Working at a Steady Pace Is More Effective Than Speeding Through GMAT Quant

Remember, you don’t get any extra points by being the first to complete the GMAT quant section, right? Rather, your goal is to complete as many GMAT quant questions as possible while completing the section in a timely manner.

Think about this Navy SEAL motto: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Following this motto when working through GMAT quant will help you move with efficiency and care, and ultimately help you avoid costly mistakes.

But let’s be clear about one thing: slow does not necessarily mean a crawl. Work with a comfortable level of speed and precision when you work through a GMAT quant question. You can work fast and still be precise by working with an efficient tempo.

What often separates high scorers from others isn’t that they rush through questions or make lightning-fast calculations — it’s that they stay composed and deliberate. They take that extra beat to confirm what the question is really asking. They pause just long enough to spot a trap answer or realize that they can simplify an expression before diving into unnecessary calculations. In other words, they’re not wasting time, but they’re also not chasing speed for its own sake.

So, when you practice, focus on developing a rhythm that feels fluid and focused. Avoid frantic solving. Stay calm. Trust that precision and process will guide your pacing. The goal is to train yourself to work just fast enough to finish the section — with as many right answers as possible — not to race against the clock.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep