How can I improve quantitative reasoning?

Question

Quant is my weakness. I noticed that when I try to answer 700 and up questions, the problem would appear to be so complex for me that I wouldn't know how to approach it or see a path to solving it. This usually ends up with me choosing the wrong answer. When I review the correct answer and way of solving it, I would realize that the problem isn't so hard after all and that the concept applied is something I have already learned and am familiar with. I'm wondering how can I improve given this? For sub-600 and 600-700 questions, I would usually already have some sort of idea on how to approach the question but for some reason, I can't seem to see this path when solving for 700 and up questions.

Does this mean that I need to familiarize myself with the concept more or do I just need to answer more questions? Or should I have a different mindset or approach when answering 700 and up quant problems?

Appreciate any tips/advice

Archit3110 · Answer

Not clear what source you have used to prepare..
Try solving questions from OG + GC alongside give quiz on GC check solutions and ask wherever required

Posted from my mobile device

TheGMATStrategy · Answer

Great question - keep a list of Quant questions that you've had this experience solving.

Every day, at the start of your study session, go to the 5 questions you've seen LEAST recently.

Re-solve these 5 questions, paying particular attention to what you write down, and how organized it is.

If you get stuck, re-check the solution path.

What you're doing is developing your pattern recognition. You're also associating specific approaches to specific patterns.

Pattern recognition is different at the 700 level than it is at the 600 level.

How did you learn to tie your shoes? Repeating the same thing over and over again. NOT trying a new way every single time.

Do this for about 1 month, circle back, and let me know about the results

Does that help?

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi dendenden.

It may be that you just need to spend more time per question to give yourself time to see what's going on in the question and apply what you know.

When you are learning, it can take five minutes or more for a question to start to come into focus. Sometimes, it could take a half hour, but if you stick with a question, often you'll eventually see a path to the answer.

Also, you can just start trying different approaches. Often, when you just do something, even something that you're not sure will make any difference, you start to see how to answer the question.

For some more tips on how to master GMAT quant, see this post.

How to Increase Your GMAT Quant Score: Top 25 Tips

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi dendenden, I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider working with a study buddy who has strong Quant skills to see how they approach the section. Perhaps they tackle questions in a way you don't expect sometimes which changes your own approach.

5 Quant tips

KarishmaB · Answer

How long do you give yourself before you look at the solution? If you are good with 600-700 level questions then your concepts are fine. The intent of the harder questions is to make it harder for you to recognize the concept applied. Since you have little time, they can't make it harder by putting in tougher or tedious calculations. 
Try it from various different perspectives, taking examples of possible cases etc. You might see a pattern. If not, mark it and move on. Come back to it the next day with a fresh mind. See if you can solve it then. 
With time, familiarity will help you recognise the pattern in previously unseen questions too.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi dendenden,

In addition to the advice already provided, I advise engaging in topical studying. In other words, focus on one topic at a time where you learn all you can about just one topic, and then practice just that topic until you have achieved mastery. If you would like some more details on how to structure your studying, here is a great article you can check out:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

How can I improve quantitative reasoning?

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