How to Prepare for the GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

The Data Sufficiency problems in the GMAT are often considered more difficult than the standard math problems on the test. If you have enough math knowledge to complete the math problems on the exam, however, you can also succeed with this section. With patience and persistence you can prepare for and complete the Data Sufficiency section of the GMAT with flying colors.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Before the Test

1. Decipher the directions. These may be confusing and your best approach is to make sure you understand them before test day. There are many websites that quote the directions verbatim--make sure you understand what you are supposed to do.

2. Review basic math. The GMAT data sufficiency questions cover information from algebra, geometry and basic arithmetic: averages, fractions, decimals and percents.

3. Take a class. Exam preparation classes are available online and at local universities, sign up for one to ensure you will succeed on the test.

4. Practice. Whether you complete a GMAT review book (available at bookstores nationwide) or do practice questions online, these questions will become much easier with extensive practice.

During the Test

5. Breathe. Take a minute to consciously relax before you begin the data sufficiency section of the GMAT. Remind yourself that you've studied for the exam and you're ready to go.

6. Read the questions very carefully. Use only the given information. It is easy to assume information that is not included in the question, this can lead to mistakes.

7. Eliminate wrong answers. Once you rule out answers that are clearly not sufficient, you will have fewer choices for the right answer.

8. Examine each of the statements individually. Ask yourself if either of them are sufficient to solve the problem or if you need to use them together to find the solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't waste your time solving the problems. The data sufficiency section of the exam only asks if there is enough information in the problem to solve it. It does not ask for the solution.

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[praxis]

on 3/3/2009 Good suggestions, but short on detail. Data Sufficiency questions are really different from most other types of questions you've had on other tests or in school. I recommend doing practice ones so that you get really comfortable with the format; one place with lots of good ones is http://www.testsandtutors.com/course/questionbank.php/GMAT/Data-SufficiencyAnd of course, get a practice test at http://www.mba.com

[TDogg1]

on 9/11/2008 With 4 months of studying is a score between 550 and 600 a reasonable expectation?

[tornadolee]

on 8/27/2008 Excellent Information. I was also scared of GMAT data sufficiency questions before. Now I have taken number of Practice tests and improved.

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