GMAT Focus Data Insights Section: A Comprehensive Guide 

The GMAT Data Insights section is a recent addition to the exam, and it tests your ability to interpret and analyse data from different sources. While it might seem like a challenging aspect at first, it is, in reality, a skill that can be worked on with the right tools and strategies. This section pushes you beyond basic math, requiring you to analyse graphs, tables, and complex data sets. It’s not just about knowing the numbers but understanding their significance in real-world contexts. If you’re ready to ace this section, keep reading. We’ll help you transform this part of the GMAT into your competitive advantage.

Key Highlights:

• The Data Insights section makes up one-third of your total GMAT score, with scores ranging from 60 to 90 in 1-point increments.
• You will have 45 minutes to solve 20 Data Insights questions.
• The Data Insights section consists of five question types: Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning.

Importance of Data Insights in the New GMAT Structure 

With the new structure, Data Insights questions are important for checking your ability to interpret and understand complex information. These questions test your capacity to draw conclusions from data, a skill that is not only essential for graduate-level studies but also needed in today’s professional environment. 

Let’s see why Data Insights is an important addition to the GMAT and how it aligns with the demands of modern business education:

• Critical Skill for Modern Professionals: The ability to analyse and interpret data has become essential for professionals across various industries like finance, marketing, and management. 
• Increased Focus on Analytical Thinking: Unlike traditional problem-solving questions, this tests your ability to extract relevant information from complex data sets, evaluate trends, and draw conclusions. 
• Real-World Application: The inclusion of Data Insights questions in the GMAT reflects this real-world necessity. You’ll be asked to work with different types of data, such as charts, graphs, and tables, just like you would in a corporate setting.
• Higher Relevance to Business Disciplines: The Data Insights section provides an accurate measure of how well candidates can handle data in high-pressure, real-world scenarios.
• Test of Problem-Solving Abilities: Data Insights questions require you to sift through large amounts of information, identify the most important data points, and make informed decisions.
• Adaptability to New Data Forms: The GMAT now includes a variety of data presentation formats, such as tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and textual data.

Take your GMAT prep a step further with Yocket Prep’s personalised study plans and expert resources to attempt the Data Insights section with ease.

GMAT Data Insights Composition

The Data Insights in the GMAT exam assesses your ability to interpret and analyse data, which is essential for making informed decisions in various professional and academic fields. It is designed to test your problem-solving and analytical skills, particularly in handling numerical data, charts, tables, and graphs.  

Let’s look into the key components of this section:

 Data Insights Question Types 

Data Insights is all about testing your ability to not just crunch numbers, but to make sense of the data, spot trends, and think critically. With a variety of question types, you'll need to sharpen your skills in interpreting data presented in different formats.

Let’s unpack the types of questions you’ll encounter in the GMAT Data Insights Section:

• Data Sufficiency: These questions provide a set of data and ask you to determine whether the information given is sufficient to answer a question. They test your ability to assess if more data is needed.
• Graphics Interpretation: In this question type, you'll analyse charts, graphs, and diagrams. You need to interpret the information visually and answer questions based on the data presented.
• Table Analysis: Here, you’ll work with data presented in a tabular format. These questions assess your ability to analyse data, identify trends, and draw conclusions based on tabular information.
• Two-Part Analysis: These questions require you to solve two interconnected problems. You need to apply reasoning and perform multiple steps to find the correct answer.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: In these questions, you’ll be provided with data from multiple sources (e.g., tables, graphs, or passages). Your task is to analyse and combine information from different places to answer questions accurately.
• Interpretation of Data: This is a critical part of the Data Insights section. You will be required to analyse and draw conclusions from data represented in various formats, such as:
• Tables: Organised data presented in rows and columns. You need to extract specific values and compare them accurately.
• Bar Charts: Graphs that use bars to represent data. The length of each bar indicates the magnitude of the data points, helping you compare categories.
• Line Graphs: Data displayed as points connected by lines, often showing trends over time. You must interpret the trends and slopes to understand the data's patterns.
• Pie Charts: Circular charts divided into segments that represent parts of a whole. You will need to assess proportions and percentages.
• Scatter Plots: Graphs that represent data points as dots on a coordinate plane. These plots help identify correlations or trends between two variables.

Skills Tested in the Data Insights Section

The Data Insights section of the GMAT tests how well you can handle and make sense of different types of data. To do well, you need to demonstrate a mix of practical skills that go beyond basic calculations. 

Here are the key skills tested in the GMAT Data Insights Section:

• Critical Thinking: You’ll need to look at data from various angles and decide which details matter the most. It's about being able to pick out patterns, trends, or anomalies and use them to make informed decisions.
• Data Interpretation: You'll be asked to understand data shown in tables, bar charts, line graphs, and more. The challenge is to quickly pull out the important information and understand what it’s telling you, even when the data is complex.
• Analytical Reasoning: This is all about connecting different pieces of information from multiple sources. You need to think logically, figure out how things relate, and use that information to find the right answer.
• Quantitative Problem Solving: You’ll be working with numbers and data sets to solve problems. It’s not just about doing the math but also knowing how to use the data presented to find the solution, whether it’s in a graph, table, or text.
• Time Management: With the variety of questions and the time limit, you’ll need to make decisions quickly. Being able to move through different types of questions while staying focused and accurate is key to succeeding.
• Attention to Detail: Data insights often come with small, subtle differences that can change the answer. You’ll need to be able to notice these details, whether it’s a slight shift in a number or a missing piece of information, to get the correct result.

Understanding Data Insights Scoring

The Data Insights section on the GMAT Focus exam is scored on a scale ranging from 60 to 90, similar to the other sections of the test. Your score reflects both the accuracy of your answers and the difficulty level of the questions you encounter, thanks to the GMAT’s adaptive testing model. Performing well in this section is about more than just getting answers right. It requires a balance of accuracy, time management, and the ability to handle progressively complex questions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how scoring works in the Data Insights section:

• Adaptive Scoring System: The test adapts to your performance in real time. If you answer early questions correctly, the test presents more challenging questions, which carry greater weight in your final score.
• Accuracy and Difficulty Relationship: Scores are heavily influenced by how well you handle the more complex questions. A correct answer to a harder question boosts your score more than multiple correct answers to simpler ones.
• Score Penalties for Unanswered Questions: Not completing the section can significantly impact your score. This makes time management critical to ensuring you attempt every question.
• Partial Credit Possibilities: For multi-part questions, you may receive partial credit if you solve one part correctly, so always attempt every segment.
• Strategic Answering: Educated guessing is better than leaving questions blank. Eliminate clearly incorrect options to improve your odds of scoring points even on uncertain answers.

Understanding the nuances of this scoring system will help you plan your approach. Balancing speed and accuracy, while prioritising harder questions, is the key to achieving a high score in the Data Insights section.

How to Prepare for Data Insights?

Preparing for the Data Insights section demands a clear and methodical approach. This portion of the GMAT requires a sharp understanding of data representation, logical reasoning, and the ability to synthesise information quickly. With the right strategy and consistent practice, you can approach it with confidence.

• Understand the Structure: Start by dissecting the section's format. Know how the five question types are presented and the kind of challenges each poses. This understanding sets the stage for targeted preparation.
• Engage in Practical Problem Solving: Work with data-driven problems involving graphs, tables, and multi-source datasets. Prioritise practising under realistic conditions to adapt to the test’s intensity.
• Polish Your Interpretation Skills: Spend time analysing diverse visual data like scatter plots, histograms, and pie charts. Focus on extracting key details without overthinking or missing essential patterns.
• Refine Logical Thinking: Enhance your reasoning by solving logic-based puzzles or riddles. This helps sharpen the mental connections needed to process complex questions effectively.
• Balance Speed with Accuracy: Develop the ability to quickly sift through information while maintaining accuracy. Use tools like timers during practice sessions to get accustomed to the test's time constraints.

Strategies for Improving Data Insights Score

Achieving a strong score in the Data Insights section requires a calculated and well-informed approach. By focusing on targeted improvements and maintaining composure under pressure, you can significantly enhance your performance. The strategies below provide actionable steps to refine your test-taking skills:

Study Your Errors

• Diagnose Weaknesses: After each practice session, spend time analysing the root cause of your mistakes. Identify patterns such as misinterpreting graphs, making arithmetic errors, or misunderstanding question prompts.
• Build Focused Practice Sets: Create sets of problems that address your weak areas. For example, if multi-source reasoning questions trip you up, practice with similar datasets until you master the skill.
• Review Correct Answers: Don’t just glance at the right solutions—understand why they are correct. This process sharpens your ability to apply the same reasoning in future scenarios.

Eliminate Unnecessary Options

• Use Process of Elimination: Quickly eliminate answer choices that don’t align with key data points in the question. For instance, if an option contradicts a graph’s trend, cross it off immediately.
• Spot Logical Inconsistencies: In multi-source reasoning or two-part analysis, identify options that fail to satisfy all conditions or align with the question’s logic.
• Save Time for Complex Problems: Narrowing your focus to 2-3 plausible answers reduces decision fatigue and allows you to allocate time to more challenging questions.

Prioritise Critical Questions

• Understand the Adaptive Nature of GMAT: Since tougher questions contribute more to your score, ensure you approach these with greater concentration. Skipping simpler or less weighted questions might occasionally be strategic.
• Time Allocation: Monitor the time spent on each question type and avoid lingering on easier ones. For instance, if you’re strong in data sufficiency, tackle these faster to save time for graphics interpretation or two-part analysis.
• Flag and Return: For questions that seem overly complex, mark them for review and return later with a fresh perspective if time allows.

Break Down Information Gradually

• Survey the Question First: Before diving into data tables or charts, read the question to understand what’s being asked. This approach helps you extract relevant information without getting lost in extraneous details.
• Tackle in Logical Steps: For complex multi-source reasoning, process each piece of information one at a time instead of attempting to synthesise all the data simultaneously.
• Practice Simplification: Reframe wordy prompts or visually dense graphs into digestible parts. For example, summarise a bar chart into a sentence like “Sales increased consistently over three years, peaking in 2022.”

Maintain a Resource List

• Customised Notes: Keep a notebook or digital file with succinct summaries of essential formulas (e.g., percentages, ratios), graph-reading tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.
• Topic-Specific Guides: Divide your notes by question types—one section for interpreting graphs, another for solving data sufficiency. This structure simplifies review sessions.
• Update Regularly: As you progress in your preparation, refine your resource list with new insights and shortcuts. Ensure it evolves to match the depth of your learning.

Component-Wise Strategies for the Data Insights Section

To effectively tackle the Data Insights section, it's best to approach each question type with a clear and focused strategy. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle each component:

1. Graphics Interpretation

When working with graphics such as bar graphs, line charts, or scatter plots, the first step is to identify the type of graph being presented. Understanding the type will help you know what kind of data you're dealing with. Pay attention to the axis labels, units, and any legends provided, as these often carry essential information about the data. 

Look for data points that deviate from the expected pattern, as these are often central to answering the question. Avoid overanalysing or reading too much into the visual data. The goal is to extract only the necessary details that directly address the question at hand.

2. Table Analysis

Tables often present large volumes of data, which can be overwhelming. To manage this, it's vital to quickly identify which rows or columns contain the most relevant information for the question. Once you've pinpointed these areas, highlight or jot down key figures for easier reference as you work through the problem. 

Be prepared to perform basic calculations, such as finding averages or percentages, which are common in table-based questions. Avoid getting lost in minor details or spending too much time on irrelevant data. Instead, focus on the key figures that help solve the problem efficiently.

3. Data Sufficiency

For Data Sufficiency questions, the goal is not to solve the problem entirely but to determine if the given information is enough to answer the question. Begin by reading the question carefully, as it will often contain important clues regarding what is being asked. Evaluate each statement provided in isolation, asking yourself if the information in each statement is sufficient to answer the question on its own. 

Don’t be tempted to solve the problem completely, instead, focus on whether you have enough data. Look for potential traps in the statements, some may seem useful but lack crucial details that are necessary for solving the question.

4. Multi-Source Reasoning

Multi-Source Reasoning questions provide information across multiple sources, such as text boxes, tables, or graphs. It’s essential to quickly review all the sources to get a clear understanding of the data provided. Organising the key insights from each source can help you make sense of the information as you work through the problem. 

Often, you’ll need to combine data from different sources to find the correct answer, so practising synthesising information from multiple areas is crucial. As you work through these questions, focus on finding the connections between different pieces of data while avoiding getting distracted by unnecessary details. Only the information directly related to the question is important.

5. Two-Part Analysis

Two-Part Analysis questions require you to solve two connected aspects of a problem. The first step is to break the question down and understand each part individually. Often, the second part of the question will rely on the answer to the first, so it’s important to approach each part methodically. 

Once you’ve addressed the first part, verify that it logically leads to the second. Solve each part step by step, ensuring that your answers for both parts align. Be mindful of any dependencies between the two aspects and solve them in sequence to avoid confusion.

Strategies to ace the Data Insights Section

• Assess Your Starting Point: Begin by taking an official mock test to gauge your relative percentiles in Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning. This initial assessment will help you understand your current abilities.
• Create a Personalised Study Plan (PSP): Develop a PSP that provides reliable estimates for both the sequence of study and the time required to excel. Align your target DI percentiles with your personal needs and goals to create a precise roadmap to success.
• Targeted Preparation: Focus your initial preparations on areas where you are below the 30th percentile. Start with Table Analysis and Graphic Interpretation, then move on to Two-Part Analysis and MSR. Emphasise building a strong foundation in these areas.
• Cement Your Understanding: After completing each section, work on solidifying your skills. Aim for 55 percent accuracy in difficult questions if your target is the 70th percentile. If your goal is the 90th percentile or higher, strive for 70 percent accuracy. For more detailed guidance, refer to this Study Plan article.
• Practice with Integrated Tests: Regularly take practice tests to see how well you perform in an integrated manner. This will help ensure your continuous alignment with your overall strategy.
• Analyse Your Performance: Use detailed analytics to identify weak areas that need more focus. This will allow you to fine-tune your efforts effectively.
• Refine and Review: Continue practising and reviewing concepts in your identified weak areas to achieve your target DI score. This will help reinforce your understanding and boost your confidence.

Recommended Study Resources for GMAT Data Insights

To perform well in the Data Insights section of the GMAT Focused Exam, it’s necessary to choose study materials that align with the exam’s structure and demands. Here are five books that provide in-depth knowledge and practice to help you with this section:

1. GMAT Official Guide 2024: This is a complete resource directly from the makers of the GMAT. It offers a wide range of real GMAT questions, including those specific to the Data Insights section. The guide provides detailed solutions and explanations that can help you understand the reasoning behind each answer, offering an authentic feel for the exam.

2. GMAT Focused Exam Official Practice Questions: Designed specifically for the GMAT Focus Edition, this book offers questions that reflect the updated GMAT exam pattern. It’s an invaluable resource for understanding the structure and types of questions in the Data Insights section, helping you familiarise yourself with real exam content.

3. Manhattan Prep GMAT Advanced Quant: If you’re aiming for higher-level problem-solving in data interpretation, this book is ideal. It covers more advanced techniques for handling complex data sets, including in-depth practice on interpreting graphs, tables, and charts, which are a core part of the Data Insights section.

4. Kaplan GMAT Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving: Specialising in the Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving question types, this book breaks down each question format and offers a step-by-step approach to solving them. Its focus on these critical areas of the Data Insights section will build both your accuracy and confidence.

5. Veritas Prep GMAT Quantitative Reasoning: This book is known for its clarity and structured approach to Quantitative Reasoning, which is a key aspect of the Data Insights section. It provides extensive practice on data interpretation, with plenty of drills on reading and analysing various data sources like tables, charts, and graphs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in GMAT Data Insights

The Data Insights section of the GMAT can be challenging, but avoiding some common mistakes can significantly improve your performance. By recognising where others tend to stumble, you can navigate the section more effectively. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:

1. Rushing Through the Questions: One of the most common pitfalls is rushing through questions without carefully reviewing the data. While time management is crucial, taking too little time to process tables, charts, or graphs can lead to misinterpretation and incorrect answers. 

2. Overlooking Key Data Points: Many tend to overlook important pieces of information when analysing data. For instance, minor details like units of measurement, headings, or axis labels. Make it a habit to examine all aspects of a visual representation to avoid missing key information.

3. Misinterpreting Data Relationships: A significant challenge in the Data Insights section is understanding how different data points relate to each other. Take the time to carefully assess whether relationships are linear, cyclical, or independent, and avoid jumping to conclusions based on surface-level patterns.

4. Ignoring the Question Stem: Often, candidates get so focused on the data that they forget to carefully read the question stem. The question stem provides crucial context and can guide your analysis. Missing the specific request in the question (e.g., “Which of the following statements is true?” vs. “Which is the greatest?”) can lead to wasted time and incorrect answers.

5. Failing to Use Process of Elimination (POE): When faced with difficult questions, many people get stuck trying to solve them from scratch. This can lead to wasted time or incorrect answers. Instead, use the process of elimination (POE) to rule out obviously incorrect options first. This approach often narrows down your choices, making it easier to pick the right answer.

6. Getting Trapped by Data Sufficiency Tricks: The Data Sufficiency questions in this section can be tricky. Sometimes, you may feel like you need to solve the problem entirely before answering, but that's not the goal. Focus on understanding the conditions of sufficiency, and don't get sidetracked by irrelevant information.

7. Overcomplicating Solutions: A common mistake is overthinking or overcomplicating the analysis. Data Insights questions are designed to assess your ability to quickly interpret and apply data, so there’s no need to go into unnecessary detail. Keep your approach simple: focus on identifying trends, comparing values, and recognising the most relevant data points.

8. Not Practising Enough Under Test Conditions: It's crucial to simulate test-day conditions when practising. Many students tend to study in an unstructured environment, which doesn't prepare them for the pressure of completing questions under time constraints. Practising with timed sets of questions will help you build speed and get accustomed to working efficiently, avoiding the mistake of panicking during the actual exam.

From the Desk of Yocket

‘Data’ is beyond just a buzzword, it has limitless potential. Understanding data insights is a key component of acing the GMAT. A strong grasp of data interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving will not only enhance your test performance but also lay the foundation for success in your business school. Understanding how to efficiently interpret data sets, graphs, and tables is needed to answer the GMAT's challenging analytical questions.

Yocket Prep is designed to give you the tools and guidance needed to excel. With a range of resources and mock tests, we help you fine-tune your skills, ensuring you're fully prepared for the challenges ahead.