Why Knowing the Content Isn’t Always Enough on the GMAT
If your GMAT score isn’t improving despite all the time and effort you’ve put into studying, it might not be your understanding of the material that’s holding you back. Instead, the issue could be how you're handling the test itself.
It’s common for test-takers to build solid content knowledge but still struggle on test day. One reason this happens is that, under pressure, old habits resurface. You might rush through a question, second-guess yourself, or forget to apply the strategies you practiced. When that happens, even though you know the material, you aren’t able to use that knowledge effectively when it matters most.
Timing can also be a major factor. You may find that you’re spending too much time on difficult questions, which puts you behind schedule and forces you to rush through the rest of the section. Or you might reach the end of a section with unanswered questions, leaving easy points on the table. Either way, poor pacing can undermine the accuracy you’ve worked so hard to develop.
If you’re consistently doing well in practice but struggling during full-length tests or official exams, it’s a sign that you need to shift your focus. Content mastery is important, but so is learning how to stay calm, manage your time, and apply your strategies under real test conditions. These are all part of what it means to be “test-ready.”
Improving your score from here may not be about learning more, but rather about performing better with what you already know. That means treating full-length practice tests as opportunities to refine your pacing, maintain your focus, and respond effectively to pressure.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
