Best options for >650 math?

[prada]

Hey Guys,

Ive been using Magoosh and GMAT Prep and both are very good. However I feel that both lack explanations, material, strategies, tips and tricks for tackling 650+ level Quant questions. I think if I would do the exam now Id score around 600-650. My goal is nothing too fancy maybe 660-680 and I would be very satisfied and happy. I have a good solid base of understanding quant and Magoosh does an excellent job of explaining and practising those but I really need to get better on the harder questions. So did you find any source that goes maybe more in "depth"? Thanks

[[email protected]]

Hi prada,

It would help if you provided a bit more information about your studies so far; it might be that what you think you need to focus on is not actually what you need to focus on.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) Can you describe the exact resources that you've been using?
3) Have you taken any FULL-LENGTH CATs yet (including the Essay and IR sections)? How have you scored?

4) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
5) You seem focused on the Quant section, but how are you performing on the Verbal section?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[prada]

Hi Rich, thanks for your response.

To answer your questions,

1)I've been studying on/off for a couple years but more seriously the last year
2) I started using the OG. Then realized that although the questions are excellent, the level of difficulty in them is not adequate and the explanations are weak as well. Strategies are virtually non-existent.
Then I started looking into the forum and reading the comments. I got all the Manahattan GMAT set of books are started studying them. With hindsight I wished I hadn't wasted my time on those bc I find the online resources much more effective. Finally I got Magoosh and that I found helped a lot. To see and hear "live" explanation is much more helpful. Which is scientifically backed to be a more effective way of learning btw.
3)I took my first real GMAT test a couple years ago before I was introd to Magoosh. I got 500 31Q 27V 5.0AW 2IR. (The IR I got so low bc I had no idea it existed, it completely flew off my radar. I was confused when I saw the questions and the calculator but thats why I did so poorly.)
My second mock test (Veritas) was at the beginning of this year I got 560 37Q 31V. I felt my math concepts suffered greatly and concentrated on those. Although I could ameliorate Verbal too it comes to me more naturally so just a month or so of studying and reviewing would make me better. However Quant would require more effort. I will do another mock test in a week or two and expect to get between 600-650. I think at that time I will have saturated my brain so to speak from getting any better BASED on the resources I have. My goal is to really get something in the 660-700 range. Im trying to be realistic and think I could do it with a little more effort.
4) I really don't have a projected date, Im in no hurry per se but I do want to get it over with. So I would say between 4-12 weeks but again it could be longer IF and only IF I feel there is a credible way for me to get better.
5) As I was saying Im tackling my weakness. Math doesnt come "naturally" to me, Verbal does. When I get an answer wrong the explanation is clear and I move on. Lets just say that unlike in Quant I never say "what the heck, how the hell did he do that long convoluted answer, man that just gave me a brain aneurism" but I would not deny that I could do a little better.

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[[email protected]]

Hi prada,

If your last FULL-LENGTH CAT really was the better part of a year ago, and you've been studying since then, then it would help a great deal if you would take a new FULL-LENGTH CAT (including the Essay and IR sections) sometime soon. With that score result, we'll have a much better sense of your CURRENT strengths and weaknesses. That data will give us a much better idea about what you should be focusing on, so we can discuss your ongoing studies once you're taken that CAT and reported back here with your results.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[prada]

Hi Rich,

Yes, Im reviewing my magoosh notes one last time and will take a CAT exam soon after the new year. Times get hectic around Xmas. I agree that Im due for a retake and it should give a much clearer picture of my status. I will update things here.

Happy holidays,

Regards

[GMATinsight]

Hey Guys,

Ive been using Magoosh and GMAT Prep and both are very good. However I feel that both lack explanations, material, strategies, tips and tricks for tackling 650+ level Quant questions. I think if I would do the exam now Id score around 600-650. My goal is nothing too fancy maybe 660-680 and I would be very satisfied and happy. I have a good solid base of understanding quant and Magoosh does an excellent job of explaining and practising those but I really need to get better on the harder questions. So did you find any source that goes maybe more in "depth"? Thanks

Hi @prada,

You may join GMAT CLUB test series which has really great quality questions. They offer you 24 Quant sectional tests and 7 Verbal sectional tests and I can vouch for the quality.

You may take one free test that they offer and then decide the quality of questions and explanations on your own.

Also, please note that referring to harder and/or good questions may not be a key to a good score but learning to handle them in efficient and smarter way is certainly key to success. GMAT test can be cracked with a fair command on both sections and good command on one of them which is your strength so I suggest that you focus on your strength and exploit it at best and work on your weakness at the same time so you don't lag behind.

Other than GMAT CLUB tests, you may refer to Manhattan source as well. Although I don't find magoosh a source of not-so-good questions and really appreciate the quality of the questions.

I hope this helps!!!

[prada]

Hey Guys,

Ive been using Magoosh and GMAT Prep and both are very good. However I feel that both lack explanations, material, strategies, tips and tricks for tackling 650+ level Quant questions. I think if I would do the exam now Id score around 600-650. My goal is nothing too fancy maybe 660-680 and I would be very satisfied and happy. I have a good solid base of understanding quant and Magoosh does an excellent job of explaining and practising those but I really need to get better on the harder questions. So did you find any source that goes maybe more in "depth"? Thanks

Hi @prada,

You may join GMAT CLUB test series which has really great quality questions. They offer you 24 Quant sectional tests and 7 Verbal sectional tests and I can vouch for the quality.

You may take one free test that they offer and then decide the quality of questions and explanations on your own.

Also, please note that referring to harder and/or good questions may not be a key to a good score but learning to handle them in efficient and smarter way is certainly key to success. GMAT test can be cracked with a fair command on both sections and good command on one of them which is your strength so I suggest that you focus on your strength and exploit it at best and work on your weakness at the same time so you don't lag behind.

Other than GMAT CLUB tests, you may refer to Manhattan source as well. Although I don't find magoosh a source of not-so-good questions and really appreciate the quality of the questions.

I hope this helps!!!

Thanks for the input. I will look into the sources you suggested right after the holidays when I can devote and concentrate thoroughly.