
| Numeric Entry | ~2-3 | No options; type the exact answer |
Topic-wise Strategy
Arithmetic (25-30% of questions)
Key topics: Number properties, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, exponents, roots
High-yield shortcuts:- Divisibility rules — Know rules for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
- Remainder patterns — Cyclicity of powers (units digit patterns)
- Percentage change — (New - Old) / Old x 100
- Ratio problems — Assume convenient values (e.g., total = LCM)
- Number picking — For ratio/percentage problems, pick 100 or LCM as the base
Algebra (20-25%)
Key topics: Linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry
Strategies:- Substitute and check — For equations, plug in answer options
- Inequalities — Remember to flip the sign when multiplying by negative
- Absolute value — |x| = a means x = a or x = -a
- Functions — f(g(x)) — work from inside out
- Quadratic shortcuts — Sum of roots = -b/a, Product = c/a
Geometry (15-20%)
Key topics: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, 3D figures, coordinate geometry
Must-know formulas:| Shape | Area | Perimeter/Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle | (1/2) x b x h | a + b + c |
| Equilateral Triangle | (sqrt(3)/4) x a^2 | 3a |
| Circle | pi x r^2 | 2 x pi x r |
| Rectangle | l x w | 2(l + w) |
| Trapezoid | (1/2)(a + b) x h | a + b + c + d |
- Triangle inequality: Sum of any two sides > third side
- Pythagorean triplets: (3,4,5), (5,12,13), (8,15,17), (7,24,25)
- 30-60-90 triangle: sides in ratio 1 : sqrt(3) : 2
- 45-45-90 triangle: sides in ratio 1 : 1 : sqrt(2)
Data Analysis (25-30%)
Key topics: Statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation), probability, data interpretation, normal distribution
Strategies:- Mean/Median/Mode — Know when each measure is affected by outliers
- Standard deviation — Understand conceptually (spread from mean); you will not calculate it
- Probability — P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A and B)
- Counting — Permutation (order matters) vs Combination (order does not)
- Data graphs — Read labels, axes, and legends carefully before answering
Quantitative Comparison (QC) — Key Technique
QC questions ask you to compare Quantity A and Quantity B. The answer choices are always:
- A: Quantity A is greater
- B: Quantity B is greater
- C: The two quantities are equal
- D: The relationship cannot be determined
Strategies:
- Pick numbers — Try at least 3 different types (positive, negative, fraction, 0, 1)
- Simplify both sides — Add, subtract, multiply (positive only) to make comparison easier
- Look for traps — If it seems obvious, try edge cases
- If both positive — You can square or take square root without changing the comparison
- Do not solve fully — You only need to compare, not find exact values
Common Traps and Mistakes
- Not reading "Select ALL that apply" — Multiple answers may be correct
- Forgetting units — Hours vs minutes, feet vs inches
- Assuming positive — Variables can be negative, zero, or fractions unless stated otherwise
- Misreading graphs — Check if y-axis starts at 0 or a higher value
- Rounding errors in Numeric Entry — Check if the question asks for rounding
- Percent vs percentage points — "Increased from 20% to 25%" is a 5 percentage point increase but a 25% increase
The On-Screen Calculator
The GRE provides a basic on-screen calculator. Use it wisely:
- Use it for — Complex arithmetic, verifying calculations, percentage computations
- Avoid it for — Simple operations that are faster mentally
- Remember — The calculator follows standard order of operations
- Tip — Transfer button (MR) can save intermediate results
Use CalcHub for practice calculations during your preparation.
Practice Plan for 165+
| Week | Focus | Daily Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review all math concepts (ETS Math Review PDF) | 20 questions |
| 2 | Arithmetic + Algebra problems | 25 questions |
| 3 | Geometry + Data Analysis | 25 questions |
| 4 | Quantitative Comparison focused practice | 20 questions |
| 5 | Full timed sections (2 sections daily) | Timed practice |
| 6 | Error analysis + weak area focus | Targeted practice |
Free Resources
- ETS GRE Math Review — Official free PDF covering all tested concepts
- Khan Academy — Math fundamentals and geometry
- ETS PowerPrep — 2 free practice tests with real GRE questions
- GregMat YouTube — Free quant strategy videos
- Download practice papers from MyPDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GRE Quant easy for Indian students?
Yes, for most Indian students who studied math through Class 10-12, the concepts are familiar. However, the questions are tricky — they test understanding rather than computation. The challenge is accuracy and avoiding traps, not mathematical knowledge.
How to go from 160 to 165+ in GRE Quant?
The jump from 160 to 165 requires eliminating silly mistakes and mastering the hardest question types (especially data interpretation and quantitative comparison). Take timed practice tests, analyze every error, and focus on questions you got wrong due to misreading or rushing.
Should I memorize formulas for GRE Quant?
Memorize essential formulas (area, perimeter, Pythagorean theorem, probability, statistics). However, many GRE questions can be solved without formulas using logical reasoning and number picking. Understanding concepts is more important than memorizing formulas.