Updated on 29th May 2025 | 3:00 PM
GMAT hopefuls like you, aiming for top B-schools around the world, should know these 11 simple ways to boost your GMAT Quant score and take it to Q51. Mastering the Quant section is non-negotiable if you want to study at an elite college. What's your current Quant score? If it is less than 45 in in mock tests or previous attempts, you need to reassess your preparation strategy. It might interest you to know that Harvard Business School's (HBS) incoming median Quant score was 49 for the Class of 2026. This shows how tough top B-schools are to get into. Besides, a score lower than your target not only narrows your options but can also shake your confidence. Don’t let that discourage you and consider every setback as a learning opportunity.
As you read this article, we recommend noting down each of these expert-backed 11 strategies you can apply to push your Quant score closer to Q51.
To make these tips easy to follow, we’ve divided them into three stages.
🎯First, let’s cover strategies for getting started.
The GMAT Quant is not a school math test. It measures your reasoning and decision-making ability. For instance, if you’re comparing three phone plans with different pricing and benefits, how will you find out the one with the best value? Or, if you have 40 minutes and 3 places to visit in different parts of town, how will you plan your route? That’s the kind of thinking GMAT looks for and a mindset shift will help you approach Quant questions with more clarity and confidence.
To get started setting realistic goals, first take a diagnostic test and compare your current score with your target. Assess the areas that need improvement and plan your preparation strategy. One important thing to remember here is to allow extra preparation time for unexpected challenges, as preparation often takes longer than expected.
Figure out how much time you need for Quant. What is your current comfort level with Quant topics? If math is not your strength, you will need more focused time here. You may spend the first week revisiting foundational topics like percentages and ratios. Then, move on to problem-solving sets with increasing difficulty.
Intuition helps in life but not in GMAT Quant. Consider this example:
A store is running a promotion where it first increases the price of a jacket by 20% and then applies a 20% discount on the new price. Does the jacket return to its original price?
If you picked A, you fell into a common trap. At first glance, it seems logical that a 20% increase followed by a 20% decrease would cancel out. However, that isn’t how percentages work.
Let’s assume the original price is $100. After the 20% increase, the price becomes $120. Now, applying a 20% discount on $120 reduces it by $24, resulting in a final price of $96—not the original $100.
Apparently, the GMAT Quant test rewards logical reasoning, not guesswork. So, always choose your answers with a clear thought process, not instincts.
🎯Now that you have gained the right mindset to begin with, let’s move on to tips for the middle phase of your preparation:
Good support saves time and prevents burnout. Find a specialized GMAT tutor who can help you spot patterns you may miss, give feedback on your solving methods, and create a personalized strategy for you. Additionally, you can join a GMAT coaching where you’ll get to be a part of study groups and interact with like-minded people. Peer discussions offer fresh perspectives.
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GMAT Onlin Class GMAT Offline Class GMAT Private TutoringInstead of jumping around, stick to a structured approach. Follow a clear gmat study plan that prioritizes your weakest areas first. This will help you build confidence early on. Gradually, balance your prep with easier topics to keep your momentum going. Make use of official GMAT resources to measure your progress and adjust your strategy for real improvement.
Quant is not just about solving formulas, it’s about applying logic and structure in real life. Try practicing decision-making in your daily life:
The more you train your brain to reason in real-time, the more naturally GMAT-style thinking will come to you.
🎯Moving forward, here are the crucial tips for your practice phase:
Stick to official GMAT practice questions and tests. These materials closely mirror the real exam and help you get comfortable with the format, question types, and difficulty level.
Simulate real test conditions by timing yourself. Managing time well is just as important as solving questions correctly, so build both speed and accuracy together.
Preparing for the GMAT can be stressful. Make sure to take short breaks, practice deep breathing, or try quick relaxation exercises to keep your mind fresh and focused during study sessions.
🎯And here goes our final tip for your GMAT Quant score booster:
Whether it’s solving a math problem or your target score, do not get too fixated on the numbers. Instead, focus on strengthening your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A high GMAT Quant score shows admissions committees that you have the analytical skills to handle tough MBA coursework such as complex financial models. It proves you can keep up with classmates who studied engineering, finance, or math. Eventually, this makes you a stronger candidate, no matter what your subject was in under-graduation or what work experience you hold.
Here’s how your Q51 score significantly impacts your B-school applications:
After completing your intensive GMAT Quant preparation, you should undergo a comprehensive readiness assessment. For this, take a full-length official practice exam under strict test-day conditions. Review your performance analytics carefully, focusing not just on your score but on timing patterns and question-type accuracy to identify any remaining weak areas that require targeted reinforcement. This allows you if additional focused preparation would lead to score improvements before your official test date.
To understand how your anticipated GMAT performance fits within your broader application strategy, schedule a consultation with an experienced MBA admissions counselor.
