Seeking advice, and what's possible? GMATPrep Diagnostic 620 (Q32V44)

Question

I took a full GMATPrep CAT and scored a 620, with a dismal showing in quant. Besides calc in college, I haven't been exposed to math since high school, and I'm 27. But I did quite well on the math sections of the SAT and ACT, so I'm hoping I can make some significant improvements. I guess I was hoping to get some advice or hear some success stories of peopling making quantum (haha) leaps in the quant section. I'm motivated and will study as much as I need, what is possible?

PrijitDebnath · Answer

Hi, I feel that since you have a 44 on quant already, basics are already in place. So, what needs to be now done is a lot of practice.

I have heard that the Manhanttan advanced guides for Quant cover tough questions. Also, the Quant sub-forum on GC also seems to have a phenomenal collection of Quant questions.

SavageBrother · Answer

He has Q32 and V44.

My advice is; wait for exports to come along in this topic.

Ignatius · Answer

Wait for experts? Yeah, I'm hoping some come along!

But, from the looks of things, I'm approaching this from the opposite of most members here, who initially are very strong in quant but require verbal prep.. I was hoping to hear some success stories or advice for people approaching it from this unusual perspective. Anyone? Thanks guys!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ignatius,

First off, a 620 is a strong initial CAT performance (the average GMAT score hovers around 540-550 most years).

From what you've described, you're clearly "rusty" when it comes to math, but many Test Takers are too when they start their studies, so you're not alone. Since you claim to have performed well on the Quant sections of the SAT and ACT, it stands to reason that you could probably train to score well on the Quant section of the GMAT.

Before I offer any specific suggestions about how to maximize your studies, I'd like to know more about your overall timeline/goals:

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
4) Have you purchased any GMAT resources yet?

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

Ignatius · Answer

Rich,

Thanks so much for the detailed response. I really appreciate it.

1) Minimum 700; Goal 720

But I made this post, in part, to try and get a sense of what is possible/realistic. This website is an amazing resource, but nearly all (all?)* success stories I've read describe huge gains in verbal, so I want to make sure my goal of going from Q32 to, say, Q44 is not unreasonable.

2 and 3) I want to get a few apps in R1 this upcoming cycle and would like to be done with the GMAT by July/August. But if necessary I'll study through Oct/Nov.
4) Manhattan GMAT quant books and the SC book. And I've paid for a login at GMAT Quantum.

Thanks again!

*EDIT: Damn, I really have read a lot, but just now stumbled on understudy's success story (can't link), and wow... I need to get back to the books. I guess in theory it's possible, but will require some intense prep.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ignatius,

You've given yourself plenty of time to study, which is good. In answer to your immediate concerns - YES, you can certainly raise your Quant score to the desired level (if not higher) in the time that you have.

It's important to note that the Quant section of the GMAT is NOT a "math test." While you will do lots of basic math, and you'll need to know various rules/formulas, much of what you'll face can be dealt with using a combination of note-taking, strategy, pattern-matching and SOME math. As such, you have to re(learn) some math that you probably haven't dealt with in a decade AND you'll have to learn/practice various tactical approaches to help you answer questions in easier ways.

This is all meant to say that you'll probably need more than just some books to get you to that level.

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

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