GRE Quant.

[CNDSoc]

Hi,

I've been studying for the GRE for about 2 months now (while working FT) and it seems as though my quant. progress has hit a wall. I consistently score in the 50th-59th percentile range (PowerPrep), and can't seem to get past this score range.

I completed the "Kaplan's GRE Exam Math Workbook" and Peterson's "Master the GRE" (I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, though it is useful for building up test stamina), and I'm finishing up "Kaplan's GRE Advanced Math". I'm also trying to focus on my weaknesses (such as algebra) by doing extra questions online.

Has anyone else hit a wall in terms of their quant score?

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

EDIT: I just found this thread which is helpful, but I would still appreciate some advice.

Edited May 25, 2010 by sararuwani

[radcradick]

I found "Barron's GRE: Graduate Record Examination" book to have the best, most thorough math review...and answer explanations! (I found Kaplan books to be very lacking in their answer explanations.) The Barron's book also comes with a cd-rom of adaptive model practice tests- just like the actual GRE- which I found sooo helpful in building my confidence with the computer format. The questions also seemed harder than those on the actual gre test, so you can really build up your math muscles. All around I found this prep book to be the most helpful in my test preparation.

Edited May 25, 2010 by radcradick

[meecat]

Look for patterns in your performance. Are there specific areas (geometry, algebra, probability, etc.) that you have trouble in? I think you also need to realize that the GRE quant is really a test of how you can apply backdoor strategies to get the answer quickly. Many problems would be difficult to solve with brute force, but are very easy if you understand the little algebraic tricks inherent to the problem (such as reducing fractions, canceling numbers, making one side of a comparison look like another, etc.) You need to brush up not only on your math skills, but your ability to find shortcuts and apply various strategies to a given problem as well. Only then will you be able to increase your score.

[Kari]

I don't know if this would help but I've been told that there has to be consistency. My problem is that I work full time so I'm not consistent with my study, i.e. I don't study for math at every point in the day and I often take a break for a week to study verbal or something. I'm trying to fix that but I'm also taking a class while going full time (and I work an hour away from my home).

Apparently, this isn't the right way to do and since the topics are so diverse (in the quantative) that you there would be know way to fully know EVERYTHING. I'm planning to do math at least 1 hour or so a day for the next 2 months at the very least and take a practice test at least once a week. This is coming from at least 2 people who get As most of their math, and physics courses and they're of average intelligence. It just sucks to know that cramming for 2 months is the way to go but at least it gave me hope that I might actually get a better score.

I'll keep posted on my progress and good luck to you on your studying!

Hope this helps!