GMAT Strategy

KylieAquino87 wrote:Hi All!

So I recently took my first GMAT exam, my Verbal score was in the 90th percentile (without ever having studied for this section) and my essay received a 6.0. I got a 4 in IR, but my Quant left MUCH to be desired. Does anyone else in here who is naturally adept at verbal areas have any tips or stories to share about how they conquered the GMAT Quant section?

Any and all help will be sincerely appreciated!

-Kylie

Dear Kylie,
I'm happy to respond.

Yes, math is tricky, especially if you never liked it and were ignoring it through college. It's very hard to go back to it. I'll make a few recommendations:

Here's a three-month study plan for someone precisely in your predicament:
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/3-month-gm ... h-focused/

Math can be "unforgiving" --- if you need to know, say, 15 different mathematical factoids to solve a particular problem, and you know only 14 of them, you will most likely get the problem incorrect.

The very first thing I will say is: read all solutions carefully. Pay attention not only to what is written in the solution, but more importantly, how it is organized --- in other words, what perceptual choices did the writer of the solution make in looking at the question? how did the writer of the solution establish logical priorities in approaching the problem. If you remember stuck at the "show me what to do" level, you will not see as much progress. Part of what will help you is learning to understanding the mathematical mindset.

In math precision and organization and details are everything. I don't know how much of a "detail" person you are, but if you are more of a "big picture" person that glosses over details, then I am going to recommend: pay attention to nit-picking little details in everyday life. Make it your goal, as you walk around in the world, so see minor and subtle differences and distinctions that others would miss. In practicing this, you are actually practicing one of the mental skills needed for math success.

Here are a few blogs for starters:
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2013/mathematic ... -the-gmat/
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/number-sense-for-the-gmat/
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/the-power- ... mat-quant/
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/doubling-a ... gmat-math/
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2014/gmat-math- ... -formulas/
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2013/how-to-do- ... th-faster/

Math happens in the details. When you get a question wrong, if the solution doesn't make perfect sense, it's a good idea to post that question in this forum or in GMAT Club. Post the original question in full detail, then say what you thought and how you worked through the problem, and specify what about the explanation does and doesn't make sense to you. The experts in the forums will answer --- you are more than welcome to send me a private message, if you would like my input on any problem. It takes some time to ask detailed questions of that sort, but putting in the time & effort to ask such a question primes your mind for deeper learning & understanding.

Finally, I think Magoosh can really help you. We have 100+ math video lessons, covering all the content and strategies you will need. Here's a practice PS question:
https://gmat.magoosh.com/admin/questions/2227
Here's a DS question
https://gmat.magoosh.com/questions/943
When you submit your answer, the following page will have a complete video explanation, for accelerated learning.

I hope all this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Mike