How to improve in Data Sufficiency Questions

Question

Hi Experts,
I have just recently started with my quant preparation but I can't seem to get higher accuracy on DS Questions.
When the question's solution is presented I realize this is something I could've solved. I can't seem to get my approach towards DS Questions right. 
My accuracy in PS is currently at 90% for all levels of difficulty combined while it is barely 40% for DS across the same topics.

How do I improve my DS accuracy and how should I approach the questions?

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

You need to use the right strategy to solve DS questions. The right way to solve DS questions is to 
  Read the question stem 
 Do a certain pre-analysis on the question stem to understand the exact information asked by the question 
 Then jump to solving individual statements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1e2MjqLL8U

Make sure you understand the right methodology before you solve any question types of a topic. And do not time yourself while learning the methodology. Just focus on the process and time will automatically fall into place. You can get in touch with me over a call to understand the right methodology. We can solve a few questions together and this process will help me identify the flaw in your approach if any. You can use the below link to get in touch with me.

Click here to schedule a call

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

So, regarding how to improve in Data Sufficiency questions, I agree that you need to adjust how you approach those questions versus how you attack problem-solving questions. For example, you need to understand that Data Sufficiency questions do not have to be solved out to the “bitter end.” Take a look at  example 10 here . Notice that the goal of the problem is to determine the mean grade for the left-handed students. If you look at the solution for statement two, it’s clear that we can determine the value of L well before we actually do. So, taking that mentality when solving DS questions should greatly help your accuracy and your timing.

There are definitely certain nuances or traps to be aware of when solving Data Sufficiency questions. One of those traps is the dreaded “C Trap.” In C-trap questions, you’ll be baited into choosing answer choice C because C so clearly and obviously seems to be the correct answer; DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!! For instance, take a look at  example 9 here . Upon first glance, choice C seems like a logical answer, right? Yet, if you properly attack the problem, you’ll see that you can determine the value of x using statement one alone.

Once you further develop your general Data Sufficiency skills, whether you correctly solve DS questions will be based more on your topical knowledge than on anything else. For example, if you are given a DS question testing you on “units digits,” such as  example 1 here , and you are not skilled in working with units digits and do not know that the base of 7 has a units digit of 1 when raised to an exponent that is a multiple of 4, then how can you expect to correctly answer that particular DS question, right? Thus, to improve, you would have to spend time reviewing not Data Sufficiency concepts but concepts related units digits patterns.

In summary, yes, there are some general Data Sufficiency skills that you could use to avoid being trapped or wasting time doing unnecessary math. At the same time, if you thoroughly master each GMAT quant topic, then you should not have any major issues with Data Sufficiency questions.

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

1/ try to start with the easiest statement-it helps to strike out some choices within a very short time.
2/ if you start with statement 1, and if you get response ONLY YES (talking about YES/NO question), then you should not try to find YES response in statement 2! finding ONLY NO is enough to say the correct answer is A (assuming that you got a NO response in statement 2). but, if you get only YES in statement 2, then it is definitely choice D!

Does it help?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

DS questions are interesting because they're built to 'test' you on a variety of skills (far more than just your 'math' skills), including organization, accuracy, attention-to-detail, thoroughness and the ability to prove that your answer is correct. DS questions also have no 'safety net' - meaning that if you make a little mistake, then you will convince yourself that one of the wrong answers is correct. Thankfully, the 'math' behind most DS questions usually isn't that complicated, but you have to train to be thorough and strategic with your work and take advantage of any 'shortcuts' that are built into the prompt to score at a high level in this question type.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Aragorn101 · Answer

Thank you for the valuable advices! I have managed to improve my accuracy of DS questions to 60% in past 20 days.

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How to improve in Data Sufficiency Questions

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