That's a good starting point. You've really hit it when you say you get stumped when faced with something you haven't encountered before - getting a great score on this test requires strong recognition skills.
It's important, of course, to make sure you know the basic math rules, formulas, and concepts being tested. I'm not sure how Veritas' materials are set up, but I will assume that they have separate lessons for the major quant categories, so that you have the opportunity to learn the basic content, and you then have GMAT-format problems you can do - ideally from the official guide.
If you're still early on in the course, start with OG problems that are tied to quant topics you're studying that week so that you can make sure you fully understand that material (but don't do all in that category - save some for later). If you are later on in the course and have covered most of the material already, start doing random sets of problems, so that you can develop your ability to recognize what to do when a new problem pops up in front of you.
When doing a GMAT-format problem for the first time, time yourself. Pretend it's the test - you have two minutes and then you need an answer, in whatever way you can get to one. After that, spend all the time you want reviewing the problem, doing it again, whatever. During that time, ask yourself several important questions:
- what's the best way to do this problem (striking a balance between efficiency and effectiveness)?
- why is it that this is the best way to do this particular problem (that is, what is it about the setup / structure of the problem)?
- how will I recognize a different but similar problem in the future, so that I know I can use this same best way to do the problem?
Don't forget to think about alternate ways to do the problem and when you would prefer to do the problem one way vs. another. For example, on some algebra problems, you can just plug in your own numbers. When do you want to do algebra and when do you want to use real numbers? The general answer for most people starts with: do algebra when the algebra's easier and use real numbers when the algebra's harder. And what you need to figure out is where that line lies, based on your own ability with algebra. That sort of thing.
Finally, balance quantity and quality of study - most people go for quantity, but if you're not spending the time to be thoughtful and analyze what's going on, quantity is unlikely to get you to a 700+. The analysis that you do after doing a problem for the first time is where the majority of your learning comes from. That also means don't just take practice test after practice test. Take maybe three more over the next 7 weeks. (Really - that's it!)
Also, I know you're more worried about your quant, but don't neglect your verbal - I've seen people spend so much time on their area of weakness that what they thought was their strength goes downhill.
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Stacey Koprince
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Manhattan GMAT
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