"This section isn't just about getting into business school — it's about being ready once you're there."

Host GMAC Zach welcomes back GMAT expert Sergey Kouk from Admit Master for a deep dive into one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the exam: the Data Insights section.

Together, Zach and Sergey demystify what Data Insights really tests, why it matters for business school and recruiting, and how test-takers should approach it strategically rather than emotionally. Sergey explains how the section builds on the former Integrated Reasoning questions, why Data Sufficiency now plays a central role, and how success depends far more on logic, structure, and decision-making than on heavy math.

The conversation walks through each Data Insights question type—Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning—highlighting common pitfalls, practical tactics, and efficient workflows for each. Sergey emphasizes proactive thinking: identifying what information is needed before diving into the data, staying methodical under time pressure, and avoiding the temptation to brute-force calculations.

Listeners also learn how to manage time effectively, when (and when not) to use the calculator, and why guessing strategically and moving on can be smarter than getting stuck. Throughout the episode, Sergey draws clear parallels between Data Insights questions and real business scenarios, reinforcing why this section is so relevant for MBA readiness and post-MBA careers.

The episode wraps with actionable advice on reducing stress, using the review function wisely, and preparing for business school—not just the test. Whether you're intimidated by Data Insights or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for mastering the section.

About Our Guest:

Sergey Kouk is a rocket scientist turned GMAT instructor, who achieved a score of 750 on the GMAT after just 2 weeks of studying. He credits his success to the amazing teachers and mentors, who taught him advanced reasoning skills early in his career.

He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Admit Master, a test preparation and admissions consulting company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Sergey holds 3 university degrees, including an MBA. When he is not teaching prep classes, he spends time snowboarding or sailing a boat with his family.

Sergey brings to this podcast over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT to thousands of business school candidates, as well as insights from other experienced GMAT instructors and MBA Admissions Consultants at Admit Master, to help you get a great GMAT score and gain admission to your dream business school.

Contact Admit Master: https://admitmaster.com/

Register for the GMAT: mba.com/register

Key Takeaways:

  • Data Insights isn't new—it's reframed. Most of the section comes from Integrated Reasoning, with Data Sufficiency moved in and expanded beyond pure math.
  • Think like a manager, not a test-taker. Your job isn't to solve everything—it's to determine what information is needed to make a decision.
  • Be proactive before reading the data. Clarify what the question is asking and what you need before diving into statements, graphs, or tables.
  • Analyze statements independently in Data Sufficiency. Never carry information from one statement into the other unless the answer choices explicitly require combining them.
  • Don't overanalyze the data. Data Insights questions intentionally include more information than you need—focus on structure first, details second.
  • Use the calculator selectively. It can help with relative comparisons, but overuse often wastes time and isn't necessary for most questions.
  • Invest time upfront to save time later. A quick "inventory" of graphs, tables, or tabs helps you answer multiple questions more efficiently.
  • Multi-Source Reasoning is intimidating—but valuable. The upfront reading pays off since multiple questions can stem from the same data set.
  • Time management beats perfection. If you're stuck, make an educated guess, flag the question, and move on—getting it wrong quickly is better than getting it wrong slowly.
  • Data Insights mirrors business school and real work. Synthesizing data, prioritizing relevance, and making decisions under time pressure are exactly the skills MBA programs care about.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Data Insights in GMAT 03:33 Data Sufficiency: Key Concepts and Strategies 24:34 Calculator Strategy 25:58 Time Management Going into the Next Four Question Types 29:32 Efficient Data Analysis Strategies 33:22 Specific Tactics for Graphics Interpretation 34:55 Table Analysis 36:33 Mastering Table Analysis Techniques 42:22 Approaching Two-Part Analysis Questions 48:44 Understanding Multi-Source Reasoning 53:39 Time Management Tips for GMAT Success

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