Hi all,
Sabrina here -- Management student ramping up for cases. In isolating the areas that I have the biggest struggles is 1) quant overall, but 2) specifically formulaic parts of quant problems.
Does anyone have advice on how to improve quant, and reasoning through formulaic problems (like break-even, NPV, etc), without prior knowledge on those formulas?
Thanks,
SE
Hi Sabrina,
in terms of how to approach math in the case, this is what I would recommend:
In terms of general math tips, I would recommend the following:
Finally, in terms of formulas, this is what I would recommend:
I would also recommend to practice math under pressure - not just math. Many candidates are totally fine with calculating 67% of 67 in a quiet environment, but freeze if you ask this suddenly in a case interview.
In order to do so, try always to use a timer with a strict time constraint when you practice math – this will create pressure and help to replicate the actual environment of the interview.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
(edited)
Hi,
The best approach is to download all casebooks available (tons of them) online and go specifically through math in the cases.
Here is a set of things you need to know:
1) Math and formulas:
2) Fast math skills
Use math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice
3) Working with tables and graphs and deriving conclusions
Good luck!
Hi Sabrina,
I don't know about other firms, I only prepared for MBBs.
My background is Mechanical Engineering, therefore you can bet I didn't have any clue whatsoever on what NPV was.
I wouldn't even bother learning it. MBB interviews are about how you reason, how your mind works (+ a FEW frameworks and key numbers), not about the formulas you know. Thus basic math ok, you could also be asked the perimeter or a circle or the surface of a box, but no super-complicated formulas.
To get better at mental calculations, there is no easy way. You have to practice, try to invent math calculations and solve them in your mind. That's the only way, unfortunately :)
However, if you struggle with quant problems in general, maybe there is a chance you haven't understand them completely. In that case, I would suggest talking to someone (coach, friends, peer, ...) and try to understand them together.
Hello!
I wuold suggest you to practice with GMAT.
GMAT unfortunately only gets better with practicing. Good news is that there are many ways of doing so!
There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
