All CoursesThe GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section may look like it’s challenging to tackle, but the proper preparation can make it smooth sailing. The questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT are designed to test your analytical and reasoning skills, rather than your mathematical skills. It also aims at gauging how well you interpret graphic data.
If you’re trying to navigate the GMAT Quantitative section, you have landed on the right page! In this blog, we’ll give you an overview of the section, what is tested in it, scoring criteria, and how to prepare for it.
Understanding the GMAT Quantitative Section
The GMAT Quant section is crafted to test your ability to draw inferences and deductions. The math concepts used on the test are mostly what you would have studied in your middle and high school – GMAT does not test advanced mathematical concepts on its questions.
The section consists of 31 multiple choice questions that need to be answered in 62 minutes. Just like the verbal section, the Quantitative Reasoning section is adaptive. The questions adapt to your performance as you progress through the test.
Unlike during the Integrated Reasoning section, you cannot use a calculator while working on GMAT Quantitative questions.
GMAT quantitative probability questions
GMAT quantitative probability solutions
Breakdown of GMAT Quantitative Questions
You will encounter two types of questions on the GMAT Quantitative Section:
- Problem Solving
- Data Sufficiency
With a thorough understanding of simple arithmetic, elementary algebra, and basic geometry, you should be well-equipped to attempt both types of questions. Let’s dive deeper into them.
Problem Solving
Problem-solving questions on the GMAT test your high-school math skills to deduce the most accurate answer out of the five given choices. These GMAT quant questions are less ambiguous and more straightforward. With your ability to use logic and analytical reasoning, you can easily tackle problem-solving questions.
Data Sufficiency
Data sufficiency questions are the trickier bit of the GMAT Quantitative section. These questions provide two sets of data points and require you to determine if the given data is sufficient to answer the question.
Data sufficiency questions need you to quickly determine relevant data to eliminate the incorrect choices from the lot.
The GMAT only requires you to ascertain if you have enough data to solve the question. You do not need to arrive at a numerical answer.
GMAT Quantitative Syllabus: Which Concepts are Tested on the Quant Section?
The key to acing the quantitative questions on the GMAT is knowing how to use the math skills you have. The math concepts involved in the GMAT can be divided into four sections:
Arithmetic: This includes basic arithmetic concepts, integers, fractions, permutations and combinations, exponents and roots, percentages, probability, and statistics.
Algebra: Equation-solving, variables, and functions.
Geometry: Geometrical properties and application of objects like triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, cylinders, other polygons, and coordinate geometry.
Blended questions: Questions marrying different concepts from algebra, arithmetic, and geometry as word problems.
How is the GMAT Quant Section Scored?
The total GMAT score is calculated on a scale of 800, with the minimum being 200. The verbal and quantitative sections are scored independently from 6 to 51. The GMAT is designed to test aptitude and competitiveness.
Each score correlates to a percentile that can help you gauge how competitive your score is when compared with other test-takers. For instance, a score of 51 in the GMAT Quantitative section corresponded to the 96% percentile during 2015-2017. The mean score during the same period was 39.93.
The percentiles vary based on data from the last three years, but there’s no reason to worry unless you’re sending in 3+year old scores.
How to Prepare for GMAT Quant?
The GMAT Quantitative section might seem daunting, but you can achieve your business school dreams with the right strategy. Here’s how you can embark on your preparation journey to pass the quantitative section effectively:
The Basics
The first step is to refresh your basics in math. Take your time to go over all your basics, and don’t neglect it. This will go a long way in helping you get a good score on the GMAT Quant questions. Do this even if you’re confident about having solid fundamentals. A refresher never hurts anybody!
Taking and Analysing GMAT Quantitative Practice Tests
GMAT Quantitative practice tests are the most effective tool in your preparation arsenal. Simulate test-taking conditions and adhere to the time limit as you try to solve the questions. Once you’re done with the test, score your test and identify topics and concepts you are unfamiliar or not thorough with.
Work on Your Weaknesses
Once you’ve identified concepts you’re having trouble with, revise these topics and take more tests until you’re doing better consistently. You can make a spreadsheet to track your progress across topics in the section and work on them individually.
GMAT Quant Tips
Here are a few tips you can use to make your GMAT Quantitative prep plan more effective and efficient:
- Skim your answer choices before diving head-first to solve the question. Use reasoning to eliminate answers that are least likely to be correct.
- Always try to understand what’s provided in the question and what needs to be answered.
- Using flashcards can help you retain information in bite-sized cards that remind you of important concepts. Look through these flashcards every so often to reinforce and refresh the concepts you’ve learnt.
- Learn to pace yourself. Time management goes a long way!
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about the GMAT Quantitative section!
Dedication to your preparation plan will help you achieve a highly competitive score on the quantitative section of GMAT and help you secure your place at your dream B-school.
You can check out CareerLabs to get access to the devised strategies proven for recording a high score on the GMAT. Getting accepted to your dream business school is now not far from reality!
Good luck, and we hope this blog helps you ace the GMAT!
Talk to an expert?