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Exam Tips : Why the GMAT Quant Section is Not Really a Math Test

If your GMAT quant score is around 40 or higher, then, most likely, you know all the math you’ll ever need to know for the exam — and you’ve known all of it for a long time.

Hmm? How could you know all the math you’ll ever need to know, yet still score several points below Q51?

Glad you asked. The answer is simple: The GMAT math section isn’t really a math test.

Analogy time. Let’s say you have to take a biology test … in French.

* How much French do you have to study? Well, enough to understand the questions and to write decent responses to them … but not much more than that.

* How much biology do you have to study? Lots, of course, because … well, you’re taking a biology test.

What on earth does this have to do with the GMAT quant section?

In this analogy, “French” is mathematics. Math itself is not the primary focus of the GMAT quant section — especially for higher scorers. Like French in our analogy, math is only the language of GMAT quant questions; it’s not the main focus.

In terms of actual mathematics you only need to know enough to understand and answer the questions. For the most part, that’s going to be the math you learned up to early high school, through first-year algebra and geometry.

So, what is “biology”? What is the GMAT quant section actually designed to test? “Biology” is organization, focus, and flexible thinking – the three things you need to master GMAT quant.

Organization

When you approach a problem — especially a long word problem — do you take the time to understand it?

Do you know what quantities are important, and under what circumstances?

Do you set up the problem in a way that can truly be described as organized?

Focus

Do you have a concrete goal at all times while working the problem?

If someone tapped you on the shoulder and asked, “What are you doing, and for what purpose?” would you have a definite answer?

If that sense of purpose starts to drift, do you immediately stop and re-establish what you’re trying to do?

Flexible Thinking

Are you capable of, comfortable with, and confident about many different ways of approaching problems?

If your first attempt gets stuck, do you have reserve techniques you can try?

If necessary, can you abandon your current approach and “switch gears” without hesitation?

These things are the real essence of the GMAT quant section. When you struggle with a problem, go back and figure out exactly what you struggled with. Most likely, it won’t be the math; it will be one (or more) of these three things.

Written By Ron Purewal, Manhattan GMAT Instructor & Curriculum Developer.

Manhattan Prep is the world’s leading GMAT test prep provider, offering in-person and live online courses, private tutoring, study books, and digital learning resources.

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