Need pointers to Move Q42/43 - Q50/51

Question

I need help regarding what problems should I practice to increase Q score. Either I run out of time when I apply 1st 10 questions strategy or get silly error when I apply strict time limits.. My weakness is not able to find shortcuts quickly.. I've been practicing 10 set a day from OG 12 and Q 2nd Edition but would appreciate any further references to problem sets that will help improve my score.. I've Quantitative background which is somewhat seems to be hindrance since my 1st approach seems to be looking for algebra and by the time I switch to 2nd approach (smart numbers, back solving) I almost run out of time.. I also like pointers to unwind some of algebra approach..

BrushMyQuant · Answer

Hi,

Conc more on first 10 and lat 10 questions.. by more i do not mean more than 20mins in each section.
If after 1.5mins you think that you cannot solve the question in next 1min then guess and move on else stick to it.

Regarding approach:
Almost ALL the problems can be solved using algebra (so stick to it if you are really confident)
For some odd problems you need choosing smart numbers (but those problems will be rare i guess)

Regarding problems:
you can get a good number of quality problems discussed in gmatclub.
You can find the topic wise tag link in my signature.

Good Luck!

nt2010 · Answer

Thanks @nKit for the pointers.

nt2010 · Answer

Thanks @nKit for the pointers.

KarishmaB · Answer

Since you already have a Quant background and are looking for more intuitive/logical (read faster) methods of solving questions, I would advise you to check out my blog. It is meant for people like you - who have their concepts worked out but are looking for speed, accuracy and cultivating a sense of logic. https://anaprep.com/blogs/

nt2010 · Answer

Thanks Karishma. I've been readying quarter wisdom and quarter wit.. very good articles.

VeritasPrepRon · Answer

Hi nt2010, I agree you will get pearls of wisdom from quarter wit quarter wisdom, but every question you see is an opportunity to improve your quant skills. To elaborate, I believe the greatest advantage you can have in quant is to be able to solve questions in different ways, because one trick wonders often come up against brick walls. Almost every question can be solved in multiple ways, but they'll all bring you to the right answer. Consider basic algebra:

x + y = 5
2x - y = 1

With these two equations, you can solve for the values of x and y through substitution method algebra (replace "x" by "5-y"), elimination method algebra for x (add the two equations), elimination method algebra for y (multiply the first equation by 2 and then subtract the two equations) or back solving using answer choices (x=2 and y=3), or even other concepts.

By being able to solve questions from multiple angles, you will begin to see exactly how the questions are formulated, and what the exam is really testing . The more flexible you are on these problems, the more your score will go up. Especially if you're aiming for 50+ on Quant, you want to be able to see the question from all angles to unlock the best strategy to utilize. Ideally, you should become Neo from the Matrix!!

Hope this helps! 
-Ron

nt2010 · Answer

Thanks Ron for the input. I hear what you're saying. I realized my weakness is lack of steady every day practice and not thinking through alternatives..

bumpbot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club BumpBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

Need pointers to Move Q42/43 - Q50/51

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards