How to Prepare for the GMAT Problem-Solving Questions
So you want to go to business school, but the only thing standing in your way is passing the GMAT. If you are not a math whiz, the problem solving questions may be the portion of the exam that has you worried. Don't be. With adequate preparation, you can score well enough on this section of the exam to be accepted to the school of your choice.
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Instructions
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Before the Exam
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Buy a test preparation book and complete it. The math on the problem solving section of the test will cover basic arithmetic, geometry and algebra. These high school math topics will be included in your exam prep book.
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Join a class. Enroll in an online or in-person GMAT review class. Your local university can help you find one that will fit your schedule.
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Practice. There are many online sites and books with GMAT problem solving practice questions; keep practicing until you are very comfortable with these basic math skills.
During the Exam
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Read carefully. Statistically, 60 percent of math errors are actually reading errors. Make sure that you understand what the question is asking before you answer it.
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Use your scrap paper. Work out every question with your pencil and paper. Often, seeing the work, will allow you to catch mistakes that would otherwise cost you points on the exam.
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Work backwards. The GMAT problem solving section is a multiple choice exam. It is perfectly acceptable to start with the answers given and find which is the correct solution to the problem.
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Guesstimate. Time is of the essence when you are completing the GMAT problem solving section. Simplifying the questions by rounding percents, fractions and decimals to amounts that are easy to manipulate will save you time and energy on the exam.
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Tips & Warnings
The GMAT problem solving section of the exam includes 23 or 24 multiple choice questions. They are mixed with the data sufficiency questions, and you have a total of 75 minutes to complete this section of the exam.
Avoid lengthy computations. If your problem solving is long and complicated you have probably made a mistake. Most of the questions on the GMAT problem solving section should be relatively easy to solve if you have reviewed the math.
