The GMAT is a major component of your MBA application, which is something you can take full control of trying for a strong score. This is a great advantage, as other elements, such as work experience, are things you have had to work on over time and can’t possibly change in time for an application. The GMAT exam is something you can ace with enough effort and focus, giving you the opportunity to really make a mark on your application. And what better way to do so than to ace the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, the one which most students hail to be the toughest of all the sections. This article will provide you with the best preparation tips for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Key Highlights
The Quantitative aptitude section of the GMAT Exam tests your capability to utilize logical skills to assess data and make conclusions. The mathematics required to answer the questions in this portion is usually covered in high school classes.
The GMAT quant difficulty level is considered to be of a moderate to high level, and a good score in this section is considered important for admission to graduate management programs. The level of difficulty may vary based on an individual's mathematical background and preparation.
So, what is Q51? Well, in simple words, the score range for GMAT Exam Quant section is 6-51 and Q51 simply means achieving the perfect score of 51. To come closer to the coveted Q51 score, it is of utmost importance that you follow a well-structured practice regimen.
Step-by-Step GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Preparation Tips
The main thing to remember when preparing for the GMAT Exam in the Quantitative Aptitude section is that Practice is the most important aspect of it. Knowing all the basics won’t be worth anything if you don’t practice how to implement them.
While preparing for the GMAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude section, you can implement the following techniques into your own GMAT Preparation strategy to improve your chances of success.
Step 1: Grasp The Basics
- For starters, it is important to have a clear knowledge of the basics of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. If you’re not confident in your skills in these topics, it would be a wise idea to go through them once.
- It is normal to have forgotten the basics, as these topics are usually not taught after high school.
- If you think your knowledge of these topics is rusty, make sure you don’t try to rush through this preparation tip.
- It is important to note that advanced topics such as trigonometry and calculus are not tested on the GMAT exam. Focus on school-level Arithmetic, Geometry, and Algebra is sufficient to score well.
- You can refer to Quantitative for GMAT exam by EduRev for revision of these topics.
Step 2: Get Familiar with the Type of Questions
- Just knowing the basics of Quantitative aptitude won’t be enough for mastering this section. The GMAT Exam Quantitative section tests a candidate's ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data.
- To get familiar with the type of questions that will be on the test, it is important to practice with a wide range of GMAT Exam practice questions. This will help you to become familiar with the different types of problems that are typically found on the GMAT Exam, such as problem-solving, and data-sufficiency questions.
- You can refer to Quantitative Data sufficiency, and Quantitative Problem-solving Questions by EduRev to learn more about the question format.
Step 3: Maintain a Formula Book
- EduRev offers GMAT Quantitative reasoning formula sheet for each topic as a part of the EduRev Infinity course for GMAT exam.
- You can make use of these formula sheets for memorizing important formulas.
- It is recommended that you write and practice the formulae that you find hard to memorize.
Step 4: Take as many Mock Tests as you can
- While a strong understanding of mathematical concepts is crucial for success on the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions that will be on the test.
- Taking practice tests provides a great way to learn the material, get familiar with the format of the test, and measure progress. Additionally, it can help to improve time management skills, as the GMAT Exam Quantitative section is timed.
- Taking practice tests should be done in the same format as the actual test. This means that the tests should be taken in one sitting and with time constraints, to mimic the actual testing environment.
- Additionally, it is important to review the answers and explanations of each practice test, so that any mistakes can be identified and corrected. This can be done using EduRev’s Mock Test series, which offers a deep analysis of your weak areas after completion of the test.
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Mistakes
- Having taken practice tests, you should now be aware of your mistakes and weaknesses. It is good practice to keep track of these mistakes so that you can work on them and avoid repeating them in the actual exam.
- Review your incorrect answers and understand where you went wrong so you can avoid making the same mistake again, to do this, first review the question and try to identify where you went wrong. Was it a calculation error, an incorrect assumption, or an incorrect understanding of the question?
- EduRev’s Practice Questions and Mock Tests can be of great help to students, as they offer analysis of the test taker’s performance and even allow you to retry the questions you answered wrong.
- Once you have identified the mistake, review the correct answer to ensure that you understand the correct solution.
- Retrying the incorrect questions can help the students overcome their weaknesses, and perform better in the actual GMAT Exam.
- Finally, take the time to review any related topics or concepts that you may have misunderstood so that you can better understand them in the future.
Also Read: GMAT Exam day Checklist: Things to keep in Mind
Step 6: Try to Simulate the Actual Test Environment
- Simulating the test environment for GMAT Exam Quantitative involves creating an environment that mimics the actual test environment.
- This includes using the same types of questions and problem-solving techniques that are present in the actual test.
- It also involves familiarizing oneself with the testing platform, including the calculator and scratch paper provided.
- Additionally, it involves taking practice tests and timed drills to develop the speed and accuracy needed to solve questions quickly.
- When Practicing for the GMAT Exam Quantitative, try to stick to 31 questions and solve them in 62 minutes.
- This will help you get used to the time constraints in the actual exam, while also improving your solving speed.
- Finally, it involves studying tips and strategies for tackling the GMAT Exam quantitative questions and becoming familiar with the different types of questions that are likely to appear on the test.
Tips for Data Sufficiency Questions
- Read the question and the two statements carefully.
- Try to determine if the information provided in the statements is sufficient to answer the question.
- Determine if the issue requires multiple values or just one. Evaluate if there is enough data present.
- Avoid making assumptions based on geometric shapes, as they may not be accurately proportioned.
- Use your knowledge of mathematics to evaluate the statements.
- If one statement alone is sufficient to answer the question, then the answer is A (Statement 1 alone is sufficient).
- If both statements together are necessary to answer the question, then the answer is C (Both statements together are necessary).
- If neither statement alone is sufficient to answer the question, then the answer is B (Neither statement alone is sufficient).
- If one statement is sufficient, but the other statement is not, then the answer is D (Statement 1 is sufficient, but statement 2 is not).
Tips for Problem-Solving Questions
- Analyze each question thoroughly: Review each question to understand the provided information and what is being asked. Carefully read every sentence and translate the data into equations to solve the problem.
- Utilize the erasable board: Use the erasable notepad provided at the test center. Writing out the questions may assist in obtaining the correct answers and avoiding errors.
- Examine the answer options: Before answering, take a look at the options provided. Often, the answer can be inferred by carefully evaluating the choices given.
- Don’t devote too much time to one question: If a question is taking an excessive amount of time, move on to the next one. Eliminate the answers you think are incorrect, select the best option, and proceed to the next question.
GMAT Math Section: Skills Required
- Ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data
- Understanding problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, and common geometry concepts
- Evaluation of the amount of information needed to solve quantitative problems
- Analyzing a quantitative problem
- Recognizing which information is relevant
- To be able to determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem
GMAT Math Prep: Important Topics
One needs to have basic mathematical skills to solve the Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GMAT exam. Some of the areas where you need to focus and increase your Maths knowledge are
- Arithmetic – basic arithmetic including fractions, statistics, integers, and probability, and powers and roots
- Algebra – how to solve different types of equations and topics like variables and functions
- Geometry – properties of geometric objects, including triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, solids, and cylinders
- Word problems – geometric principles to solve problems, blending arithmetic, and algebraic
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Test Day Tips
The main thing to remember on the test day is to not be stressed. One tip to manage stress on test day is to stay calm and stay positive. Remember that you have prepared for this test and that you have the knowledge and skills to do well. It's also important to get a good night's sleep before the test and eat a nutritious breakfast on the day of the test.
Here are a few points to keep in mind for the test day.
- Monitor your time closely during the test. Attempt to complete the entire section.
- To maximize your workspace, move your keyboard aside during the Quantitative section of the GMAT exam.
- Start with easier questions: Once these questions are completed, move on to the more challenging questions. By starting with the easier questions, you can build your confidence and save the more difficult questions for later, while also saving time.
- Don't spend an excessive amount of time on a question you are unable to solve, instead, move on to the next one.
- Be cautious when answering geometry questions, do not rely on visual judgement alone, and read the text carefully.
- Take at least 30 seconds to review the diagrams, tables, and graphs in the questions, as many facts can be drawn from them.
- For bar graphs and line charts, visual estimates are reliable, the test writers do not use visual tricks on these questions.
- Learn to work backwards, if you are completely stuck on a question, select an answer choice and work backwards to see if it makes sense.
- Do not rush through easy questions and make careless mistakes.
- Eliminate answer choices that do not make sense to reduce the time spent on individual questions.
Also Read: Do’s and Don’ts for GMAT Exam Day
How to prepare for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning using EduRev Infinity
The EduRev Infinity package for GMAT Exam preparation offers all the resources you could need to ace the exam and get into the colleges of your choice. The package offers hundreds of videos, documents and tests to help you prepare effectively and efficiently for the GMAT Exam at an affordable price.
This Package provides an extensive collection of resources on Quantitative topics, such as Formula Sheets, Practice questions and Mock tests. Apart from the study material, crucial guidance is also offered in form of “tips” and “how to” documents.
Refer to the following links to access the study material provided in the EduRev infinity package.
The most important tip for securing Q51 on the GMAT Exam Quantitative section is to Practice as much as you possibly can.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Preparation Tips for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning
Is GMAT Math Difficult?
The GMAT Math section can be challenging as it covers a wide range of mathematical concepts and tests your ability to apply them to real-world problem-solving situations. The difficulty level can vary for different test-takers depending on their mathematical background and skills. It is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty level of questions will adjust based on your previous answers
Should I make notes for GMAT Math?
Yes, making notes for the GMAT Math section can be helpful in organizing information and reinforcing key concepts. It can also help in identifying areas where you need more practice and understanding. Additionally, taking notes during the test can help you remember important information and improve your problem-solving skills
How much time is required for GMAT Math preparation?
The amount of time required for GMAT Exam Math preparation can vary depending on an individual's mathematical background and skills. On average, it is recommended to dedicate at least 2-3 months of dedicated and consistent study to prepare for the GMAT Exam Math section. This includes studying Math concepts, practicing sample questions, and taking full-length practice tests. However, it is important to note that some people may require more or less time depending on their individual needs.
What types of Math are covered in the GMAT Exam Quant section?
The GMAT Exam Quant section covers a wide range of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
How many questions are on the GMAT Exam Quant section?
The GMAT Exam Quant section contains 31 questions, which must be completed in 62 minutes.
How is the GMAT Quant section scored?
The GMAT Exam Quant section is scored on a scale of 6-51, with the average score being around 35-40.
Is the GMAT Quant section computer adaptive?
Yes, the GMAT Exam Quant section is computer adaptive, which means that the difficulty level of the questions will adjust based on your previous answers.
How can I prepare for the GMAT Quant section?
To prepare for the GMAT Exam Quant section, it is recommended to study Math concepts, practice sample questions, and take full-length practice tests. You can access study materials from EduRev’s course for GMAT Preparation