Prep Tips for GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning Section
GMAT
Talk to ExpertThe Quantitative section of the GMAT Focus measures basic logical and analytical skills. It tests a candidate's understanding based on elementary concepts in mathematics learned at school and the ability to reason quantitatively. The section involves solving questions logically and analytically. Check out the top 10 preparation tips to crack Quantitative Reasoning on GMAT Focus.
A lot of practice is required to ace the GMAT exam and its Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section. Although one needs good logical reasoning along with strong maths based to solve the questions in the GMAT's Quant section, the mathematics one needs is taught in secondary school. In this article, we have given preparation tips for GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning section, so that you can prepare effectively with the right strategies for this section.
GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning Section Highlights
| Test Section Duration | 45 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 21 |
| Syllabus | Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra |
| Score Scale | 205-805 |
| Calculator Use | Prohibited |
| Types of Questions | Problem Solving MCQ-based questions |
| Section Tests | Logical & Analytical Skills |
GMAT Focus Quant Section Syllabus
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 Topics of GMAT Focus
The questions on the topic Arithmetic on GMAT Focus QR section include:
- Basic arithmetic
- Fractions
- Statistics
- Integers
- Probability
- Powers and roots
Algebra Topics on GMAT Focus
The topics in Algebra for GMAT Focus include - how to solve different types of equations and topics like variables and functions
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GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning Prep Strategies
Preparing for GMAT Focus Edition's Quantitative Reasoning section can be tricky, however, there are a few tips which are essential for preparation. Check out the ideal strategy to prepare for this section below. When preparing for GMAT Focus Edition's Quantitative Reasoning section applicants must:
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- Make a plan, time your preparation and stick to your schedule for preparation.
- Ensure a good understanding of core topics that are tested, that is Arithmetic and Algebra topics.
- Practice calculations using the correct formulae to build a solid base for solving questions.
- Avoid using calculators to solve questions on Quantitative Reasoning. Rather use tips and tricks for mental maths to solve the questions. This way dependency on calculators will reduce drastically.
- Practice different types of questions which use different strategies to solve them. Analyse the strategies used to solve questions in this section to be able to solve them easily during the main exam day.
- Time management is the most important aspect for acing GMAT Focus Edition's Quantitative Reasoning section. Check out: Powerful Time Management Strategies for Students
- Prepare for your GMAT exam at coaching centres or prepare for the exam yourself using the right approach for tackling each type of question. Applicants can select the best coaching centre for GMAT prep based on their location of residence
Based on the above tips, applicants can effectively and strategically prepare for GMAT Focus Edition's Quantitative Reasoning section.
Check out popular GMAT coaching centres in different parts of the country below:
| Top GMAT Coaching Centres in North India | Top GMAT Coaching Centers in South India |
| Top GMAT Coaching Centers in East India | Top GMAT Coaching Centers in West India |
Top 10 Tips for GMAT Focus Quantitative Success
Problem-solving questions in the Quant section of GMAT Focus test your ability to use logical and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems. Candidates need to solve the problem and mark the answer from the given choices.
- Increase your speed: Keep on checking the screen timer during the test. Do not waste too much time on a problem you are not able to solve and move to the next question. Try to finish the complete section.
- Read every question carefully: Read every question carefully to understand the given data and what is being asked. read every sentence carefully and translate the data into equations to solve the problem.
- Use the erasable board: Use the erasable notebook given at the test centre. Solving the questions in writing may help you in getting the right answers and avoid mistakes.
- Take a glance at the answer choices: Before answering go through the options given for the answer. Otherwise, you may spend time on getting an answer that is not given in the choices.
- Do not focus on one question for too long: If a question is taking too much time then move to the next one. Check out the choices and eliminate the ones you think are wrong and select the best option and move to the next question.
- Learn Fomulae by heart: Know math formulae before you take the GMAT. This way you will spend less time and be able to solve your questions easily and smartly. Ensure to prepare a list of formulae during your preparation. These formulae must be revised daily based on the GMAT exam syllabus for the Quant section.
- Prepare carefully: With the new GMAT exam pattern into play, a lot has changed. Avoid preparing for extra topics, be precise with what and how you want to prepare for your Quant section. Consequently, choose your resources like GMAT books also carefully for preparation.
- Use choice elimination to speed up: In case you get stuck on a particular question and the answers are close, try using the elimination method. This way you will be able to come to a concrete answer in less time.
- Jump to the next, if a question is too difficult: In case a question is taking a lot of time, jump on to the next, and bookmark it so that you can come back to it later if time allows.
- Practice & practice more: Maths is all about practice, but use your logic as well. Analytical skills are equally important to crack this section. Once applicants know where to use logic and analytical skills to crack the question, they can ace this section easily. Thus, practice as much as you can.
Once these pointers are incorporated while preparing for the GMAT exam, applicants will surely be able to crack the exam in one go.
GMAT Focus Exam Day Tips for QR Section
To be fully prepared, applicants can follow these tips when solving questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section in an actual exam setting (either online or offline):
- Take advantage of your scrap paper. Use it to work out formulas and cross out wrong answer choices.
- Since you will not need the keyboard for the Quantitative section, move it aside to give you more desk room for writing on your rough paper.
- Advanced topics such as trigonometry and calculus are not tested on the GMAT. To score well, you only need to be familiar with school-level arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.
- Learn how to work backwards. If you are completely stuck on a question, you can select an answer choice and work backwards to see if it makes sense.
- Do not rush through the easy questions and make careless mistakes.
GMAT Focus QR Section Prep Resources
Those who have an engineering background should not be too overconfident about this section. You never know what question might pop up on the test. It is much better to prepare for every section. We have mentioned a list of commonly referred GMAT books that you must practice to score well on this section:
- GMAT Official Guide: The importance of this GMAT official guide is unparalleled. It contains the actual questions that have appeared on the GMAT. You must practice this book cover-to-cover.
- Manhattan GMAT Guides: Manhattan GMAT books are extremely detailed and are a must-have for any GMAT candidate.
- Manhattan GMAT Advanced Quant: Do not shy away from this book. It contains really good questions for practice. Once you are done with the base books, you must solve this one as well.
- CAT Formulae: You must make short notes of formulae from CAT books. Since CAT quantitative aptitude section is tougher that GMAT, it will be helpful for the students to solve GMAT questions with ease.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Prep FAQs
Q. Is GMAT math difficult?
A. Absolutely not. However, you must prepare thoroughly for every section. You never know what question you might face in the test.
Q. Should I make notes for GMAT math?
A. Yes. You must have a list of formulae and some detailed theory that will help you revise everything. In addition, you must note down important concepts in the formula sheet.
Q. How much time is required for GMAT math preparation?
A. 2-3 months is a sufficient time to prepare for GMAT math. Make sure that you start with the basics, even if you have an engineering background.
Q. Is it necessary to study CAT formulae for GMAT?
A. CAT math is relatively difficult and more detailed as compared to GMAT math. If you are thorough with CAT math concepts, GMAT math will be easy for you.
Q. From where can I solve previous GMAT math questions?
A. You most authentic source for solving GMAT questions is GMAT Official Guide (GMAT OG). It contains questions that have previously appeared on the GMAT.
Q: Is the GMAT test hard?
GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam.
Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?
Q: What is the best GMAT Focus book?
Some of the best books to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide
- The Critical Reasoning Bible
- All the GMAT guides (Manhattan Prep)
- Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)
- GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)
Ideally these are some of the most important GMAT Focus books to prepare for the exam.
Q: What is the highest GMAT score?
The highest possible GMAT score is 800. It seems impossible to get a perfect score of 800 on the GMAT, but it can be achieved with sheer hard work, dedication, and the right study plan. Even the top B-schools require candidates to score 720 or more than 720, so, candidates need not score a perfect 800 to get into a top Business program. If you get a decent score then also you are eligible to apply to a top business program.
Q: Which month is best for GMAT exam?
As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date.
Q: Is 650 a good GMAT score?
650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.
Q: How do I cover the GMAT 2024 syllabus in 3 months?
To cover the GMAT 2023 syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach:
- Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
- Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
- Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
- Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
- Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
- Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!
Q: Is it hard to score 600+ on GMAT?
To get a 600+ score on the GMAT one needs to do a lot of hard work and made consistent efforts to get this score. Start with the GMAT syllabus and pattern. You can then move on to the GMAT official guide and other official study material. Make this as the base of your preparation. Once you are thorough with this, you can read other authentic sources such as the Manhattan guides, Princeton Review study material, etc. Make a study plan and follow it strictly and try to cover one topic at a time. Also, note down your weakness and try to work on them to increase your score.
Q: Is the GMAT exam tough?
GMAT exam assesses different skill sets of candidates like the ability to think critically, ability to analyse data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. According to an estimate, only very few of the candidates are able to score more than 720+. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. However, GMAT does not require you to study management concepts. It tests your basic mathematical and verbal skills only. Hence, it is not a tough exam; however, it does require focused and dedicated preparation. Here are a few points that will help you prepare well for the GMAT exam 2023:
- Familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern.
- Complete the official GMAT study material (cover-to-cover) at least twice.
- Appear for the GMAT mocks every week and analyse your performance in each of them.
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