The Quantitative section is arguably the toughest one out of the 3 sections of the GRE exam. Therefore, it requires you to put in the maximum effort when preparing for it. Let us have a brief overview of the types of questions you will come across in this section and also the topics of the syllabus for Quantitative Analysis.
The types of questions that you will have to answer are segregated into :
- Comparison Questions – You will be provided with two quantities and a short description of both quantities. You will then have to analyze both, draw comparisons, and then proceed to select the best option from the given answer choices.
- Multiple Choice Questions (Select one answer) – Such questions are your standard MCQ-based ones, you will be presented with a question like (equations, word problems, etc) and five answer choices. You will have to choose the correct answer for each question.
- Multiple Choice Questions (Select one or more answers) – Similar to the above question you will have to select all possible answers for the question given. Some of the questions would specify how many answers you have to select while others might not. You would get the credit for the question only if all the answers you have selected are correct.
- Numeric Entry Questions – As the name suggests you will be required to manually enter the correct answer (either an integer or a decimal).
The major concepts of GRE Quantitative section which you are being tested on are as follows:
- Arithmetic – Exponents and roots, ratio, decimal representation, types of integers (divisibility, prime numbers, remainders, etc), percentage, the number line, estimation, sequence of numbers, etc.
- Algebra – Solving linear equations, solving quadratic equations, solving linear inequalities, coordinate geometry, graphs of functions, rules of exponents, etc.
- Geometry – Triangles (all types), quadrilaterals, polygons, area, parallel and perpendicular lines, three-dimensional figures, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, etc.
- Data analysis– Mean, interquartile range, permutations, median, standard deviation, mode, combinations, quartiles and percentiles, basic probability, interpretation of data in multiple formats, etc.
With such a vast syllabus, make sure your preparation is thorough before you sit for the exam. Due to the current pandemic situation, ETS has offered the GRE Online option, if you wish to attempt the exam at the comfort of your home. Let’s tell you a little more about the GRE Online exam.
GRE Online
While the GRE exam is mostly attempted at the test centers, there is now an option for you to attempt the GRE online test from the convenience of your home, especially due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Besides, the GRE online test is available everywhere, except Iran and Mainland China.
Attempting the test at home certainly assures a stress-free experience, however, do note that there is a human proctor who will monitor the exam online through ProctorU. Moreover, the testing at home is available throughout the week 24/7.
Registration/Scheduling:
The registration for the GRE online exam is the same as that of the exam in the centers. Once you create your account on ETS, you will have to select the “Test at home” category after selecting the type of GRE test (General or Subject) you want to take. You can finish the registration after selecting the time and date. After making the payment you will then receive an email confirmation with all of the essential information like your test date, time, and login details.
Equipment for the test:
Only a laptop or desktop is allowed and no mobile device or tablet can be used. PC Windows® operating system, versions 8 or 10. MAC®: Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended). You must have a Firefox or Chrome browser on which you can download and install the ETS test browser. The speakers and microphone can be either internal or external which allows you to speak and listen to the proctor. Finally, a camera, which can be a built-in one on your PC/laptop or a separate webcam that must move 360 degrees to provide a complete view of the room, your table surface, and surrounding areas.
Environment and Testing Space Requirements:
It is recommended that you are in a room alone while taking the exam and not in a public space like a cafe or park. You must not have any interruptions while you attempt the exam. The seating and tabletop must be cleared of all things that are not permitted for use during the exam. You should be dressed in a professional manner since you would be constantly monitored. Also, a photo would be shared with all the institutions that will receive your scores as well, hence, it’s important to look presentable. You may use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker or a sheet of paper that is kept inside a transparent protector.
The exam link becomes available just before your scheduled test starts time. Once you complete the exam you will receive your scores for the Quantitative section and Verbal section just like you do when you complete the exam in the test center. There are many accommodations that are provided when you are taking the GRE Online at home like extended time, screen magnification and extended breaks.
ETS has made it known that the GRE Online or at home will be available for as long as necessary owing to the pandemic situation. We hope this article helped you! All the best for the exam!
Anika Sharma