GMAT evaluates your capacity to reason through data and come to conclusions using that reasoning in the quantitative aptitude section. The level of mathematical knowledge required to understand and answer the questions in this section of the GMAT exam is not significantly higher than that which is typically covered in mathematics classes taught at the secondary school level.
Even though the concepts that are tested on the GMAT Quantitative are not overly challenging, when considering the question “how to study for GMAT math”, test makers will do everything in their power to throw you off your game. You will have 62 minutes to complete 31 multiple-choice questions that cover Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency type questions found in the Quantitative section. To help you better this blog covers all essential information related to GMAT quants preparation.
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What is the Importance of GMAT Quantitative Section?
MBA programs are numerically intensive. Algebra, calculus, and statistics are prerequisites for courses in finance, economics, and even marketing. Case studies, a common training style at business schools, appear to be simple and wordy at first, when in fact they’re riddled with numeric manipulation. More emphasis is placed on quantitative reasoning in the second half of these electives.
There is very little time in the fast-paced MBA abroad to work on subjects like arithmetic, so if you aren't familiar with it, you may suffer. This is why Business schools use math proficiency tested in the Quants section of the GMAT as an insurance policy against students who may struggle in the classroom.
Suggested: Best guide to prepare for the GMAT 2024
How to Prepare for GMAT Quants?
You need to be able to apply mathematical principles to questions of reasoning in the following areas if you wish to do well on the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning test. These areas include:
- Arithmetic: integers, fractions, powers and roots, statistics, probability etc
- Algebra: variables, functions, and solving different types of equations.
- Geometry - quadrilaterals, triangles, circles, solids, cylinders, and coordinate geometry
- Blending math, algebra, and geometry to solve word problems
Suggested: Here's a breakdown of each section on the GMAT
When considering how to study for GMAT quantitative, two parts make up the quantitative portion of the exam- Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. Both the "Data Sufficiency" segment of the test and the "Problem Solving" component will consist of 18 questions each. The questions will be presented in a manner consisting of multiple choice answers.
1. Problem Solving Question Strategies
Problem-solving questions test your logic and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems. Choose the best answer from the five options.
- Pace yourself. Check the on-screen timer. Work diligently, but don't waste time checking solutions or pondering complex problems. Complete the section
- Work out answers on the erasable noteboard provided by the exam centre. Writing out your problems can help you prevent mistakes.
- Read each question carefully to determine the data and questions. Take word problems step-by-step. Read each sentence carefully and convert the data into equations.
- Before answering, skim the answer alternatives for questions requiring estimates. If you don't know how close the approximation should be, you may waste time on long computations when a quick mental process would be faster.
- Don't waste time on hard or time-consuming problems. Eliminate the erroneous answers, choose the best one, and go on to the next question.
2. Data Sufficiency Question Strategies
Data sufficiency questions test your ability to assess a quantitative problem, identify relevant data, and determine when there's enough data to solve it.
- Determine if the problem allows one or several values. You're merely checking for enough data.
- Avoid making unwarranted geometric assumptions. Figures aren't drawn to scale.
Tips for GMAT Quants preparation
When reviewing for the GMAT quantitative section, keep the following general suggestions in mind. They will assist you in developing your speed, accuracy, and confidence when it comes to completing data sufficiency and problem-solving questions.
1. Review math basics
GMAT tests arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. All major GMAT guides should have a review component. Take the time to reread this section. Create flashcards for tough concepts. Use flashcards on the bus, in the queue, or whenever you have a few spare minutes.
2. Take the Quantitative section of a practice GMAT test
It's helpful to take a practice test to get a sense of where you stand and how much work you still have ahead of you. For the real exam, pay attention to the timing. You shouldn't be too concerned about the score just yet; the rest of the strategy will address that issue.
- Analyse your practice test
Examine your practice test carefully. Study the explanations of the questions you got wrong. Create flashcards for the questions' concepts. and a spreadsheet with the erroneous questions, themes, and subtopics.
4. Identify your area of greatest weakness and tackle it
Work on as many questions as possible related to the topics you're having difficulty with. Use your spreadsheet to go back and answer previous incorrectly answered questions and try them again.
5. Continue to take more GMAT practice tests and analyse them
You need to know math topics well in order to do well on the GMAT's quantitative part – but taking practice exams is just as important. This test relies heavily on familiarity with the types of questions and avoidance of typical mistakes. Keep practising and aim to take at least six practice tests before the exam, at a pace of one per week.
Do's and Don'ts For GMAT Quantitative Preparation
Knowing what you should do and should avoid doing during GMAT Quantitative prep can help significantly streamline the process. Bear in mind the following do’s and don’ts for GMAT math prep.
1. Don't underestimate GMAT AND its test takers:
You're not the first to misjudge the GMAT quants preparation. GMAT test-takers are usually well-educated and competitive. The GMAT competition is aggressive and pits you against overachieving test-takers worldwide. GMAT test-takers are ranked by percentile. How you fare against your peers determines your score.
GMAC says the average prospective MBA student takes a year to prepare. You may have to cram for the GMAT if you don't plan ahead. First and second application rounds have the best acceptance and scholarship odds, so leave enough time to attain your best GMAT score, even if it involves retaking the test.
2. Don't study for the GMAT, practice for it
GMAT measures skills, not knowledge. Spend less time memorising ideas and more time practising questions. You'll learn most from genuine GMAT questions. The GMAT tests more than intelligence. Practice builds cognitive skills. Your daily performance improves over time.
3. Use appropriate materials intelligently
Official GMAT questions are precise. Knowing the GMAT's pitfalls will help. Strategically use the two free tests available on the MBA website. Take one of these tests before your GMAT to discover if you're ready. Don't waste these tests before you’ve begun your gmat quants preparation. The official guide's diagnostic test might help you get started. Each question should be studied. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Understand where you went wrong to avoid repeating it. Note questions you get wrong to review later.
The quant section of the GMAT curriculum is densely packed with content. Problem-solving questions as well as word problems and quadratic equations are included. For more information on GMAT maths preparation or regarding studying abroad, reach out to our Yocket counsellors today!
