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Free GMAT error logSee what keeps costing you points.
A GMAT error log is a list of every practice question you miss or guess, why you missed it, and the rule that fixes it. Most people stop improving because they repeat the same few mistakes; this free sheet adds up where your points go: by section, by question type, and by the reason you missed it.
An Excel file (13 KB) that also opens in Google Sheets and Apple Numbers.
9columns to fill in
8question types
7reasons for a miss
3tabs
What the sheet looks like
Error logSummaryHow to use
Problem SolvingRemainders3:05Wrong
Misread the question. Rule: list the first few numbers that fit, like 3, 8, 13.
Critical ReasoningWeaken2:40Wrong
Fell for a trap answer. Rule: an answer about a different group is out of scope.
Table AnalysisMedian1:50Guessed right
Guessed. Rule: sort by the column first, then take the middle row.
Data SufficiencyInequalities2:20Wrong
Did not know the rule. Rule: test a negative and a fraction before calling a statement sufficient.
How to use a GMAT error log
Ten minutes after each practice set is enough.
- 1Add one row for every question you missed or guessed: date, section, question type, topic, source and time in seconds.
- 2Pick why you missed it from the drop-down. Be honest: "Math slip" when you never knew the rule hides the real problem.
- 3Write the rule you learned as one sentence you can use on the next question, not a note about this one.
- 4Once a week, open the Summary tab, fix the top reason first, and redo last week's logged questions without looking.
What the Summary tab tells you
It fills itself in from your log. No formulas to write.
- How many questions you logged and got wrong in each section: Quant, Verbal and Data Insights.
- Your percent right and average time for each of the 8 GMAT question types, from Problem Solving to Multi-Source Reasoning.
- Which of the 7 reasons causes most of your misses, as a share of all of them.
- Where to spend next week: the biggest number on this tab.
The 7 reasons people miss GMAT questions
Every row in the log gets one of these. Each one has its own fix.
- 1
Did not know the rule
You could not solve it even with unlimited time.
The fixLearn the rule, write it in the last column, and make a flashcard of it.
- 2
Had no plan to start
You knew the math or the logic but did not see the first step.
The fixStudy the first step of the solution, then redo the question from scratch tomorrow.
- 3
Misread the question
You solved a different question: x instead of x + 1, the percent instead of the number.
The fixBefore you pick, read the question again and name what it asks.
- 4
Math slip
Your method was right but one step of the arithmetic or algebra was wrong.
The fixWrite every step on your noteboard. Check signs, units and the last step.
- 5
Fell for a trap answer
You narrowed it to two and picked the wrong one.
The fixSay why each of the last two is wrong in one line. Learn the trap's name.
- 6
Ran out of time
You took over 3 minutes, or rushed the end because of earlier questions.
The fixUse the Summary's average times. Guess and move on at about 2:30.
- 7
Guessed
You were not sure, even if the answer was right.
The fixLog it like a miss. A lucky guess is a point you will not get on test day.
Another free tracker
The EMPOWERgmat Mistake Tracker
A workbook from EMPOWERgmat with Quant, Verbal and Data Insights worksheets and a tab on how to fix each kind of mistake. It is an Excel file with macros (.xlsm), so it needs Microsoft Excel with macros turned on.
Questions about the GMAT error log
Is this GMAT error log free?
Yes. Enter your email and the sheet downloads at once. There is nothing to pay and no account to make.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. It is an Excel file (.xlsx) that also opens in Google Sheets and Apple Numbers, with its drop-downs and Summary tab.
What should I write in a GMAT error log?
One row for each question you missed or guessed: date, section, question type, topic, source, time in seconds, right or wrong, why you missed it, and the rule you learned.
Should I log questions I guessed right?
Yes. Log a lucky guess like a miss, because it is a point you will not get on test day.
How often should I review my error log?
Once a week. Open the Summary tab, fix the top reason and the weakest question type first, then redo last week's logged questions without looking.
Which question types does it track?
All 8 on the GMAT: Problem Solving, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis and Multi-Source Reasoning.
