Quant Skills Destroy my GMAT score

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gdrea3: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 21; Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:30 pm; Thanked: 2 times

by gdrea3 » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:41 am

Hello! I want to score a 650 in GMAT but my scores range from 520 to 610. My quant scores are ALWAYS lower than my verbal (30 percentile in Quant compared to high 70s/low 80 percentile in Verbal). I know I can get the 650 but my MGMAT CAT scores are pretty discouraging...I use the assessment reports that MGMAT offers and my weakness is Data Sufficiency--Number properties and Algebra. What should I do to sharpen these skills? I have OG11, Quant and Verbal (purple and green) books, and all the study guides from MGMAT (I took the online class last summer). I usually do ~40 questions each night (20Q, 20V).

Also, since my deadline is pretty close (looking to take my second stab at GMAT first or second week of October), should I take a CAT every week? I want to apply for Fall 2009 academic year!!! Any advice, words of encouragement would be great!

Thank you!

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:41 am

gmat2010: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 29; Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:24 pm; Thanked: 3 times

by gmat2010 » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:25 pm

Hi there,

Don't be discouraged. MGMAT quants are much harder and time consuming than the actual GMAT. i havent' taken the gmat yet, but you'll notice that MGMAT quant questions are much different than GMATPrep. I'd recommend taking a look at GMATprep to get a real feel for the type of questions. personally, i find GMATprep questions to be more analytical than heavy calculations.

another thing is that it's much easier to raise your quant scores than your verbal. so if you're strong in verbal, hats off to you cuz most people on this forum including myself are strugglin to achieve 40 in verbal. quant will get better with practice and understanding of general concept. so don't lose hope.

VP_Jim: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1223; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pmFollowed by: 15 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 185 times

by VP_Jim » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:09 pm

One problem that lots of lower-scoring quant people have is simply that they lack fundamental skills such as doing quick mental math, working with simple equations, remembering geometry rules, etc. For people scoring in your quant range, I recommend putting the GMAT prep on hold for a bit to focus on math fundamentals.

This can take a few forms. The best idea would be to take a lower level college math class (some sort of algebra is best) at a local college. Check community colleges in your area, as they tend to be cheap and offer lots of appropriate classes. If that fails, go out and buy yourself a basic algebra workbook or textbook.

Practice your math first, THEN add the complexity of GMAT problems. It's hard to figure out a tough GMAT question when your understanding of the underlying math concepts isn't there!

Good luck!

Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep

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