How Do I Score Well on GMAT® Data Sufficiency?

To score well on the GMAT® data sufficiency questions, you may do well to start by learning what to expect from this part of the test. The data sufficiency questions are included in the quantitative section of the exam along with problem-solving questions. You might find samples posted on the official GMAT® website helpful for preparing for this type of test question. Additionally, you may do well to review basic math, algebra, and geometry skills to prepare for this part of the test. The official website also provides free preparation software for registered users, which can make your study and practice easier.

Your first step in preparing to score well on the GMAT® data sufficiency questions likely will be learning about this part of the test. For example, you can visit the official testing website, MBA.com, to learn about the quantitative section of the exam, which includes not only data sufficiency problems, but also problem-solving questions. The problem-solving portion of the test will typically evaluate your basic skills as well as your ability to reason and solve math problems that involve an understanding of quantitative concepts. For the data sufficiency part, on the other hand, you will have to analyze the problems presented to you, figure out which information is critical in solving the problems, and decide when enough detail has been provided to allow for solving the problems.

The MBA.com website also provides sample questions you can use to understand what you will face on the GMAT®. The sample for the data sufficiency question shows the type of information that is typically provided for this type of question as well as two statements. You typically have to choose which of the two statements provides enough information for answering the question, whether both of the statements provide enough information, whether the statements must be used together to answer the question, or whether using the two statements together would still not allow for an answer.

Besides knowledge of what to expect from the test, you will need certain math skills to perform well on the GMAT® data sufficiency portion. Typically, the skills that are most important for scoring well on this part of the test are arithmetic and elementary algebra skills. It is usually important to have an understanding of geometry concepts as well.

Study and practice are typically important when you want to score well on the GMAT® data sufficiency questions. You can get practice by using free GMAT® preparation software provided through the official website. This software provides a practice section and questions for each type of exam problem as well as practice tests with scoring. The preparation software even includes a math review to help ensure that you are ready for the math sections. If you would like more practice, you can also purchase retired tests from the GMAT® website.