Total GMAT Math - Jeff Sackmann

Basic Description:
The entire collection totals 1800 math problems and is divided into 18 sets of 100 questions each. The five major topics covered in these question banks include: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number Properties, and Word Problems. Each major topic has a “Fundamental” and “Challenge” set. Additional sets that have a more narrow focus are also available. The whole package costs about $250. Each set is sent as a PDF file. For a more thorough description, refer to the following webpage:

https://www.gmatproblems.com/


Pros:
1. Quality – These questions are very similar to the GMAT and the explanations are absolutely stellar. Practicing with 1800 questions and fully reading their explanations will definitely reinforce concepts previously learned and improve your math skills.
2. Organization - Sackmann divides his sets into a number of math topics, so you can pick specific sections to focus on (statistics, word problems, geometry, etc.). He also organizes the sets and even the questions according to difficulty. This helps you to record your progress more accurately. And no more guessing the difficulty level of a particular question!
3. Online Practice - Reviewing the sets as a PDF provides an opportunity to grow accustomed to working out math problems that appear on a computer screen.

Cons:
1. Price - At $250, the entire set is very expensive!
2. Time Limitations - It takes a bit of time to complete the sets along with other question sources (OG, GMATClub, etc.). For those who have a strict timetable, this could pose a problem.

Overall Assessment:
The organization, quality, and quantity of these questions are fantastic. I simply cannot recommend these problems highly enough. My first practice test was a quant score of 18. And this was after I had read a GMAT book! Even after finishing the Manhattan math guides, I still struggled with the OG questions to the point of actually crying and hitting myself on the head with a notebook (the metal rings part). I simply couldn’t execute what I had learned and had no idea how to adjust. Sackmann’s math sets literally saved me and allowed me to advance to the GMATClub Tests – the most powerful quant questions on earth – and perform well on the real test. Without these two resources, I couldn’t have achieved my goals.

As to who could benefit from these questions, it all depends on the person’s situation. If you’re a math whiz and find the OG easy, it’s probably best to go for the GMATClub Tests and Jeff Sackmann’s Extreme Challenge. But if you have already covered the concepts and still struggle with the OG, or have a “learning-by-doing” mentality, then the complete set is something you should definitely consider as a compliment - but not a substitute - to your studies.

Additional Discussions:

total-gmat-math-jeff-sackmann-86892.html

gmat-hacks-quant-1800-questions-jeff-sackmann-90761.html

gmat-club-tests-vs-jeff-sackmann-s-extreme-sets-96490.html#p742989

ALL YOU NEED FOR QUANT: new-to-the-math-forum-please-read-this-first-140445.html

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR QUANT SCORE

Improving from 30-35 to 40-44
Improving from 44 to 50

Other discussions dedicated to this issue:
quant-strategy-to-go-from-q47-to-q50-q51-137078.html
i-m-getting-a-consistent-q-48-49-i-m-an-engg-student-and-134999.html
3-weeks-to-increase-quant-score-134473.html
improving-q-from-a-50-to-a-145212.html
the-final-climb-quest-for-q-50-from-q47-129441.html
help-need-for-quant-150311.html
hitting-the-wall-please-share-your-prep-experience-150112.html
how-to-improve-quant-score-137975.html
need-pointers-to-move-q42-43-q50-148568.html
a-way-to-increase-from-q35-40-to-q-138750.html
do-i-need-to-change-the-way-i-study-110611.html
several-people-has-asked-me-if-it-is-possible-to-improve-40820.html
gmat-in-less-than-4-weeks-desperately-need-quant-advice-127092.html
stuck-at-47-test-in-a-month-137521.html
improve-gmat-score-from-620-to-700-need-urgent-help-144530.html
calling-quant-experts-need-a-strategy-to-improve-146045.html
final-weeks-calculation-silly-errors-and-speed-129408.html
knocked-down-by-the-gmat-for-the-second-time-150350.html
several-people-has-asked-me-if-it-is-possible-to-improve-40820.html
how-to-improve-your-quant-from-q44-to-q50-141670.html
help-gmat-in-3-days-134350.html

HOW TO SPEED UP

Want to speed up? Check this: Timing Strategies on the GMAT
Other discussions dedicated to this issue:
for-non-quant-beasts-128188.html
how-to-speed-up-answering-math-questions-19365.html
having-trouble-finishing-quant-section-any-ideas-110613.html
ds-and-timing-help-108310.html
final-weeks-calculation-silly-errors-and-speed-129408.html

Hope this helps.
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I used this and that math questions and I thought the materials were very good. I started with the MGMAT books and then moved on to Sackmann's materials. In hindsight, MGMAT helped me review the basics and Sackman's materials got me over the hump on how to tackle the quant section. The materials build a great foundation for gmat type questions. I improved drastically after using Sackman's materials but I focused on the tricks and fundamentals.

If you are weak in quant sackman's materials can be a little confusing. If you have decent knowledge go with sackman only.

Let me know if you have more questions about his materials. Total GMAT Math along with his challenge sets were beneficial.

Hi All,

I am comfortable with Maths. But I am observing that I am not able to make my quant score reach 51.
Though I have not been able to analyse much on the mistakes I think one of the reasons is that I tend to spend little more time on the early questions leaving less time for last ones
and thus committing mistakes in the end. but not sure as to what else can be the problem and how to improve on the same.

Attaching my 2 mcat quant timing sheets, if someone can give me some insights as to how can I improve it.

Thanks much !!!

Honestly, if you can get Q49 then Q51 is possible but you just need to have a fantastic day. However, it really isn't worth working towards as a goal because the ROI is so low. It only takes a couple of silly errors on the day and you will ruin your chance of Q51. Much more worthwhile to work on other weak components of your GMAT.

Hi,

It is neither too easy nor tough to get a 51 on the GMAT Quant. To develop any skill you need hard work, dedication, time and adaptive learning. Hard work and dedication is something that you can bring in with motivation.

Adaptive Learning is something that can guarantee you a 51. Now you cannot get a 51 on a bad day but we can convert all our normal days to 51. Which is why a 51 score indicates excellence. The following will help you to guarantee a 51:

1) Learning from each mistake : 33 % of the time should be spent practicing and the rest for reviewing the mistakes

2) Carrying more than one technique: You can't rely only on basic algebra skills to get you to the right answer always. There are various other techniques such as Numbers, Back Solving etc. which will help you to tackle tricky situations which can make or break a 51 score

3) Double Checking: If you give an extra 10 seconds to a question to double check your answer. There are many techniques to double check: Examples. Whenever you get an answer double check with an answer. I 'd say that 10 % of the times you will see a mistake.

4) As the famous Alex Ferguson says, " The hardest thing is doing anything the first time." So once you get a 51 once in any test then getting the second 51 won't be that tough.

If you follow all the above then only a bad day will not let you score a 51 and getting that 51 will become a habit.

Pushpinder Gill
_________________

Thanks Pushpinder.
Great Inputs !!!!

Till now I have been spending time attempting to solve the questions by doing calculation faster but using the "basic skills" only.
Seems like the 3 techniques you mentioned
A) Analyzing answers. B) Finding an alternative approach to a question c) Double checking.
can be more effective. I have some questions on application of these methods

Background :
I have done question from OG 12 and Quant Review but yes not using these methods.
Questions:
a) Should I be spending time on redoing the same questions OR should I be doing fresh questions.
b) If fresh questions, Please comment of the best resources for the same. From the forums I gathered
jeff sackman extreme-challenge // Total GMAT Maths by Jeff Sackmann // Manhattan Advanced GMAT Quant // GMAT Club Test // OTHERs ?
c) How should I be doing it ?
Timing for 37 questions at a time and trying to complete it in 60 mins. ( read in one of the post on GMAT Club )
OR
Some other way ?

I think i have wasted lot of my preparation time in just doing things and NOT doing in the most appropriate way so want to make sure that I don't it again.

Regards !!

Hi Nitin,

You could go with Jeff Sackmann book. Just try to aim for accuracy. Maintain an excel sheet with the following columns:
(1) Question number
(2) Right / Wrong
(3) Feedback : Why did you get the question wrong? Scratch paper, Conceptual Problem so that you can see the big picture once you finish 50 questions.

Pushpinder Gill
Quantitative Instructor
CrackVerbal
_________________

I think you need to work on two things:
Geometry
Exponents and Roots

In these two topics you are either taking too much time or getting wrong answers. Also, 6 mins for a question - not done. You are setting yourself up for disaster later. If you do well in first few questions by putting in too much time, the software will give you 700-800 level questions later on too. You cannot do them in 30 secs that too with additional time pressure on your mind. Hence you have to ensure that you move ahead after 3 mins. If you still haven't got the answer, just go with your best guess.

Hi Bunuel,

I am a big fan of yours. I request you to please put your own views about the query put up by crackmba2012, as I also am in the same situation. Your suggestions would be really helpful.

Thanks

Frankly, I'm not a fan of Jeff Sackmann sets.

As for improving the score, check below links:

ALL YOU NEED FOR QUANT

.

Best GMAT Math Prep Books (Reviews & Recommendations):

best-gmat-math-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-77291.html

Posts on DS strategies:

trouble-with-quant-some-tips-traps-that-might-help-you-34329.html
tips-on-approaching-ds-questions-104945.html
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2010/01/verita ... questions/
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2010/09/elimin ... fficiency/
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2011/08/gmat-d ... tion-type/
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2011/08/must-k ... trategies/
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2011/08/kaplan ... questions/
data-sufficiency-strategy-guide-130264.html

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR QUANT SCORE

Improving from 30-35 to 40-44
Improving from 44 to 50

Other discussions dedicated to this issue:
quant-strategy-to-go-from-q47-to-q50-q51-137078.html
i-m-getting-a-consistent-q-48-49-i-m-an-engg-student-and-134999.html
3-weeks-to-increase-quant-score-134473.html
improving-q-from-a-50-to-a-145212.html
the-final-climb-quest-for-q-50-from-q47-129441.html
help-need-for-quant-150311.html
hitting-the-wall-please-share-your-prep-experience-150112.html
how-to-improve-quant-score-137975.html
need-pointers-to-move-q42-43-q50-148568.html
a-way-to-increase-from-q35-40-to-q-138750.html
do-i-need-to-change-the-way-i-study-110611.html
several-people-has-asked-me-if-it-is-possible-to-improve-40820.html
gmat-in-less-than-4-weeks-desperately-need-quant-advice-127092.html
stuck-at-47-test-in-a-month-137521.html
improve-gmat-score-from-620-to-700-need-urgent-help-144530.html
calling-quant-experts-need-a-strategy-to-improve-146045.html
final-weeks-calculation-silly-errors-and-speed-129408.html
knocked-down-by-the-gmat-for-the-second-time-150350.html
several-people-has-asked-me-if-it-is-possible-to-improve-40820.html
how-to-improve-your-quant-from-q44-to-q50-141670.html
help-gmat-in-3-days-134350.html

HOW TO SPEED UP

Want to speed up? Check this: Timing Strategies on the GMAT
Other discussions dedicated to this issue:
for-non-quant-beasts-128188.html
how-to-speed-up-answering-math-questions-19365.html
having-trouble-finishing-quant-section-any-ideas-110613.html
ds-and-timing-help-108310.html
final-weeks-calculation-silly-errors-and-speed-129408.html

Hope this helps.
_________________

Dear GMATclubbers!
Kindly share your views regarding jeff sackmann's extreme challenger 1800 questions set as compared to current gmat questions types especially for non quant guys with target of 51 - 50.
views will be highly appreciated
thanks

Here are some reviews of Jeff Sackmann set:
review-of-jeff-sackmann-s-math-sets-96973.html
total-gmat-math-jeff-sackmann-86892.html
jeff-sackman-challenge-set-vs-fundamentals-set-104950.html
jeff-sackmann-s-1000-questions-107503.html

Hope it helps.
_________________

Where can one buy this? or find this

Here: Total GMAT Math
_________________

I have heard good things about Jeff’s materials but I also I have heard from someone that some questions are similar to OG/GMAT Prep. I can’t confirm though 😎

Posted from my mobile device
_________________

I have a book in progress, specifically about how to use reasoning (rather than math) to solve tough GMAT Quant problems.
You can read the first two sections for free at https://www.quantreasoning.com

If we're all mentioning our books, I've written a set of books teaching all of GMAT math in a conceptual way, the only way I know of that you can use to answer Q50-Q51 level questions. If anyone might be interested in buying those books, feel free to contact me at the email address below.

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