Hi there, what are the best books or resources to familiarise oneself with the basic mathematics / quant skills towards PST and case interview preparation. I have been out of school for more than 10 years and would like to get my maths skills refreshed. GMAT quant / verbal prep books would help?
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Resources / books for basic quant skills
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Hi,
Here is how you can improve your math skills:
1) Fast math - train, train, and train again
- Learn how to multiply double digit numbers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ndkkPZYJHo)
- Learn the division table up to 1/11 (i.e. 5/6 = 83.3)
- Learn how to work with zeros (Hint: 4000000 = 4*10ˆ6)
- Use math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Preplounge website to practice
2) Critical Reasoning (for PST)
- GMAT test CR and IR parts (Official guide and Manhattan prep)
- Mckinsey practice tests
- PST like tests from the web
3) Working with tables and graphs and deriving conclusions
- Study "Say it with Charts" book
- Check all available MBB presentations and publications. Practice to derive conclusions and check yourself with the actual ones from the article/presentation
- GMAT IR part (Official guide and Manhattan prep)
- Learn basic statistics (Any GMAT or MBA prep guides)
4) Case math
Practice common market sizing topics (Airport passenger flow, real estate volumes, subway passenger flows, car usage, etc.). You should become comfortable with making assumptions
Learn key financial topics (P&L and balance sheet and how to analyze them, Basic Valuation principles via NPV and comps) and case math:
- Interest rates calculations
- Compound margin
- NPV using the Rule of 72, Perpetuity
- CAGR using the Rule of 72
- Currencies exchange calculations
- Speed, time, distance calculations
- Equations, systems of equations
- Ratio & Proportions
- Solving the problems by calculating the area of the triangle
- Profit / breakeven formula
- Correlations, outliers (being able to spot on the graphs, tables)
Good luck with your interviews!
Dear A,
In addition to Vlad's answer, I would recommend you different math, logic, and verbal tests on https://trytalentq.com/how-to-prepare/# to practice your quantitative skills. Visit this website and then select "Elements Practice Test".
You don´t need to learn them by heart, rather skipping through to get the first impression and a better understanding.
If you have some further questions on how you should prepare for your interview, just drop me a line.
Good luck!
Best,
André
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