How much improvement is possible?

Question

Hey guys,

I am struggeling significantly with the quant section on the GMAT. Even though I have beend studying for around 1-2 Month now I score mostly below the 30th percentile on practice Tests.
While my verbal scores are mostly very satisfying (42-46) I am very afraid that such a low quant score will be a major obstacle when applying for business school.

Maybe some of you guys, especially those which struggled with Quant or now people that have issues with math, could share some tips or experiences in this regard.

I am especially interessted with regards to the strategies, time and effort it took you to increase your quant score to a respectable level.

Furthermore, what would be realistic for someone with major struggles in quant? - 50th percentile, 60th,70th?

Best regards & thank you so much in advance,

(a desperate) Chris

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi Chris, You can try out the MGMAT guides as they are phenomenal and cover the entire syllabus really well. MGMAT's Foundation of GMAT Math guide is very helpful to brush up your basics. I must add that if you are particularly looking to discover and improve on your weak areas in Quant; a subscription to GMATCLUB tests is the best way to do that. They are indeed phenomenal and will not only pinpoint your weak areas but also help you improve on them. Further taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas. Further another advantage of taking many mocks is to build up your stamina. Apart from the GMATPREP tests, taking practise tests of any major GMATPREP company ought to do that. Lastly I would also encourage you to purchase the latest version of OG and the Quant review for some great additional practice. Here is a link that will help you with your decision. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ma ... ml?fl=menu Hope this helps. All the best.

Arro44 · Answer

Thank you so much mate, your help is highly appreciated!

I´ll have a look at those ressources and will continue to slowly but surely get this damn Quant score up.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Chris,

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How many weeks have you been study? 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 (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

Arro44 · Answer

Hi Rich,

thank you for reaching out, please find below answers to the questions:

Studies:  
1. I have been studying for around two months, during the first 7 weeks I have studied about 1hr/day during the week and 4hr/day during the weekend. Furthermore, I have taken 3 weeks vacation from work to dedicate this time for GMAT study. I am currently in the middle of this three week period.

2. I have mainly used the offical Guide, both verbal and quant, in combination with questions I have found in this forum. Additionally, I tried to watch a lot of youtube videos about test strategy and math concepts.

3. As of now I have completed two GMAC CATs with the following results:

CAT 1 Q34 / V42 / 630
CAT 2 Q35 / V46 / 660

Goals:

4. I would like to score 700+, ideally with a lower gap between verbal and quant than I currently have as I have heard that such a gap might be problematic during applications.

5. Ideally, I would like to take the GMAT prior to August to be able to apply in the 1st round for most European B-schools.

6. As indicated above I would like to start my applications process in Q3 of 2018 to get into the MBA class of 2019/2020.

7. My list is not fully narrowed down yet but if my score is good enough I would like to apply to the top programms in Europe (e.g. HEC, INSEAD, St. Gallen, Said, Judge)
I have spend some time living and working in the US and really enjoyed it but I am afraid that getting into the top business schools over there is even harder than in Europe.
(I am German and currently work in Germany)

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to support, 
Chris

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Chris,

Many Business Schools view an Applicant's Quant Scaled Score as an indicator of how that Applicant might handle the 'academic side' of the Program - and a Quant Scaled Score in the mid-Q30s might be seen as a 'red flag' at certain Programs. Thus, by focusing on the Quant section now - with an emphasis on Quant Tactics - you'll be better able to increase your GMAT Score AND how Business School Admissions Officers will view your potential to handle the Program.

"Review" is an exceptionally important part of the GMAT training process; your ability to define WHY you're getting questions wrong is essential to defining the areas that you need to work on (and the specific things that you need to 'fix '). As such, I'd like to know a bit more about your last CAT. While a full Mistake Tracker would provide a lot more information, there are some basic questions that you should be able to answer (and the more EXACT you can be with your answers, the better):

After reviewing each section of this recent CAT, how many questions did you get wrong....
1) Because of a silly/little mistake?
2) Because there was some math that you just could not remember how to do?
3) Because the question was too hard?
4) Because you were low on time and had to guess?

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

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