/r/GMAT
This subreddit is for discussion of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). If you're studying for the GMAT, or can help people who are studying for the GMAT, you're in the right place!
This subreddit is for discussion of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). If you're studying for the GMAT, or can help people who are studying for the GMAT, you're in the right place!
Rules
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/r/GMAT
65,564 Subscribers
Took first official GFE - didn't do well; feedback encouraged!
Hi GMAT Community -
I took the GMAT at 5:30 PM yesterday (wasn't my preference, but I work a demanding M&A job and I had to reschedule from my original test date as I wasn't feeling ready as I kept making dumb mistakes on Quant and this was the earlier test date I could find).
I got a 625 unofficial score; I'm trying to get a 715+ so was pretty shocked at the poor relative score. I have gotten 725 on the past two mock tests, so I was feeling okay heading into today. I knew I was likely going to have to retake the test as I wasn't feeling super sharp on Quant but I was shocked to see the 60th - 70th percentile on Verbal - can't remember the exact percentile (for reference, my lowest percentile in the mock for Verbal had been 94th and I felt very fluid with that section).
I've gone through all of TTP and feel like I understand the concepts - I made shorter notes for myself that I reference back and have gone through all of Official GMAT Online Question Bank. I got 95% of the 1,200 questions correct so again just shocked.
I did Verbal first, Quant, 10 min break, then DI. On Verbal, I honestly felt fine; there was one reading prompt that I thought I might have gotten 1 or 2 wrong but I honestly felt like I'd only missed 3 Verbal tops. That type of percentile would suggest I missed like 8 or 9 questions.
In hindsight, I wish I did DI as my first section. My brain was fried and I wasn't ready for the in depth reading at the end.
Let me know what you all think I should be doing next if my goal is to get a 715+. I'm determined (and know I can get a 715+) and any help from the community along the way will go a long way. I was considering retaking the test again in 16 days, but depending on responses here, maybe I should wait a bit longer.
11:07 UTC
Overlapping Sets
Hello, I need help with both of these questions. They are kind of the same problem, please tell me how to approach this type of problem. Thank you in advance.
The answer is 0.
The answer is E.
10:28 UTC
mixture DS question
can someone help me understand this with ratios method?
im very confused about this solution
04:04 UTC
Got 725 on my first attempt - sharing what actually worked
Quick background: Scored 725 (V86, D87) after about 2.5 months of prep while managing a field job.
The reason I'm posting is that I was in your shoes a few months back, drowning in advice and "success stories" that felt unrelatable. So, here's my honest take on what made a difference:
Coming home exhausted from field work every day, I realized pretty quick that those "study 4 hours daily" plans weren't going to work. What actually helped was:
- Dropping the weekend warrior approach. Even 30 mins on weekdays was better than those marathon weekend sessions. Had to take 3-4 day breaks sometimes due to work, and man, getting back into the groove was always painful.
- For Verbal - The biggest shift came when I stopped rushing to answer choices in CR. Was super skeptical about the whole "think before you look at options" approach (felt like a waste of time), but it actually helped cut down time once it clicked.
- Data Insights turned out to be my strongest section (funny because I was struggling to even finish it initially). What clicked:
- Finally accepted that the calculator is there for a reason (fellow engineers will relate)
- Started finishing with 7 mins spare for review
- Found out verbal skills help a ton here
The test day was interesting. My strongest section (Quant) didn't go as planned but managed to stay calm and killed it in DI.
Not going to pretend I discovered something magical - just found what worked with my schedule and stuck to it. If you're working and prepping, don't beat yourself up trying to follow those "perfect study plans."
Happy to share more specific details if anyone's interested.
18:19 UTC
Every GMAT “Ailment” Has a Cure -- You Just Need the Right Medicine 💊
Students wonder all the time, can a weak GMAT be overcome? The answer is YES!
The fact is, there is a fix for every GMAT issue under the sun. If you earned a lower score than expected on test day, there will be concrete reasons why. You may be able to easily identify those reasons– for instance, nerves got the best of you. Or, you may need to take some time to uncover them. Whatever the diagnosis, rest assured, it’s not terminal!
If you’re starting with a low baseline score, it’s important to remember that your starting score is just a snapshot in time. It’s not the score you’re going to stay at. You’re going to study and put in the work to increase your score. Really, your baseline score is just a tool to help you figure out how long you may need to study in order to reach your score goal. Other than that, it kind of doesn’t even matter what your baseline is!
So, whether you’re starting with a lower score than you’d like or test day didn’t turn out as planned, if you find yourself losing hope as to your GMAT prospects, remind yourself: every GMAT “ailment” has a cure. You just need the right medicine!
Warmest regards,
Scott
16:04 UTC
GMAT Club Forum Quiz - OG Questions
Is there a way to select OG questions as a source when practicing on the GMAT Club Forum Quiz? It seems that you can only select OG questions questions when doing the questions on a standalone basis.
I have the paid version (if that changes anything).
Thank you very much!
12:26 UTC
When you read the first problem and have no idea what to do
06:47 UTC
STUCK AT Q83? HERE IS YOUR 15-DAY BLUEPRINT TO Q88
1. "There's no way I can improve my Quant score further - I've been stuck at Q83 for weeks!"
Think again!!! What if I told you that not only is breaking through this plateau possible, but you could boost your score to Q88 in just 15 days?
Skeptical? Well, I would be too, if I had not seen hundreds of our students do this.
Couple of weeks back, I shared how to use our 4-step strategy for jumping from V82 to V86 in just 8 days. Here's a quick refresh of that powerful framework: Here's a quick refresh of that powerful framework:
- Identify your Weakness: Understand exactly where you stand and identify the section with the most potential for improvement
- Define the topics that need improvement: Analyze your weakest area to identify specific topics holding back your score
- Create targeted improvement plans: Develop a precise, tailored roadmap with specific metrics
- Execute and Track: Implement your strategy and adjust based on real-time results
Many of you I am sure are wondering whether this approach could work for Quant. The answer? Absolutely yes! Let's see how this framework applies to breaking through your Quant plateau.
2. Understanding Q83: A Strong Foundation
When you're at Q83/84, you've already accomplished something significant. You've mastered the fundamentals, developed strong problem-solving skills, and outperformed 81% of GMAT test-takers. Think of it like being a chess master - you know all the pieces, understand the strategies, and can outplay the vast majority of opponents.
But getting to Q88/89? That's like making the leap from master to grandmaster. It's not about learning new moves - grandmasters use the same pieces as everyone else. Instead, it's about pattern recognition, calculation precision, and flawless execution. Just as a grandmaster sees the board differently, spots patterns instantly, and calculates variations with remarkable accuracy, reaching Q88 requires you to develop this same level of precision and pattern recognition in GMAT Quant.
The difference between Q83 and Q88 isn't about learning new quant concepts - it's about optimizing your decision-making, sharpening your tactical vision, and eliminating those small inaccuracies that make the difference between a good move and a winning one.
Let us now see the 4-step strategy to improve from Q83 to Q88 in action – ready to be the quant Grandmaster?
3. The 4-Step Strategy: Your Path to Grandmaster Level:
Let us see what this strategy is! Before we apply the strategy to your Quant improvement, let us lay down the basic principles of the same.
Step 1: Identify your weakness Step 1: Identify your weakness
Just as a chess player reviews their games to identify recurring weaknesses, let's analyze your current Quant performance. Here's a real performance snapshot:
You can see that I have highlighted:
- Hard questions - these determine your performance at higher ability levels
- Last 20 questions - this gives the most relevant picture of current ability (30 is too many, 10 too few)
Here we have divided the quant section into –
1. Arithmetic –
- Number Properties – 60% (75%ile)
- Word Problems – 50% (65%ile)
- Advanced Topics – 80% (98%ile)
2. Algebra – 75% (95%ile)
You can see that while your Algebra performance is already at grandmaster level, the weaknesses in Arithmetic are like having an exposed king's position - no matter how well you play the rest of the game, this vulnerability can cost you the win.
Step 2: Define the topics that need improvement:
Having identified Arithmetic as our focus area, let's break it down further. Here of the three sub-sections, Advanced Topics with 80% accuracy for hard questions is already at a brilliant level. We need to focus on Number Properties and Word Problems!
Here's the hard accuracy data for each component:
Number Properties (NP) Deep Dive:
Let's break down NP into four distinct blocks. Here's the hard accuracy data for each block:
Note here that we are considering the last 10 question accuracy since, at a block level, that gives a good indication:
Here if you notice, the hard accuracy in Block 1 and Block 2 are brilliant. To improve in Number Properties, we clearly need to improve in Blocks 3 & 4.
So, it's clear that Blocks 3 & 4 are our key focus areas for improvement. However, simply drilling more questions won't get us to Q88 - we need a strategic approach to understand why these fundamental topics become challenging at higher difficulty levels and how to systematically address these challenges.
Word Problems (WP) Deep Dive:
Similarly, we need to deep dive into the other sub-section that we need to improve – WP:
Here we can see that the focus of improvement needs to be blocks 1 and 3. As in case of NP, we need a strategic approach to target these areas.
Step 3: Create Targeted improvement plans
Let's demonstrate how to create a hyper-specific improvement plan using Number Properties as our primary focus.
Understanding Your Current Performance:
When you see a 40 - 50% accuracy, don't jump to conclusions. We need to identify what is the root cause for this – concepts or processes.
Creating your action plan:
- Build a detailed error log for incorrect Block 3 questions. Document each wrong answer, analyze error patterns, identify recurring mistakes, and be specific about your weaknesses. Here is a video explaining how to use the error log - How to Make Effective Error Log for GMAT Algebra Questions. Note that this is about the Algebra error log but can be applied to NP and WP too.
- Address knowledge gaps. If your error log reveals conceptual issues, revisit your course materials, but focus only on the specific concepts you're struggling with - don't waste time on concepts you've already mastered.
- Practice with 7- 8 Official Guide questions, focusing specifically on fixing the mistakes identified in your error log. This isn't about solving more questions - it's about actively working to eliminate your documented weaknesses.
- Validate using GMAT-like questions of excellent quality to improve your hard accuracy to 70%.
Next Steps:
1. Repeat for Block 4.
2. Repeat for WP.
3. Attempt Sectional Mocks to Validate Improvement
Here is a sample hyper-specific improvement plan from a student:
Total Time Allocation: 37 Hours
Phase 1: Block 3 – Divisibility & Reminder, Unit Digits (7 Hours, 18% of total time)
- Error Analysis & Pattern Recognition: 3 hours
- Conceptual Review: 2 hours
- Focused Practice: 1 hour (Official Guide)
- Validation: 1 hour (Custom Quiz)
Phase 2: Block 4 - Statistics (7 Hours, 18% of total time)
- Error Analysis & Pattern Recognition: 3 hours
- Conceptual Review: 2 hours
- Focused Practice: 1 hour (Official Guide)
- Validation: 1 hour (Custom Quiz)
Phase 3: Validation for NP (2 hours, 5% of total time)
Cementing quizzes: 2 hours
Phase 4: WP Improvement Plan – Repeat the same steps as NP or Block 1(Mixtures, Percents, Ratio and Proportions) and Block 4(Distance and speed, time and work) - 16 hours, 43% of total time
Phase 5: Final Validation & Warm-up (6 Hours, 16% of total time)
1. NP + WP – remaining block revision – 1.5 hours
2. AT & Algebra Revision: 1.5 hours
3. Final Mock Test: 2 hours
Step 4: Execute and Track
Let's look at how this strategy plays out in practice. Here's a real student's progression over 15 days:
Just like a chess player's rating reflects their true playing strength, these metrics show a real improvement in ability level. Following the targeted improvement plan shared under step 3, the NP's last 20 hard accuracy improved from 60% to 80% and WP hard accuracy from 50% to 75%
Now, with 77% hard accuracy in Arithmetic and 90% hard accuracy in Algebra, you are at Q88 – 89 – in just 15 days!
A Word of Caution:
Before you begin your journey to Q88, be aware of three critical pitfalls that could derail your progress:
- Not allocating a continuous 15-day block for focused practice
- Practicing with questions that are merely complex rather than GMAT-like
- Failing to maintain a detailed error log that analyzes the specific thought processes leading to mistakes
(For an in-depth discussion of these pitfalls and how to avoid them, check out our Verbal improvement article from last week – The V82 to V86 Sprint: Conquer GMAT Verbal in 8 Days.
Ready to begin your journey to Q88? Start with a thorough assessment of your current position, and remember – this isn't about learning new moves, it's about perfecting your execution of the fundamentals. See you at Q88!
06:40 UTC
Study tip! Using AI to study
I was getting stuck on some of the quantitive reasoning questions on my practice test and didn't even begin to know what I'd need to study in order to get them correct. After the test was over, I plugged sample questions into Gemini with the prompt "what mathematical concept would I need to know in order to solve this question.... " And then I'd have the mathematical key terms I needed to go look up a tutorial on YouTube. It's been a surprising lifesaver as someone who is taking the test after being out of school for 10 years and hasn't needed to use certain parts of math in as many years.
06:02 UTC
GMAT Journey 615 to 655 to 725 (Q90 V88 D80)
Hello everyone! Recently scored a 725 on the GMAT – long time reddit lurker – so thought I would share my challenges and experiences.
Multiple attempts over time.
- Initial mock score: 615 (D74, V83, Q85)
- First official GMAT Attempt: 655 (Q84 V85 D78) – 4 months after start
- Second (and final!) GMAT attempt: 725 (Q90 V88 D80) - 21 days after second attempt
615 to 655
My biggest problem was inconsistency. I'd study for a month, take a mock to see progress and when I notice there is no improvement in the score, I used to get demotivated and stop preparation for months, then again start preparing which resulted in learning again as there is much gap and this process resulted in complete waste of time.
This time wanted to change the approach and have Changed jobs to get better study time. Blocked 9PM-12AM daily for GMAT preparation. Even if I couldn't do full three hours, I studied something. Never let more than 1-2 days pass without touching GMAT.
For verbal, which was my weaker section, focused entirely on improving comprehension – this helped me in both RC and CR. For CR - pre thinking was gamechanger and for RC, read the passages by taking appropriate pauses and mentally summarized paragraphs instead of taking notes.
On test day – scored a 655 – I was a bit nervous and did not trust myself as much as I should. But in some ways getting this score was a relief. If I could get to 655 -I could push for higher.
655 to 725 (21 days)
Didn't learn anything new in these 21 days. Just fixed small mistakes and strengthened basics. Main realization: quant isn't about complex math - it's about logic. Had been rushing through questions trying to save time, which actually wasted more time fixing mistakes.
Test day was surprisingly calm since I had 655 as backup. Hit a tough quant question early (Q2, spent 5 mins), forced myself to guess and move on. Had 6 mins at end to review marked questions. Didn't change any answers during review - first instinct was right.
As per me the following are some of the Key takeaways:
Consistency beats everything. Daily 30 mins > sporadic 3-hour sessions
RC/CR: Focus on overall comprehension, not tricks
Quant: Read thoroughly. Most mistakes come from missing small logical details
Don't rush to finish early - use all your time
Take breaks when needed but never more than 1-2 days
I hope some of my strategies and insights can be useful to anyone else preparing. I’d also be more than happy to answer any questions about my journey.
05:33 UTC
Has anyone tried the FREE Gmatclub 1000 series PS Quant questions (it is not paid)
I have done most og questions and was going to give these try. Any opinions on the questions? good / bad quality? relevance to actual official exam?
TIA
23:36 UTC
How I went from 565 to 645 on GMAT Focus - A Non-Engineer's Story
Hey everyone! Wanted to share my GMAT journey that took me from a 565 to a 645 (80-point improvement). As someone with an Arts background in Economics, I hope my experience can help others, especially those coming from non-quantitative backgrounds.
Initial vs Final Scores:
- Starting: 565 (V78, Q78, DI74)
- Final: 645 (V84, Q83, DI79)
Background: Currently working as a data analyst at a media brand. Initially thought my data work would make Data Insights easy (spoiler: it didn't!). Took me about 9-10 months in total, much longer than my planned 6 months, but the journey was worth it.
Key Strategies That Worked:
1. Verbal Improvement (V78 → V84):
Critical Reasoning Strategy:
- Developed process of creating scenarios before looking at answer choices
- Used visualization techniques to break down arguments
- Created falsification questions for difficult arguments
- Results: Improved hard question accuracy from 50% to 65%
Reading Comprehension Approach:
- Started visualizing passage content like someone telling me a story
- Tracked tone changes through transition words (although, however, moreover)
- Focused on understanding author's perspective rather than just details
- Results: Achieved 70% accuracy on hard question
2. Quant Transformation: Strategy:
- Started from absolute basics despite initial resistance
- Used diagnostic tests to identify knowledge gaps
- Created focused practice sets for weak areas
- Spent extra time cementing fundamentals
Results:
- Number Properties: Improved hard accuracy from 35% to 75%
- Word Problems: Enhanced from 60% to 75% on hard questions
- Saved about 25 hours through targeted preparation
3. Data Insights Strategy: Approach:
- Developed systematic approach for multi-source questions
- Created structured process for analyzing tables and graphs
- Focused heavily on time management
Results:
- Two-Part Analysis: Went from 45% to 80% on hard questions
- Table Analysis: Improved from 50% to 65% on hard questions
Mock Test Journey:
- First mock post preparation: 615
- Subsequent mocks: 645, 655, 675
- Created detailed Excel tracking sheets
- Important: Analyzed each mock with calm mind next day, not immediately after
Test Day Strategy That Worked:
- Arrived 55 minutes early
- Did warm-up questions in my car (actually helped with nerves!)
- Section Order: Quant → Verbal → Break → DI
- Used noise-canceling headphones for better focus
The Power of Error Analysis:
- Started seeing patterns after logging 60-75 questions
- Created comprehensive Excel tracking system
- Key insight: Most mistakes were process-related, not knowledge gaps
Mental Game Development:
- Overcame serious math anxiety through systematic practice
- Built mental stamina gradually through timed sections
- Developed multiple backup strategies for different scenarios
- Most important: Learned to stay calm when stuck
Time Management Evolution:
- Tracked average time per question type
- Created time blocks for different question types
- Regular timed practice sessions
- Key learning: Sometimes spending extra time on tough questions early pays off
What I Would Do Differently:
- Start error logging from Day 1
- Focus on process mastery before worrying about scores
- Not get discouraged by initial mock scores
- Practice more with noise-canceling headphones before test day
Study Materials Used:
- Official Guide
- Prep Course
- GMAT Club forums (amazing resource!)
- Custom practice sets for weak areas
Daily Study Routine:
- 2-3 hours on weekdays
- 4-5 hours on weekends
- Always started with concept review
- Ended with timed practice
Remember: This is my personal experience. The key was finding what worked for me and sticking to it consistently. The journey taught me that with the right mindset and systematic practice, significant improvement is possible regardless of your background.
Happy to answer any questions! And special thanks to this community - reading success stories here kept me motivated throughout my journey.
Disclaimer: This is my personal experience. Your mileage may vary.
15:01 UTC
Help with Algebra Questions
Hi guys, I have realized that Algebra is my weakness and I would love your tips/help on how to improve.
The algebra sums I am talking about are specifically the questions where we have to somehow play with the given equations and bring it in the form of the options or use one of the formulas for eg - (a+b)^2, etc.
I know all the formulas and I am good with them. I struggle to understand how to alter the given equations to get to what I want.
Let me give you an example of a question from GMATClub -
When I tried solving on my own, I couldn't visualize an approach to get to the solution. I tried adding 2ab on both sides in equation for m seeing if I can do anything with (a+b)^2. Now that I see the answer, its all easy to understand.
I am not able to decide how to approach such questions and randomly trying whatever pops in my head is a waste of time.
I have tried practicing more problems - I get a few but I get stuck on most of them and when I see the solution its always - "Oh it was so obvious!"
Please let me know what you guys think I should do?
Thanks in advance!
13:59 UTC
GMAT FE PRACTICE 575 (Q74, V82, D80)
Hi, I have taken my first practice without preparation and I scored this 575 (Q74, V82, D80). Do you know how my score would be affected if I had a better score in the quantile section? (29th percentile rn, aiming 60th). On the other parts I did pretty well besides the fact that I had a very bad time management and had to random guess some of the last questions.
05:50 UTC
Nothing prepares you for the amount of frustration you feel during prep
02:19 UTC
⏰ Join Our Free GMAT Quant Webinar on Divisibility
Join Target Test Prep for a free GMAT Quant webinar on Divisibility on Thursday, November 7, at 11:00 AM EST. If you’re struggling with tricky Divisibility Questions, Jeff Miller will provide expert guidance to help you navigate this challenging question type with confidence.
The host of the session, Jeff Miller, is the Head of GMAT Instruction at Target Test Prep. Jeff has more than sixteen years of experience helping students with low GMAT scores hurdle the seemingly impossible and achieve the scores they need.
Webinar details
- Topic: Divisibility
- Date: Thursday, November 7
- Time: 11:00 AM ET | 8:00 AM PT
- Format: 45 minutes with live Q&A
- Where: Cisco Webex
Please let us know if you have any feedback or questions. We hope to see you tomorrow!
Warmest regards,
Scott
19:08 UTC
What’s up with the rant?
Seeing too many GMAT rants these days. What’s been up? Is the exam tougher or people are not enough prepared?
13:47 UTC
GMAT 555 (Q78, V81, D73) debrief
I gave my exam today and scored 555 which is similar to what I was scoring in my mocks (535-565). I wanted a real experience and get out of my delulu of the real being easier than mocks and getting higher on it but this aint a magic exam. Mocks truly reflect your current level. I will give this again in 16 days since my R2 deadline is approaching. Also, my target is 625-645. Do you think this is achievable or should I consider switching to GRE once and try that too? The testing experience was good. I didnt feel any anxiety. They gave noise cancellation device which is too good. I felt the testing space very comfortable and not scary. However, Data Insights MSR 2 questions and both were extremely tough! Data sufficiency is what i take very lightly and i gotta strengthen that with more practice. Verbal i got some confidence since i never scored 80+ in verbal. I messed up my first question of quant just because it was the first ques of the test and i was a bit nervous. Quant was easy though, will analyse the score drop. I have been scoring 80 plus in quant otherwise. My seq was Quant-Di-break-verbal.
13:15 UTC
Rant.
Just got off test center devastated with the numbers 475 flashing before my eyes after a dedicated 45 day prep. This has absolutely crushed my spirit after taking aid from egmat, and experts global for the mocks.
I found Q manageable as I have a quant background.
But, V, even gmat club 705+ level questions were peanuts in comparison.
DI- DS was time consuming and so tricky that even my exhaustive prep took me for a ride.
My egmat scores indicated otherwise- more than average 70% accuracy in hard cementing quizzes and sectional mocks.
Coming to experts global mocks, I'd been consistently scoring over 600 for 7 mocks straight.
On top of that, I wish I hadn't relied on OG mocks as well, as they were nowhere near the difficulty level of the real deal.
I'm considering GRE now and planning to take it on 30 Nov- my baseline score is 312 with no prep, leaving me 1 month for applying to mim schools.
Let me know, if this is advisable since I'm looking to apply to MIM programs by Round 2 ( Jan- 1st Week)
10:06 UTC
I’m so done with this exam but I’ll probably take it again
RANT. The last time I took the GMAT 4 months ago I got a 565. I doubled down on prep but along with work I could finish about 50% of TTP. Then I did the official mocks which ranged from 655-695. I went to give my exam today and scored a low 605. It’s nowhere near the score I need to apply to the schools I want to go to. This exam is draining the life out of me and is proving to be harder than my CA exams. I am so done (temporarily) with this test but will probably give it again so I can apply in R1 next year. Rant over.
08:21 UTC
Never Miss a GMAT Probability Question Again: The Matrix Method That Top Scorers Use
"I knew how to solve it, but I messed up the counting!"
This is the most common regret we hear from GMAT test-takers about probability questions. Not concepts, not formulas - just simple counting. Even 700+ scorers admit to double-counting cases or missing possibilities entirely.
But what if counting cases could be as simple as filling boxes in a grid? What if you could solve any GMAT probability question with zero chance of missing or double-counting cases?
Let's master this method step by step
Warm-up Question
If x is chosen from {1,2} and y is chosen from {3,4}, how many different pairs (x,y) will give an even product?
Take a moment to solve this before reading further. Got your answer? Let's solve it using a method that will forever change how you tackle such questions.
1. The Matrix Method Solution
- First, create a simple matrix:
- Put x values (1,2) as column headers
- Put y values (3,4) as row headers
- Fill in the matrix:
- Multiply each x with each y
- Mark 'E' where you get even products
- Count the results:
- Count all E's: we have 3 cases
- These represent the pairs (1,4), (2,3), and (2,4)
- Here is the process summary:
Official GMAT Example
Let’s try our hand at this Medium Level question.
If x is to be chosen at random from the set {1, 2, 3, 4} and y is to be chosen at random from the set {5, 6, 7}, what is the probability that xy will be even?
- 1/6
- 1/3
- 1/2
- 2/3
- 5/6
Step-by-Step Solution
- Create the matrix:
- Count favorable outcomes:
- Count E's: 8 cases where product is even
- Calculate total outcomes:
- Total pairs possible = 4 × 3 = 12
- Calculate probability:
- Probability = 8/12 = 2/3
- Answer: (D)
Common Trap Alert! 🚨
Many students select choice (E), i.e., 5/6 because they count
- both (2,6) and (6,2) as possible outcomes
- both (4,6) and (6,4) as possible outcomes.
Remember: x can only be chosen from the first set and y from the second set. The matrix prevents this mistake automatically!
2. Alternate Approach: The Listing Method
Many students prefer listing out cases systematically. While this method can work, it requires extra care to avoid missing cases. Here's how to do it carefully:
Step-by-Step Solution
- Fix x = 1, list all products:
- 1 × 5 = 5 (odd)
- 1 × 6 = 6 (even) ✓
- 1 × 7 = 7 (odd) Cases so far: 1
- Fix x = 2, list all products:
- 2 × 5 = 10 (even) ✓
- 2 × 6 = 12 (even) ✓
- 2 × 7 = 14 (even) ✓ Cases so far: 4
- Fix x = 3, list all products:
- 3 × 5 = 15 (odd)
- 3 × 6 = 18 (even) ✓
- 3 × 7 = 21 (odd) Cases so far: 5
- Fix x = 4, list all products:
- 4 × 5 = 20 (even) ✓
- 4 × 6 = 24 (even) ✓
- 4 × 7 = 28 (even) ✓ Total even cases: 8
- Calculate probability:
- Total possible outcomes = 4 × 3 = 12
- Probability = 8/12 = 2/3
- Answer: (D)
Why Students Often Get This Wrong
- Random listing instead of fixing one variable
- Missing cases like 4 × 7 = 28 (it's less obvious that it's even)
- Forgetting to count total possible outcomes
- Double-counting some cases, such as (6,2) because of random listing.
While this method works, it's more prone to errors than the matrix method. Use it only if you're very comfortable with systematic listing.
Remember: In GMAT, it's not just about getting the right answer - it's about getting it right consistently under time pressure. Choose your method wisely!
Key Takeaways for Matrix Method
- Draw a matrix whenever you need to count pairs
- Each box = exactly one possible outcome
- Can't miss cases - every possibility has its own box
- Can't count twice - each box is counted exactly once
- Remember: x and y are from specific sets - don't swap positions
Pro Tips 💡
- Accuracy Boost: In our experience, this method has reduced counting errors by nearly 100%.
- Quick Check: After marking E's, quickly scan each row. Any pattern you notice can help verify your counting.
Want to master this method? Head to the comments section below for a hard practice question that will help cement your learning.
08:07 UTC
GMAT FE 715 Debrief (Q90 V82 DI85)
I gave my second attempt for GMAT FE in October and scored 715 (Q90 V82 DI85), 20 points higher than my first attempt.
It was a 100 point improvement from my first official mock. I followed the default order - QI, Verbal and then DI.
I primarily studied through Target Test Prep and practiced additional questions from the OG book and online question banks. Target Test Prep brought a lot of calm to the chaos of GMAT prep - the extensive coverage of their quants section helped clarify a lot of nitty-gritties.
The chapter tests really drill the concepts and help identifying the questions when attempting the exam. OG was very instrumental in getting an exact understanding of the type of questions that come in the exam - helped a lot with the DI section.
GMAT Club was very helpful in understanding questions tested in the mock exams - shout out to Marty (TTP), Bunuel, Chetan2u, bb and the other posters.
Happy to answer any questions regarding the preparation! Wishing the best to everyone preparing for GMAT!
17:56 UTC
GMAT FE 655 Debrief
Gave my second attempt for GMAT FE, ended up scoring same as my first attempt. My first attempt breakup (Q85, V84, DI78) and my second attempt breakup (Q86, V84, DI78), in my first attempt did 3 questions wrong in quant while in my second attempt only 1 question was wrong still my score did not change :(
My order was DI, quant then verbal. DI was medium difficulty but looking and processing this much information I was facing a time crunch and I think ended up doing a lot of silly mistakes
Quant was easy was almost done with my section in 30 mins, there was one question related to similarity in triangles, information about similarity was provided but given that gmat has removed this, I had no practice ended up spending around 4 mins on the question,
For verbal I find passages related to literature and art difficult, tend to loose the context of the passage while reading it too much random information is given.
I am looking to improve my DI but even after practicing my DI score isn't improving any tips will be helpful :)
08:47 UTC
Own the passage: The Art of Active Reading in GMAT RC
Let's start with a quick test. Read the following passage and answer the question below:
Passage
Menacingly prevalent, the common description of the phenomenon of neo-tribal digitalism entails a schismatic online/offline behavioral split, in which digital authenticity, virtual community bonds, shared digital rituals, collaborative creativity, and dedication to online identities emerge alongside an ineluctable detachment from physical social connections, which participants often dismiss as superficial and/or lacking genuine resonance.
Question
What is the main purpose of the author behind writing the above paragraph?
(A) To criticize the concept of neo-tribal digitalism that leads to growing divide between online and offline social behaviors in modern society
(B) To discuss about an interpretation of neo-tribal digitalism by presenting a view on it
(C) To evaluate the phenomenon of neo-tribal digitalism while listing its characteristics
(D) To describe the concept of neo-tribal digitalism leading to a clear distinction between friends and acquaintances
Did you choose A, C, or D? If so, you've just experienced firsthand why passive reading can derail your GMAT performance. Like many test-takers, you may have:
- Let the complex language intimidate you
- Missed crucial signal phrases like "the common description"
- Failed to notice exactly what the word "menacingly" modifies
- Rushed to conclusions without precise reading
The correct answer is B, and understanding WHY reveals the difference between passive reading and truly owning the passage. Let's explore how to transform from a passive reader into an active one who confidently navigates even the most challenging GMAT passages.
Key Strategies to Own the Passage
Did that passage make your head spin? You're not alone. Right now, you might be thinking, "If I struggled with one sentence, how will I handle full-length GMAT passages?" But here's the good news: that mental fog you just experienced? It's not about your intelligence—it's about your reading strategy. That feeling of being overwhelmed by complex language, missing subtle cues, and jumping to wrong conclusions? Those are exactly what we're going to fix.
The following are the primary strategies applying which you can reach the optimum comprehension of the passage and, in turn, answer questions correctly:
1. Engage, Don't Just Read: Actively investigate the passage rather than just scanning through it.
2. Note Smart, Not Hard: Your notes should be strategic and specific information, not a paraphrase.
3. Follow the Thought Trail: Let keywords reveal the author's thinking and direction.
4. Bridge the Paragraph Gap: Spot how ideas flow from one paragraph to the next through transitions.
5. Make It Yours, Then Tell It: Master each paragraph and the whole passage by summarizing them in your own words.
Let's begin with the most fundamental strategy: Engage, Don't Just Read. This cornerstone skill will transform how you approach every GMAT passage, turning you from a passive scanner into an active master of the text.
Immerse and Engage, DO NOT Skim
Remember our neo-tribal digitalism passage? Let's use it as a case study to understand the stark difference between passive and active reading approaches. Let's dissect how passive readers stumble and how active readers succeed.
Passive Readers' Fatal Flaws
Topic-Induced Disengagement
- Gets immediately turned off by the academic/sociological nature of the topic
- Thinks "This isn't my field" and mentally checks out
- Reads with a predetermined mindset that this will be "too difficult"
- Fails to recognize that understanding the topic deeply isn't necessary - understanding the author's point is
Emotional Response
- Panics at the density of the text
- Gives up mental engagement after the first few complex terms
- Rushes through just to reach the end
Intimidation by Vocabulary
- Freezes at words like "schismatic" and "ineluctable"
- Gets stuck trying to understand each complex term perfectly
- Loses momentum and context while fixating on difficult words
Missing Critical Signals
- Overlooks the opening phrase "Menacingly prevalent" as the author's assessment
- Fails to notice "common description" signals that this is others' view
- Misses that this is about how others describe the phenomenon, not the author's own theory
Surface-Level Processing
- Reads mechanically without engaging with the core concept
- Fails to break down the long sentence into manageable chunks
- Doesn't identify the basic contrast between online and offline behavior
Active Reader's Winning Approach
In contrast, an active reader transforms these five weaknesses into strengths:
Topic Enthusiasm
- Approaches every topic with curiosity: "What will I learn today?"
- Views unfamiliar subjects as opportunities rather than obstacles
- Understands that GMAT tests reading skills, not subject expertise
Emotional Intelligence
- Maintains composure when facing dense text
- Views the passage as a series of manageable parts
- Channels initial anxiety into focused attention
Smart Vocabulary Management
- Uses context to grasp general meaning without needing precise definitions
- Focuses on the role of difficult words rather than their exact meanings
- Recognizes that understanding every word isn't necessary for comprehension
Signal Detection
- Immediately spots "Menacingly prevalent" as evaluation of the description's acceptance
- Recognizes "common description" as a distancing phrase, a phrase that is not directly endorsed by the author (Read this article for more on "distancing phrase")
- Picks up on subtle indicators of author’s stance
Strategic Processing
- Breaks the passage into digestible chunks
- Identifies the main contrast: online behavior versus offline connections
- Creates a mental map: digital aspects versus physical detachment
Takeaways
- Transform intimidating passages into opportunities by approaching them with curiosity rather than fear.
- Focus on the author's message and signals rather than getting lost in complex vocabulary.
- Break down passages into manageable chunks instead of trying to grasp everything at once.
Let's Discuss Further
Let’s now delve a little deeper into our neo-tribal digitalism Let’s now delve a little deeper into our neo-tribal digitalism passage to understand why Choice B is the correct answer.
Passage
Menacingly prevalent, the common description of the phenomenon of neo-tribal digitalism entails a schismatic online/offline behavioral split, in which digital authenticity, virtual community bonds, shared digital rituals, collaborative creativity, and dedication to online identities emerge alongside an ineluctable detachment from physical social connections, which participants often dismiss as superficial and/or lacking genuine resonance.
Passage simplified
- The author starts the passage by calling something “menacingly prevalent”? What is that entity? That entity is “the common description of the phenomenon of neo-tribal digitalism. Please note that the author is NOT saying that the phenomenon itself is menacingly prevalent. It is the description of this phenomenon that is.
- Another key point to understand is that the author is NOT describing or defining this phenomenon, mentioned in the passage. The author is merely presenting one common description of the phenomenon. Whether they agree or disagree with this phenomenon CANNOT be inferred from the passage.
- The author simply presents one description of neo-tribal digitalism according to which participants experience genuine bond with their virtual community and find real-world social connections artificial. They are found to be closer to their virtual reality and detached from real relationships.
Answering the Question
With this understanding, let’s solve the question:
What is the main purpose of the author behind writing the above paragraph?
(A) To criticize the concept of neo-tribal digitalism that leads to growing divide between online and offline social behaviors in modern society.
Incorrect: The author calls the description of the concept “menacingly prevalent”, NOT the concept itself.
(B) To discuss about an interpretation of neo-tribal digitalism by presenting a view on it.
Correct: That is all that the author is doing in this passage by presenting the common understanding of the concept and finds this description menacingly prevalent.
(C) To evaluate the phenomenon of neo-tribal digitalism while listing its characteristics.
Incorrect: The author is not presenting the pros and cons of the concept. Hence, there is no evaluation. Also, the author only presents a description of the concept and does not present any feature of the concept.
(D) To describe the concept of neo-tribal digitalism leading to a clear distinction between friends and acquaintances.
Incorrect: The author is merely presenting a description of the concept, NOT describing the concept themselves.
Here is the video solution for this passage.
https://reddit.com/link/1gj95mg/video/gp8040cayuyd1/player
Meanwhile, try your hands on a practice question using the Active Reader approach and share your analysis with us in the comments section.
07:52 UTC
Question in OG (ver. 24-24)
I think the answer to the question 686 in OG (ver. 24-25) has some problem. Can anyone analyze it? Thank you.
Question: Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals’ capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.
The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?
Answer: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
The question states that "having the capacity for MSR indicates self-awareness", which is a statement of
"P -> Q"
structure. It should be equivalent to a statement of
"not Q -> not P"
structure, while the answer is a "not P -> not Q" statement, they are not equivalent in logic and mathematics.
What do you guys think?
05:32 UTC
What should be the denominator in percentage difference questions?
I know the basic formula - (new value - old value)/ old value. The problem arises when there is no new or old value and we are comparing two completely different things. For example - by what percentage are the number of grade 2 students less than the number of grade 6 students. In this case, will the dominator have #grade 2 or # grade 6?
TIA
04:17 UTC
Understanding correlation for GMAT DI
Need some tips to tackle the correlation questions in graphs and tables. How do we differentiate between strong positive correlation and slightly positive correlation?
Typically for graphs I try to imagine a trend line to understand if there is a positive or negative correlation between the two axes. I get the question correct most of the times, but when there is no correlation - I tend to mess up as I am able to see slight correlation due to a few outliers.
Similarly for tables - the approach I follow is that I sort one column in increasing or decreasing order and then try to gauge whether the other column in increasing or decreasing as well. Now in this case we have outliers as well which makes things difficult.
TIA
04:11 UTC
1st GMAT done. 535 total. Quant kicked my ass.
Took my first GMAT exam (been out of school for over 10 years now). Definitely need to work on my quant skills. Feel good about Verbal and Data Insights. I think if I brush up in my math skills, I can bring up quant and DI scores. Targeting 640 total.
Total: 535 Q 68 V 84 DI 77
22:04 UTC