Hi everyone, if you have decided to prepare for the GMAT. Here we will discuss GMAT Quant section strategies, GMAT quant section topics, GMAT quant section questions, GMAT quant section time, GMAT quant sectional test format, and free resources available etc. Let’s begin with a survey held on data of about 800.
Types of Questions: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency
Key Topics Covered:
Essential Study Strategies:
1. Mastering the Fundamentals
2. Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
3. Developing Speed and Accuracy
4. Effective Practice Techniques
5. Utilizing Practice Tests
The Role of Flashcards in Memorization:
Importance of an Error Log:
GMAT Quant Test Day Tips:
How to Prepare for the GMAT Quant Section
Score in GMAT Quant
Percentile
Score in GMAT Quant
Percentile
Score in GMAT Quant
Percentile
51
97%
44
54%
36
33%
50
87%
43
47%
31
21%
49
77%
42
45%
26
15%
48
71%
41
43%
21
8%
47
65%
40
39%
16
4%
46
62%
39
38%
9
2%
45
59%
38
36%
3
0%
The average GMAT quant score achieved is 38.91. In this article, we will discuss how to improve yourself to get 51.
Here’s a structured approach to help you get ready:
Understanding the GMAT Quant Section
Some call it GMAT maths, but I would rather say it is GMAT Quant. GMAT calls its quant section Quantitative Reasoning. It is a great amalgam of maths and reasoning-based questions. Previously there were 31 questions to be asked and done in 62 minutes but from now there will be 21 questions in the GMAT Quant section to be done in 45 minutes. But you should plan to complete it in less than 40 minutes.
Overview of the GMAT Quant Section
GMAT Quant section covers the following basic math concepts:
GMAT Quant section contains two types of problems: Problem-solving and Data Sufficiency. You need to relearn the quant skills learned up to high school. The GMAT Quant section will contain 21 questions in 45 minutes. It is an adaptive test. If your answer is correct, then the next question is of higher difficulty, and for an incorrect answer, the effect is the opposite. The GMAT quant section analyzes your ability to problem solve rather than your knowledge of math.
Types of Questions: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency
GMAT Quantitative Section will now contain 21 questions that you must solve in 45 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT exam assesses the following skills:
Ability to interpret graphic data
Ability to solve quantitative problems, and reason mathematically.
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The Quantitative section of the GMAT test includes two types of questions:
1. Problem-Solving: Questions generally come from Geometry, Elementary Algebra, Arithmetic, Ratio Proportions etc. It measures your ability to use logic and analytical reasoning and you need to solve the problem and choose the correct choice among the five choices.
Sample Question:
Samuel drives for 80 miles on local roads at 20 mph, and 360 miles on the highway at 60 mph, what is the average speed of the entire trip?
A. 36 mph
B. 40 mph
C. 44 mph
D. 52 mph
E. 58 mph
Solution: Here you should use the concept of average speed which is calculated by dividing the total distance covered by the total time taken. So, Time taken to drive 80 miles at 20 mph = 4 hrs Time taken to drive 360 miles at 60 mph = 6 hrs Total time taken = 4 + 6 = 10 hrs Total distance covered = 360 + 80 = 440 So, the average speed = 440/10 = 44 mph Hence, the correct answer is ‘Choice C’.
2. Data Sufficiency: This section requires candidates to determine whether the given statements are sufficient to find the correct answer. It will measure your ability to analyze a quantitative problem and to find which data is relevant to find the answer.
Data Sufficiency questions include a problem statement and two answer statements. Using the data with your math knowledge, you need to determine whether you have sufficient information in the statement to answer the question.
Sample Question:
Is the perimeter of a given rectangle less than 15 inches?
(1) The length of the rectangle is 3 inches greater than the width.
(2) The two shorter sides of the rectangle are 2.75 inches long.
A. Statement 1 alone is sufficient but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement 2 alone is sufficient but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question but neither statement is sufficient alone.
D. Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question.
E. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked and additional data is needed to answer the statements.
Solution: For the Perimeter of a rectangle, we need to know the measurements of the length as well as the width of the rectangle. From statement (1) alone, we are not able to find the value of the perimeter since we don’t know the value of width. From statement (2) alone, we are not able to find the value of the perimeter since we don’t know the value of length. So, both statements alone are not sufficient to answer the question. But if we use both statements, we can find the value of width and length. So, we can determine the perimeter and hence using both statements, the answer can be determined. Hence, the correct answer is ‘Choice C’.
Key Topics Covered:
You should not predict which topic you will see in GMAT Quant. All topics are important. Every major topic in GMAT quant has many subtopics. You need to learn all of them.
We can summarize the GMAT Quant in 21 major topics as given:
You need to ensure a strong hold on basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and statistics. Review and practice fundamental principles regularly. You should break up the syllabus while preparing. Here we are going to discuss the strategies to master the fundamentals.
Here are some strategies to master your fundamentals:
Break down the syllabus into sub-sections i.e. Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability.
Make flashcards for formulas, important concepts, and short tricks.
Take practice tests regularly.
Focus more on the concepts in which you are weak.
Practice, practice, and more practice.
2. Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
You are the best trainer for yourself. Introspect yourself to identify your weaknesses and rectify them. How will you identify your weaknesses? You can identify your weaknesses by taking practice sets; by discussing your preparation strategy with an expert, you can find your weaknesses by discussing with your friends, mentors etc.
If your weakness is maths concept-related: You can identify this weakness while doing practice. Let us say you find the problems on percentages difficult for you then you can go through any of the Youtube channels on the basics of percentages, you can follow any good book, and practice until percentages become easier for you.
If your weakness is pressure handling: To get rid of pressure, focus on one thing at a time. Don’t think about the result or you can discuss with mentors who can suggest some more better ways to handle your pressure.
If your weakness is time management during exams: Do more and more practice. Learn short tricks, learn speed maths. Several YouTube channels can help you to learn speed maths.
Similarly, you can find your other weaknesses and work to overcome these weaknesses.
3. Developing Speed and Accuracy
You need to solve 21 questions in 45 minutes which means you will get hardly 2 minutes for 1 question. To score above 90 percentile you need to correct at least 17-18 questions. So, you need to be quick and accurate while solving the questions. You need to work on your speed while preparing for GMAT. Some techniques can enhance your speed.
Learn tables up to 30.
Learn squares and cubes up to 30.
Solve questions of percentages with the help of fractions.
Allocate time to each question.
Do not waste much time on one question.
Skip and Move: If you find any question which requires more time to understand then skip that question and move to the next question.
Follow the clock: regularly check the time on your screen.
Practice Time-Bound Exercises.
Strengthen mental maths.
4. Effective Practice Techniques
While preparing for GMAT you need to work on the following parameters:
Understanding test format
Focus on fundamentals
Develop problem-solving strategies
Work on time management
Review mistakes
Use quality study material
Seek help from experts
Maintain a positive mindset
Also, you need to understand how you can utilize practice sets, how you can use flashcards, and how you should work on errors.
5. Utilizing Practice Tests
Practice sets play an important role in preparation for GMAT. What you should do:
Attempt at least one practice set in a day.
Assess your result
Identify in which areas you are lagging and work on those areas
Make a record of the time taken by you in every test
Identify which portion of the test you are taking more time and try to reduce time in the next test
Take diagnostic test after every 3-4 practice sets
Subscribe to an online test series from a trusted source
These practices will certainly help you to improve.
The Role of Flashcards in Memorization:
Flash cards are created to memorize the important formulas and concepts that you can keep with you every time and revise the concepts whenever you get the time. Flash cards help you in the following ways:
Flashcards contain the formulas that you need to revise again and again.
You can keep flash cards with you always so that you can use them whenever you want. In this way, you can utilize your time effectively.
You don’t need a book every time for the formulas and important concepts.
Importance of an Error Log:
Error log is the record that you are maintaining after every practice and diagnostic test. This will help you in certain ways:
Help you to understand your weak areas so that you can work on them.
Help you to understand where you are taking more time so that you can work to improve how quickly and accurately you can answer the questions.
Also, helps to be aware of the silly mistakes you are making.
Help you to understand where you are making mistakes in understanding the questions.
You must know what you should do during the exam and what you should avoid during the exam. There are some important points that I am going to discuss which can help you during the exam. Time, accuracy, and speed are the three important parameters along with staying calm during the exam.
1. Time Management Strategies
During the exam, you should do:
Allocate time to each question separately.
Do not waste much time on one question.
If you don’t understand the problem or you are not able to solve a question then skip and move to the next question.
Don’t do lengthy calculations.
Try to do calculations mentally.
Avoid the use of a pen when the calculations can be done mentally.
Be alert to the time shown on your screen.
2. Staying Calm and Focused
Generally, candidates lose their calmness and control if they are stuck in one or more questions at the start during tests make silly mistakes, and sometimes interpret the question wrongly. So you should stay calm and focused during the exam.
You should do:
Don’t think about the result.
Don’t study an hour before the exam.
Drink water.
Leave the ego at your home.
Assume that there is no one around you.
If you find yourself rushing through questions, slow down yourself.
Avoid skim reading.
Hold your breath when feeling nervous.
Think positive.
Set yourself comfortably in your position.
3. Last-Minute Review Techniques
There are 7 last hour review techniques which are listed here:
Starting your day early before exams will provide you with enough time to finish your revision.
Make a list of all the topics you need to revise on test day.
Use smart revision techniques.
Avoid any kind of distraction.
Review all topics that bothered you the most.
Get enough sleep.
Plan your exam strategy.
4. Additional Resources
Here are some suggestions for books, online courses, and online forums to boost your preparation.
Recommended GMAT Prep Courses:
Magoosh GMAT Prep
GMAT Official Prep by GMAC
Online Forums and Study Groups:
GMAT Club
Manhattan Prep
e-GMAT - Free Adaptive Mock Test
Books and Guides for GMAT Quant:
GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024, Focus Edition
GMAT Focus Edition Unofficial Quantitative Review 2023 by Career Launcher.
Kaplan Gmat 800.
GMAT 2024: Graduate Management Admission Test| 10 Full-Length Practice Mock Tests with Free Access to Online Tests by EduGorilla Prep Experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What are the common mistakes that I can make during exams?
There are many pitfalls and challenges faced by an aspirant during the exam. They make common mistakes again and again without understanding why these mistakes are happening again and how to overcome these mistakes. We are summarizing them here:
Understanding of the pattern of questions
Questions are taking much time to solve
Silly mistakes while doing basic arithmetic calculations
2.How can I avoid the common mistakes during the exam?
You avoid the common mistakes during exams by
Keeping yourself calm and focused
Practice well before the exam
3.How can I improve my quant score quickly?
You can score your quant score quickly by
Mastering the Basics.
Knowing the types of questions asked.
Answer logically.
Taking practice tests and diagnostic tests.
Not answering the questions blindly.
4.How can I balance the quant preparation with other sections as it requires more time?
Prepare a timetable and allocate sufficient time to each section to study.
5.Is quant difficult in GMAT?
Rather, a lot of GMAT Quant problems are challenging. Answering them requires both mathematical knowledge and the ability to understand a mathematical topic from multiple perspectives. In actuality, the GMAT Quant questions need rather simple algebra from high school. Therefore, mathematical complexity isn't what makes GMAT Quant problems difficult.
6.How to get 51 in quant GMAT?
Your perfect quant score will be gone if you answer three questions incorrectly and none of them are experimental. One can only make a maximum of 1-2 mistakes on the GMAT to receive a 51, and a maximum of 3-4 faults to receive a 50.
No, IIMs or Indian Institutes of Management and IITs or Indian Institutes of Technology generally do not accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship two-year MBA programs for fresh graduates with Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. IIMs primarily consider the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to their flagship MBA programs. IITs also primarily consider the CAT for admission to their management programs.
However some IIMs in India do accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship MBA programs, primarily for the foreign students.
That’s a great question and shows you’re thinking carefully about your future. It's important to consider both options carefully, especially with your background. When considering whether to pursue an MBA abroad or in India, especially with poor academics and no work experience, the decision requires careful evaluation of your goals, financial situation, and career aspirations.
When comparing an MBA in India versus one abroad, there's no definitive winner—it ultimately depends on a student’s aspirations and willingness to invest financially for potentially greater returns. Each option offers its own distinct benefits, which can be better understood through a detailed discussion. Both options have their merits and challenges. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.
What Is the Purpose of an MBA?
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) equips students with:
Leadership and management skills:
To lead teams and organizations effectively.
Strategic thinking abilities
: To solve complex business problems.
Career advancement opportunities
: To secure roles in management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Networking:
To build connections with industry professionals and peers.
The value of an MBA depends heavily on the program's quality, your goals, and the level of effort you put into leveraging its benefits.
MBA Abroad vs. MBA in India: A Comparison
MBA Abroad
Pros:
Global Exposure: Study in a multicultural environment and gain insights into international markets.
Top-Quality Education: Renowned universities provide cutting-edge curriculum and resources.
Networking Opportunities: Build a global professional network.
Higher Earning Potential: Graduates from top programs often secure higher salaries, particularly in developed economies.
Prestige: Degrees from institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, or Wharton carry global recognition and respect.
Cons:
High Cost: Tuition fees and living expenses are substantial. Scholarships are competitive.
Work Visa Challenges: Securing post-MBA work permits can be difficult in some countries.
Work Experience Requirement: Most top MBA programs abroad require 2-5 years of professional experience.
Risk: Without a strong profile, you may not gain admission to top schools, reducing the ROI (return on investment).
Who Is It For?
Candidates with strong financial resources.
Those aiming for international roles or exposure to global markets.
Students with a clear plan for their post-MBA career .
MBA in India
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in most foreign programs.
Reputed Institutions: Top Indian MBA programs (e.g., IIMs, ISB, XLRI) are highly regarded, especially for roles in Indian and Asian markets.
Local Relevance: Focus on Indian business contexts and networks.
Shorter Duration: Many MBA programs in India are completed in 1-2 years.
Flexible Entry: Some private universities and tier-2 colleges accept candidates with weaker academics or no work experience.
Cons:
Less Global Exposure: International experience and networks may be limited.
High Competition: Admission to top-tier institutes like IIMs is extremely competitive and requires strong CAT/GMAT scores.
Brand Value: While prestigious in India, Indian MBA degrees may lack global recognition compared to programs abroad.
Who Is It For?
Candidates targeting the Indian job market or local companies.
Students looking for a cost-effective education with high-quality outcomes.
Fresh graduates or those who prefer programs without stringent entry requirements.
Since you mentioned having poor academics and no work experience, both options have specific challenges:
MBA Abroad Challenges :
Admission Requirements: Most top-tier schools abroad require a strong academic record and work experience. Without these, securing admission to a reputed institution can be difficult.
Cost and ROI: The financial investment is high. Without admission to a top program or a clear plan for career advancement, it may not provide a good return.
MBA in India Challenges
Limited Opportunities in Top Programs: Schools like IIMs and ISB value academic consistency and work experience.
Lower Exposure: Compared to studying abroad, Indian MBAs may not offer the same level of global exposure.
Conclusion: Based on your current situation, a good approach may be to gain some work experience, improve your academic profile, and then decide whether to pursue an MBA in India or abroad.
Focus on Skills: Irrespective of the choice, focus on acquiring key skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical thinking, which are crucial for a successful career in business.
An MBA is a significant investment in your future, and careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or have more questions!
Each difference is half of the previous difference. Following this pattern, the next difference should be 32 / 2 = 16.
Therefore, the next number in the series is: 489 + 16 = 505
The correct answer is B) 505.
For personalized guidance on preparing for the GMAT and other exams to gain admission to top universities, including Ivy League schools, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide expert assistance tailored to your needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
To determine the next number in the sequence 4, 18, 85, 336, 1005, ?, observe the pattern or rule governing the progression. Calculating the differences between consecutive terms:
18 - 4 = 14
85 - 18 = 67
336 - 85 = 251
1005 - 336 = 669
Analyzing the differences further:
67 - 14 = 53
251 - 67 = 184
669 - 251 = 418
The second-order differences are:
184 - 53 = 131
418 - 184 = 234
The third-order difference is:
234 - 131 = 103
Thus, assuming the differences follow a polynomial pattern, the next difference might be:
418 + 234 = 652
Adding this to the last term in the sequence:
1005 + 652 = 1657
So, the next term should be 1657, but it isn't one of the provided options. It suggests a more complex pattern, or an error in initial assumption. Consulting with an expert or a test prep consultant, like Invicta Career Consultancy, might help clarify the pattern and provide additional practice for GMAT-type sequences and other preparation strategies.
You can find GMAT previous years’ papers from various online platforms, but one great resource I’ve been using while preparing for the GMAT at Uwezo Learning is their extensive collection of practice tests and study materials. They provide access to realistic mock tests that closely resemble the actual exam format, which has been extremely helpful in my preparation.
Uwezo Learning (https://uwezolearning.com/)
also offers guidance on how to approach these papers strategically, helping me pinpoint areas of improvement. It’s definitely been a great way to familiarize myself with the exam pattern and boost my confidence.
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