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Why Relying Less on Technology Can Help You Do Better on the GMAT
Most of you reading this are likely in your 20s or 30s. Many of us in this age group, myself included, have grown up in a world that increasingly relies on technology. While this convenience has made our lives easier, it can also come at a cost. Over time, we may lose touch with some basic cognitive skills, such as doing math in our heads or remembering simple information, because we are so used to letting devices handle those tasks for us.
This gradual reliance on technology can subtly affect your GMAT performance, especially in the Quant section. The good news is that you can train your brain to regain those skills. With a bit of daily effort, you can become more confident and efficient simply by using your mind more actively in everyday situations.
Let’s begin with something simple. At a restaurant, do you use your phone to calculate the tip? Instead, challenge yourself to do it mentally. Even just estimating 15 or 20 percent is a great exercise. At the store, calculate how much you will save on a 30 percent discount before the cashier gives you the total. It might feel slow at first, but your accuracy and speed will improve with regular practice.
The same applies when you are cooking. If a recipe calls for three-fourths of a cup and you need to halve the amount, try calculating that in your head. Visualizing how that would look helps you sharpen your sense of fractions, something that shows up often on the GMAT.
Another area worth mentioning is memory. Most of us store everything in our phones and rarely commit simple information to memory. The next time someone gives you a phone number or address, try remembering it for a few minutes before entering it into your phone. This kind of effort strengthens your short-term memory and helps you become more mentally agile.
Also, memorize the essential math formulas for the GMAT. Do not just read through them. Instead, write them down from memory. Can you recall the slope-intercept form of a line? The compound interest formula? The rules of exponents? Having these formulas at your fingertips will help you work faster and with greater confidence.
It is also worth reviewing multiplication tables. If you sometimes pause when asked what 8 times 7 is, take time to refresh your skills using flashcards. That level of fluency can make a difference. The faster you can solve basic problems, the more time and energy you can devote to complex ones.
Most importantly, do not use a calculator when practicing GMAT Quant questions. You will not have one on test day. Using one during prep only gives you a false sense of preparedness. Force yourself to do every calculation by hand. This kind of practice builds real skill.
Look for opportunities throughout your day to train your brain. Estimate prices. Round totals. Memorize simple facts. Each of these small moments adds up. The more you rely on your own thinking, the sharper you will become. This mindset shift can make a measurable impact on your GMAT performance.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
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