Data Sufficiency is Hard

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If you polled 100 GMAT test-takers about the biggest obstacles standing in between them and their goal scores, I'll bet the leading answer would be Data Sufficiency.

Data Sufficiency is an unusual question format that appears only on the GMAT, so everyone is starting from scratch. Just because DS is hard for you doesn't mean that you have some sort of GMAT disability--this question type is hard for nearly everyone.

Remember, as you struggle with Data Sufficiency, that the GMAT is scored on a curve, and most everyone else is struggling as well. Just because you're having a hard time with this question type doesn't mean you won't get into the business school of your dreams.

There's plenty to learn about Data Sufficiency--you can start with the several articles on this website. While you do so, don't let yourself get frustrated. You're not alone in your struggle for mastery, and you can get a great GMAT score even without acing every DS question you see.

 

 

About the author: Jeff Sackmann has written many GMAT preparation books, including the popular Total GMAT Math, Total GMAT Verbal, and GMAT 111. He has also created explanations for problems in The Official Guide, as well as 1,800 practice GMAT math questions.

Total GMAT Math

The comprehensive guide to the GMAT Quant section. It's "far and away the best study material available," including over 300 realistic practice questions and more than 500 exercises!
Click to read more.