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One question people preparing for the GMAT to apply to business schools often have is, “Why is the GMAT so hard?” It’s not surprising that people ask that question. People often spend a lot of time preparing for the GMAT, and many find increasing their GMAT scores difficult.
Interestingly, by identifying what makes the GMAT difficult, we can see how best to approach preparing for it. So, in this article, I’m going to discuss why the GMAT is hard, along with ways to prepare for the GMAT effectively and make it as easy as possible.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Reason #1: The GMAT Tests Reasoning Skill
- Reason #2: The GMAT Is a Timed Test
- Reason #3: No Calculator for Quant
- Reason #4: The GMAT Is a Computer-Adaptive Test
- Reason #5: The GMAT Is Long
- Reason #6: Length of Time Out of School
- Reason #7: Finding Time to Study Consistently
- Reason #8: Test Anxiety
- What Is the Hardest Part of the GMAT?
- Is Getting a 655 on the GMAT Hard?
- Summary: Why Is the GMAT So Hard?
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by discussing our first reason the GMAT is hard: the GMAT tests reasoning skill.
Reason #1: The GMAT Tests Reasoning Skill
A key reason why the GMAT is hard is that the GMAT tests reasoning skill. This characteristic of the GMAT makes it hard in a few ways.
For one thing, because the GMAT tests reasoning skill, GMAT questions aren’t straightforward. In other words, GMAT Quant questions aren’t simply math questions, and GMAT Verbal questions don’t just test understanding of verbal concepts.
Instead, many GMAT Quant questions are tricky. Answering them takes not only math skill but also skill in seeing the angles of a mathematical situation. In fact, GMAT Quant questions involve relatively basic high school-level math. So, what makes GMAT Quant questions challenging isn’t mathematical complexity. Rather, they’re challenging because, to solve them, test-takers have to see a pattern, develop a plan, or do something else that goes beyond mathematical operations.
Similarly, GMAT Verbal questions are designed to compel us to reason our way to correct answers. In answering Verbal questions, simple approaches such as matching wording or eliminating extreme choices generally won’t work. Also, GMAT Verbal questions generally include choices that appear to be correct even though they aren’t. So, without using fairly sophisticated reasoning, we won’t be able to differentiate what is correct from what isn’t.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the GMAT’s testing of reasoning skill makes the test hard is that it isn’t always clear to people that the GMAT tests reasoning skill. As a result, people often don’t address this aspect of the GMAT when preparing, and thus they have trouble making progress.
KEY FACT:
The fact that the GMAT tests reasoning skill makes questions tricky, and people often don’t address the reasoning aspect of the GMAT when preparing.
So, how can we use this information to make the GMAT as easy as possible?
How to Benefit From Knowing That the GMAT Tests Reasoning
We can use the information that the GMAT tests reasoning skill to make the GMAT as easy as possible by preparing with this information in mind.
In GMAT Quant, we can apply this information by seeing the questions as puzzles. Our task in answering them includes seeing key angles or finding the shortest path to an answer. Also, when practicing Quant, we can ponder the questions to see how they work and look for multiple ways to answer them.
In Verbal, we can go beyond studying concepts to learning strategies that support reasoning our way to correct answers. Also, we can focus on learning to see the logic of what is going on in the questions. In Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, we’ll use careful analysis of the passages and answer choices to understand the logical relationships between them and determine which choice is supported.
All these moves will result in our developing the reasoning skills we need for achieving our GMAT score goals.
TTP PRO TIP:
To make the GMAT as easy as possible, keep in mind that it tests reasoning skill and prepare accordingly.
Having covered the reasoning aspect of the GMAT, let’s now discuss another reason why the GMAT is difficult.
Reason #2: The GMAT Is a Timed Test
As we just discussed, GMAT questions aren’t straightforward, and we have to reason our way to answers. As if that fact didn’t make the GMAT hard enough, we have another challenge to deal with. We have to do that reasoning under time pressure.
In other words, a big part of the difficulty of the GMAT is that we don’t have much time to answer each question. Let’s review the number of questions in each section and the amount of time we’ll have to answer them.
| GMAT Section | Number of Questions | Allotted Time | Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes | 2 minutes 15 seconds |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes | 2 minutes 8 seconds |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes | 1 minute 57 seconds |
As we can see, we’ll have roughly 2 minutes per question in the Quantitative and Verbal sections and 2.25 minutes per question in the DI section.
Of course, some questions will require less time to answer, some questions more. Regardless, such stringent time restrictions add another layer of difficulty to every question you see. You don’t just need the right answer, you need the right answer in 2 minutes or less (on average).
Additionally, a timed environment is inherently more pressure-filled than an untimed one. You know the clock is ticking. So, you have to be aware of how much time you’re taking to answer each question, without letting the clock distract you from your work.
KEY FACT:
The fact that the GMAT is timed makes it difficult because test-takers have to reason quickly and deal with the pressure associated with time constraints.
So, how can we handle this aspect of the GMAT to make the test as easy as possible?
How to Handle the Fact That the GMAT Is Timed
Our first move to handle the fact that the GMAT is timed is to learn concepts and strategies we can use to answer GMAT questions quickly.
Then, our next move is to practice UNTIMED. Yes, untimed, and here’s why. By practicing untimed, we can learn to see exactly what is going on in GMAT questions and answer them with precise moves. By learning to see what is going on, we’ll develop strong skills that will enable us to answer the questions quickly.
Once we know the material well and are skilled in answering GMAT questions correctly, we can work on answering them faster. Then, our last step is to get comfortable answering questions with a timer going.
In addition, to prepare to handle the test, we must develop a sound strategy for determining how much time to invest in a question and when to cut our losses if an answer isn’t coming.
For detailed advice on tackling the challenges of time restrictions on the GMAT, check out our articles on timing strategies for a higher GMAT Quant score and how to get faster at GMAT Verbal.
TTP PRO TIP:
To develop the skills you need for answering GMAT questions quickly, first practice untimed.
Reason #3: No Calculator for Quant
Because the GMAT tests reasoning skill, GMAT test-takers are not allowed to use a calculator during the Quantitative section. Of course, these days, people generally rely on calculators or programs such as Excel to perform mathematical functions. So, not being able to use a calculator for the Quant section of the GMAT may add somewhat to the difficulty of the exam.
However, this added difficulty usually looms much larger in people’s minds than it actually does during the GMAT. The fact is, GMAT Quant questions are designed to be answerable in about 2 minutes without use of a calculator.
Yes, you may have to perform some calculations using the provided scratch pad and marker in order to solve GMAT questions. However, the GMAT is not particularly interested in assessing your ability to crunch numbers. So, you won’t have to perform the complex functions of a calculator by hand.
If you’re worried about handling GMAT Quant without a calculator, check out these strategies for earning a high GMAT Quant score without a calculator.
KEY FACT:
GMAT Quant questions are designed to be answerable in about 2 minutes without the use of a calculator.
Reason #4: The GMAT Is a Computer-Adaptive Test
Another characteristic of the GMAT that makes it hard is that it’s a computer-adaptive test. A computer-adaptive test adjusts its level of difficulty to each test-taker’s level of ability. So, what exactly does this fact mean in the context of the GMAT?
In the case of the GMAT, the test increases or decreases in difficulty on a question-by-question basis. If you answer a question correctly, the next question will be of higher difficulty. If you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be a bit easier.
Of course, this aspect of the GMAT exam presents somewhat of a challenge for test-takers. After all, if you’re answering questions correctly, it’s likely that the GMAT will eventually present questions that are too difficult for you to answer. Remember, the questions get progressively more difficult (up to a point) as you answer them correctly. So, it makes sense that at some point, the questions would become too difficult for most test-takers to answer.
Fortunately, you can get some difficult questions incorrect in a GMAT section and still earn a good GMAT score. Still, the fact that most test-takers see some questions that are too hard for them to answer adds to the challenges of the GMAT.
KEY FACT:
If you are correctly answering every question in a section, eventually you are bound to see questions that are too difficult for you.
There Is No Skipping Questions
Because the difficulty level of each question in a section depends on your response to the previous question, you must move through the GMAT exam in a linear fashion. In other words, you must answer each question as it’s presented to you, and you can’t return to previous questions until the end of the section. (At that point, you can review questions within the current section, but you can only change up to 3 answers). There is no skipping around or going back and forth on the GMAT. Once you move on to the next question, your answer to the previous question is pretty much “locked in.”
We can see how this restriction makes the GMAT difficult. You can’t decide to let a question sit, and then come back to it. And you have a limited ability to go back and check your work if you have extra time. So, you have to figure out how to answer a question without making errors the first time you see it.
KEY FACT:
You must move through the GMAT in a linear fashion, answering the questions in order of presentation.
How to Handle the Fact That the GMAT is Computer-Adaptive
To handle the fact that the GMAT is computer-adaptive and therefore presents questions of increasing difficulty, we must learn to determine whether a question is likely too hard for us to answer. In other words, we need to know when to guess and move on if it appears unlikely that we’ll be able to answer a question in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, effective study and practice will help us handle the computer-adaptive format of the GMAT. By learning effective strategies and by practicing coming up with multiple ways to answer questions, we’ll learn to answer GMAT questions correctly the first time we see them.
TTP PRO TIP:
To handle the fact that the GMAT is computer-adaptive, learn when to guess and move on from a question.
Reason #5: The GMAT Is Long
A GMAT test-taker spends about 2.75 hours at the test center on test day, and 2.25 of those hours actually taking the test. Those hours staring at the computer screen and solving tough GMAT problems are punctuated by just one 10-minute break. In short, completing the GMAT requires a great deal of mental and physical endurance.
We can develop that endurance doing long sets of practice questions and by taking full-length practice tests at strategic points during our GMAT prep. Doing so will help us become accustomed to the rigors of the testing experience and avoid succumbing to mental fatigue. With practice, we won’t become as fatigued, and we’ll learn how to think clearly and answer questions even when fatigued.
TTP PRO TIP:
Develop your ability to withstand the rigors of the GMAT testing experience by taking full-length practice tests under realistic conditions.
Reason #6: Length of Time Out of School
At least some of the subject matter tested on the GMAT is traceable back to high school math and English. So, if you haven’t touched topics such as quadratic equations for a while, your GMAT-related skills may be rusty. Of course, the longer it has been since you’ve studied those topics, the longer it may take for you to refresh your knowledge.
So, if it has been several years since you took classes related to GMAT topics, as it has been for many people taking the GMAT, you may want to give yourself an extra cushion of preparation time before your exam, so you can ensure that you fill any gaps in your knowledge that have formed in the years since you finished school.
TTP PRO TIP:
When planning your GMAT preparation timeline, consider how long it has been since you’ve studied GMAT-related topics.
Reason #7: Finding Time to Study Consistently
Scoring high on the GMAT requires a significant amount of preparation for most test-takers. Doing that preparation takes dedicating time to GMAT prep on a consistent basis. So, if you have a busy work schedule or many other responsibilities, studying for the GMAT sufficiently can be challenging.
One thing is for sure: attempting to cram for the GMAT in a couple of weeks because you haven’t found time to study in the months leading up to your exam is a recipe for disaster. There is simply too much content to master for the GMAT for shortcuts and last-minute study sessions to suffice if you’re trying to earn a competitive score.
Overcoming this hurdle requires being realistic about how much time you need to reach your goals, making an actual study schedule and sticking to it, and reshuffling some priorities for a little while, so that GMAT preparation stays near the top of the list. Of course, all of those tasks are easier said than done.
TTP PRO TIP:
Because there is so much content to learn for achieving a high score, cramming for the GMAT gives you a low likelihood of success.
Reason #8: Test Anxiety
GMAT scores carry a fair amount of weight in graduate management admissions, and as we’ve seen, there are numerous challenging aspects of the exam. Thus, it’s no wonder that test-takers tend to experience some anxiety related to the GMAT. This test anxiety is another factor that can make the GMAT hard.
Completely eliminating test anxiety is both not realistic and not actually necessary for doing well on the exam. For some test-takers, however, anxiety related to the GMAT becomes more than a manageable level of nervous energy. It becomes a serious roadblock to their ability to properly prepare for the GMAT and perform on test day.
How to Handle GMAT Test Anxiety
The surest way to reduce test anxiety is to be so well-prepared that you naturally feel confident on test day. Another effective approach is to focus intently on answering the question in front of you and ride out anxiety until it dissipates.
For some other strategies for handling test anxiety, see this post on how to eliminate GMAT test-day anxiety.
TTP PRO TIP:
The surest way to reduce test anxiety is to be so well-prepared that you have nothing to be anxious about.
We’ve discussed various reasons why the GMAT is hard. Another question that often comes up is, “What is the hardest part of the GMAT?” So, let’s answer that question.
What Is the Hardest Part of the GMAT?
What part of the GMAT is the hardest varies from one test-taker to the next. Each section of the GMAT and each question type has its own challenges. Let’s see what they are.
The Quantitative Section
Many people consider Quant the hardest section of the GMAT to master. We can see why when we consider the number of topics that can appear in GMAT Quant questions. There are 20 major GMAT Quant topics, and within them are over 100 subtopics. So, for anyone who hasn’t studied math fairly extensively before coming to the GMAT, mastering GMAT Quant can be a significant task.
Also, while the math in Quant questions may not be complex, the questions are often designed in ways that make finding a path to the correct answer challenging.
That said, many people come to the GMAT with already strong Quant skills. Also, improving your GMAT score in Quant is a relatively straightforward matter of learning one topic at a time. So, not everyone finds Quant the most challenging part of the GMAT.
The Verbal Section
For other test-takers, the Verbal section is the hardest part of the GMAT. While Verbal may not involve as many topics as Quant, many people find Verbal harder to master. Here’s why.
It’s possible to master GMAT Quant mostly by learning concepts and strategies, and then answering practice problems involving what you’ve learned. In contrast, mastering GMAT Verbal involves more profound skill development.
Scoring high on GMAT Verbal requires carefully analyzing statements to determine their implications. It also requires using logical reasoning to understand relationships and make connections between ideas. In addition, it requires fairly strong reading comprehension skills.
Developing those skills can take more work and greater personal growth than mastering the use of Quant concepts and strategies. Also, mastering Verbal can be especially challenging for people whose first language is not English. So, we can see why many people feel that the area of greatest GMAT difficulty is the Verbal section.
Data Insights
Finally, for many test-takers, Data Insights (DI) is the most difficult part of the GMAT.
Part of the reason why is that Data Insights questions require employing a variety of Quant and Verbal skills together.
However, the most challenging aspect of DI for most test-takers is how involved the questions are. For instance, to answer one Multi-Source Reasoning question, you may need to use information from multiple tabs. One of the tabs could have a set of instructions, another a graph, and another a table of data. So, to answer that one question, you’d have to find the right information on the tabs, keep it all straight, and combine it to find the correct answer.
Meanwhile, time management is also a factor, since you have a little over 2 minutes to answer each question. As a result, some people who’ve mastered GMAT Quant and Verbal find DI rather challenging.
The Good News
The good news is whatever makes the GMAT hard for you can be handled with a good study plan and effective preparation.
If you are well-prepared for the GMAT, it may not seem hard on test day. Taking the test may even be an exciting, invigorating experience. You will have developed yourself and will finally get to show your stuff.
Whatever makes the GMAT hard for you can be handled with a good study plan and effective preparation.
Another question that often comes up is whether it’s hard to score 655 on the GMAT. Let’s discuss.
Is Getting a 655 on the GMAT Hard?
A 655 GMAT score is currently a 91st percentile score. That said, many people take the GMAT more than once. So, considering percentile information and retakes, we can estimate that around 15 percent of GMAT test-takers score 655 or higher. Since only around 15 percent of test-takers score 655 or higher, we could say that scoring 655 is relatively hard.
It’s also the case that, with effective preparation, getting 655 on the GMAT is totally doable. So, while scoring 655 may be somewhat hard, it’s also within reach for many test-takers.
For more on this topic, check out our post on scoring 655 on the GMAT.
TTP PRO TIP:
While scoring 655 on the GMAT is somewhat hard, it’s doable with effective preparation.
Let’s now wrap up by summarizing what we have discussed.
Summary: Why Is the GMAT So Hard?
Here are the reasons why the GMAT is hard:
- The GMAT tests reasoning skill.
- The GMAT is timed.
- There is no calculator for Quant.
- The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test.
- The GMAT is long.
- You may have been out of school for a while.
- It’s difficult to find time to study consistently.
- Test anxiety can get the best of you.
What’s Next?
Now that you better understand why the GMAT is hard, you can learn more strategies to make it easier with these GMAT Quant tips and this comprehensive discussion of how to score high on GMAT Verbal.
