Concept gap
You cannot explain the underlying rule, even without a timer.
Next step: Review that concept, work through a simple example, then try a fresh question.
Which rule or definition was missing?
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Turn your GMAT mistakes into a study plan.
An error log is useful when it changes what you do next. Use this template to identify why a question went wrong, choose one correction, and check whether that correction helps on a fresh question.
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By GMAT Trainer · Published October 8, 2026
A review routine you can repeat
Try again before reading
Redo the question without a timer and without the explanation. Note the first step where you get stuck.
Find the cause
Choose the closest category below. A question may have more than one cause; start with the one that most affected your answer.
Write one correction
Replace “be more careful” with an action you can actually repeat, such as “write the percentage base before calculating.”
Return to the idea
After a gap, try a fresh question testing the same idea. Remembering an answer is different from applying a method.
Name the cause, then choose the fix
These categories work across Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. They are prompts for reviewing your work, not a score diagnosis.
Setup or reasoning
You know the concept, but translate the question or argument incorrectly.
Next step: Write what is given and what is being asked before choosing an approach.
Where did my interpretation first go off track?
Execution
Your approach works, but a calculation, sign, or reading detail changes the answer.
Next step: Name the exact slip and add a short check at the point where it happened.
What check would have caught this specific error?
Timing or decision
You can solve it untimed, but spend too long choosing, calculating, or checking.
Next step: Locate the slow step, compare methods, and practise that decision on a fresh set.
Where did the extra time go?
What to record
- Source and question ID
- Keep a reference so you can return to the original.
- Topic and result
- Include correct answers you guessed or solved unusually slowly.
- Cause and evidence
- Describe the step that failed rather than just the answer you chose.
- Correction and revisit
- Write one action and a date to practise it again.
Example review note
“Percent change: I used the original price as the base for both changes. Next time, I will label the base for each percentage. I will check this on two fresh questions in my next review session.”
Illustrative example, not a student result.
Use it for one week
- Start with a manageable sample of recent questions. Include misses, guesses, and slow correct answers.
- At the end of each session, record one or two useful corrections.
- During the next session, practise one recurring issue before adding more material.
- At the end of the week, look for repeated causes and decide what deserves attention next.
Keep the log short enough to use. If recording every detail takes over your study time, reduce the fields. The point is to improve your next decision.
Put one correction into practice
Use the template with any practice resource. When you want to explore GMAT Trainer, open practice or try the free daily challenge. The daily question is intended for advanced practice; choose work that fits your current level.
This guide and template are free. GMAT Trainer also offers paid plans; see current plan details.