How Hard is the GMAT (Actually)?

If you're aiming for a top MBA or business program, there's a good chance the GMAT is standing in your way. But how hard is the GMAT, really?

Some say it's one of the toughest standardized exams out there. Others claim it's manageable with enough preparation. The truth is that the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a challenging exam, but not impossible. With the right study plan, tools, and strategy, most test takers can significantly improve their scores.

GMAT Overview: Format, Sections, and Scoring

The GMAT is a standardized test that evaluates key skills needed for success in business school. It adapts in real time, making it different from similar exams like the GRE or SAT.

GMAT Sections (Updated for GMAT Focus Edition)

As of 2026, the latest GMAT Focus Edition includes three scored exam sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Data Insights

Each section is designed to measure not just content knowledge, but also your ability to apply it under time pressure, which is where many students struggle.

You also receive an overall GMAT score at the end of the exam (out of 805), plus individual scores for each section. A strong GMAT score (often 700+) is key for competitive MBA programs.

Read:

• GMAT Critical Reasoning: Practice Questions With Answers & Expert Tips
• GMAT Verbal Guide: Reading Comprehension Questions

How Difficult Is the GMAT Compared to Other Tests?

A common debate among test-takers is whether the GMAT is tougher compared to other standardized tests like the GRE. The GMAT is challenging primarily because of its quantitative reasoning section, which demands strong problem-solving abilities under strict time constraints.

Insights from GMAT Club Forum Beat discussions and online threads reveal that many find the GMAT tough because it tests both speed and accuracy. Unlike traditional math exams, the GMAT requires test takers to determine whether they have enough data to answer the questions rather than just solving them outright. Additionally, the verbal and data insights section requires a deep understanding of sentence correction rules, which non-native English speakers often find difficult.

A good GMAT score is typically above 700, but the average GMAT score varies depending on the school. Top MBA programs generally have an average GMAT score above 720, while mid-tier programs may accept lower scores.

Read: How to Study for the GMAT: GMAT Study Plans From an Expert GMAT Coach

What Makes the GMAT Difficult?

The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge. It challenges how well you reason, manage time, and adapt under pressure. Each section presents a unique set of difficulties that go beyond academic content. Here's how each one tests you, and what high scorers do differently.

Quantitative Reasoning: Logic and Pacing Under Pressure

Quantitative Reasoning is often the most difficult section for test takers. The math itself is not advanced. It covers familiar topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. What makes it tough is how the GMAT tests those concepts.

The real challenge lies in data sufficiency questions. Instead of solving a problem, you are asked whether you have enough information to solve it. These questions require precision, logic, and confidence in your decision-making process.

You have just 62 minutes to answer 31 questions. That means less than two minutes per question, with complexity increasing as you go. Many students find themselves rushing, second-guessing, or misreading what is being asked.

To do well, you need more than memorized formulas. Top scorers build deep conceptual understanding and strong intuition for patterns. If Quant is a weakness, tools like Target Test Prep, GMAT Math by Jeff Sackmann, or Manhattan Prep Quant can help you rebuild fundamentals. Just as important is how you practice. Focused drills on question types, analyzing missed problems, and learning when to skip and guess are all part of a winning strategy.

2. Verbal Reasoning Isn’t Just About Language

Verbal Reasoning is often underestimated. Many native English speakers assume it will be easy, but this section is designed to test logic, structure, and clarity more than vocabulary.

It includes reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning. Each type challenges a different part of your thinking. Reading passages test your ability to track ideas and identify subtle inferences. Sentence correction questions require you to apply grammar rules in context and choose the clearest, most concise sentence. Critical reasoning is all about identifying assumptions, flaws, and logical gaps.

This section is especially challenging for non-native speakers, but even fluent readers can struggle with pacing and decision fatigue. To improve, treat this section like a logic test. Learn to identify question patterns and avoid emotional or instinctive answers. Study resources like e-GMAT or Manhattan Prep Verbal are particularly effective, especially when paired with consistent practice and review.

Read: GMAT Verbal Questions: Types, Strategy, & How to Maximize Your Score

3. The Data Insights Section Requires Multilayered Thinking

The Data Insights section is unique to the GMAT Focus Edition and has quickly become one of the most underestimated parts of the test. It combines elements of quantitative and verbal reasoning in a new format that mimics real business challenges.

Rather than solving isolated math problems, you are asked to analyze tables, interpret graphs, and synthesize information from multiple sources. You might be given a spreadsheet and asked to draw conclusions, or you may need to weigh evidence from different tabs to make a judgment.

What makes this section hard is not the math. It is the multi-step reasoning, the ambiguity, and the time constraint. Each question feels like a mini case study, and there is no formula you can rely on.

Success here requires a shift in mindset. Instead of looking for exact answers, focus on making the most logical, data-backed decision. Practice visual literacy, know how to quickly scan for relevant data, and build confidence interpreting trends. Use official GMAT questions whenever possible, and seek out adaptive practice tools that reflect the current GMAT interface.

If you are aiming for a 700-plus score, this section cannot be ignored. It reflects the kind of thinking that business schools value most: practical, logical, and data-driven.

How Hard is the GMAT for Most Test-Takers?

It depends on your background. The difficulty depends on your academic strengths. If you're rusty on basic math or haven’t touched reading comprehension since undergrad, it can feel overwhelming. But if you have solid study habits and a focused study plan, it's absolutely crackable.

Reddit & Quora test-taker insights:

Real-world comments show consistent themes:

"The quant section crushed me at first. I had to relearn number properties and how to answer data sufficiency questions without second-guessing."

"It’s not just about being smart. You need to be strategic, especially with time pressure and the adaptive nature of the GMAT test."

"The hardest part isn’t the content, it’s maintaining stamina, pacing, and avoiding wrong answers that kill your score early."

How to Make the GMAT Easier: Preparation Strategies That Work

The GMAT never becomes “easy,” but it can become manageable and predictable if you prepare the right way. High scorers do not study more. They study smarter, with a clear plan, tight feedback loops, and a strategy that fits how the GMAT actually works.

1. Start with a Diagnostic Test

Before you open a prep book or sign up for a course, take a full-length diagnostic test under realistic conditions. This is not about the number you get. It is about understanding how you lose points.

Pay close attention to where your time breaks down, which question types drain your energy, and whether mistakes come from content gaps or decision errors. A good diagnostic will tell you whether your biggest limiter is Quant fundamentals, Verbal logic, Data interpretation, or time management. That information should shape everything that follows in your study plan.

2. Use Mock Tests as Training Tools, Not Score Checkpoints

Mock tests are one of the most powerful tools in GMAT prep, but only if they are used correctly. Taking tests without deep review leads to burnout, not improvement.

In the final six to eight weeks before test day, aim for one full mock test per week. Treat each one like a rehearsal. Match timing, breaks, section order, and even the time of day you plan to take the real exam.

After each test, spend more time reviewing than testing. Identify patterns in your wrong answers. Ask whether mistakes came from rushing, misreading, weak concepts, or poor guessing decisions. This review process is where real score gains happen.

3. Build a Study Plan That Matches How the GMAT Is Scored

A strong GMAT study plan is phased and intentional. Early prep should focus on foundations. This means rebuilding core concepts in Quant, learning how GMAT Verbal logic works, and getting comfortable with Data Insights formats.

Once fundamentals are in place, shift toward application. Practice harder questions, mix topics, and review mistakes deeply. This is where endurance and accuracy improve together.

In the final phase, focus almost entirely on strategy. Refine timing, practice educated guessing, and learn how to stay composed when you hit difficult questions. At high score levels, execution matters more than knowledge.

4. Choose Study Materials That Match Your Weaknesses

There is no single “best” GMAT resource. The right materials depend on what is holding you back.

The GMAT Official Guide should be the backbone of your prep since it reflects real test logic and difficulty. Manhattan Prep is excellent for building a structured understanding in both Quant and Verbal. Target Test Prep is especially effective for quantitative reasoning because of its depth and structured drills. e-GMAT is a strong choice for Verbal, particularly for non-native speakers or anyone struggling with critical reasoning and sentence correction.

Explore: Best Free 50+ GMAT Prep Resources: Practice Tests & Study Material

5. Attack Weak Areas Early and Aggressively

Most GMAT test takers spend too much time practicing what they are already good at. That feels productive but rarely moves the score.

If critical reasoning is costing you points, focus on understanding argument structure and common assumption patterns. If data sufficiency feels confusing, practice thinking in terms of logic and sufficiency rather than calculation. If sentence correction is a weakness, drill a small set of grammar rules repeatedly until recognition becomes automatic.

Targeted practice in weak areas produces faster score gains than general practice ever will.

6. Learn From Other GMAT Test-Takers, But Filter Strategically

GMAT communities can be incredibly helpful if used wisely. GMAT Club is excellent for detailed explanations, study logs, and advanced problem breakdowns. Reddit’s GMAT community is useful for honest perspectives on prep timelines, burnout, and test-day experiences.

Use these spaces to learn strategies and normalize the struggle, but avoid comparison traps. Everyone’s path to a strong score looks different.

7. Consider a Prep Course or Coach

For some students, self-study works well. For others, it leads to frustration, inconsistent progress, and stalled scores. If you feel stuck, a GMAT preparation course or coach can be a game-changer, not just for accountability, but for clarity on where to focus.

A skilled coach helps you identify whether your struggles stem from content gaps, poor timing, or unclear reasoning. They can tailor your prep around the skills that matter most, whether it's improving verbal skills, strengthening your GMAT quant fundamentals, or building confidence with data analysis in the Data Insights section.

They also bring structure to your prep, helping you create a schedule, optimize your practice test reviews, and apply proven strategies that have worked for other high scorers. With the right support, students often gain points not by studying more, but by studying the right way.

If your goal is a competitive target score for top-tier programs, expert guidance can dramatically shorten the path to success.

How Much Does the GMAT Cost?

The GMAT exam fees vary based on location and mode of delivery. As of 2025, in the United States, the fees are structured as follows:

• Test Center: $285 USD
• Online Exam: $310 USD

These fees include sending your GMAT score to up to five programs. However, additional services such as rescheduling, score cancellations, or extra score reports will incur extra charges.

Budgeting for the exam graduate management admission cost is an important part of the preparation process. Many students explore financial aid options to ease the burden of test fees, especially when applying to multiple programs.

Are There GMAT Fee Waivers?

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) does not offer fee waivers directly to test takers. Instead, they provide up to 10 fee waivers annually to institutions that accept GMAT scores. These waivers are intended to assist economically disadvantaged students and are distributed at the discretion of business schools.

To inquire about obtaining a GMAT fee waiver, candidates should contact the admissions or financial aid offices of the MBA and PGDM colleges they are applying to. Some reputed international B-school programs may offer GMAT waivers or alternative test options for applicants with strong academic or professional backgrounds.

Students looking to explore MBA PGDM colleges should check individual school policies regarding GMAT requirements, fee waivers, and test-optional admissions. While some business schools waive the GMAT test for candidates with extensive work experience, others may offer fee waivers based on financial need or academic merit.

How GMAT Test Prep Coaches Can Help

The GMAT exam is undoubtedly a challenging exam, but success is achievable with the right preparation. By focusing on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning, test takers can improve their GMAT scores and strengthen their MBA applications.

A strong GMAT score strengthens your candidature, making it a critical factor for admissions into PGDM colleges in the UK and other top business schools worldwide. However, for many students, especially those struggling with time management, complex quantitative concepts, or verbal reasoning challenges, self-study alone may not be enough.

This is where GMAT test prep coaches can provide a valuable advantage. Expert GMAT instructors offer personalized study plans, targeted strategies, and proven test-taking techniques to help test-takers maximize their potential. Whether you’re aiming for a competitive score or just need extra support in specific sections, working with a GMAT prep coach can significantly boost confidence, improve accuracy, and enhance overall performance.

Also, join GMAT test prep bootcamps and free events for more strategic insights!

Read: The 10 Best GMAT Tutors

Read next:

• Average GMAT Score by School: Business Schools Ranking
• Can You Use a Calculator on the GRE/GMAT?
• GMAT Study Tips From Pro Tutors: From 600 to 700+
• The Do's and Don'ts of the GMAT: Demystifying the Exam
• 3 Things You Need to Know About the New GMAT Focus Edition

FAQs

Is the GMAT hard for the average student?

• Yes, but not impossible. With the right study material, strategy, and consistency, even the average student can get a strong GMAT score.

What is the minimum GMAT score I need?

• For most MBA programs, the minimum GMAT score to stay competitive is around 620–650. Top programs expect 700+.

How long should I study for the GMAT?

• Most experts recommend 2–3 months of focused prep. The exact amount of preparation needed depends on your baseline.

Which GMAT section is the hardest?

• Most agree that the quantitative section is the toughest, especially the data sufficiency questions.

What is a good GMAT score?

• A good GMAT score is one that meets or exceeds the average for your target schools. Generally, 700+ is considered strong.