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wvu
Joined: 30 Mar 2017
Last visit: 08 Oct 2025
Posts: 17
Given Kudos: 9
Location: United States (NY)
Schools: Stanford '25 (D) Wharton '25 (A$) HBS '25 (D)
GMAT 1: 730 Q44 V45 (Online)
GPA: 3.9
25 Mar 2021, 11:03
Kudos
Bookmarks
Disclaimer: I've included a TLDR at the bottom, so feel free to skip down to that. If you are offering private tutoring, I appreciate the thought, but please refrain from spamming my PMs. Also apologies in advance as I am sure there is a similar thread out there, but I didn't come across any with the same nuance in my search.
Hi All -
Back in spring 2017 I attempted to self-study for the GMAT (graduated a semester early from college and had the free time), but ultimately did not achieve my target score (730+) as a result of poor performance on the quant section. I am now coming back around to retaking the exam as I am looking to apply to business school in the near term (either fall 2021 or fall 2022), but now I will have to study while working full-time in a finance job that gives me very little free time during the week (~1 hour max to study per day) so I am looking for advice on the most efficient approach to doing so with the latest resources.
From looking through the forums, it seems like there has been a proliferation of new platforms / programs for GMAT prep since my last attempt where I mainly relied on a combination of the OG GMAT book and the MGMAT books (as well as the GMAT Club forum, particularly solutions provided by Bunuel) so I would appreciate any suggestions on what approach would be best before spending $$ or time, though I am willing to spend whatever is needed (within reason) on prep materials. For context, my verbal scores last time around were sufficient even without much prep as I am a native English speaker and have always performed better on those sections of standardized tests. Below are the results from the official practice tests I took last time as well as the official test:
GMATPrep Test 1 - 680 (42Q, 41V, 8 IR) - April 17, 2017
GMATPrep Test 2 - 640 (36Q, 40V, 8 IR) - May 1, 2017
GMATPrep Test 3- 730 (48Q, 42V, 8 IR) - May 8, 2017
GMATPrep Test 4 - 640 (39Q, 40V, 7 IR) - May 15, 2017
Official GMAT Test - 650 (39Q, 41V, 8 IR) - May 17, 2017
As you can see, even with preparation on the verbal side my score stayed fairly consistent and the change in quant score was really what drove the difference in total score. While I would plan to spend some amount of time on verbal this time around, I will need to focus the vast majority on quant to be consistently in the 48-49+ range that I'll need for a score within the zone of my target. On the quant side, I struggled more with DS than PS (though both need improvement) and was slightly worse on geometry than other topics. I believe the driver of this is that I have never been confident in my math ability and therefore end up tripping myself up on DS questions as I am not always positive that I know the various potential ways to solve the problem.
From what I've gathered in reviewing recent forum posts, it appears that TTP is the highest rated quant prep resource, but the approach taken on this essentially boils down to brute force / repetition that will require 3-4 months of intensive studying. Ideally, given my time constraints, I am hoping to avoid this sort of approach, but if the feedback is that this will be the best strategy to improve my quant score, then I am open to it.
TLDR: Looking to focus studying 99% on quant to get to Q48-Q49+ to reach target overall score, have limited time (~1 hour per day during week + longer weekend sessions) but able to spend whatever is needed (within reason) on prep guides / resources. Is TTP the best approach for me or are there other resources that make more sense for my situation?
Hi All -
Back in spring 2017 I attempted to self-study for the GMAT (graduated a semester early from college and had the free time), but ultimately did not achieve my target score (730+) as a result of poor performance on the quant section. I am now coming back around to retaking the exam as I am looking to apply to business school in the near term (either fall 2021 or fall 2022), but now I will have to study while working full-time in a finance job that gives me very little free time during the week (~1 hour max to study per day) so I am looking for advice on the most efficient approach to doing so with the latest resources.
From looking through the forums, it seems like there has been a proliferation of new platforms / programs for GMAT prep since my last attempt where I mainly relied on a combination of the OG GMAT book and the MGMAT books (as well as the GMAT Club forum, particularly solutions provided by Bunuel) so I would appreciate any suggestions on what approach would be best before spending $$ or time, though I am willing to spend whatever is needed (within reason) on prep materials. For context, my verbal scores last time around were sufficient even without much prep as I am a native English speaker and have always performed better on those sections of standardized tests. Below are the results from the official practice tests I took last time as well as the official test:
GMATPrep Test 1 - 680 (42Q, 41V, 8 IR) - April 17, 2017
GMATPrep Test 2 - 640 (36Q, 40V, 8 IR) - May 1, 2017
GMATPrep Test 3- 730 (48Q, 42V, 8 IR) - May 8, 2017
GMATPrep Test 4 - 640 (39Q, 40V, 7 IR) - May 15, 2017
Official GMAT Test - 650 (39Q, 41V, 8 IR) - May 17, 2017
As you can see, even with preparation on the verbal side my score stayed fairly consistent and the change in quant score was really what drove the difference in total score. While I would plan to spend some amount of time on verbal this time around, I will need to focus the vast majority on quant to be consistently in the 48-49+ range that I'll need for a score within the zone of my target. On the quant side, I struggled more with DS than PS (though both need improvement) and was slightly worse on geometry than other topics. I believe the driver of this is that I have never been confident in my math ability and therefore end up tripping myself up on DS questions as I am not always positive that I know the various potential ways to solve the problem.
From what I've gathered in reviewing recent forum posts, it appears that TTP is the highest rated quant prep resource, but the approach taken on this essentially boils down to brute force / repetition that will require 3-4 months of intensive studying. Ideally, given my time constraints, I am hoping to avoid this sort of approach, but if the feedback is that this will be the best strategy to improve my quant score, then I am open to it.
TLDR: Looking to focus studying 99% on quant to get to Q48-Q49+ to reach target overall score, have limited time (~1 hour per day during week + longer weekend sessions) but able to spend whatever is needed (within reason) on prep guides / resources. Is TTP the best approach for me or are there other resources that make more sense for my situation?
25 Mar 2021, 12:07
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi. Sorry about the score in 2017.
I would recommend doing all your studying in the morning before work, whatever you end up doing. Whether you study with TTP, redo Manhattan or light incense in front of a fuzzy bowling ball, do it in the morning.
Asked to which option to take, I’ve noticed that certain things work for some and others work for others. So sometimes people will swear by a certain method and it just doesn’t work for others. Therefore, I encourage you to find your footing. Take a look back at what you’ve done with Manhattan and see what you did right and perhaps what you didn’t do as right ...
Also, maybe worth trying a few things. TTP does have a free trial for a few days and that hooks many people and give it a shot. There is math revolution that uses a completely new approach to math. It’s very different from most other products and if you don’t mind the fact that their chief person is not a native speaker, it is a Nother strong Option for quant.
Finally, you may consider getting Manhattan math foundations for I think they call it foundations of GMAT math. It takes a step back and revisit pesky things such as fractions and number operations and all these other things you have probably forgotten. It’s not bad if you haven’t looked at high school math for the last three years.
One last point of encouragement, I would dude just a bit on the verbal side to keep things going, perhaps 10%. I see a lot of people focusing all their efforts in one area and then get it up but go down in the other. That requires another month of prep and then other test it could easily be avoided. Please do set yourself a deadline in the goal by which you want to take the test and then plan it all out and keep track of your time and how fast you’re moving through material and also how your score is performing. Make sure you understand how well or how poorly you covering the chapters and don’t just go through the motions. I would set a goal to get at least eight or nine right out of any 10 questions you attempt.
Good luck!
Posted from my mobile device
I would recommend doing all your studying in the morning before work, whatever you end up doing. Whether you study with TTP, redo Manhattan or light incense in front of a fuzzy bowling ball, do it in the morning.
Asked to which option to take, I’ve noticed that certain things work for some and others work for others. So sometimes people will swear by a certain method and it just doesn’t work for others. Therefore, I encourage you to find your footing. Take a look back at what you’ve done with Manhattan and see what you did right and perhaps what you didn’t do as right ...
Also, maybe worth trying a few things. TTP does have a free trial for a few days and that hooks many people and give it a shot. There is math revolution that uses a completely new approach to math. It’s very different from most other products and if you don’t mind the fact that their chief person is not a native speaker, it is a Nother strong Option for quant.
Finally, you may consider getting Manhattan math foundations for I think they call it foundations of GMAT math. It takes a step back and revisit pesky things such as fractions and number operations and all these other things you have probably forgotten. It’s not bad if you haven’t looked at high school math for the last three years.
One last point of encouragement, I would dude just a bit on the verbal side to keep things going, perhaps 10%. I see a lot of people focusing all their efforts in one area and then get it up but go down in the other. That requires another month of prep and then other test it could easily be avoided. Please do set yourself a deadline in the goal by which you want to take the test and then plan it all out and keep track of your time and how fast you’re moving through material and also how your score is performing. Make sure you understand how well or how poorly you covering the chapters and don’t just go through the motions. I would set a goal to get at least eight or nine right out of any 10 questions you attempt.
Good luck!
Posted from my mobile device
26 Mar 2021, 03:58
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hello wvu,
GMAT Club is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, etc.
Success in GMAT Math is entirely based on vital concepts, rigorous practice, complete knowledge of math question types and patterns, quick approaches, and time-management.
You can try our free diagnostic test https://www.mathrevolution.com/diagnostic/dtExamMember and receive a comprehensive study guide by topic. This test will clearly help you understand your weak areas.
You can schedule a Comprehensive counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 30 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.
We recommend that you learn the Variable Approach for solving DS questions and the IVY approach for solving PS questions to improve your accuracy and save time while solving the question types.[/b][/color]
The most important thing for you will be learning and commanding the Variable Approach for DS questions and IVY Approach for PS questions. These approaches are the robust self-designed time-saving techniques that will help you learn efficiently, thus raising your score in the quick nick of time.
Register with MathRevolution https://www.mathrevolution.com/member/signup to get access to our 7-day full on-demand course (27 topics, 490 subtopics, and 1,500 questions) for free trial lessons.
Start with the learning of the concepts. Make detailed notes so that you can revise them 3 days before your official GMAT test.
Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve your target score. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.
Adding to the same, mastery of the Variable Approach to solve DS questions and the IVY approach to solve PS questions would add a feather to the cap. Below is the useful link we will recommend you to visit on GMAT club to experience the power of DS and IVY approaches:
Ultimate Q51 guide: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-ultimate ... l#p1613600
Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of- ... l#p1641411
We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@mathrevolution.com.
Success is within your reach.
Good luck!
Math Revolution Team
GMAT Club is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, etc.
Success in GMAT Math is entirely based on vital concepts, rigorous practice, complete knowledge of math question types and patterns, quick approaches, and time-management.
You can try our free diagnostic test https://www.mathrevolution.com/diagnostic/dtExamMember and receive a comprehensive study guide by topic. This test will clearly help you understand your weak areas.
You can schedule a Comprehensive counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 30 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.
We recommend that you learn the Variable Approach for solving DS questions and the IVY approach for solving PS questions to improve your accuracy and save time while solving the question types.[/b][/color]
The most important thing for you will be learning and commanding the Variable Approach for DS questions and IVY Approach for PS questions. These approaches are the robust self-designed time-saving techniques that will help you learn efficiently, thus raising your score in the quick nick of time.
Register with MathRevolution https://www.mathrevolution.com/member/signup to get access to our 7-day full on-demand course (27 topics, 490 subtopics, and 1,500 questions) for free trial lessons.
Start with the learning of the concepts. Make detailed notes so that you can revise them 3 days before your official GMAT test.
Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve your target score. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.
Adding to the same, mastery of the Variable Approach to solve DS questions and the IVY approach to solve PS questions would add a feather to the cap. Below is the useful link we will recommend you to visit on GMAT club to experience the power of DS and IVY approaches:
Ultimate Q51 guide: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-ultimate ... l#p1613600
Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of- ... l#p1641411
We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@mathrevolution.com.
Success is within your reach.
Good luck!
Math Revolution Team
