Planning on studying abroad? You’ve probably already started your prep for GMAT. So far in this series, we’ve covered AWA and IR. In today’s article, we’re going to cover Quant. Now Quant, along with Verbal, is very important to GMAT as these two determine your GMAT score. So, let’s proceed to understand what Quant exactly is, what is being tested, and how you can prepare for this section.
What is being tested?
You are expected to analyze data and use your reasoning skills to draw logical conclusions. Your mathematical skills, ability to solve quantitative problems and interpret graphic data will be put to test. To be able to crack this section, you have to brush up on mathematical, arithmetic, and geometry concepts.
Time Duration
You have 62 minutes for the Quant section. You have 31 questions in all, meaning you have about 2 minutes per question. Quant is one of the difficult sections in GMAT, so be very thorough during your prep. Speed and accuracy are essential in cracking this section.
Types of Questions
There are 2 types of questions in this section
Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency
However, these questions cover a wide range of concepts, meaning you will have to spend some time solving these.
How to Crack
Understand that you have only 2 minutes per question. Ideally, you should be able to perform within this time limit, giving the mocks and practice tests you take before the actual GMAT. Remember that Quant is one of the difficult sections of GMAT, so make sure you’re well prepared. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while practicing for GMAT.
Understand patterns. Many of the problem solving and data sufficiency questions follow a set of patterns. By identifying these patterns, you will be able to solve these questions quickly and more accurately.
Brush up on all your maths, arithmetic and geometric formulae and concepts. While you will be well versed with some, you might not have dealt with others since your school days. Make sure you have studied all the formulae, concepts, etc.
Practice mental calculations. If you know multiplication tables up to 30, you can significantly shorten your calculation times, especially when there are simple calculations to be made. Don’t waste time writing them down in rough and doing them individually.
For Problem Solving:
Try to find the solution without looking at the given options. Don’t make assumptions or estimations. Not only will you waste time, but you might also end up confusing yourself.
Read the problem carefully. Make sure you understand what is to be done before you begin solving the problem.
Focus on Word Problems, as the majority of the questions appearing in Quant will be Word Problems. They’re the most popular kind.
Functions, three-dimensional geometry, and data interpretation are the least popular kind of questions and appear less frequently than the others. While you don’t need to spend too much time preparing this type, don’t completely ignore them.
For Data Sufficiency
Make sure you have read and understood both statements before you move on to the options.
This type of question tests your analytical skills as much as your mathematical skills.
Every single data sufficiency question has the same 5 options. Memorize them so you don’t waste time while solving this question type.