Quantitative strategy - advice needed

Question

Dear GMAT Experts,

I badly need your recommendations for my case. My school and programme chosen (INSEAD MFin) require that quantitative part of GMAT is in the 75-80th percentile. I have sit GMAT three times already and quantitative part is 57%, 63% and 57%. The third attempt took place after a good two-month math drilling face-to-face with a tutor. But 75th percentile is still so far.

What would you recommend? Is there any point in banging my head against this wall once again? 
I realize I am good at solving easy and medium problems but when CAT gives me hard ones I make a mistake and get an easier problem again. This is the main reson for such a poor result I guess.

Thanks to everyone in advance!

BrentGMATPrepNow · Answer

To improve your quantitative score, I believe that you should compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.). This means that, for each topic, you should: 
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.) 
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic 
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic. 
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it

Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.

Also, while completing questions from the Official Guide (OG), you should you use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here:  https://www.gmatprepnow.com/sites/all/themes/gmat/images/GMAT-Prep-Now-Improvement-Chart-for-OG2016.xlsx . This will help you identify and strengthen your weak areas.

You should also spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps one should take when tackling math problems.

In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at  https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/general-gmat-strategies?id=1244

Cheers,
Brent

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Zubrilin1989,

I have a few questions about your studies so far and the 'requirements' for the Program that you're interested in:

1) How long did you study before each of your Official GMATs?
2) What materials did you use before each of your attempts?
3) What were your Overall Scores (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

As to the specific Program that you're interested in:
1) Does the School have any requirement beyond the Quant Percentile (Overall Score? Etc.)?
2) What is the application deadline?
3) When are you next planning to take the GMAT?

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

Zubrilin1989 · Answer

Hi Rich,

1) before the first attempt I studied for two months, between the 1st and 2nd attempts there were sth like 3 weeks and between 2nd and 3rd attempts I had 2 months of regular classes with a tutor.
2) I used both OG and non-official things (Manhattan Review, GMAT Club resources, Veritas Prep.)
3) 640, 690, 590

1) As for GMAT this is the only thing - as they say 'to be competitive you should be in 75th-80th percentile in quantitatve part'. Of course, they require essays, recommendations, my current job description and TOEFL.
2) Next deadline is February 1, however more realistic one for me is May 1.
3) I believe I will take it closer to mid-April.

Zubrilin1989 · Answer

Thanks a lot, Brent.

Could you please advise on GMAT-specific strategies you've metioned in point 2. Where can I read about them in detail?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Zubrilin1989,

With a planned April Test Date, you have LOTS of time to continue studying and improve. In your last post, you listed your 3 overall GMAT scores - do you have the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores (NOT the percentiles) for each of those Tests? I'd like to see how your performances varied on those levels.

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

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