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Problem solving skills

Math problem Problem Solving quant problems Word problems
New answer on Dec 10, 2020
4 Answers
1.4 k Views
Floyd asked on Oct 20, 2020

Hello everyone,

I have some problems driving my logic during the quantitative part of the case interview, what I mean its once I get the data, I struggle to derive a procedure to get the answer. I am thinking on start doing word problems on the GRE and GMAT tests. Do you think is this a good strategy?

Thank you very much.

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Anonymous replied on Oct 20, 2020

I don't think verbal GMAT questions would be a good way of practicing problem solving. I would rather suggest to (a) read business literature like the Economist or the FT to build general business judgement, and (b) you could practice the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT, which asks you to make logical conclusions by integrating different data sources.

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 20, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hi Floyd,

When it comes to quant, think as follows:

1. % changes

2. Averages

3. Trends- upward, downward, staying same

4. Correlation between data (positive, negative, neutral)

Start with this, practice more and your skills will improve. Practice easier cases first build confidence and move on to difficult ones.

Adi

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Floyd,

A few tips

First, practice online tests

Highly recommend you google the Bain SOVA, BCG Online, McKinsey PST, etc. and practice on these!

Second, do exercises

rocketblocks.me is fantastic for chart/graph reading and interpreting data

Third, hire a coach

In order to best resolve this, you need to hire a coach. They will be brutally honest and tell you what you need to work on (and help you improve it).

Finally, here are some related Q&A to help you with your problem-solving skills:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-unexpected-questions-6159

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/does-reading-the-economist-and-other-stuff-help-an-inspiring-consultant-in-the-interview-and-in-the-job-6916

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-develop-business-judgement-properly-1089

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-unstructured-cases-appearing-in-2nd-round-6125

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/lost-in-the-middle-of-cases-6013

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Gaurav
Expert
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replied on Dec 10, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi there!
Honestly, I agree with Henning that it will be better to concentrate more on the business literature to enhance your problem-solving skills.
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GB

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