Quant prep strategies

Question

Hi!

I just started the GMAT prep (aiming to take the test end of October 2018) and am facing trouble getting a hang of the quant section. I do remember the basics we are taught in school, but I'm still struggling with solving the GMAT level questions, mainly because it's been a while since I graduated school. It's almost scaring me away from preparing for it.

Any tips/advise on how I should approach the questions or plan my preparation? Or any books I should refer to, to begin with? Currently using OG2019 to prepare, which isn't entirely helpful at the moment.

Thanks!

Posted from my mobile device

Princ · Answer

Hi Au15 You can download GMAT club math book from below link.It will help you in understanding quant basics. https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-math-book-87417.html Additionally you can use Manhattan GMAT Quantitative Strategy Guide Set, in case you need further help in understanding quant basics and methods to approach questions.

GMATPill · Answer

With quant - there are certain types of problems that repeat over and over. You'll want to get a feel for positive vs negative exponents, numberline properties, common geometric ratios like 30/60/90 triangles, divisibility checks, rate problems, and on the more advanced side, mixture/permutation problems.

The best approach we recommend is to understand some of these core problems -- and do slight variations off of that core problem. For example, you might have rates question with two trains moving towards each other -- what if they move away from each other? What if one goes north and the other goes east? What if they start at different times?

Once you are able to master these variations - the next time you see a variation, you'll know what to expect and be that much more prepared to deal with it.

This is the approach we take at GMAT Pill -- to teach core frameworks and do exercises off of the variations.

We encourage you to learn more about us at https://www.gmatpill.com/testimonials

In the meantime, practice with some quant questions free at:

https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... -questions

sudarshan22 · Answer

This might be of help :
https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-you-need ... 40445.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/ultimate-gma ... 44512.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-ps-ques ... 27957.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/ds-question- ... 28728.html

Apart from these, I would recommend GMATCLUB Quant tests - the best source for GMAT-like questions to practice.

Happy learning!

DavidTutorexamPAL · Answer

Hey  Au15 ,

Welcome to GMAT Club!

It sounds like you have some serious studying before you!
There are no magic bullets for GMAT questions in general, but you can certainly divide the subject matter into topics, and break down each topic into a set of learnable rules.
This is what GMAT courses do - they help break down the mass of frightening material into nice, bite-size, chunks.

But - it is important to realize that while you do need to know the basic concepts taught in high-school, the GMAT does not actually test whether you are capable of providing a full, 'proof-like' answer to the given question. Rather, the GMAT tests whether you are capable of reaching the correct answer quickly (2 minutes per question in the Quant section). This is very much a strategic issue - you need to develop the capacity to decide, within a very short time (~10-15 seconds), how you want to approach a given question. Sometimes equations are the way to go, other times it is better to use the answers and other times a small sketch will help you SEE the answer without making any calculations at all. So - in addition to practicing questions, take the time to pause, think and debug - which types of solution approaches work best for you? Which types of questions should be approached with which types of methods?

At examPAL, this is our core strength: we use an adaptive, AI-assisted algorithm to help choose the right approach for the right student. If you like, you can check out our 7-day free trial  here . Even if you don't like the course, you are still welcome to view our instructional material and videos which are all freely available online. Whatever you choose, remember - beating the GMAT is as much about knowing yourself as it is knowing the material!

Best of luck in your studies!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Au15,

With a Test Date at the end of October, you have about 3 months of potential study time - which is good. While the OG is a great source for practice questions, it's not designed to teach you Tactics, patterns or any of the 'secrets' to the GMAT, so you might want to save that book for later on in your studies (when you can use what you've learned on all of those retired, Official questions).

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Au15 · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for taking out time and answering my question. I'm aiming to get into Foster business school, Seattle, so a score above 700 is what I'm aiming for at the moment. I plan to apply in the second round of admission process which is Dec/Jan. I hope this helps.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Au15,

While that first practice CAT Test might seem a little scary, it's essential to defining your current skills - as well as providing a basis for comparison as you continue to study and improve - so if you have not taken one yet, then you should plan to take one soon (perhaps this weekend if not before then). The 700+ Score is about the 90th percentile - meaning that 90% of Test Takers either CAN'T or WON'T do what it takes to score at that level. You have lots of potential study time, so now you have to make good decisions about how you study going forward - and taking that first CAT is that next good decision.

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

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