Dramatically Improving Quant

Question

Hi! New to the forum.

I am wondering how members have dramatically improved their quant scores? I can easily answer 700 level verbal questions, but my quant level is much lower. This probably has something to do with majoring in Political Economy (writing heavy liberal arts degree) and accounting with a finance emphasis (deals with numbers, but not necessarily in the same way as the quant section). I am only a sophomore in college, so I would have time to dedicate.

Thank You!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi BrodtandBread,

Before we talk about how to improve your Quant performance, and since you're still working on your Undergrad degree, I have a couple of quick questions about your "big picture" plans. Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years, so if you're not planning to apply to Business School within a couple of years of graduating with your Undergrad degree, then you might be thinking about the GMAT too soon. Most MBA Programs expect you to have 2-5 years of solid work experience before you apply. While there are some exceptions (some Programs will accept applicants directly from Undergrad to the Program), those Programs are not too common.

1) Do you know what Business School(s) you might be applying to?
2) Do you know when you plan to apply?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

StoicBread · Answer

I have a post-college job lined up with an automated accounting firm who handles clients such as Jp Morgan and Facebook. So I am planning on working there for two to three years after I graduate. I would like to take the GMAT towards the end my senior year so I can focus exclusively on my career without having to study for an admissions test. Right now, I would like to go to UT Austin, Northwestern, or the University of Washington - I will also apply to lower ranking schools as backups. My GPA is competitive for these schools (~3.87 from an intensive liberal arts program), and I have an extensive resume for my age.

Will a traditional liberal arts degree paired with a technical degree (accounting and finance) increase my odds of admission?

So, I would like to take the GMAT in two years, and go to an MBA program within three years after graduation.

Thanks!

Will a traditional liberal arts degree paired with a technical degree (accounting and finance) increase my odds of admission?

So, I would like to take the GMAT in two years, and go to an MBA program within three years after graduation.

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi BrodtandBread,

I like the basic timeline and structure of this plane - you've clearly thought it through. Studying for the GMAT before you get into the routine of a full-time job is also a smart idea.

If you're not going to take the GMAT until your Senior year though, then I have some issues with your current studies. I'm going to assume that you're on a 4-year plan to graduate. Since you're a Sophomore now, you're at least a year away from 'Senior year.' If that's true, then you might be starting your GMAT studies a bit too early.

I say all of this because I don't think that it will take you over a year to study for the GMAT. If you're consistent with your studies, then you'll likely hit your "peak" in 3-6 months, so really getting into those studies now would NOT mesh with your overall timeline. Since a GMAT score is "valid" for 5 years, if you took the GMAT in 3 months, then you'd have a shorter "window" to apply to Business School later on (before your GMAT score expired).

As far as your other questions are concerned, your GPA and Undergrad Degree should be fine - although those are really questions for Admissions Experts. You would need to have an actual GMAT score and your work experience would need to be better "defined" before any of them could assess your chances at getting accepted.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

StoicBread · Answer

Even if I were to have a low quant score, three to six months is still enough time to dramatically improve?

StoicBread · Answer

I am not saying I am terrible at math - I'm not - but it is definitely going to be my weak point.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi BrodtandBread,

If you're consistent with your studies and have the proper study materials, then you could very well hit your 'peak' score in 3-6 months. Keep in mind that "peak" is a relative term - I'm not saying that you're necessarily going to ace the Quant section (most Test Takers can't do that no matter how much time they spend studying), but since the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, you can learn EXACTLY what's on it, all of the different tactics you can use to answer questions quickly and efficiently and how to handle the "physical" stresses of facing the Full GMAT.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

StoicBread · Answer

So you were absolutely correct in your advice. I decided to postpone studying until this year (senior year) and am now intensively studying.

To follow-up on my work experience: I was offered a full-time position at a Big 4 firm's Washington DC international tax and transfer pricing practice, which I plan to stay in for 3-4 years before applying to MBA programs.

Also, my GPA is shaping up to be in the 3.92+ range.

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