Course Structure & Materials
In the Ladder Program, instructors utilize the Facilitative Approach, which allows students to assess their individual strengths and areas for improvement. Students come to each new session with a list of of the homework problems that they either answered incorrectly, or that took them ‘too long’ to answer. While students work through problems on the board, the MathSP expert instructor facilitates a discussion to assist students in finding the correct solutions and understanding their mistakes. Thus, with the help of the instructor and the input of their peers, students work through missed problems to not only correct their mistakes, but also ensure they have fully grasped the underlying concepts and approach for each GMAT problem.
Course Information | Course Outline | Program Concepts | Course Materials | Learn More
The Ladder Program Course Information
- Intense foundation review of important Math concepts (listed below)
- Real GMAT problems tackled using our proven method, the SP Method
- Organization of problems by concept to promote Concept-based Learning
- Extensive homework assignment assigned each session
- Homework review at the start of each session utilizing the Facilitative Approach
- Online practice tests throughout the course to encourage familiarity with the CAT format
- In-class timed practice stints to understand the importance of timing on the GMAT
The Ladder Program Course Outline
The standard Ladder Program course consists of eight 3-hr sessions. Each of the Quantitative problems in “The Official Guide for GMAT Review” is assigned for homework and discussed in class throughout the eight sessions. This text is written by the Graduate Management Admission Council, GMAC, the organization that writes and administers the official GMAT. Thus, mastering the problems in this text in an appropriate time frame is essential as the problems in this text are real GMAT problems similar to those students see on their official GMAT. MathSP ensures that you understand the Math concepts tested on the GMAT and how to apply those concepts and strategies to real GMAT problems.
Sessions are organized as follows:
- Session 1: Arithmetic Part I
- Session 2: Arithmetic Part II
- Session 3: Algebra Part I
- Session 4: Algebra Part II and Statistics
- Session 5: Geometry Part I
- Session 6: Geometry Part II
- Session 7: Strategies and Time-saving Tips for Word Problems
- Session 8: Strategies and Problem-solving for Data Sufficiency
The Ladder Program Concepts
The Quantitative section of the GMAT tests your knowledge of a finite number of Math concepts. Mastering these concepts is critical to scoring your highest on the GMAT. In the Ladder Program, our instructors teach the Math concepts listed below that are required for your success on the GMAT.
The concepts can be categorized into three groups:
- arithmetic
- algebra & statistics
- geometry
Concepts include:
Arithmetic
Number Theory, Properties of Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Prime Numbers, Even and Odd Numbers, Positive and Negative Numbers, Consecutive Integers, Number Lines, Digits, Factors and Multiples, Factor Trees, Order of Operations, Percentages, Ratios, Proportions, Squares and other Powers, Square Roots, Data Analysis, Interpretation of Graphs and Tables, Operations on Rational Numbers, Work Rates
Algebra and Statistics
Exponents and Powers, Solving Equations, Substitution, FOIL, Factoring, Absolute Value, Distance Rates, Inequalities, Applied Algebra, Translating Math Sentences into Equations, Mean, Median, Linear Functions, Quadratic Functions, Symbols as Representations of Operations, Probability, Permutations, Combinations, Sets, Standard Deviation
Geometry
Lines and Angles (Vertical, Supplementary, Complementary, Alternate Interior, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent), Circles (Radius, Diameter, Area, Circumference, Arc Length, Inscribed), Triangles (Special Right Triangles, Pythagorean Theorem, Inequality Theorem, Area, Perimeter, Equilateral, Isosceles), Quadrilaterals (Area, Perimeter), Integrated Shapes, Shaded Regions, Volume (Cube, Rectangular Prism, Cylinder), Coordinate Geometry
The Ladder Program Course Materials
Course Materials Include:
- “The Official Guide for GMAT Review,” 12th edition by the GMAC
- “The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review,” 2nd edition by the GMAC (optional)
- Math foundation review books (optional)
- Computer-adaptive practice exams
- Math foundation review handouts
- Overview and format of the GMAT
- Facts and strategies for computer-adaptive testing
- Tips essential to GMAT preparation
- Sample study plan
- Data sufficiency grid
- “How do I know when I’m ready for the GMAT Quantitative section?” checklist
- MathSP notebook and timer