GRE Exam Overview
🎯 Target Score for Top US Universities
GRE is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test globally. Understanding the adaptive test format is crucial for effective preparation.
Test Structure
📊 Quantitative Reasoning
- • 2 sections, 35 mins each
- • 20 questions per section
- • High school math level
- • Score range: 130-170
📖 Verbal Reasoning
- • 2 sections, 30 mins each
- • 20 questions per section
- • Reading comprehension & vocab
- • Score range: 130-170
✍️ Analytical Writing
- • 1 section, 60 minutes
- • 2 essay tasks
- • Issue & Argument tasks
- • Score range: 0-6
🧪 Experimental Section
- • Additional quant or verbal
- • 35 or 30 minutes
- • Not scored
- • Cannot identify which
Scoring System
260-340
Total Score Range
Quant + Verbal
130-170
Section Scores
1-point increments
0-6
AWA Score
0.5-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning Strategies
Mastering GRE Quant
Topic Breakdown
Key areas to focus on
Arithmetic (30%)
- • Number properties
- • Fractions & decimals
- • Percentages & ratios
- • Exponents & roots
Algebra (25%)
- • Linear equations
- • Quadratic equations
- • Inequalities
- • Functions
Geometry (20%)
- • Lines & angles
- • Triangles & circles
- • Polygons
- • Coordinate geometry
Data Analysis (25%)
- • Statistics
- • Probability
- • Data interpretation
- • Counting methods
Advanced Strategies
Techniques for high scores
Time Management
- • 2 minutes per question average
- • Skip difficult questions initially
- • Use calculator strategically
- • Mark and review later
Problem-Solving
- • Plug in numbers (PIN)
- • Backsolve from answers
- • Look for patterns
- • Estimate when possible
💡 Quant Score Target
For competitive programs, aim for 165+ in Quant. Most engineering and STEM programs expect strong quant scores, sometimes higher than verbal.