Confidence for Quant/Math foundations

Question

First post, long time lurker.

Took my first swing at the GMAT last week after a month of studying and I need to fix my Quant score. Given that the math tested on the exam is not complicated nor tough but rather tricky I wanted to reach out to the forum here at gmatclub to ask a questions about HOW to approach this section.

I own kaplan foundations and workbooks and have gone through them as prep material and non of it is out of this world challenging. When it comes to actually answering GMAT questions though that's a whole other beast.

My main question to gmatclub for anyone who has aced the quant section or is on there way to acing it, what is your approach? Via real questions and even foundation theory based questions.

How can you ensure you have a solid foundation in this section. Are there any workbooks that i'm missing that anyone could recommend.

Thank you

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jy16,

Most GMAT Quant questions are based on 3-5 "steps", and usually the individual steps are rarely that complicated. The Quant section is NOT a "math test" though, so to score at a really high level you have to learn (and practice/master) more than just math - the tactics, pattern-matching skills and the little "secrets" that are built into that part of the GMAT. This work is especially relevant when dealing with DS, since those questions really test a lot of different skills that are NOT math skills.

Most Test Takers study for 3 months (or more) to hit their 'peak' scores, so it's possible that you just haven't put in enough time and effort yet to hit your goals.

How did you score on the GMAT (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
What is your goal score?
When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

PrepTap · Answer

Hi jy16,

The common mistake which most people make is that even initially they focus more on speed rather than accuracy. We suggest you to take one topic, say inequalities, and understand the basic concepts thoroughly using OG or any other book that you have. Once you have done that, attempt a few questions and take as much time as you require to solve them. Now look at the solutions and try to figure out your mistake patterns (didn't apply a concept, didn't make use of some data, made a silly mistake, interpreted the question wrongly, didn't think in the right direction etc). Once you figure out your mistake pattern, keep that in mind while solving the next set of questions (try increasing the difficulty level of questions gradually).

Also, try solving every question that you encounter during practice through fundamentals. Use shortcuts only when you understand them well.

Lastly, think of an alternate solutions once you have solved a question. This will help you strengthen your grip on fundamentals and might even help you find a more elegant solution.

Try our approach for a few days and do tell us if it has helped.

Thanks
PrepTap

jy16 · Answer

Thanks for the quick replies guys and sorry for the delays on my end.

I'm really beginning to see the difference in studying for the GMAT Quant questions on their own vs the foundations, that said... When I get a question wrong as opposed to getting a question right the odds are higher due to lack of knowledge in my foundation because when I get questions right, the answer is clear cut and I can arrive at a solution fairly quickly.

I am not underestimating that studying Problem Solving or Data Sufficiency questions alone are very much needed but I think the key is to hold solid foundations.

Given how there is 3 major areas Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry (+Word problems) to focus in on. Is there a checklist somewhere online where one can cross off their level of knowledge and assess themselves in a big picture way?

I've used the Kaplan workbook and still refer to it but I was wondering if you guys have any other suggestions to this.

There is no doubt in my mind that a big part of getting a higher quant score on my end is simply just doing more official GMAT questions, and I'm seeing a clearcut path in this but given how fast I arrive at right answers vs wrong, I feel that the key to success in quant in addition to speed is accuracy based on foundations and not cookie cutter strategies

Any advice would be really appreciated!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jy16,

You mentioned taking the GMAT, but you didn't mention your scores. You also didn't answer any of my initial questions. To give you the most appropriate advice, I'm going to need specific information about your work, timeline and goals.

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

jy16 · Answer

How did you score on the GMAT (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
What is your goal score?
When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Rich,

I was hesitant in answering your original questions because I do not believe my first attempt is a great reflection whatsoever of my abilities. First time around I maybe punched out 150-200 questions in review, including only one practice test and did not properly analyze my mistakes. I scored an abismal 400 (Q16 and V25). My study revolved around learning concepts and studying as if I was going in to a content exam which I later found out was the wrong approach.

My goal score would ideally be top 10 but given my timeline and the school I have in mind, I am aiming for 600. I am applying to business school for the June 1st deadline and the GMAT score is due in on the 14th.

I have a month to myself as I am not working right now and I am looking to punch out the highest score I can.

Do you have any recommendations?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jy16,

We have to use this initial GMAT score as a "baseline" score for a couple of reasons:

1) It gives us a basis for comparison, so you can track your progress going forward.
2) It can help us assess what is realistic in terms of improvement.

I respect the idea that this score is not a great reflection of your abilities, but it's how you performed using your natural skills. Beyond learning all the content and practicing tactics, you also have to hone those natural skills. All of that will take time. A 600+ score is a reasonable end goal, but you only have 1 month to study and raising your score 200+ points in that time will be difficult.

When is the next deadline after June? While I understand that you really want to apply for the June deadline, if you don't have a competitive GMAT score and a strong enough overall profile, then you're going to have to change your plans and apply later.

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

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