Improving Quant score!

Question

Hi everyone!

GMAT is in about 2 and a half weeks. I just gave one GMAT Prep practice test and scored Q45( which has improved from Q34)I need to bring this up to Q49. I'm weak at DS. Any suggestions?

anu1706 · Answer

How did you improved from Q34 to Q45.

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KarishmaB · Answer

DS uses the same concepts as PS. It's just trickier because it needs more time and a clear head to ensure that you don't fall in any traps. But at a score of 45, be prepared for more DS questions that PS. All you need to do is keep your calm. Know that DS takes more time so don't hesitate in putting in 30 secs extra. Read the question stem and statement 1. Try to solve using just this info. Next read the question stem again and only statement 2. Try to solve using just this info now. Don't panic if you take a few extra secs. You can make it up in the next PS question you get because speed will not kill you there.

Aho92 · Answer

Hi Karishma!

Thank you so much for your reply.
Well, the thing with DS questions is, quite simply put, I'm scared of them. When I see a DS question, warning sirens go off in my head. Also, I'm incredibly paranoid I'm getting them wrong. The other thing which I should have mentioned is that I finished the Quant section with 18 minutes to spare, which I'm sure reflects poor time management. So do you any suggestions on improving that?
Thanks once again.

KarishmaB · Answer

That's the thing you need to understand. It's a psychological predicament, not an actual one - the concepts tested are same in PS as well as DS questions. We don't really have to solve for the answer in DS - all we have to do is say whether we can solve. DS must be easier then. It isn't because we fall for the tricks used in DS and because the question setter assumes we will not solve the question. So you must solve it till you see that a unique answer is given (you don't need to do the calculations). Also, treat it as two PS questions combined in one. Take each statement individually and solve for it alone. It's good to know you have spare time. You can put in an extra minute in each DS question. Aim to complete the section with not more than 5 mins to spare - put in the extra time in DS to ensure you haven't fallen for any of the classic traps (considering data of statement 1 while solving for 2, assuming both statements are needed when only one is needed etc)

Aho92 · Answer

Thank you Karishma!

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