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Math course needed?

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Math course needed?

by gmatscared » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:11 pm
Hello!

I've been procrastinating long enough about studying because I've been discouraged about not understanding some/all subjects, but since Math plays a big part of the score, I figured I should take a refresher math course at a J.C. The book I've studied from is KAPLAN 2006 (That's how long I've been putting it off). Any suggestions about this and what level math should I take?

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by mayonnai5e » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:16 pm
You don't necessarily need to take a JC course since the math on the exam is only supposed to be high school level. Perhaps you should try working with one of the math concentration books such as the Kaplan math workbook and see how you do.
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by VP_Jim » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:41 pm
Many math courses at junior colleges ARE high school level. I've had students do this before with great results. I'd shoot for a lower level algebra class - NOT college algebra, which is too advanced. At the college where I teach, such classes are numbered below 100 (e.g., Math 065 - Algebra II).
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by Jen Kedro » Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:51 am
Hiya,

Definitely if your high school level math is weak, taking an extra course may help both with the GMAT and with business school. Plus it could demonstrate to an admissions committee that you are dedicated, and if you do well, that you can handle the quantitative side of b-school. Basic algebra would probably be most valuable to your GMAT prep. That said, keep in mind that the course will not focus exclusively on content tested on the GMAT, and also the whole no-calculators aspect of the GMAT.

If it seems like it would suit you at some point, Kaplan does offer a Math Intensive GMAT prep course with additional time spent on algebra, arithmetic, and geometry, so that might end up being useful to you too in the future. Good luck with your prep!
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by Bara » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:42 pm
I don't think that taking a math course at a junior college is advisable for the GMAT. First, the math is relatively easy - - it's just a bastardization and adulteration of high school math. YOu need strategy, knowledge of a a handful of things from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics...and so on.

For your application, taking calc or some accounting, etc. that might be great for your resume/application (ask an admisisons consultant about that) but for the GMAT....neh.

The GMAT tests math that can be easily taught in 4 - 8 weeks, depending on what math you're starting out with. Taking a 4 month class, really signals, to me (and your unconscious mind) that the math on the test has more 'power,' 'influence' and 'substance' than it should have or what you want it to have...Don't get me wrong: I KNOW how important the test is, but a test-taker has to balance 'knowing' the importance of the test, with knowing you're bigger and better than it. Meanwhile, you need to also balance your confidence in a 'feel good' place without getting too cocky.

If you really have time to kill, take a math course...but I believe you'd be best off identifying your weakest areas, then prioritizing your study. For most people, studying an integrated program that pulls together the skills-strategy-patterns of the gmat through a course or one-on-one study to help you a lot more than a semester long class.

Ultimately, you know yourself the best - - this is just my $.02.

Good Luck!
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