To improve quant score from Q40 to Q45

Question

Hello!

I will be taking the GMAT classic on Jan 31,2024 but I’m not prepared enough and need some help and strategies.

So, I took GMAT Club quant CATs and scored 40-42. I need at least a Q45 and V35 if I want to get at least a 650. I noticed I have the following weaknesses:

1. I am not very efficient on calculations, so PS questions involving fractions, decimals and percents takes me around 3 mins. In fact, in general, my average PS timing is 2.5 to 3 mins.

2. Questions involving “percentages” take me even more time that usual, so when I take the CAT and see a percentage question that I can’t figure out within 10 seconds, I skip. I have tried using smart numbers instead of algebra to try to reduce my timing, but in general, timing is an issue on this sub-section.

3. Due to the above mentioned reasons, my timing on the quant section isn’t good, so I skipped some medium difficulty questions on the CATs I took.

I am trying to think of timing strategies and also practicing to reduce careless errors, but I’m actually quite worried and lost.

Can experts and peers help me out? What are my chances of reaching Q45 within a week? What should I focus on right now so I can increase my quant by 3 points (or more)?

P.S. I’m average on Verbal, but I haven’t taken a recent CAT to check my progress. In my first official mock, I got a V31, but I’m hoping I could increase it to V35. Verbal strategies are also welcome because most likely I haven’t reached my target there either.

Your assistance will be much appreciated

GMATNinja   bb   Bunuel   scott

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

https://gmatclub.com/forum/help-getting ... 88400.html May be worth checking out. -contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Radyah,

Why don't you take an official practice exam just to see how you do?

Radyah · Answer

Thank you for the advice, scott . I took mock 1 again (I didn't review any of the questions before.) My score did improve but I'm not sure how inflated this score is, as I have seen questions get repeated, but only those I had got right in my first attempt (and some from GMATClub). I went from (Q39, V31) to (Q47, V38).

Either ways, I think I'm on the right track. Just a little more practice on remainders, combinatorics, series and word problems.

Any further advice and/or suggestions would be appreciated!

Either ways, I think I'm on the right track. Just a little more practice on remainders, combinatorics, series and word problems.

Any further advice and/or suggestions would be appreciated!

TheGuideProject · Answer

You could consider spending some time learning techniques to speed up calculations, learning squares and square roots (A Vedic Math Technique), memorise key formula using flashcards so no time is spent trying to recall/accuracy-check your formulae. Also, with big numbers where the answer options are spread apart, try using approximations while calculating

Hope it helps

________

The Guide Project

Hope it helps

________

The Guide Project

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Here are a few articles that may help: 
-  Improving Your Accuracy on the GMAT 
-  11 Strategies for Earning a High GMAT Quant Score Without a Calculator 
-  Timing Strategies For a Higher GMAT Quant Score

Radyah · Answer

Thank you,  scott . I also need some help with verbal, since I scored a V32 in my second mock, which was way below mock 1 score, because of panicking from RC passages. I got 3/4 long passages, and one short passage showed up in question 26, while I was already behind time. Can you provide some advice that can help?

I also got a little rusty on CR too, but I'm only focusing on easy and medium questions to regain my logical reasoning. Still, with just 7 days left, I am quite terrified how I'm supposed to approach the exam so that at least my target score is met.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Here are a few more articles that will help you tackle verbal:

-  How to Score High on GMAT Verbal 
-  How to Get Faster at GMAT Verbal 
-  GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy 
-  GMAT Critical Reasoning: 8 Essential Tips

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Radyah,

V32 is a good score, but you may have to do a little bit of smart guessing to hit your time targets.

Radyah · Answer

I took another mock today and got a (Q47, V34) which equated to 650 composite. But in my previous mock, I had a (Q48, V32) which equated to 660. Does this mean one point is worth more for quant than for verbal?

My mock scores so far:

Mock 1 (retake after 2.5 months): 690 (Q47, V38)
Mock 2: 660 (Q48, V32)
Mock 3: 650 (Q47, V34)

What do you think I should do in terms of strategy? I have 6 days left, what should my focus be for the exam? I initially targeted a 700, but now I am looking towards a 680? Is that doable?

scott   GMATNinja  your advice would also be helpful.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Radyah,
 
Not really. The (section) scores we see aren't as accurate as the ones used to calculate the total score, so it's hard to compare these scores.

I generally recommend that we not make too many changes as we get closer to the exam. Also, try not to focus on the outcome or how you think your test may be going (this is especially important in adaptive tests like the GMAT). Try to focus as much as possible on only the question in front of you. Go over your timing strategy again so that you don't lose track of time because of actual exam pressure.

All the best.

Radyah · Answer

Hi Ajitesh!

Thanks for the last minute advice. I took the GMAT yesterday and scored 640 (Q47, V31). I don't know why my verbal score was so low but there's no point wondering now. I am still glad I retained my quant score.

Now, I am looking for full-funding opportunities (in the form of GA/TA/RA ships and scholarships), for my MBA. I have targeted Canada and US unis, but it's really difficult to narrow down my search. Can you please refer some unis where my chances of getting funding are higher? And also, can you please tell me what criteria should I follow when searching for and selecting unis?

Thanks in advance.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Radyah,

Those are some tough questions. I generally try not to get into school selection, as that's really your call. If you're not sure what you're looking for, I recommend that you take some time to think about your goals, or (if you don't have enough time) postpone that decision and apply to a wider range of schools.

It's good to see that you got the score that you wanted. Well done, and all the best.

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