GMAT Data Insights: where to start and what to train
Data Insights is the most neglected section of the GMAT Focus Edition and, precisely for that reason, the one with the best return per hour studied. It counts as much as Quant and Verbal in the total score.
The five question types
- Data Sufficiency: judge whether the information is enough, without computing the final answer.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: cross data across text, table and chart tabs.
- Table Analysis: sort and filter tables to answer true/false statements.
- Graphics Interpretation: complete sentences based on charts.
- Two-Part Analysis: pick two interdependent answers.
The most common mistakes
In Data Sufficiency, the classic error is solving the whole question instead of judging sufficiency — pure time cost. In Multi-Source Reasoning, it is reading every tab before knowing what the question asks. In Table Analysis, it is not using the sort feature.
Almost all of these are process errors, not content gaps. That is why the section responds so quickly to method training.
Suggested training routine
- Two sessions a week, 30 to 40 minutes, rotating question types.
- Timer at 2m15 per question from the second week of training.
- In MSR, read the question first and only then open the tab you need.
- Log the tab or data point that caused the confusion, not just the answer key.
Data Insights rewards process. One month of structured training usually yields more points than the same month in Quant for most candidates.
Want the full method and the app?
The GMAT Descomplicado eBook (27 chapters, updated for the Focus Edition) comes with app access: error log, spaced-repetition flashcards and a pacing tracker.