Going from a 575 to 645-655 (GMAT Focus)

Question

Hi,

I took my first GMAT official exam and got a 575 overall score, with the split V81/DI79/Q76. In my previous practice tests I have even been scoring V83/V84 so I guess I just dropped a few points on Verbal due to test day anxiety. However, I have always struggled with Quant (even though I have an econ background with a strong GPA and work in Finance). As seen attached, my highest Quant score to date has been Q78... Why am I not being able to get a higher score on Quant? I feel like I am stuck at the easier questions and the exam is not allowing me to progress to tougher ones... Any ideas/suggestion?

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gmatstudy56,

A great way to move forward with your quant prep is with topical learning and practice. In other words, focus on just ONE topic at a time and practice that topic until you achieve mastery.

For instance, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects (formulas, properties, techniques and strategies) of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; be sure to follow this process for all Quant topics.

For some more advice, here is a great article you can check out:

GMAT Quant Preparation: Top 10 Tips

Archit3110 · Answer

Congratulations for score. All the best with applications

yc168 · Answer

Hi gmatstudy56,

From the screenshots you attached, it seems that you still have gaps in your quant topics.

If your accuracy is not high enough in Easy and Medium questions, as shown in the attached screenshot, you are not going to see Hard questions either in Mock or in the real exam.

I would suggest to practice quant questions, one topic at the time as suggested above, from Easy difficulty to Medium difficulty. You need to work on your accuracy, to almost 100% in Easy questions and more than 90% in Medium questions.

MyGMATbuddy · Answer

Hey, you're already on the right track. Your Verbal and DI are solid — just need to push Quant up a notch.

Here’s what I’d suggest:

1. Focus on Quant basics — number properties, equations, word problems. Accuracy > volume.
2. Drill 20–30 questions a day topic-wise. Don’t jump to hard questions too early.
3. Take 1 mock a week and review every error in detail — even lucky guesses.
4. Simulate test conditions — use a mouse, laminated sheet, and timer.

You’re very close. With 2–3 weeks of focused Quant work, 645–655 is within reach.

Happy to help if you want topic suggestions or test strategy.

— Pankaj
GMAT 730 | IIM Bangalore | Mentor to Working Professionals

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Leveraging your error-log to identify which types of Quant questions (e.g. overlapping sets) you find challenging could be helpful. When reviewing questions after doing a practice set, seeing whether there may have been shorter/easier ways to solve the questions may also be useful. Perhaps there's a question you got correct but notice there were some additional things you could have done.

5 Quant tips

5 Quant tips

yogi.0195 · Answer

A detailed analysis of the topics you are failing at will help you understand the gaps and prepare accordingly.

ManifestDreamMBA · Answer

Sounds like early Quant mistakes are keeping you from reaching the harder questions. Even with a strong econ/finance background, GMAT Quant is tricky in how it tests fundamentals and timing. Focus on tightening up basics, avoiding careless errors, and consistent medium-high acuuracy on mid-level questions should help you break past the Q78 plateau.

All the best!

Going from a 575 to 645-655 (GMAT Focus)

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