Drastic improvement needed on Quants (44/58%)

[OmairZ229]

I took the GMAT today and got a pretty disappointing score on the quant and IR section.

IR: 7, Quant: 44 (58th percentile), Verbal 44 (98th percentile), Overall: 710

I struggled in managing my time through both the IR and the quants sections, was forced to guess through the last two IR questions and the last 5 quant questions. In fact, I missed answering the last quant question.

I have to take the test again as my quant score is nowhere near the level required for admission at the business schools to which I am applying. Specifically, I have been told by the admissions committee that a quant score above the 90th percentile is mandatory. Please provide me with advice on how to best formulate a retake strategy? I plan to retake the exam in a month.

[StaceyKoprince]

If the admissions committee told you that a quant score above the 90th percentile on the GMAT is mandatory, then they are unfortunately completely ignorant as to how the GMAT scoring works. There is only one score that is above the 90th percentile: a perfect score of 51.

See here:
http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/gma ... kings-mean

The chart shows a top scoring range of 51-60, but only the 51 score is used; it is the top score you can get on the quant section of the GMAT.

I would really like to know what school told you this; can you share? I will do my best to ensure that they are made aware of how the scoring really works.

Okay, let's talk about how to lift your score!

First, your ability is higher if you were guessing on the last 5 questions and didn't even answer the last one. Once you fix your timing issues, that will lift your score at least somewhat. The question is, how much?

What were your practice test scores on quant? (Please provide scores from tests that were taken under official conditions, including the essay and IR section. If you did not take tests under official conditions, then your practice scores were likely artificially inflated, unfortunately.)

Next, read these two articles:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/2013 ... lly-tests/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/2013/ ... -the-gmat/

Think about how what you've been doing does and doesn't match up with that and how you may need to change your approach accordingly.

Then, use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CATs (this should take you a minimum of 1 hour):
http://tinyurl.com/analyzeyourcats

Based on all of that, figure out your strengths and weaknesses as well as any ideas you have for what you think you should do. Then come back here and tell us; we'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)

Finally, while you wait for our reply, get started on your timing issues. Read the entire time management article linked below and start doing what section 4 says.
http://tinyurl.com/GMATTimeManagement

P.S. Great job on Verbal and IR!

[OmairZ229]

Sorry for the delay in responding. I re-wrote the GMAT yesterday and am glad to state that I improved my overall score to 740. The provisional breakdown is as follows:

Quant: 50 (88%)
Verbal: 40 (91%)
IR: 8 (92%)

I am still waiting for the official report and the score on my essay. I couldn't quite manage to get the 90th percentile on the quants but I gave it my best shot and am relatively satisfied. It was predictable that the verbal score would fall as; a) it is probably not sustainable to score 44 at each attempt and; b) I didn't pay any attention to the verbal section during my preparation for the re-take.

Total prep time for the re-take was 6 weeks and I primarily used the Official GMAT guide and the MGMAT prep. material to prepare this time. To be honest, I am not entirely comfortable doing practice exams, but felt that if I had to improve the timing of my answers, I had to take three or four at least. I concentrated mostly on the theoretical content of the quantitative section in order to brush up on my concepts. I didn't use any shortcuts to game the exam, so to speak, as I figured most of the time the only way to answer a question quickly is by correctly applying the concept being tested.

I am now going to proceed with the graduate school applications and will keep you posted if anyone is interested.

[StaceyKoprince]

Congratulations!! Really fantastic job.

I didn't use any shortcuts to game the exam, so to speak, as I figured most of the time the only way to answer a question quickly is by correctly applying the concept being tested.

Just an aside: most people who score in the 99th percentile (like me!) do use these test-taking techniques because, when appropriate, they are faster and take less mental energy than doing the "textbook" math. The key is to master when and how to use them. And then that leaves us enough mental stamina to get through verbal at a very high level as well!

But you don't need to worry about that because you already have an amazing score. (I'm still curious to know what program told you that you needed a 90th percentile score - if you're willing to share.)

Good luck with apps! And, yes, let us know how they go!