GRE General Test cheat sheet

Quantitative, verbal and issue-essay reasoning foundations

• Successive percent changes multiply: apply (1 + r) factors in sequence

• Percent change is always relative to the base, not the original headline number

• Factor rather than divide when a variable appears on both sides

• Reversing the inequality sign is required only when multiplying or dividing by a negative

• Never assume a figure is to scale; use only given markings and values

• Memorize the 45–45–90 and 30–60–90 side ratios cold

• Convert means to sums before combining or altering data sets

• Adding a constant shifts center but not spread; multiplying scales spread by |k|

• Summarize the passage's claim and structure before answering any question.

• For function questions, test each choice with “in order to” and demand a purpose, not a paraphrase.

• Find the signal word (contrast, support, definition) before evaluating any choice.

• Write your own simple prediction for each blank, then match it to the options.

• Two correct choices must yield sentences alike in meaning; they need not be synonyms.

• Predict a word first, then look for the pair surrounding your prediction.

• Build a reasoned position that addresses the actual instruction, qualifications and evidence.

• The instruction line after the prompt defines the task; answer that instruction explicitly.

• Judge sufficiency for the exact target question and stated domain.

• Test statements independently before combining them.