Best GRE Prep Book for Quantitative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for GRE prep books specifically for the quantitative section of the GRE. Participants share their experiences and opinions on the difficulty of the quantitative questions and the necessity of preparatory materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for advanced GRE prep books that focus on challenging math questions, aiming for a perfect score.
  • Another participant argues that the quantitative section is relatively easy, likening it to middle school math, and emphasizes the importance of getting used to the computer format and time management.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the perceived ease of the GRE quantitative section, noting that the average score for engineers is around 750, suggesting that it is not trivial for everyone.
  • There are claims that preparation should focus on test-taking strategies and avoiding careless mistakes rather than on the mathematical content itself, which some consider basic.
  • One participant mentions that many in their institute achieved perfect scores, attributing any lost points to familiarity with the test format or time management issues rather than difficulty with the material.
  • A later reply criticizes the tone of some responses, suggesting that belittling those who find math challenging is unhelpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the difficulty of the GRE quantitative section, with some asserting it is easy for those in quantitative fields, while others argue that it is not trivial and requires practice. There is no consensus on the necessity of prep books versus practice tests.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of test-taking strategies and familiarity with the test format, indicating that preparation may vary based on individual experiences and backgrounds in mathematics.

unhorizon
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Hey,

Can anyone recommend me a GRE prep book that helped them prepare for the quantitative section of the GRE? It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise because of the forum we are on, but I am shooting for an 800 in quant, so I obviously don't need an extremely basic review book. I want something that will give me tips for the hardest math questions. So any suggestions?
 
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IMO, the type of questions on the quantitative section on the GRE is ridiculously easy, and is at the middle school/early high school level.

The only issue may be getting used to the computer format of the test, and making sure you have enough time to do all the questions. ETS should mail you a CD with practice tests when you register. You can also download the software from their website. I think that is more than adequate practice.
 
You're right, getting an 800 will be no problem, sorry for asking.
 
haha. I hope that last post was sarcasm.

It's good to go in confident, but not cocky. If you don't prepare well for something you are naturally going to under perform.
 
His response was prompted by siddharth
it was similar to

A-"Do you know of any books to prepare for PGRE?""

B-"I killed that exam,it was childsplay to get a 990 and I only used the practice exam they sent me. You might have trouble bubbling the answers. Buy a good eraser."

A-"ok."

There are a few computer based prepare for GRE options and books. You could also use some SAT problems.
 
^ Well, the reason Siddharth was so flippant about it is that the GRE quantitative part should be trivial to anyone in a field remotely quantitative (math, physics, engineering, etc.). It doesn't cover any calculus, and so it is a lot like the SAT math test. Now, I could see it being difficult for someone who hasn't used any math in four years.
 
The GRE quantitative section obviously is not trivial for anyone in a math related field seeing as how the average for all engineers is about 750. Thank you, though, I know never to ask a question on this forum again.
 
Manchot said:
^ Well, the reason Siddharth was so flippant about it is that the GRE quantitative part should be trivial to anyone in a field remotely quantitative (math, physics, engineering, etc.). It doesn't cover any calculus, and so it is a lot like the SAT math test. Now, I could see it being difficult for someone who hasn't used any math in four years.

If it was that trivial the average would be 800 not 750. Even something as simple as adding needs practice if you want to get it 100% right even in high pressure situations. You only reinforced the lack of any advice in this thread.
 
unhorizon said:
The GRE quantitative section obviously is not trivial for anyone in a math related field seeing as how the average for all engineers is about 750. Thank you, though, I know never to ask a question on this forum again.

I would assume the average is 750 because they made a careless mistake, not because they didnt know how to answer the question.

Preperation should focus on test taking ability and answer checking. The material itself is so easy its a little sickening.
 
  • #10
unhorizon said:
I obviously don't need an extremely basic review book. I want something that will give me tips for the hardest math questions. So any suggestions?

j93 said:
Even something as simple as adding needs practice if you want to get it 100% right even in high pressure situations.

GRE Verbal must be challenging.
 
  • #11
The GRE quantitative section obviously is not trivial for anyone in a math related field seeing as how the average for all engineers is about 750. Thank you, though, I know never to ask a question on this forum again.

If it was that trivial the average would be 800 not 750. Even something as simple as adding needs practice if you want to get it 100% right even in high pressure situations. You only reinforced the lack of any advice in this thread.

I can only speak from my experience. In my institute, almost every person who wrote the GRE got 800 in the quant section. In my opinion, the only way you are going to loose points, is because you weren't familiar with the format of the test, had a problem with time management or silly errors.

This is why I suggested that unhorizon do the official practice tests released by ETS. The syllabus covered is very very easy. I don't think you need to waste money on a preparatory book which reviews pythagorus theorem, eqn of a straight line, etc if you studied engineering :rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
  • #12
um... really? all he asked for were some recommendations for good practice books, and all some of you have to offer is belittlement of people who find math a little harder than you?
 

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