Resources / books for basic quant skills

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!

Hi,

I recommend downloading all possible casebooks you can find. Quickly go through each case but concentrate on solving the math problems that they have.  To be honest, the way they solve the cases in these books is very poor, but the examples of the examples of the quant problems are pretty good. 

The following casebooks may be useful: 

• Case in point
• Chicago
• Wharton
• Vault
• Case interview Bible
• David Ohrvall
• Etc

Best,

Vlad

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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