GMAT Strategy: How to Handle Difficult Questions #

Let’s talk about one of the most common challenges GMAT test-takers face: getting stuck on a difficult question. We’ve all been there – staring at a problem that seems impossible to crack while watching precious minutes tick away. But here’s the good news: there’s a smart way to handle these situations that can actually help improve your overall score.

The Time Factor: Your Most Precious Resource #

First things first: let’s talk about time management. In the GMAT, you have roughly 2 minutes per question across all three sections (actually slightly less in the Verbal section). That might sound like plenty of time, but trust me, those minutes fly by faster than you’d expect. This is why getting stuck on a difficult question can be particularly dangerous.

Here’s what you should do instead: When you encounter a tough question, quickly mark what you think is the most likely answer, bookmark it for review, and move on to the next question. Yes, it’s that simple – though I know it might not feel easy in the moment!

Why This Strategy Works #

Think about it this way: difficult questions are like quicksand. The more you struggle with them, the deeper you sink. They not only consume your time but often lead to a frustrating situation where you still don’t find a convincing answer. It’s what I call the “triple threat”:

• You lose precious time
• You drain your mental energy
• You risk getting frustrated, which can affect your performance on subsequent questions

Even worse, if you spend too much time on these challenging questions, you might not complete all questions in the section. And here’s something crucial to remember: there’s a penalty for not completing all questions. So, making quick decisions on difficult questions isn’t just about time management – it’s about strategic thinking.

Developing Your Judgment #

Here’s something crucial that many test-takers overlook: what constitutes a “difficult question” varies from person to person. Part of your GMAT preparation journey should be developing a keen sense of what’s difficult for you specifically. This isn’t something that happens overnight – it’s a skill you need to consciously build during your practice sessions and mock tests.

As you practice, pay attention to:

• Questions that consistently take you longer than average to solve
• Topics or question types where you often find yourself second-guessing your approach
• Patterns in the questions where you frequently get stuck

This self-awareness is invaluable during the actual test. When you encounter a question that matches your personal “difficulty patterns,” you’ll be better equipped to make quick decisions about whether to tackle it immediately or bookmark it for later.

The Psychology of Moving On #

I know what you’re thinking: “But what if I can solve it if I just spend a little more time?” This is where we need to address some common psychological barriers:

1. The Ego Factor: Many test-takers take difficult questions personally, as if solving them is a matter of pride. Remember: your goal is to maximize your GMAT score, not to solve every single challenging problem perfectly.
2. The Fear Factor: There’s often a worry that if this question is difficult, the next ones will be just as tough. Here’s some reassuring news: after taking 5-6 full-length GMAT mocks, you’ll realize that typically only 2-4 questions per section fall into this truly difficult category (assuming you’ve prepared well).
3. The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Just because you’ve already spent time on a question doesn’t mean you should spend more. Sometimes, walking away is the wisest choice.

The Review Strategy #

Now, let’s talk about what happens when you have time at the end to review those bookmarked questions. This is where strategic thinking becomes crucial. Let’s say you’ve bookmarked four questions:

• Two are questions you know how to solve but are time-consuming
• Two are completely unfamiliar territory

Here’s the smart approach: Start with the questions you know you can solve. Think of it like a cricket batsman choosing which balls to play – sometimes, the best shot is no shot at all. Your goal isn’t to attempt everything; it’s to maximize your score with the time you have.

The Bigger Picture #

Remember this crucial fact: you don’t need to get every question right to score above 705 on the GMAT. What you need is a strategic approach that maximizes your opportunities while minimizing risks. Think of it as playing a smart game rather than a perfect game.

By following this approach – quickly identifying difficult questions, making strategic choices about when to move on, and having a clear plan for review time – you’re not just managing individual questions better. You’re actually improving your overall test performance by:

• Maintaining positive momentum throughout the section
• Ensuring you have time to answer all questions
• Preserving mental energy for questions you can definitely solve
• Reducing stress and anxiety during the test