It might seem like a small thing, but the clarity of your handwriting can have a real impact on your GMAT Quant performance. You could have the right approach and a solid understanding of the concept, but if your work is hard to read—even for you—you’re increasing the chances of making avoidable mistakes.
Consider a simple example. If your numeral 2 tends to look like a Z, or your 5s start to resemble 6s, confusion is likely to follow. You might misread your own notes, substitute a wrong value, or make an error in your final calculation. Mistakes like these are especially frustrating because they are completely preventable.
The fix is simple in theory: write clearly. But this goes beyond just forming your numbers and symbols more carefully. Writing neatly is part of thinking clearly. When your handwriting gets sloppy, there is often more going on than just a quick hand. You may be rushing, feeling anxious, or not fully engaged. Poor writing often reflects poor focus.
So, take control of the page. Commit to writing clearly. More than that, commit to solving each problem in a clean and structured way. Layout matters. Scribbling your work all over the page is not only disorganized, but it also makes it harder to follow your own reasoning if you need to double-check a step. Instead, try to keep your scratch work structured. Work vertically when possible. Leave space between steps. Keep calculations grouped together. Label your work when needed.
By being intentional about how your work appears on the page, you will make it easier to follow your thinking and catch mistakes before they become final answers. You will also train yourself to slow down just enough to avoid careless errors without losing momentum.
The way you write is part of how you think. Keep it clean. Keep it clear. Let it support your performance, not undermine it.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-StewartFounder & CEO,
Target Test Prep