Seeking support with Quant prep

Question

Dear Quant Experts,

I needed your advice on creating a systematic action plan for my weak areas in Quant.I have given GMAT once and scored 580 so I am studying to give it again.I have revised all my basic theory and practiced basic types.I gave a test again and found that I am doing 12 qsns wrong on an average with 90% share of DS qsns gone wrong .Key topics included Number properties,Geometry and Inequalities.My question is from where should i practice now to improve on these topics.My Action on improving my weaknesses is not effective,so I need your opinion and advise.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bhamini1,

With a 580/Q37, you would have made a number of little mistakes throughout the Quant section and you would have missed out on lots of 'strategy-based' points. As such, there's some questions as to how you prepared for the GMAT. Before I can offer you any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about how you've studied so far and your overall goals:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) What is your overall goal score?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

bhamini1 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for the prompt response.
1) How long have you studied?
Since the last GMAT exam that I gave in Apr'16,this is the third month of my prep that I am trying to keep pace with along with a hectic work schedule at the hospital.
2) What materials have you used?
After the exam i revised all the theory and practice material for all topics in Quant provided by Jamboree GMAT Prep,and then gave their practice tests,wherein I have been getting 12 incorrect (DS) out 37 in all the practice tests of Jamboree primarily Number system,Inequalities and Geometry (as per quantum of errors).I practices Number system from Total GMATH Book and gmat club forum and today again will be giving the test.Let me see how I fair today.
3) What is your overall goal score?
I am aiming for a overall score of 680 and I am striving for a decent quant score of atleast 45 ,if higher even better 
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
I want to apply this Oct'16 for ISB

I just need to improve on Number system ,Inequalities but I am not able to systematically and effectively work upon it and this is where I could use some expert opinion from you.Quant is not something that comes easy to me as I have a medical background but nonetheless I am ready to put in hard work to give it my best shot.There is one thing that I have observed during my practice that my ability to grasp and interpret the question has improved since I gave the exam.But my weak areas are hitting me hard.
Please advise.

Regards,
Bhamini

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

HI bhamini1,

Based on your current score of a 580, you should strive for linear, targeted learning in order to improve your GMAT quant score. In other words, you want to master one topic before you move to the next. Have you been able to approach your prep in this way? If not, you should find a quant resource that 1) will provide more exposure to all GMAT quant topics and 2) will allow you to practice one topic at a time.

For example, if you are learning about Number Properties you want to make sure you learn everything possible about that topic, e.g., LCM, GCF, prime factors, divisibility, remainders, etc. After that, be sure to practice a lot of questions (50 or more) just on Number Properties. The results of that practice will help you to determine how well you have mastered that topic. Such focused practice should help you raise your quant score.

Also, have you taken any official MBA.com practice exams? If not, after you have mastered GMAT quant, I suggest taking those exams, as they provide the most accurate scoring algorithm and testing experience.

In addition, I recently wrote 3 articles, featured on Poets and Quants, that provide some advice on how to improve your GMAT quant score. See if these provide some insight. The links to each article are below:

Part 1: https://poetsandquants.com/2016/02/05/un ... -the-test/

Part 2: https://poetsandquants.com/2016/02/20/un ... mpetition/

Part 3: https://poetsandquants.com/2016/04/10/gm ... t-section/

Feel free to reach out with any more questions, and good luck!!

bhamini1 · Answer

Hi Scott,

Thank you for the insightful advise.I have done review of topics just as you have mentioned to the level at which a certain level of accuracy is obtained,except in Number properties,Geometry and Inequalities where i am struggling.I loved your articles .I think I am doing the inattentive thinking and thus falling in the cognitive trap.Thank you again.However,which study materials do you recommend for me to improve my quant prep for these topics??

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bhamini1,

With a 680 score goal, you'll likely need to make some improvements to how you handle both the Quant and Verbal sections of the Test. You'll also likely need another 1-2 months of consistent, guided study to get to that level. Thankfully, there are ways to 'fix' a number of these issues all at once, but you're going to have to change how you 'see' (and respond to) the GMAT.

1) Have you scheduled your next Official GMAT yet?
2) How many hours can you study during a typical week?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I’m glad you liked the articles. It’s helpful to be aware of the way our brains function while making decisions under uncertainty. Try to watch out for the cognitive traps you read about.

If you’re serious about making large improvements in your GMAT quant score,  I encourage you to try out the Target Test Prep GMAT quant course .

Using it will provide you with a significant competitive advantage over your peers. If you’re interested, why don’t you sign up for a trial, and take a quant diagnostic? Then, I can review the diagnostic for you and help you create a strategic improvement plan.

Of course, there are other GMAT quant courses available. You can read thousands of verified reviews here on GMAT Club or on  Beat The GMAT .

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