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Hi,

I am taking the GMAT Jan 28th and was wondering if you guys could help me.

10 days ago I took a GMAT Prep 1 and I got a 630 (Q 47 V 31)
Today I took the same GMAT Prep and got a 610 (Q 41 V 34)

I am looking to crack a 700+ by January 28th. The following are my questions:

1. Is this feasible, reasonable, and possible in the alloted time frame?

2. Quant scores have alot of fluctuations - is there an explanation for this? is this normal? or was I just having a good day? I dont really know what to make of this. These are my 3rd and 4th trials (respectively) on the GMAT Prep. My first 2 yielded a 420 and a 510 (so utter disaster). So, I hope my scores ARENT THAT MUCH INFLATED.

3. Any tips on what makes the difference between a 600 fellow and a 700 pro? Any further insights can be very helpful.

4. Does more variance in Q scores between tests indicate that there is some factor Z influencing performance? Uncertainty, attitude, energy, luck? What does one draw out of scores that differ 7 points from test to test?

5. My dream schools would be requiring a 45+ on Quant and 40+ Verbal. If I can't achieve this I will have to wake up. If you have any particular thoughts on the improvement or how to get to each I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your help and best of luck =)
Jas

mohater · Answer

Hello JasLamba,

Please see responses noted below.

Yes

Fluctuations are normally associated with lots of guessing and inappropriate content understanding. You need to manage an error log and monitor HOW and WHY your scores are all over the place.

Breaking 700 is two fold:

Understanding the material properly
Managing time properly

That is possible. 7 points is a pretty big spread. My guess: Multiple variables you listed (among others) are in play.

Keep your dream alive, but recognize it may not materialize. We have plenty of success stories and plenty of failures. You are your limitation on this matter.

JasLamba · Answer

Thank you very much mohater. I appreciate your informative response, it has helped

I actually wanted to ask you - what is the "initial look" you have when you see a math problem? What I mean by this is do you have an standardized approach to every single math problem (the first 5-10) seconds? What questions would/do you ask yourself? I know your quite a strategist so I was wondering if you had something with regard to this subject. Best, Jas

BarneyStinson · Answer

The approach towards quant can be classified primarily as distinct PS and DS styles, which have their own subclassifications as well. The following is generally how I approach the questions.

1) Some questions need a strong understanding of the fundamentals and basics. You have to know that 0 is neither positive nor negative, but it is even. You must know that you can't divide variable X on both sides of an algebraic equation. These things help a lot on number theory related questions in both PS and DS.

2) Some other questions depend majorly on deriving an equation or putting a formula. The question statement should itself help you chalk out the numbers for the equation/formula. This technique is best used for word problems, algebraic questions, simple statistical/ P&C/ Probability, simple arithmetic and geometric Sequences and Geometry related questions.

3) This is the toughest part. The toughest questions usually involve a mix of the two above. There are fundamentals, such as specific scenarios in counting principles for P&C, relative speed calculations etc and sometimes, the formulas differ as you go along the fundamentals. Some tough geometry questions come into this category as well. Basically, you have to decide the best way to tackle the problem and then, use it properly to jot-down the equation/formula.

Typically, if you have been good at math since your childhood, the numbers automatically pose the challenge and you already know the path you should take to get to the official answer by just looking at the question. If you are stuck, do not panic. Just start applying your basics and the formula should be clear slowly. You'll be able to do this faster with practise.

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