GMAT Study Notes¶
Overview¶
The GMAT Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning question difficulty adjusts in real time based on your performance. It can be taken at a testing center or online at home.
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes + one optional 10-minute break
- Sections: 3 (order is your choice)
- Bookmarking: You can bookmark questions and edit up to 3 answers per section if time remains
- Perfect score: 805
Scoring is based on the average difficulty of questions answered correctly — not raw count. Getting harder questions right matters more than sheer volume.
Test Structure¶
Section Timing¶
| Section | Questions | Time | Avg per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 min | 2 min 15 sec |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 min | 2 min 9 sec |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 min | 1 min 57 sec |
Scoring Rules¶
- Score reflects the average difficulty level of questions you answered correctly
- Unanswered questions at time's end result in a proportional score reduction
- Always finish every section — never leave questions blank, even if guessing
Section Breakdowns¶
Data Insights (20 questions, 45 min)¶
The most data-heavy section. Tests your ability to synthesize information from multiple formats.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Analyze multiple tabs of data (text, tables, charts) |
| Table Analysis | Sort/filter a spreadsheet-like table to answer yes/no questions |
| Graphics Interpretation | Fill-in-the-blank statements based on charts/graphs |
| Two-Part Analysis | Two-column problems testing math and verbal together |
| Data Sufficiency | Decide if given statements provide enough info to answer a question |
Data Sufficiency requires you to assess whether information is sufficient — not necessarily solve the full problem. This is a distinct skill worth practicing separately.
Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 min)¶
Problem Solving only in the Focus Edition — Data Sufficiency has been moved to Data Insights.
Core topic areas: - Arithmetic and number properties - Algebra and equations - Geometry and coordinate geometry - Word problems - Statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation basics) - Ratios, proportions, and percentages
No calculator for most questions. Mental math and estimation are essential skills to develop.
Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 min)¶
Two question types only — Sentence Correction has been removed from the Focus Edition.
Critical Reasoning - Identify premises, conclusions, and assumptions in short arguments - Question types: strengthen, weaken, find the assumption, inference, evaluate, explain a paradox
Reading Comprehension - 3–4 passages with 3–4 questions each - Passages cover business, science, social science, and humanities - Questions test main idea, inference, author tone, and specific detail
Strategy¶
Time Management¶
- Data Insights has the most complex question types — budget time carefully
- Verbal Reasoning gives you the least time per question (~1 min 57 sec)
- Use the bookmark feature: flag uncertain questions and return with remaining time
- Never leave questions unanswered — a strategic guess is always better than blank
Scoring Strategy¶
- Because the score is difficulty-weighted, focus on accuracy over speed on harder questions
- A wrong answer on an easy question hurts more relative to difficulty progression
- If you must rush at the end of a section, guess quickly rather than skip
Preparation Priorities¶
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Number properties (factors, primes, remainders) | Foundational for Quant |
| Percent and ratio problems | High-frequency Quant topics |
| Statistics basics | Tested in both Quant and Data Insights |
| Argument structure (premise, conclusion, assumption) | Core of Critical Reasoning |
| Data interpretation (graphs, tables, multi-source) | Entire Data Insights section |
Critical Reasoning Patterns to Know¶
- Assumption: What must be true for the conclusion to hold?
- Strengthen: What new information makes the conclusion more likely?
- Weaken: What new information undermines the conclusion?
- Inference: What must be true based only on what is stated?
- Paradox/Explain: What resolves the apparent contradiction?
Quick Reference¶
Key Reminders¶
- You choose section order — consider your strongest section first to build momentum
- The adaptive algorithm adjusts after each question; stay focused on every response
- Bookmark + edit feature is a safety net, not a primary strategy
- Practice under timed conditions from day one — pacing is a skill
What Is NOT on the Focus Edition¶
- No Sentence Correction (removed from Verbal)
- No Data Sufficiency in Quantitative (moved to Data Insights)
- No Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- No Integrated Reasoning as a separate section (folded into Data Insights)