Let’s face it—the Quantitative section of the GMAT can feel like a hurdle, especially if math hasn’t been your strong suit or if it’s been a while since you last tackled equations and word problems. But here’s the thing: boosting your GMAT Quant score by 50 points (or more) is not only possible—it’s within reach with the right game plan and consistent effort.
In this blog, we’ll break down practical, proven strategies to help you level up your performance on the Quantitative section of the GMAT Focus Edition. These aren’t just tips—we’ve seen them help countless Princeton Review students reach their score goals, and now it’s your turn.
Step 1: Understand What You’re Dealing With
Before diving into prep, it’s important to know exactly what the Quantitative section looks like on the GMAT Focus Edition.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
21 Problem Solving questions
45 minutes to complete the section
No calculator allowed
Covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number properties, and applied word problems
Although the section is shorter than it used to be, don’t let that lull you into thinking it’s easier. Each question is carefully designed to challenge your ability to reason, analyze, and solve problems quickly and accurately.
This isn’t just a test of math skills—it’s a test of how well you can think under pressure. Knowing the format inside out gives you a strategic edge and sets the stage for smarter prep.
Step 2: Take a Diagnostic—and Keep It Real
Before you jump into study mode, start with a full-length GMAT Focus Edition practice test. Treat it like the real thing—no pausing, no peeking at notes, and definitely no multitasking. This isn’t about scoring high right now—it’s about getting a clear picture of where you stand.
As you review your performance, ask yourself:
Which question types gave me the most trouble?
Did I manage my time well, or was I rushing toward the end?
Were there patterns in the mistakes I made?
Did I second-guess myself or overthink certain problems?
This step isn’t about being hard on yourself—it’s about getting honest feedback. Once you identify your weak areas, you can stop spinning your wheels on topics you’ve already mastered and focus your energy where it counts.
With The Princeton Review’s smart, adaptive practice tools, breaking down your performance is simple—and it gives you a head start on building a focused, personalized prep plan.
Step 3: Brush Up on the Basics—No Shame in That
Let’s not pretend we all remember how to factor quadratics or find the area of a trapezoid on the fly. And that’s okay. A huge part of GMAT Quantitative success is simply being rock-solid on the fundamentals.
Focus your review on:
Fractions, decimals, and percentages
Algebra (especially linear and quadratic equations)
Ratios and proportions
Word problems (work/rate, mixtures, and sets)
Exponents and roots
Basic geometry (triangles, circles, coordinate plane)
Spend the time to actually understand the concepts—not just memorize formulas. When you get the logic behind the math, you’ll solve faster and with more confidence.
Step 4: Learn the Test’s Favorite Tricks
Here’s a secret: the GMAT doesn’t care how you solve a problem, as long as you get the right answer. That means using strategic shortcuts is not only allowed—it’s smart.
Some must-know methods:
Backsolving: Start with the answer choices and plug them into the question.
Picking numbers: Replace variables with real numbers to make abstract problems concrete.
Estimation: If you don’t need an exact answer, get close enough to eliminate choices.
Elimination: Rule out clearly wrong answers to improve your odds—even if you’re guessing.
These strategies aren’t just clever—they save time and reduce stress. We teach these in-depth in our courses because they work.
Step 5: Build a Consistent Study Routine
Improvement doesn’t come from cramming—it comes from showing up consistently.
Here’s a sample routine that works for a lot of our students:
Monday–Friday: 1–1.5 hours per day focusing on one topic (e.g., algebra on Monday, word problems on Tuesday, etc.)
Saturday: Timed practice set (21-question Quantitative section under real conditions)
Sunday: Review day—go over missed questions, update your error log, and rest up
Consistency beats intensity. Even 60 focused minutes a day can lead to major gains in just a few weeks.
Step 6: Keep an Error Log (Yes, Really)
This might sound tedious, but it’s game-changing. Every time you miss a question, log:
What type of question it was
Why you got it wrong (concept error, misread, rushed, etc.)
What the correct logic or formula was
A note on how to avoid that mistake next time
Over time, you’ll see patterns—and once you fix the root cause, those mistakes stop showing up.
Pro tip: Make reviewing your error log a weekly ritual.
Step 7: Get Good at Mental Math
The GMAT Focus Edition doesn’t allow a calculator for Quant, so if arithmetic slows you down, now’s the time to sharpen that skill.
Practice:
Multiplying and dividing in your head
Estimating square roots
Converting percentages quickly (think 15% of 80)
Simplifying fractions fast
It doesn’t take long—just 5 to 10 minutes a day. But this one habit can save you serious time on test day.
Step 8: Master the Clock
Time management is just as important as math skills.
You have about 2 minutes per question, and it’s easy to burn 4–5 minutes on one tricky problem if you’re not careful.
Here’s how to avoid that:
If you’re stuck after 45 seconds, guess smart and move on. Don’t let one question derail your timing.
Use pacing checkpoints. After 7 questions, aim for 30 minutes left. After 14, about 15 minutes.
Practice full Quantitative sections under timed conditions so pacing becomes second nature.
If you can master timing, you’ll see more questions you’re actually good at—which translates to more points.
Step 9: Review Like a Pro
Doing practice questions is only half the battle. Reviewing them properly is where the real improvement happens.
For each question you miss or guess on:
Understand why the right answer is right
Understand why your answer was wrong
Reteach the concept to yourself (or even out loud)
Try the question again 2–3 days later to see if it sticks
Don’t just aim to do more—aim to learn more.
Step 10: Stick with It—and Don’t Go It Alone
The truth? You won’t improve overnight. You might hit plateaus or get frustrated. That’s normal.
What sets high scorers apart isn’t talent—it’s consistency, feedback, and smart practice. If you’re not seeing progress or just want to accelerate your results, working with a structured prep course or tutor can make a huge difference.
We’ve helped thousands of students break the 700 barrier and beyond—many improving their Quant scores by 50, 60, or even 100 points.
Your GMAT Game Plan, Backed by Experts
If you’re serious about giving your GMAT prep the structure and boost it deserves, The Princeton Review has your back—with programs designed for every kind of test-taker.
Need a goal-driven course with expert guidance? The GMAT Course is built to get you results. You’ll get 40 hours of live instruction, adaptive drills that adjust to your skill level, and practice tests that feel like the real deal. The best part? It comes with a score assurance—either hit a 645 or improve your score by 70 points.
Prefer to go at your own pace? The Self-Paced GMAT Focus Course lets you study on your schedule, with interactive video lessons and targeted practice that helps you focus on the areas where you actually need the most work.
And if you want next-level personalization, Private Tutoring pairs you with a GMAT expert who’ll build a custom plan around your goals, timeline, and learning style—no cookie-cutter strategies here.
Thousands of students have turned to The Princeton Review to level up their Quant game—and crushed it. You can too.
Final Thoughts: Your Target Score Is Closer Than You Think
Let’s be real—boosting your GMAT Quantitative Score by 50+ points takes effort. But it doesn’t take perfection. It takes a clear plan, focused practice, and the right kind of support.
You don’t need to master every single math concept overnight. What you need is to work smarter, stay consistent, and know when to ask for help. And when you do, The Princeton Review is here with expert-backed tools, strategies, and coaching to help you cross the finish line with confidence.
So start small, stay steady, and keep your goal in sight. With the right mindset and the right prep, that higher score is not just possible—it’s totally within reach.