If I want to be at 43-45 quant raw score..

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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If I want to be at 43-45 quant raw score..

by jaiti » Fri Aug 20, 2010 11:28 am
Good Afternoon. First time poster long time visitor. I have a quick question. If I want to get a raw score of between 43-45 on the quant section do I need to bother studying the following topics:

-Combinations
-Permutations
-Venn Diagrams
-Advanced Exponents Problems
-Advanced Algebra


Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You.
Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |

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by Tani » Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:25 pm
The way the computer adaptive test works, no one can say what subjects you will see. You might see 4-5 combination and permutation problems or none.

I'm not sure why you are targeting specifically 43-45 as a score, but that would put you in the mid-70s, meaning you would have to outperform three out of four people who take the test. It's hard to imagine being sure of doing that by ignoring so many topics that you know are covered on the test. I have found that you can do grouping formulas instead of Venn diagrams, but there are really no alternatives to the other topics.

You can certainly try taking practice tests without having studied those topics and see where it gets you., but remember, the subject profile you see in any given practice test may be totally unlike what you get on test day.

My advice would always be to study as many topics as possible, focusing, of course, on mastering the most basic ones first. I am simply uncomfortable with ignoring subjects that you know are significant portions of the test. Remember, these are topics that the test-makers recognize as relevant to your MBA studies.
Tani Wolff

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by jaiti » Sun Aug 22, 2010 5:59 am
Thank you Tani for your reply. I took a Gmat Prep test and got a 710 I believe, with a 44Q and 43V. I was kind of surprised to be at 44Q simply because unlike many people on this forum I dislike math. I didn't get any Combination/Permutations problems, got couple of regular probability questions, didn't get any Venn Diagrams. All the algebra I got was fairly straight forward, I was able to plug in many answers, and I only got one Exponent problem, my first question for which I had no idea how to solve. I was pleased with my Quant score, and wanted to see if the questions i faced on the prep would be similar to the real one.


Again,

Thank you for your response.

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by Tani » Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:23 am
With CATs you can never count on exactly what you get. The broader your preparation, the better your chances for a great score.
Tani Wolff