GRE Time Management

Cheatsheet Content

Quantitative Reasoning Structure: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section. Pacing: Approximately 1 minute 45 seconds per question. Strategy: First pass: Solve easy/medium problems quickly. Second pass: Tackle harder problems, mark and return if stuck for more than 2 minutes. Do NOT spend more than 3 minutes on any single question initially. Use the "Mark" feature and review button effectively. Question Types: Quantitative Comparison: Often quicker if you spot relationships. Multiple Choice (Select One/Many): Read carefully for "select all that apply." Numeric Entry: Pay attention to units and rounding instructions. Key Skill: Estimation. Often you can eliminate choices without full calculation. Verbal Reasoning Structure: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 30 minutes per section. Pacing: Approximately 1 minute 30 seconds per question. Strategy: Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence: Aim for 30-60 seconds per question. These are quick wins if you know the vocabulary. Reading Comprehension: Short passages (1-2 paragraphs): 1-2 questions. Medium passages (2-4 paragraphs): 2-3 questions. Long passages (4+ paragraphs): 3-4 questions. Read questions first for RC, then skim passage for main idea and structure. For detailed questions, locate specific information in the passage. Do NOT get bogged down by unfamiliar vocabulary in RC; often the context is enough. Vocabulary: Consistent study is crucial. Use flashcards. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Structure: 2 essays (Analyze an Issue, Analyze an Argument), 30 minutes each. Pacing: Strict 30-minute limit per essay. Strategy for Each Essay: 5 minutes: Plan/Outline. Brainstorm ideas, examples, counterarguments. Structure your essay (intro, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion). 20 minutes: Write. Focus on clear arguments, logical flow, and supporting evidence. 5 minutes: Review/Proofread. Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and ensure you addressed the prompt fully. Key Elements: Clarity of thought and expression. Well-supported arguments. Logical organization. Correct grammar and mechanics. Practice: Write full essays under timed conditions. General Test-Taking Tips Breaks: A 10-minute break is offered after the second Quantitative section. Use it to refresh. Short 1-minute breaks between sections are also allowed. Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and refine pacing. Skip and Return: Use the "Mark" feature for questions you're unsure about. This allows you to quickly navigate back. Guessing: There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the GRE. Always answer every question, even if you have to guess. Stay Calm: If you encounter a difficult section, don't panic. Focus on the next question. Each section is scored independently (within its domain). Reviewing: In Quant and Verbal, if you finish early, review marked questions first, then any other questions you felt unsure about. Read Directions: Always quickly read the directions for each new question type to avoid mistakes.