GRE Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as to solve problems using mathematical concepts.

Arithmetic and Number PropertiesAlgebraic Expressions and EquationsData Interpretation
Geometry and MeasurementStatistics and ProbabilityWord Problems and Quantitative Comparisons
Personal Finance DecisionsData Analysis in CareersTravel and Logistics
Time Management TechniquesSmart Guessing and EliminationCareful Reading and Rechecking
Arithmetic and Numbe...Algebraic Expression...Data InterpretationGeometry and Measure...Statistics and Proba...Word Problems and Qu...Personal Finance Dec...Data Analysis in Car...Travel and LogisticsTime Management Tech...Smart Guessing and E...Careful Reading and ...
Study Strategies

Smart Guessing and Elimination

Making Your Best Guess

You won’t know every answer, and that’s okay! The GRE doesn’t penalize for wrong answers, so always guess.

Strategies

  • Eliminate obviously wrong choices first.
  • Plug answer choices into the question to see what fits.
  • Trust your instincts if you’re stuck between two options.

Why It Works

Smart guessing can turn a tough question into an easy point, raising your overall score.

Examples

  • Narrowing four choices down to two, then choosing the one that fits the context best.

  • Eliminating choices that don’t make sense mathematically before guessing.

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Careful Reading and Rechecking