Jfd
Hello everyone,
I’m currently studying for my first gmat attempt coming up in 3 weeks.
So far I’ve completed most of the
OG questions, Kaplan quant review book, and done 7 practice exams, with scores trending upward toward the 700 mark. (Last exam was Q45, V38)
Since I’ve got a target score in the 740-760 range, I need to get to the 49-51 range in quant.
I’m terrible in probabilities and number properties. What ressources would you recommend to learn and practice these subjects?
Thanks!
Posted from my mobile deviceHello Jfd,
If you are looking at improving select topics of Quant (as you have mentioned), then 3 weeks might be just enough time or otherwise depending on how much time you are willing to put in per day. But since you have gone to the extent of saying that your are "Terrible" at these topics, you may have to put in some extra time on a daily basis for the next 3 weeks.
As you have rightly observed, to get into the 740-760 interval, you will clearly need a Quant score upwards of 49. That essentially means that you have to make fewer than 7 mistakes (say). This means two things:
On PS questions, you need to use smart strategies like back-solving, elimination and plugging values to cut down on the time taken in solving a question. This will also help you in reducing the number of calculation/silly mistakes which you make when you take the more conventional way of solving PS questions ( using variables, equations etc.,). You will also have to ensure that you don't make ANY careless errors on PS questions because in PS questions the final answer matters, unlike DS questions.
If you want to score a 50 or a 51 on Quant, you cannot do if DS is not your forte. On DS questions, look at strategies to save time by eliminating options. In topics like Algebra, analysis of the question stem is better than plugging values. In topics like Number systems, using a combination of plugging values and analysis helps. IN topics like Venn diagrams, P&C and Probability, logic is the backbone of your solution.
Now, moving on to your question
about the resources you can use. I'm assuming that there are a few official mock tests among the 7 that you have already taken up. Since your Verbal scores seem to be in a good space, focussing on getting your Quant scores up makes sense.
For topics like Number systems and Probability, sticking to the
Official resources like the OG, Quant Review and the official mock tests is the best. The Official Quant review book is particularly useful for people who have completed the questions from the
OG and are looking for additional Official questions of higher difficulty level. You may have to review your concepts thoroughly though, before you practice from the above mentioned resources.
If you can lay your hands on
the Official Advanced questions book, that would be an asset for you, especially to have access to those
150 questions of 700+ difficulty level. Looking for
retired GMAT questions on GMATClub can help you get a hang of the different models of questions that have been tested from all the different topics. In general, utilise this great
forum of GMATClub to find questions of varied difficulty level for any topic that you want.
Utilise your official mock tests wisely and have at least 1 of them in reserve to be taken closer to your test date.
Here are some useful resources for you to strengthen your concepts.
%20Mastering%20the%20Remainder%20Questions%20in%20Number%20Systems%20-%20How%20to%20score%20a%2051%20in%20GMAT%20QuantHope that helps!