5 Tips to Ace the GMAT Data Sufficiency Section

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam taken by those who want to enter top MBA programs. The updated version of GMAT, that is, GMAT focus edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break) and consists of a total of 64 questions and a maximum score of 805 points. It consists of three sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes

One of the most challenging parts of this exam is Data Sufficiency (which falls under the data insights category). Besides mathematical skills, this section calls for analytical skills that are highly developed as well as strategic thinking. Unlike traditional problem-solving questions, Data Sufficiency questions check if you have enough information to solve them without answering. To elevate GMAT score understanding how to answer those questions should be prioritized. In this blog we’ll share some tips that will enable you to succeed at these types of questions in the Data Insights section.

Understanding Data Sufficiency

Overview of the Section

Earlier the GMAT Data sufficiency questions were part of quants section. Now, they are part of the Data Insights section. So, if you have an aspiration for scoring 90%ile – 645+ score in GMAT, then DS is very important for you. Each question presents a problem followed by two statements. Your job is to see if the question provides enough information to answer the question. Answer choices are standard and include:

1. Statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient.
2. Statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient.
3. Both statements are sufficient together, but neither statement is sufficient alone.
4. Each statement alone is sufficient.
5. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient together.

For solving DS questions, you are only required to analyze if the given information which is provided in the question is sufficient for solving it or not. You do not have to solve the problem directly or completely. In addition to understanding the method, you must use your verbal and quantitative thinking abilities.

Common Pitfalls

Many test-takers struggle with DS due to common mistakes like:

• Over-calculating or Under-calculating

It is important to focus on whether you have enough information instead of trying to get a perfect number as the answer. Spending too much time on detailed computations when it is not required can waste your time. However, make sure you do enough calculations to link the details to the question. If you don’t analyze enough, you might jump to the wrong conclusion about not having enough data.

• Misinterpreting the statements

There is a difference between what you need to know and what is not important. Make sure you really understand both the question and the statements given. Read the statements at least twice. This is the key to not misreading what the question is asking. Don’t assume any information, until and unless it is provided in the question. Always remember that you have to analyze each statement individually first.

To avoid this pitfall, it is important to have a clear understanding of the question format and effective problem-solving strategies.

Tip 1: Familiarize Yourself with Question Types:

Types of Questions

DS questions can be categorized into various types:

1. Arithmetic Questions: Basic functions, percentages and ratios.
2. Algebra Questions: Equations, inequities and algebraic expressions.
3. Word Problems: Verbal descriptions conversion to mathematical equations.

Data sufficiency questions have evolved. There will be real-world context questions and will no longer test just the mathematical skills. You won’t have to solve algebra problems or deal with numbers alone. Instead, these questions are about using logic and reasoning in real-life situations, so you will see them mostly as word problems. There are now two types of DS questions: quant and verbal. The verbal DS questions can be further categorized into two parts: (a) Questions focusing only on verbal reasoning questions. (b) Questions involving both quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.

Recognizing Patterns

Recognizing common GMAT patterns can help save a lot of your valuable time. It can help in narrowing down the information.

1. Identical statements: When both statements provide identical information like “50% probability of getting heads” and “50% probability of getting tails” on a fair coin means they mean the same thing. In this case it is impossible for only one statement to be sufficient without the other one also being independently sufficient. Also, combining them will be of no help as well as it is the same information twice. Hence in this case, the answer can either be D or E.
2. One statement implies the other: When one statement automatically implies what it is written in other statement. For example, “X” is positive, “X is prime”; here statement 2 implies automatically that if X is prime then it must be positive. In this type of case, C can never be the answer.
3. Be aware of the statements that seem to provide a lot of information, but the information is repeated or just common sense.

Tip 2: Master the Art of Elimination

Elimination Strategies

Effectively eliminating incorrect answer choices is an important skill. There is a difference between what you need to know and what is not important. Make sure you really understand both the question and the statements given. Read the statements at least twice. Here’s how you can approach this strategy:

Evaluate each statement independently: Determine whether each statement provides enough information to answer the question alone.

The AD/BCE Strategy

1. Start by checking if statement 1 is sufficient independently to answer all on its own. If statement 1 is sufficient alone, then you can eliminate options B, C and E. Next, check for statement 2, individually. If it is sufficient by itself, then your answer is D. But if it is not then your answer is A.
2. Now, if statement 1 was not sufficient to derive to the answer, then check for statement 2 alone. If statement 2 is sufficient, then your answer is B.
3. If statement 2 is also not individually sufficient, then combine information from both the statements 1 and 2 and then check if it is sufficient or not. If they are sufficient together, then your answer is C, but if they are not sufficient then your answer is E.

Prioritizing Information

Figuring out which statement to look at first can make your whole process easier. Out of the two statements, start testing the statement which seems more straightforward or the one which can be directly used for solving the problem. This will not only help in solving the question easily but will save you time too by helping you easily eliminate some choices.

Tip 3: Develop Strong Quantitative Skills

• Math Fundamentals

To excel in Data sufficiency questions, you need to be great at analyzing and mathematics. Pay attention to these key areas:

1. Arithmetic: Whole numbers, fractions, percents, ratios etc.
2. Algebra: Simple equations, inequalities, algebraic terms etc.

• Practice, Practice, Practice

To do well in DS questions and overall GMAT score, you must practice regularly. Use various sets of questions to practice and keep on adding different types of difficult questions to get used to it. Gradually, start practicing with a timer so that you are ready for the real test. Remember, Practice makes perfect.

Tip 4: Time Management

• Pacing Strategies

1. Good time management plays a key role in doing well on the GMAT Data Sufficiency section. Here are some tips:
2. While practicing, set a time limit for yourself for each question, that is, 1 minute 30 seconds.

If a question is taking you too long to solve then move on and return to it in the end when you have the time left. In the start, focus on answering questions that you can solve.

GMAT Focus edition has introduced a student-friendly feature that is, if you can complete your entire section before the allocated time that is 45 minutes, you can review your answers and change up to three answers.

Avoiding Overthinking

Don’t overthink. Make choices based on the facts given, not what might be hinted at. Practice making fast sure choices to avoid wasting time doubting yourself or second guessing. Be confident with your answer.

Tip 5: Use Logic and Analytical Thinking

Logical Deduction

Using logical reasoning to tackle DS questions can help you find answers faster.

Try this approach

1. Analyze statements: Break down each statement to grasp its effects and how it connects to the question.
2. Check for logical consistency: Make sure the given facts don’t clash or cause confusion.

Common Logical Traps

1. Do not assume any additional information which is not specifically mentioned.
2. Pay attention to the details of statement carefully that might affect sufficiency. Do not overlook.

With proper sharp analytical skills and understanding common traps, you will navigate these types of questions more easily.

Additional Resources

Practice Materials

To make your Data Sufficiency skills even better consider using the following resources:

1. The GMAT OG
2. The Princeton Review GMAT Portal
3. Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides:
4. GMAT Club Tests
5. Beat The GMAT
6. Thursdays with Ron
7. Magoosh YouTube channel

Study Groups and Forums:

1. GMAT Club: Usually a popular discussing strategies and solutions forum amongst test takers.
2. Beat The GMAT: Offers resources, forums, and study groups for GMAT preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, doing well in the DS questions in the data insights question depends on smart studying and lots of practice. Following the above-mentioned tips will help you in becoming more familiar with the DS Questions and will help you in evaluating sufficiency of information more quickly, thereby improving your GMAT score. By practicing regularly and applying these strategies, one can easily pass the GMAT DS section with flying colors.