Data Sufficiency Strategy

[shuo.zhang.us]

Hi- I am taking the GMAT for a second time on 7/3/2012, so would appreciate some feedback before then on the question below. Thanks!

I usually see 700-800 level quant questions and I really struggle with Data Sufficiency relative to Problem Solving. I don't think it's an issue with not understanding the math content, but rather with my approach for answering DS questions.

For the ones I get wrong, I can usually narrow the answer down to two choices (i.e., either A or D, either C or E) but end up making an educated guess since it would take an additional 1-2 minutes to prove out the right answer (or, said in a similar way, I would think I tested out all the possibilities to prove the answer, but still get the problem wrong because there is a numerical exception that I missed, or there was a clever shortcut to the problem).

I have a couple of questions relating to DS strategy:
- Is rephrasing/simplifying the question stem the key to getting DS questions correct? Should I focus on doing the rephrasing drills in the strategy guides?
- For every DS question that involves discrete numbers, should I get into the habit of listing out "standard test numbers" for both statements (i.e., if the question is about pos/neg fractions, I should know to test -1, -1/2, 0, 1/2, 1)?

I attended the Quest for 750 DS course, but that course focused more on how to avoid traps in the questions rather than ironing down a consistent approach to answering each question.

[tim]

i can't answer your first question without knowing more about whether rephrasing is something you are doing poorly at..

as for the second question, there are no "standard test numbers". first, you shouldn't be testing numbers unless you almost certain the information is sufficient and just need to verify quickly that you can get two answers to the question. if you do end up testing numbers, the circumstances of the problem will often suggest what numbers you should test. practicing questions - and paying close attention to what numbers would be good and bad - will help you make these decisions more effectively..