Wednesday, September 30, 2009

5 most overlooked points while solving GMAT number based problems (Arithmetic based problems)

The 5 series!!!!

5 most overlooked points while solving GMAT number based problems (Arithmetic based problems)

1.Study the factors of a number. Factors of a numbers are numbers which can divide that number. The factors for 28 are1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28. Factors are always smaller than a number. The number of factors for a square is always odd.

2.Study the multiples of a number. Multiples of a number are numbers which are obtained by multiplying a given number by a constant. When you want to combine two numbers use LCM. For example : What is the smallest 4 digit number which can be divided by 2,5,6,8 and 9. To solve this sum first: you would have to combine these numbers to arrive at a common number i.e.the LCM of 2,5,6,8 and 9 and then proceed to obtain the smallest 4 digit number.

3.Any number raised to the power of 4 will lead to a number (say k)whose last digit remains the same irrespective of the number of time the number is multiplied with itself.(k x k x k…..n times where n can be any integer)

4.Let a × b = c. The remainder obtained when you divide c by d is equal to the product of the remainders obtained when you divide a by d and b by d. Instead of finding the remainder of 625 when divided by 7 it would make sense find the remainder of 25 when divided by 7 and multiplying the remainder twice to get the overall remainder( 625 =25 x 25)

5.While solving number based data sufficiency problems substitution of all possible numbers (positive integers, negative integers, positive fractions, negative fractions, zero) is necessary before arriving at an answer.

For example: Is (a/b) > (c/d)
1. a > c
2. b >d

Each statement individually will not yield an answer. When the statements are taken together substitute positive numbers, negative numbers to check the consistency of the answer. Also substitute numbers which are near each other as per the number line (a=2,c=1) and numbers which are far away (a =1000, c=1)

Monday, September 28, 2009

How to take charge of you GMAT math section?


To get a high score in the GMAT, you must be familiar with the relevant concept/formula as well as the hidden relationships accompanying the concept/formula.  Many of us attempt to crack the math section of the GMAT by solving problems from sources such as the official guide.
This strategy works for people who have a strong mathematical background. For the rest of us, we have to first understand the concepts, then we have to derive relationships from the existing concepts.

Concept learning is an art. We look at a math text book and we get overwhelmed by the size. 20 odd chapters!! How am I going to master all of them? Each topic looks menacing.

But if you observe closely not all the concepts are abstract, a time speed distance problems is related to a problem based on similar triangles(geometry), a problem on roots of an equations is based on factor theorem in number system. The concepts required to crack GMAT math are inter- related.

 The quantitative section is primarily focussed on number system, ratios proportion and percentages.  Majority of the other concepts are based on these concepts. Focus on these areas first, then apply these concepts to study other concepts like Time and work, Geometry, Profit, loss and discount,.

So from 20 odd chapters the area of focus boils down to 3 or 4 chapters.

Also:  Make derivations

While working out practice problems at the conceptual level, derive notes on where you can apply the concepts. Some of these derivations are highlighted below.

Presented below are some of the hidden relationship accompanying the concept/formula. These relationships are termed ScOT bytes which are the present through out our course material.

1. Let A and B be two numbers, then Product of A and B = HCF (A, B) × LCM (A, B)


2. (Even number)4x  will always end in the digit: ‘6’,(Odd number)4x  will always end in the digit:  ‘1’

3. Let a × b = c.  The remainder obtained when you divide c by d is equal to the product of the remainders obtained when you divide a by d and b by d.






5. If a is increased/decreased by b%, then the new value calculated after the increase is new value = a ± b% of a  ±  (b/100) x a








7. If a same positive number is added to both the terms of ratio (of lesser inequality), then the ratio is increased.

8. If a same positive number is added to both the terms of ratio (of greater inequality), then the ratio is diminished.
9. The number of factors for a square number is always odd. For 4 there are 3 odd factors(1,2,4), for 9 there are 3 odd factors(1,3,9)...
10. Discount percentage is always calculated on  list price/marked price and not on selling price.
11.If a:b = 3:4 then a and b are not equal to 3 and 4 respectively. a = 3x and b = 4xwhere x is any constant.
12. The Simple and compound interest is the same after 1 year. The amount as well as the compound interest increases by r% every year.








Where r1,r2,r3 are interests and n1,n2 
and n3 are the years.
14. To convert km/hr into m/sec multiply the number by 5/18
15.Average speed can be calculated by 2ab/(a+b) where a and b are the two speeds. This formula is only applicable when the distance travelled is constant.
For more math tips and details browse
Download the math concept book for SAT,GMAT,GRE at


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Planning to study abroad

The general trend is that students aspiring to study abroad tend to apply for programs which they think will positively impact on their future earning potential.
If you are interested in studying for a course apply early because competition for entry to popular programs at good institutions is severe; an early application helps to secure both admit and financial support.’

Tour the tours
The US, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Singapore and Canada, are ever on the list of those foreign bound. Attending education tours organsied by established agencies will help you gain information on suitable courses, application procedures, admissions criteria, visa requirements and scholarship opportunities.
The world MBA tour is offering an unprecedented US $ 1.1 million in exclusive scholarships for MBA. They are offered to candidates only if they visit the fair in their city of choice. So go for it.
Some factors

A. Work experience: how much?
The average work experience that MBA schools generally look for in prospective students is
Three to four years, although each school has its own standards. Business schools are not faculty- focused; peer to peer interactive learning, case work, projects, presentations all demand strength of experience of the MBA students. People with some real experience can contribute to quality group participative learning. Experience can be in diverse fields and industries, not necessarily managerial.

B. Given the volatility of the dollar, the cost?
For international students this is a concern. But cost, if viewed as ‘return on investment’ will scare you less. There are various ways to fund your business education- loans and scholarships. Schools will take extra care to ensure that the right applicants are absorbed into their courses.

C. The best destination for MBA?
The best study abroad experience can differ form country to country and institution to institution. And your interests, skills, specializations. The best for one student need not be the best for another. Let your personal aims and ambitions guide you in this. Research schools on an individual basis.

D. Education loans: from home country or those on campus?
Both are sought after. Interest rate, pay back time, speed of sanction- are to be considered. The tuition fee is obviously one of the biggest costs. Market rate tuition fees, the current practice, favor students. Other expenses to be taken into account are travel, accommodation, living and compensating for time away from employment. These are not uniform and vary for students form different nationalities.
MBAs will not go out of fashion even during recession times. Most banks know that MBAs are going to be among the highest earners within a short space of time and they can work in most industries. One should not wait until an admissions decision is received to identify outside sources of funding. Keep researching for fellowships and scholarships.

E. Other forms of aid?

Savings from your employment so far, family contributions, institutional scholarships and bursaries from your department of study, assistantships and part-time employment: (teaching / research assistantships are available in many institutions for postgraduate students, who can work up to 20 hours during term time)
*Australia and Canada, allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Know your biz gurus


Peter Drucker: 1909- 2005

Education: Doctorate in International Law and public law from the University of Frankfurt in 1931.

 Peter Drucker has been called the world’s most influential business guru, whose thinking transformed corporate management in the latter half of the 20th century. Drucker started his career as a business strategist when he was invited to do what became a seminal two-year social-scientific analysis of General Electric. In 1950 he became professor of management in the graduate business school at New York University. Drucker taught management advice with interdisciplinary lessons from history, sociology, psychology and religion. He developed one of the country’s first executive MBA programs for working professionals at Claremont Graduate University, now known as Peter F Drucker and Masatoshi lto Graduate School of Management. Few know that the management visionary actually foretold the current financial crisis and the potential involvement of the US government with the financial companies.

Books authored: His ideas on management and leadership have been published in more than thirty books. Notable among them are:

            * The Practice of Management

            * The Concept of the Corporation

            * Managing in a Time of Great Change

            * Management Challenges for the 21st Century

Key Concepts: He advocated that business should be managed by balancing a variety of needs and goals, rather than subordinating an institution to a single value. This concept of management by objectives forms the keynote of - The Practice of Management.

In 1959, Drucker coined the term ‘knowledge worker’ and pioneered the idea of privatization. Later in his life he considered knowledge work productivity to be the next frontier of management. He believed in the empowerment of workers and the futility of big government, which he called ‘obese, muscle-bound and senile’.

CEOs who used his tactics: During his long consulting career, Drucker worked with many major corporations, including General Electric, Coca- Cola, Citicorp, IBM, and Intel. Drucker also served as a consultant for various government agencies including Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.   


India Budget 09 favors overseas education aspirants

If the new budget is any indication, aspiring students of a wide range of higher education programs overseas can avail loans from Indian banks and earn tax benefits too. This is all the more good news for MBA aspirants, since the fee for management courses abroad is very high. Taking loans for public sector banks makes sense especially for those who intend to return after completion of the course to work in the Indian subcontinent.

Criteria for loan disbursal.
Banks take into account some crucial factors in sanctioning loans
1. Whether you received confirmed admission.
2. Whether your admission is merit based.
3. Your previous qualification
4. Whether the college is ranked high
5. Future job prospects and likely income
6. Repayment capacity of the co-applicant
7. Placement record of the university

The repayment begins usually one year after the course is over. The standard repayment period is 5-7 yrs. Banks have put an upper limit on loan disbursal at 20 lac.
Let funding issues not come in the way of your career aspirations.

Friday, September 18, 2009

GMAT study plan to achieve 720+ in 30 days



A systematic study plan is a necessary first step toward a high score in a tough exam such as the GMAT , a broad based study plan incorporating “The Science of Thinking” approaches.
Modify and adapt it to suit your competency level. For instance, some of you might require a basic word building before you embark on the verbal preparation.
All the material suggested below requires an acrobat reader as well as the reader downloadable from http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/downloads.asp
Registration is free. Download the reader and install it in your computer.
Pre-stage:
Take the GMAT diagnostic test at
Use the test feedback to gauge whether you need to begin at the elementary stage or at the concept stage.
Stage 1: elementary work(optional)
Math: objective -review all fundamental concepts
Material: Use workbooks – Geometry, algebra, arithmetic. Develop basic computation using Vedic math from Concept ebook. Write tables  from 1x1 to 25 x 25.Learn the squares, cubes, square roots of numbers from 1 to 25.
Download free math workbooks http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/downloads.asp downloads.
The concept ebook can be downloaded at
Verbal: objective- learn  parts of speech, reading skills, idioms, basics of logics
Material: use workbooks- science of grammar, meaning, comprehension, reasoning, vocabulary and idiom lists;
Download free verbal workbooks http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/downloads.asp downloads.
Read a wide variety of articles- science, economics, book reviews, philosophy, history( from publications)
For higher order GMAT- like passages
Visit times literary supplement…………………………….. http://gale.cengage.co.uk/tls/
Stage 2: concept building
Verbal ebook- Study grammar, critical reasoning approaches, Reading comprehension strategies
Browse through http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-it-works.asp for more tips and strategies on critical reasoning
Browse through http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-usage.asp for more tips and strategies on sentence correction
Browse through http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-reading-comprehension.asp for more tips and strategies on reading comprehension

Math ebook- algebra, arithmetic, geometry concepts. Review ScoT bytes an Quick bytes from the concept ebook. This can be used as GMAT flash cards
Download concept math ebook
Browse through http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-l3-method.asp  for more tips and strategies on problem solving
Browse through http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-ds-strategies.asp for more tips and strategies on data sufficiency
essay:
Browse through power writing strategies http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-power-writing.asp
Learn how to write essay using ebook
Submit analytical writing essays to us at urmentor@semanticslearning.com
write essays ( 10 argument essays/ 10 issue essays)*seek guidance  from  online mentor
Take the practice tests at the end of the ebook
Stage 3: science of thinking strategies
Math:  Study modern math and science of thinking strategies from ebook volume on higher order solving
Practice ‘solution-free problem solving’ exercise.
Verbal:
Study CR strategies for 15 question types , Intricacies of abstract passages,25  errors in GMAT sentence correction from the following ebooks.
Stage 4.    
do CBTs

Work on official guide
-power prep test
Stage 5: revision and guidance
Review formulae, CR strategies, Sentence error areas, analyse tests, write timed essays
Seek guidance from
Email your doubts to urmentor@semanticslearning.com for math,verbal,essay
Call +91-09884123808 / +91-044-42068494
Other useful site links:
Blogs: yogmat.semanticsearning.com, letsgmat@blogspot.com.
MBA news…………………….. http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-home.asp
Follow me on twitter – http://twitter.com/GMAT_hub
Disclaimer*
This is only suggestive and prescriptive. Since test aspirants vary in their needs and levels of preparation, each one should chart out intelligent plans to strengthen all areas of test.

Monday, September 7, 2009

GMAT jargon

Take home Some GMAT jargon. Jus gorge on them
Yes, you heard it right…there are words typical to GMAT verbal ( critical reasoning and reading comprehension).. here’s a list comes handy in RC/CR.

Allusion : Indirect reference to a person, place or event to another.
Archaism : The use of words and expressions that have become obsolete in common speech.
Burlesque : An incognito imitation; it imitates the matter or form of a play in an amusing manner.
Connotation and denotation : The denotation of a word is its primary meaning; connotation is the range of accompanying meanings in which it suggests or implies.
Motif and theme : A motif is an element – an incident, device or formula – which recurs frequently.
Prosody : Systematic study of writing verse (poem); principles in the use of rhyme, stanza etc.
Anecdote : Simple narration of a single incident.
Pastoral elegy : Represents both the mourner and the one he mourns.
Figurative language : Deviates from what we apprehend as the standard significance or sequence of words, in order to achieve special meaning or effect.
Symbol : A word or set of words that signifies an object or event which itself signifies something else.
historicism : A theory that history is determined by unchangeable laws and not by human agency or, it is a theory that all cultural phenomena are historically determined and that historians much study each period without imposing any personal or absolute value system.
Historical School : A school of economics maintaining that any economic theory must be based on historical studies of economic institutions.
Idealism : A philosophical system or theory that maintains that are real is of the nature of thought or that the object of external perception consists of ideas; the pursuit of high noble principles.
Existentialism : A philosophical movement that stresses the individual’s position as a self-determining agent responsible for his or her own choices.
Humanism : Assumes the dignity and central position of man in the universe and emphasizes on moral and practical rather than purely aesthetic values.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

1 year PGPX from IIM Ahmedabad

Admissions are open for IIM Ahmedabad’s , 1 year PGPX program. The profile of the current batch includes executives with an average age of around 34 years, average work experience of around 10 years, average international work experience of around 5 years and an average GMAT score of 720.
The program is spread over 5 terms including 5 weeks of international immersion.
The minimum age should be 27 years with a GMAT score obtained between 1st April 2006 and 10th august 2009. The short listed candidates would be called for personal interviews during September – October 2009. The program begins on 12th April 2010.

Working executives can utilize this opportunity to further their knowledge on business, decision making and the world economic scenario.
Last date of application 10th August 2009. For more information logon to http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/pgpx/pgpxone.htm or http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/pgpx/pgpx1011/login.php
Email: pgpxquery@iimahd.ernet.in

monitor your thinking, become better thinkers to crack GMAT

There is a considerable volume of research on what distinguishes high achievers from the rest. One of those distinguishing factors is the ability to ‘monitor our own thinking’. We need to constantly regulate our own thinking- is my thinking in this context appropriate? Am I considering all possibilities? Why did I go wrong in the problem? What aspect of the problem have I ignored?
Why am I reading a passage very slow? How do I get over the blocks? What is the best method to succeed? These questions and many more… and doing the needful. THAT IS METACOGNITION, THINKING ABOUT THINKING.
All good thinkers possess meta-cognitive skills
A basic form of meta-cognition is study skills.
While preparing for an aptitude test, you must be more interested in HOW you are thinking than what problem you are thinking with.
That is how to

- Deconstruct the problem into smaller portions
-Set individual sub-goals and solve a problem
-Identify the relationship between parameters
-Convert the problem from verbal /numerical data to equation or diagram
--Assume value and verify whether the data satisfies the conditions or not
-Observe intricate pattern in the set of numbers given
- Summarize a passage
-Check the meaning of words in context of a passage
- draw inferences from a passage
And so on

When you do all these, you are not dependent on instructors, you are empowering yourself. Then learning can happen and LEARNING BECOMES FUN.

Visit www.semanticslearning.com for more details

Language competence and GMAT

Are you looking for more on GMAT? Intimidated by the verbal section?
The verbal section of the GMAT tests higher order language skills and reasoning in a verbal context.
A. sophisticated grammar and idioms
B. complex and abstract passages
C. cryptic logic and arguments
The reading passages are sourced from varied subjects such as science, history, philosophy, economics, business, literature and from an assortment of issues of global relevance.
Habitual interests and reading in these domains through books, media and web sources will make you feel very comfortable with these areas of testing. Then the preparation requires streamlined references to well-designed GMAT-specific learning modules.
As a preliminary skill building you must read
1. reviews and essays on all subjects listed above
2. refer to advanced college level grammar books
3. study books on reasoning

There are some GMAT online resources that can provide you with all these solutions in a ready-to- use, convenient packages.
Mail me –ur mentor@semanticslearning.com

GRE instead of GMAT?

YES. Although the GMAT is tougher than the GRE, a new trend has emerged in B- school admissions – the use of the GRE score instead of the GMAT score.
It’s not that there are no similarities between the two tests. In fact there are more overlaps than differences.
Overlaps
- analytical writing essays are common to both – includes both topics- issue and argument.
- both tests comprise a math and a verbal section
- areas tested in math are more or less the same, though the questions are presented differently.
-reading coprehension is more or less on similar lines.
- language competence is integral to both tests- grammar in the GMAT, diction in the GRE.

GMAT exam day

The D day
So you are ready for the GMAT, the first time!

1.Reach the test centre at least 45 min before the commencement of the test.
if you happen to be late more than 15 min to the test centre, bad luck, you lose out on the test and alas the money too, then rescheduling, the wait the delays…

2. carry a valid ID original identification document
With a photograph, your signature and proof of date of birth

3. no gadgets, test aids allowed inside the test hall

4. writing instruments to aid test taking will be provided to you

5. you are given a comfortable test station to take the test.
Take the test, valiantly
Keep watch of your time, because each section is separately timed…the system will show what time is left for the section.
Try and complete the section- even if guessing wildly, don’t you think that answering offers more probability of getting a correct answer than, un attempted questions?

Done the test?
You can get a score report comprising
Verbal, Math and total score plus the recipients as designated by us.
Not happy with the score? Feel you can score better?

Retake?
This can be the next, if money test is not too much of a problem…but then, you need a minimum 30 days, with ample every time at your disposal. for a revision and some great notes….then better luck next time…
If you are not in this position best, prepare well the first time itself…good luck.

Brainstorming for GMAT essays


Issue topic: “Facts are stubborn things. They cannot be altered by our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions.”

Preliminary notes: what is a fact? Is it truth, reality, belief? Proven? Can’t facts be changed? If facts depict reality, they can’t be changed. For instance: Who cut own the tree- we may believe the forest dept did; the reality is something else, the rosewood smugglers did it. So if fact is belief, facts are not stubborn, can change, but reality is stubborn, so if fact is reality, then it is stubborn. Another instance: the earth was believed to be flat which later proved to be wrong. If fact is belief, it is subjected to change…
thus we can debate the statement from both perspectives. The statement is agreeable or disagreeable based on the definition of ‘fact’.
Visit this place more topic brainstorming….
visit www.semanticslearning.com for more details

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

How to become a quantiative thinker for GMAT, CAT and other aptitude exams | eHow.com

How to become a quantiative thinker for GMAT, CAT and other aptitude exams | eHow.com

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Are you a quant person?

Are you a quant person?
Quantitative thinking ( thinking with numbers) is integral to corporate business careers. Hence MBA entrance tests contain a generous dose of quantitative problems. One’s performance in such problem solving is a manifestation of his overall problem solving ability. 
Business Schools perceive quantitative scores as indicative of higher order thinking and decision making skills. They believe that quant thinkers can handle diverse business challenges. They can analyse, diagram, hypothesise, set goals, try permutations and combinations, perceive probabilistic outcomes and synthesis a possible outcome.

Quantitative personality is not necessarily a hardcore math person

For a quantitative thinker, math knowledge is one of the many tools in his quest for excellence in problem solving. It is also possible that one is a good quantitative person but not a math person.
By and large, a quant person is someone who can look at independent ideas and facts, look at a situation and be able to come up with a response irrespective the accuracy of the approach and thereby the solution.  It also means looking at a situation and draw up on one’s own repertoire of tactics for a possible way forward…. a possible answer... In short, a quant person  might have a great memory but is rather someone who reasons very well.

A quant person uses thinking skills approach to problems
So when a quant person looks at a math problem with varied factors, and probably requiring more than one mathematical concept, he  doesn’t get confused; he will pull the question apart and can see where one step leads into the other and can merge and manipulate the combinations to get the final answer. He goes beyond the given data, creates a problem field, assumes himself to be part of the problem, takes various experiences and knowledge points to extrapolate a position and direction. In other words, a quant person is empowered to handle problem situations well; one who says no ‘can’t’, until he has exhausted all possible knowledge, theories, and experiences before asking for help.
 
A quant person ‘transfers learning’
For a quant person, the idea of doing a lot of problems stems from the need to see the various possibilities of solving problems rather than an expectation of chancing upon an exam like problem. For effective ‘transfer of learning’ making observations while attempting a problem is the key.

The quant person in a nut shell should be inquisitive, innovative, fearless, flexible and an inherent risk taker. “the Science of Thinking” methodology attempts to inculcate quantitative reasoning in addition to quantitative aptitude in test aspirants. Visit www.semanticslearning.com for more details.
Read http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-science-of-thinking.asp of thinking for more details