Behind in Quant -- Best resources for the basics??

Hi sdilley,

Many GMATers are 'rusty' when it comes to their Quant skills, Verbal skills or both - so you're not alone. Thankfully, much of the 'math' that you'll need to know for the Quant section isn't that advanced (most of it is Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry - along with a few specialty subjects). You can also (re)learn all of that math without having to spend any money. For free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. After spending a little time re-building those skills, you can jump back into your GMAT Quant studies.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi Rich,

Thank you for the quick reply and for the help! I've started down the Khan Academy path and will continue to do so. It's encouraging to hear 1) that I'm not alone and 2) that I'm working towards the right path.

The answers to your questions are below:
Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
This is the first time I've really taken the time to sit down and study. I've put in about 10 hours on Khan Academy so far and about 10 hours in practice tests, understanding the test, and reviewing test problems.
2) What study materials have you used so far?
Khan Academy, Veritas Prep App (videos), Manhattan Prep GMAT Course materials, Official GMAT study guide, Kaplan GMAT Study Guide
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
The first time I took the official test was during my undergrad, which I didn't study for. I got a 540, I believe. I tossed the score because I was so disappointed (ha!). After putting in my bit of time studying, I took a practice test on Kaplan and only got a 620 (Q41/V34). I've only studied math, so far, in my prep and it was at least better than my original test.

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
I know this seems lofty but my goal is over 700.
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
When I'm prepared. Ideally sometime in the next couple of months.
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
I would like to hit first round deadlines, if I'm ready. If not, I will apply in round 2.
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
London Business School
Harvard
Stanford
MIT
Columbia
Cambridge


Thank you again for all of your help, I truly appreciate it!

Hi sdilley,

Hang in there my friend. As long as you can follow a thorough and structured study plan, as well as a realistic timeline, you CAN improve your GMAT quant skills. More specifically, you need to follow a study plan that allows you to learn each GMAT quant topic individually and then practice each topic until you’ve gained mastery.

To study in such a way, you may consider using an online self-study course, and, as has been mentioned, TTP would be perfect for you. We are the top-rated quant course here on GMAT Club and have helped thousands of GMAT students, similar to you, who have needed to learn GMAT quant "from the ground up”.

If you have any further questions regarding your study plan or about TTP, feel free to reach out to me directly.

Posted from my mobile device

Hi sdilley,

Since you're still fairly early-on in your studies, you shouldn't be too concerned about your overall Quant and Verbal skills just yet. Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so it's likely that you just have not put in enough time and effort to have mastered any subjects just yet. Your 620 is a solid performance - and shows that you have the capacity to learn and improve (which you'll likely do as you continue to study and learn more about the content, Tactics and little "secrets" to the Exam). You also have plenty of time before the Round 1/Round 2 application deadlines - which is good.

That all having been said, to hit your Score Goal, you'll likely require at least another 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Given the timeline that you've described, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led), so you should plan to look into the available options.

1) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?
2) Over the next 2-3 months, will there be any periods of time in which you won't be able to study (such as vacation time, a 'busier' time at work etc.)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich