Struggling with setting up quantitative problems

Hi,
In interviews the aspect which causes more errors is pressure: start to solve calculations with a strict time constraint. For longer formulas always share the calculation structure with the interviewer before writing the numbers down: this helps to take time, reduce the pressure and
it gives you the opportunity to receive feedback from the interviewer avoiding wrong calculations.
I recommend practicing with:
- Preplounge math tool: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math.php
- Youtube channels with math tricks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbxBzUM6SLlx_x8UABAdAB7Rbg9feqYa

Best,

Antonello

Hello!

Happy sunday to you too :) 

I had a similar issue back in the day, and i also had a strong tech background. Don´t worry, this is only a matter or practice tbh. 

The thing was helped me most in prep was GMAT. Hence, I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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/)

Furthermore, you can leverage the MBB tests (https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/, https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp, and many others)

Hope it helps!

Hi,

I would suggest to always start with the objective of the calculation and write the formula step-by-step to solve the problem. 

Another ways it to use a table where the column is your variables and the rows are your data. The formula should be written from left to right.

To practice, have a look at math problem in GMAT / GRE / SAT tests.

My advice for you is to simplify things by working backwards. Here's how you do that:

• Start with the end in mind: What are you trying to solve for?  What's the number you need?
• Working backwards, what information do you need in order to solve for that number?
• Check the units in the calculation to make sure they work
• Finally, relate the approach to the interviewer.  If they agree, check to see that you have the required information.  If you do, state this out loud and if you don't, just ask for what you are missing.

(Note: The rest is more straightforward: Do the math on your own, walk your interviewer through the calculations, and do a sanity check at the end.)

Hope this helps,

Allen

#1 recommendation. Use tables for multi-dimensional data.

If the interviewer gives you linear data, you can simply jot it down on the LHS. However, if they say, for example "We have 4 main costs", you better be setting up a table ASAP! Those 4 costs will be your rows, and any additional information given will be in each respective column.

Not only will this help you write down all of the information quickly AND keep track of it, but it will help you figure out where to go next!

By the way, the same applies for exhibits. Write down the key information back onto your sheet!

Hi there,

Some tips:

• What's the end result you're looking for? Knowing that, define your steps for calculation.
• There are many Youtube channels providing training in mental math.
• GMAT & MBB tests.
• Run case interview simulations to trace your progress in solving quatitative problemms. 
• Consider taking a couple of coaching sessions. (It saves your time on preparation)

Hope  it was helpful,

GB