Manhattan/Williamsburg GRE & GMAT Math Tutor

What level of math is required for the GRE?

The test rewards those with a mastery of arithmetic and Algebra 1, a small subset of geometry, and a tiny bit of combinatorics/probability and statistics.  The Quantitative section of the GRE exercises reading, problem solving, and reasoning skills as much as pure math ability.

Am I allowed to use a Calculator on the exam?

Yes, but only the very basic on-screen calculator that is now integrated into the GRE.

gre calculator

How is the revised GRE scored?

There are three GRE scores:

  1. Verbal Reasoning
    • 130-170 score scale
    • Two 20 question sections, 30 minutes each
  2. Quantitative Reasoning
    • 130-170 score scale
    • Two 20 question sections, 35 minutes each
  3. Analytical Writing
    • 0-6 score scale with 1/2 point increments
    • Score is averaged from two essay tasks:
      • Analyze an Issue
      • Analyze an Argument
The difficulty of the second quantitative and verbal sections is determined by your performance on the first.  Your score on the quantitative is computed considering the difficulty and number of correct answers on each section.  Many stress over the details of this, but there is no trick to gaming the system.  The smart appproach is simple; give each question your best effort and about 105 seconds of time.

What's a good Quantitative GRE score?

Good is relative, but what's important is how your application will look next to the competition.  Here is a table mapping Quantitative score to percentile ranking, showing where each score would place you among the entire pool of graduage program hopefuls:

What GRE scores should I be shooting for?

In short, you should try to get as high of a score as possible, but have an idea of how your score will look compared to other applicants.  Here are the average scores for a sample of top schools (according to about.com), as well as the percentile ranking corresponding to the scores.  Take a look:The scores above will put you in the middle of the accepted student pile.  If the rest of your application is outstanding, you may be able to get in with less.  Some applicants need higher than average scores to be competitive.  It would be wise to contact some of the programs you are looking at, and asking what the average or median quantitative GRE scores are amoung the accepted applicants.

How long will it take to get the score I want?

This is the most common, and hardest question to answer.  It depends on the delta between your current ability and your goal, how many hours a week you are able to study, and how fast you learn.  Most of my students who are able to study an hour a day need a month or two to achieve their goal.

Which GRE resources would you recommend?

Great free resources:
The ETS GRE Site
GRE Practice Book
MATH REVIEW for the GRE
Official GRE mathematical conventions
GRE PowerPrep II (2 computer-based GRE tests)

Recommended books for purchase:
The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test
(official) Practicing to Take the GRE (designed for old test)
Kaplan New GRE Math Workbook
Kaplan GRE Exam Math Workbook (designed for old test)

What languages are you able to tutor math in?

Unfortunately I'm only fluent in English.

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