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Quant 800 Strategies

Why Quant?
Quantitative Comparison.
What Does it measure? In the test takers.(DUH!)
  • Determine the relative sizes of two quantities
  • Perceive that not enough information is provided to make such a decision. It takes a certain amount of confidence to make this call, not much though.It just takes getting used to

      • The Strategy:
      • Standardize-Convert algebraic expressions to a standard form in order to compare them.
      • It’s all about finding which one is larger , not by how much. Just find the bigger one and move on.
      • Don't assume that all variables represent positive integers – there are negative numbers, fractions, and zero. It’s a big world you know.
      • Geometric figures aren't always drawn to scale, so don't make assumptions simply based on the appearance of a figure shown.
      Problem Solving:

      Problem solving questions in GRE Math section test your:

    • Knowledge of maths involving percentages, simultaneous equations, polygons, probability, etc.
    • Ability to read, understand, and solve problems quickly and accurately

    Each of the questions GRE Math problem solving is followed by five answer choices. You have to select the best of the answer options given.

    The Strategy:
  • Determine what is given and what is being asked
  • Scan options to decide the level of approximation required
  • Avoid long computations; it’s the answer that matters.
  • Scan all options before answering a question, the answer might be in different units, so that you wont think of that irritating option which says “none of the above”
  • Inky ,pinky, ponky is most accurate in moments of distress. To be used, preferably, as the last ditch attempt to score.
      • Data Interpretation:

      This is the toughest section in GRE Math, ok the right word maybe trickiest. Poor Math scores are often blamed on this section because of the high difficulty of Data interpretation GRE questions. Practice with lots of tough DI questions to do get a good GRE Math score.

      Data interpretation in GRE Math section measures your ability to:

    • Read and interpret data .Well the first part is easy, the second part is the sticky portion of the deal.
    • Perform statistical calculations on the data provided.So this entire section tests speed as well as cognition.Considering that’s pretty much all there is to be tested it’s quiet a challenge, in an otherwise easy exam.

    The data interpretation questions in GRE Math usually appear in sets and are based on data presented in tables or graphs.

    The Strategy
    • Look carefully at the data and understand how it's presented. Understand the story the picture is trying to tell.
    • Try to make visual comparisons and estimate products and quotients rather than perform computations.Unless you like the extra math.Though no one in their right minds would advice that. With a little bit of common sense it is easy to approximate answers,when the options are too far apart in value. Please remember not to approximate answers because questions it all depends on the scale of the graph.
    • For graphs, pay attention to the scales as well as read any accompanying notes. By force of habi the accompanying notes are easy to ignore, so do take the trouble of practicing in your weak areas.
    • Answer questions only on the basis of data given. Don’t get too creative.

    Engineering undergraduates or students who have chosen maths in their pre-university courses are expected to score above 750 on 800 on an average. Well, there will be expectations, as always but this doesn’t fall in the category that needs to be ignored.


    It is better to start your preparation with a test in quant. Why quant you might ask.Well considering all this already known to you,which is a fair assumption, the first test will just give you an idea of how much you remember, and where to concentrate your efforts.
    Why not verbal.Not many people know the meaning of 3500 words, If your vocabulary is that strong congratulations you might just get the perfect score.But considering the vast majority that doesn’t have that impressive a vocabulary , a poor score might dent your confidence.Then again, those who are not fazed by poor scores might as well try. Whatever makes you happy.