If you plan to go to business school, then I’m sure you know that a great GMAT Focus score is critical. And you’re probably aware that GMAT Quant can be a beast. To tame the beast, you must ensure that you use a solid strategy for your GMAT Focus Quant preparation. This article discusses some study tips for mastering GMAT Quant and how to be at your best on test day.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Tip #1: Get to Know the GMAT Focus Quant Section
- Tip #2: Take a Practice Exam to Gauge Your Starting Point
- Tip #3: Get Top-Notch GMAT Focus Prep Materials
- Tip #4: Topical Studying Is the Way to Go
- Tip #5: Practice What You’ve Learned
- Tip #6: Identify and Address Your Weaknesses
- Tip #7: Memorization Is Part of the GMAT Focus Game
- Tip #8: Review Is Key!
- Tip #9: Do Some GMAT Focus Math Studying Every Day
- Tip #10: Take Practice Tests at the End of Your Prep
- GMAT Quant Preparation: In Summary
- Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin with the basics: getting to know the structure and format of the Quant section of the GMAT Focus.
Tip #1: Get to Know the GMAT Focus Quant Section
If this is your first time taking the GMAT, you need to know the exam’s format before you can even begin to think about studying for the GMAT Quant section. The Quantitative Reasoning section has 21 questions, and you are given 45 minutes to answer them. All 21 questions are 5-question multiple-choice questions, referred to as Problem-Solving (PS) questions.
You will want to take a practice test to establish your baseline score; however, you should not do so until you have gained some familiarity with the GMAT Quant section! To attempt to take a practice GMAT without first becoming familiar with the Quant section is like trying to drive a car without first learning how to apply the brakes or switch on the headlights.
I’m not suggesting that you should put in a lot of study time; rather, you should just familiarize yourself with the math topics that will be tested on the GMAT. Do some practice problems and review some math formulas after you have an understanding of the topics that will be tested.
The 20 Major Math Topics
There are roughly 20 major GMAT Focus quant topics. Here is a list of those topics:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Exponents and Roots
- Number Properties
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Work
- Unit Conversions
- Ratios and Proportions
- Percents
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions and Sequences
TTP PRO TIP:
Become familiar with the GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning section before taking your first practice exam.
Tip #2: Take a Practice Exam to Gauge Your Starting Point
After you have a fundamental understanding of the format and structure of the Quant section, you will be ready to take your first practice exam. When taking the test, don’t stress about how well you are doing. The truth is that this initial test is only going to provide a baseline score. It will help you determine the amount of time you may need to prepare for the real McCoy!
Keep in mind that it will be difficult to estimate how much time you will need to prepare for the GMAT focus math section unless you know how far you are from your desired score. After finishing the practice exam, you will be able to evaluate how close you are to reaching the score you want and devise a general schedule for your preparation for the GMAT Quantitative section.
TTP PRO TIP:
Don’t worry about the score on your first practice exam.
Now, just because we say not to worry about your first practice exam score does not mean you should take this exam lightly. So, let’s discuss how to approach your initial practice test.
Considerations When Taking Your First Practice Exam
Now that the importance of taking your first practice exam has been established, let’s talk about the process of actually taking the test. You can begin by taking the first of the six practice exams that are provided by GMAC, the organization that owns and administers the GMAT Focus. Make sure you give the test your full attention so that you can get reliable results, and follow all test-day rules. For example, turn your phone off, take only one 10-minute break, and don’t use a calculator on the Quant section.
In general, you should strive to create a test setting that is as similar to the test day as feasible. Take your practice test in a library if you intend to take the GMAT Focus in one of the official testing centers. If you are going to take the GMAT online, you should do so in the same location where you are going to take the actual test.
After you finish your practice exam, you’ll have valuable information to use to map out a study schedule and get started on your preparations.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make taking your practice exam as realistic a process as possible.
Tip #3: Get Top-Notch GMAT Focus Prep Materials
Your very first test of this kind is now in the record books! So what do you do now? You have completed the preliminary work necessary to begin the meat of your academic preparation. But in order to accomplish this, you are going to require some excellent resources. You might consider buying a test prep book and diving in by practicing random practice questions. when you first get it, but you should fight that inclination. Instead, you should do some research on the GMAT Focus study tools available to select a comprehensive resource that will give you the best start to your GMAT Quantitative preparation.
So, make sure you do your homework. Talk to people you know who have successfully prepared for the GMAT, such as friends or coworkers. You can browse course reviews written by former GMAT students by going to the GMAT subreddit or the GMAT Club website. You should also consider enrolling in several free or low-cost trials in order to test out a few different courses. When you have spent some time with each course, you will have a better idea of which one will be best for you.
TTP PRO TIP:
Search carefully for the best GMAT prep resource.
Next, let’s discuss the ideal way to go about your GMAT Focus math preparation.
Tip #4: Topical Studying Is the Way to Go
We have seen that there are roughly 20 major math topics tested in the Quant section of the GMAT Focus. Any of those areas may appear on your GMAT on the day of the exam. Therefore, if you want to crush the GMAT Quant section, you need to be prepared for anything and everything that could appear from those topics.
Keep in mind that having only a passing acquaintance with the material covered in the Quant section of the GMAT Focus exam is not sufficient. You need to master each quant topic. Therefore, you should use a learning technique that allows for gaining mastery of a large number of topics: topical learning.
Topical learning is considered a superior way of mastering GMAT Focus quant. You study just one topic at a time, focusing all your time and attention on that one topic until you have learned everything you need.
For example, when you study problems involving rates, you will learn just about rates: average rates, converging rates, catch-up rates, and catch-up and pass rates. You should learn every aspect of rates. Before moving on to the next Quant topic in your study schedule, you will make sure that you have a solid understanding of rates.
TTP PRO TIP:
For best results, prepare for GMAT Quant by learning one topic at a time.
Tip #5: Practice What You’ve Learned
We’ve just discussed that topical learning is a great way to learn GMAT Focus math concepts. Of course, learning concepts is one thing. Making sure that what you learned sticks is another! So, to ensure that what you learn sticks, engage in topical GMAT math practice. In other words, each time you learn a new topic, engage in practice with questions on just that topic until you’ve mastered it.
I can’t overstate the importance of topical practice. I talk to countless GMAT Focus test-takers who did not hit their score goals because they focused so much on learning that they completely forgot about practice. So, make sure that after learning a topic, you answer plenty of GMAT practice math questions on that topic before moving on.
TTP PRO TIP:
Once you learn a Quant topic, engage in practice to validate your mastery.
Tip #6: Identify and Address Your Weaknesses
One crucial reason to spend time practicing GMAT Quant questions is to figure out which math concepts give you trouble. It’s one thing to understand the broad strokes of a topic and be able to solve straightforward example questions, but can you solve questions testing the topic in unfamiliar ways? Or questions testing less-common aspects of the topic?
To be prepared for whatever comes your way on test day, you must work to identify and address specific weaknesses. For example, saying “I struggle with work problems” is not as helpful as identifying the specific work concepts that cause trouble for you. Perhaps you’re good at combined worker problems in which each worker works for the same amount of time, but you have trouble with problems in which one worker stops before the other. By determining exactly which concepts you struggle with, you can more efficiently resolve those issues.
So, how do you identify your weaknesses? One great way is to use a GMAT prep course featuring a built-in error log. For example, the TTP GMAT Focus error tracker allows you to easily track the reasons you missed questions and categorize your missed questions by type. By tracking your errors in this granular fashion, you can easily pinpoint specific weak areas and identify your most common errors. In doing so, you create a blueprint for improving your Quant performance.
Interested in seeing how an error log can help you find and fix your weaknesses? Try the TTP GMAT Focus Course for free for 5 days!
TTP PRO TIP:
As you solve practice questions, be sure to track and identify specific weaknesses, so you can address them.
Tip #7: Memorization Is Part of the GMAT Focus Game
Since we know there is a ton to learn to succeed in GMAT Focus Quant, we need to ensure that we have efficient ways of learning so much material. One great way to learn (and remember) so many formulas, math shortcuts, and math concepts is to memorize them! A great way to get them memorized is to use flashcards. Let’s discuss how.
TTP PRO TIP:
It’s important to memorize many key concepts and formulas for GMAT Quant.
Creating and Using GMAT Quant Flashcards
There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to making a deck of flashcards. You might choose to create your flashcards via the traditional method, by using a set of index cards. Or you can choose to use any of the many apps to create a digital set. No matter the method you choose, recording the important formulas you will need for test day is a good place to start. For example:
- Difference of squares
- a^2 – b^2 = (a – b)(a + b)
- The remainder formula in Number Properties
- n / m = quotient + remainder / m
- The average rate formula in Rates
- Average rate = total distance / total time
These are just a few examples. Certainly, there are many more formulas you could add to flashcards! You also don’t have to limit your flashcards to formulas. Create a flashcard for anything that you think will be helpful for you. Also, as you get questions wrong, create flashcards that will help prevent you from making similar mistakes in the future. For example, let’s say you did not properly recognize how to use the difference of squares formula in the following problem:
(999^2 – 1) / (1,000) = ?
Perhaps you tried solving with brute force and did not get the correct answer. What you should have done was re-express (999^2 – 1) as a difference of squares:
(999 + 1)(999 – 1 ) /1000
(1,000)(998) / 1,000 = 998
Thus, you can put on your flashcard the exact steps you need to follow to solve this problem type. Doing so will help you ensure that you correctly solve similar problems in the future. You can check out the Quant flashcard decks available in the Target Test Prep GMAT course if you need additional ideas or inspiration for your flashcards.
TTP PRO TIP:
Create a personalized deck of flashcards to help you memorize key concepts and formulas.
Tip #8: Review Is Key!
We’ve discussed the importance of topical learning and practice. Both are critical when you’re initially learning each math topic. However, as time passes and you learn more and more GMAT Quant, keeping everything at the forefront of your mind for quick recall may be challenging. Thus, you must incorporate weekly review sessions into your study plan.
One great way to review is to use the aforementioned flashcards. Flashcards are great because they allow you to fit in study sessions even when you are not sitting at your desk or working on your computer. You can flip through them while you’re on a train or bus or while you are waiting for an appointment or in line at the grocery store.
Another form of review is doing mixed problem sets on past topics. So, for example, let’s say it has been over a month since you last saw percent and probability problems. In that case, completing a 20-question quiz on those two topics would be a good idea. The results from that quiz will clearly show you whether any knowledge gaps in percents or probability have occurred. Keeping tabs on older topics is important to limit the number of deficiencies that form as you move through your study plan.
TTP PRO TIP:
Mixed problem sets and flashcards are a great way to review older topics as you move through your study plan.
Tip #9: Do Some GMAT Focus Math Studying Every Day
I know one thing about GMAT studying — it can be grueling! And I completely understand why you may want to choose other aspects of your life over GMAT studying. Here’s the thing. Your daily level of dedication, motivation, and discipline will bring you either closer to or further away from your GMAT Focus goal.
So, to ensure you are always progressing toward your goal, don’t let too many days pass without studying GMAT Quant. Sure, I get it. If you study hard for a few weeks straight, then you may want to give yourself a cheat day. Just don’t let one day turn into two or three.
As a minimum, pull out your flashcards for a quick review if you can’t bear the thought of a full study session. Or do a 20-question mixed review. The important thing is to keep your forward momentum even on days when the last thing on earth you want to do is study for your GMAT. Keeping your GMAT prep front and center will ensure that you constantly progress toward GMAT Quant success.
Remember, the time you spend studying to get a great GMAT Focus score is an investment that will pay big dividends for the rest of your life.
TTP PRO TIP:
Even when you lack motivation, make sure to study a little each day.
Tip #10: Take Practice Tests at the End of Your Prep
So, you did all the topical learning and practice we recommended and kept up with your review. This is great news! But you are not done yet. The last step of your prep is taking practice exams to assess your overall progress and to prepare for the rigors of test day.
So, take the remaining five mba.com practice exams. Since taking a practice exam is quite taxing, try to space the exams between 4 and 7 days apart. Also, try to take each exam when you’re fresh, rather than after a long day of work.
After completing each practice exam, thoroughly analyze any incorrect questions or any questions you correctly guessed on. If you find that you have any major knowledge gaps, go back to your prep materials to fill in those gaps. Ideally, since you’ll have been studying hard, your scores on these tests should be close to your target GMAT score. So, after taking all five practice exams, you should be ready to rock test day and put the GMAT Focus behind you!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take the remaining five mba.com practice exams prior to test day.
GMAT Quant Preparation: In Summary
We have provided you with a lot of material in this article! Every tip about GMAT Quant that you learn and follow will help you earn your best score possible. Let’s take a look at the 10 GMAT Focus tips that we have covered here:
- Get to Know the GMAT Focus Quant Section
- Take a Practice Exam to Gauge Your Starting Point
- Get Top-Notch GMAT Prep Materials
- Topical Studying Is the Way to Go
- Practice What You’ve Learned
- Identify and Address Your Weaknesses
- Memorization Is Part of the GMAT Focus Game
- Review Is Key!
- Do Some GMAT Focus Math Studying Every Day
- Take Practice Tests at the End of Your Prep
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Prepare for Quant in GMAT Exams?
The tips presented in this article give you a solid introduction to preparing for the GMAT Focus Quant section. Follow them and you’ll be off to a great start!
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for GMAT Quant?
There are so many variables that affect the amount of time that one needs to prepare for GMAT Quant. Some of these may include your math background, the number of years since you took math classes, the amount of time you can devote each week to your prep, and the difference between your target score and your baseline score. Many students need as many as 6 months or as little as 1 month for their prep, though the average is about 4-5 months.
The key is to plan ahead, so that you aren’t rushing at the last minute to take your GMAT Focus. Give yourself adequate time, so you can earn your best possible score.
What’s Next?
By now, you know how important the GMAT is for securing acceptance at a great business school. We’ve given you some key tips for getting a solid start to your GMAT Quant preparation, but there’s even more you can do! Check out our article with 25 tips for increasing your GMAT Quant score, and you’ll be ready to nail the Quant section!
