GMAT: Data Sufficiency

Because data sufficiency is the most hated question type on the GMAT and the type that test takers have the most trouble with, it's almost universally despised.  I love it though, for a very important reason:

It puts my students into Harvard, Stanford and Wharton ahead of other applicants. 

Most Test Takers are Wimps

They don't want to work hard.  They don't want to suffer through question types that they don't understand.  And frankly, most GMAT instructors dislike data sufficiency too, so they do a bad job with it. 

I actually love data sufficiency.  It's mathematical Sudoku, full of subtle strategies and susceptible to creative test-taking techniques.  I do data sufficiency questions for fun, the way some people do crossword puzzles.  (Ironically, I suck at both Sudoku and crossword puzzles.)

Why is Data Sufficiency so Important?

Contrary to what the test writers say, the GMAT is graded on a curve.  (It's pre-established by other test takers and then adjusted in the aftermath of your exam if necessary.)  To beat an opponent on a curve-based test, you need to hit him where he's weak.  That means data sufficiency.  To ignore these questions is to forfeit your opportunity to pull ahead. 

If you want to neglect something, neglect reading comp.  Frankly, it's harder to improve in that section.   Accept data sufficiency as the price you have to pay to get into Wharton and study it every day.

Is that a Real Tattoo?

I keep asking myself the same question.  If so, it goes to show you what can happen when math majors get drunk.

 

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