What Am I Doing Wrong? (Quant)

Question

First off, I would like to admit that I was very raw in my fundamental math skills when I began my study. I have been working hard to get them up to speed, and it has helped a lot in my accuracy.

There are still two main problems that plague me:

1. I still have trouble with the seemingly easiest problems. At the same time I am much more adapt at tackling the late intermediate to slightly advanced problems. The reason this is such a big issue for me is that if I miss the early (easy) questions on a CAT, I fall deeper and deeper into the adaptive whole. When this happens I can't prove to the test my true range.

2. Many times when I attempt to answer practice questions, I do not let the question sink in and look for the pattern. Instead, I try and tackle it head on as if it was a typical content heavy problem.

If I can not fix these problems I will not be able to move on to the next level. Thanks in advance for any help I receive.

gurpreetsingh · Answer

You will have to build your fundamentals using Mgmat math guides and boost your confidence while studying.
Stay away from stress.

mohater · Answer

I ran into similar issues.

Two things you need to change:

1.SLOW DOWN when reading problems. Do not answer something the question is not asking.

2.Your desire to solve the problem head on is known at the "brute force" method. You shouldn't look for patterns. The key is to develop solid problem solving skills to help you break down problems as much as possible and solve.

Read my debrief for more info.

BM · Answer

You're correct that, in order to display your 700-level skills, you must first pass through the 650 barrier, the 600 barrier, and so forth. Which books have you studied with so far? MGMAT is the most popular for GMATClub members. Another option is to pick up Jeff Sackmanns's seven Fundamental Sets. These particular questions only go up to 600 and start much below that (300 or 400 level). These represent an excellent source for your particular goals. The seven sets cover:

1. Algebra - Equations, systems of equations, quadratics, inequalities, absolute value, exponents and roots.
2. Arithmetic - Fractions, decimals, ratios, percents, statistics, sets, and probability.
3. Geometry - Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, solids, and coordinate geometry.
4. Number Properties - Primes, factors, multiples, evens/odds, consecutive numbers, and remainders.
5. Word Problems - Ratios, rates, work, statistics, and sets.
6. Problem Solving - General assortment.
7. Data Sufficiency - General assortment.

The collection consists of 700 questions and costs about $100. Each set is sent as a PDF file. But if this is too expensive, you can pick and choose whichever sets you want. For instance, the DS and PS sets would be a good option if you find the entire collection too expensive or have limited time. Here is his website:

https://www.gmatproblems.com/

Strauss · Answer

I am currently using the MGMAT series for my quantitative study. So far I really like the set.

How is Jeff Sackmann's material? I ran some searches for reviews, but I only found limited responses. Is it helpful to integrate his material into a strong study plan? His e-books are a bit expensive. I just want to make sure they will have enough on an impact on my study in order to justify the price.

gurpreetsingh · Answer

Mgmat series + Gmat club tests + OG quant + OG 12 + Mgmat tests + Gmatprep are sufficient for quant.

If you had not taken Mgmat series then Jeff sachmann could have helped you.
Still after exhausting the above material if you still need more practice you can buy his practice sets.

But make sure you do not just buy the material but actually do it.
Quality matters not the quantity.

Also instead of doing new questions if you revise all the previous questions + mistakes you will score more for sure.

Strauss · Answer

Totally agree. I must say, however, I am a very motivated worker, so as much material as I can get should only help. I just wanted to make sure of the quality of his material before I made a purchase.

BM · Answer

I should have asked what materials you had in your GMAT library before spouting off. Sorry about that. The MGMAT math guides offer the best coverage of the concepts available. First, gurpreetsingh offers very solid advice, as usual. But you mentioned something very unique - namely, that you had "trouble with the seemingly easiest problems." I simply tailored my advice to your situation. The most important thing, I suppose, is to verify that these are indeed low difficulty questions. If your situation still stands, then go for his math problems. You don't have to buy all of them; just order the ones you want: the Fundamental questions. Perhaps as a test run, just purchase the DS and PS sets and see how you feel. If you want more, then simply purchase more. As to quality, I have used all of his sets and can confirm that they are absolutely fantastic. However, I would advise you to skip his e-books and focus on his problem sets instead. The five MGMAT math guides are more than enough for understanding the concepts. Besides the OG, don't buy anymore math books. Here is a link about his math questions: review-of-jeff-sackmann-s-math-sets-96973.html

BM · Answer

Sorry to harp on this issue and to post twice in a row, but I want to make extra sure that we are on the same page. Sackmann has a number of products:

1.  Total GMAT Math
 2.  Total GMAT Verbal
 3.  GMAT 111
 4.  Guides to OG
 5.  Problem Sets

I'm suggesting that you look into option number five on the list (the problem sets). I know that my posts look like an advertisement, but that's certainly not my intention. I just found his questions very helpful.

On a side note, I didn't particularly like his Total GMAT Math. It just wasn't for me. Besides, MGMAT is the best in that category. I don't have any experience with his other products.

gurpreetsingh · Answer

bmillan01 +1

I will also look for his extreme challenge set once I m exhausted with all the material, but Gmat prep + full time work is so hectic that sometimes I feel like giving Gmat exam right now inspite of low verbal skills.

:lol:

Its kinda expensive so I will wait for the right time.

$$ saved is the $$ earned

Its kinda expensive so I will wait for the right time. $$ saved is the $$ earned

Strauss · Answer

Getting the problem sets seems like a good idea. Like i Said before, I am very pleased with the MGMAT series so far. The only thing I need is more practice problems, so buying his may be beneficial.

As far as the "easy questions" go. In the OG 12 for instance, I find that I miss the most of the questions towards the beginning of each section. Then I pick up in the middle and then go hit hit or mis at the end. This has been the typical scenario for me for some time. The problem with this is the CAT start at the low/middle range, and I have trouble getting out of that "trap."

I hope that explains my predicament better.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

What Am I Doing Wrong? (Quant)

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