GMAT is funny !! GMAT - 750 ( Q- 51, V - 40, IR - 7)

Finally !

I had always wanted to write a debrief but then GMAT never gave me a chance! Now that I have it - I don't know what to say!
For starters, it has been a very painful journey - indeed! But, like any other adaptive test, it pays off if you are determined and motivated ..

Background : 3 years WE Tech strategy, India, Male


GMAT 1st: 710 (Q - 49, V - 38, IR - 7, AWA - 6)

Completed almost every practice material that was available in the market - MGMAT Guides, Veritas videos, OG 11, 12, 13, Quant review, Verbal review & 1000 SC. In all of my mock tests, my lowest score was 670 (MGMAT - 3) and highest was 730 (GMAT Prep - II).

Took up the E - GMAT - tried only the SC since I was struggling with it badly that time. I did not like the course because I think it focuses more on grammar than use of common logic. Also, I did not like their support. I had mailed a query to the team and got a response after a week , apologizing that my mail had went through the cracks. Never touched the course after that.

Personally, Veritas video for SC was an eyeopener - I recommend it to everyone!


I did not prepare for Quant - Like any other Indian, I have a fair bit of experience with CAT.


GMAT 2 : 690, Cancelled

Appeared for the exam after a month - had extensively prepared for CR , RC and SC . Attempted a number of mock tests - my lowest score was MGMAT - 680 and highest GMAT Prep - III (760).

Was very confident of my performance as I had spent hours everyday and had good scores on my GMATPrep mocks too.
But in all honesty, I think Quant was above my pay grade which reflected in the score too - Q:48.

I was very disappointed after this performance - had lost all hope but refused to accept that it was happening to me!

I wanted to give it one last shot ..

GMAT - 3 !!! 750 - (Q-51, V-40, IR - 7, AWA - awaited)

I took the date for December but did not start studying properly until the November 30th, the deadline for ISB.

Bought the Economist GMAT tutor course and Kaplan 800 and verbal workbook. At this point of time, I was busy with work, R2 apps and was actually tired of GMAT.

I referred to the Economist course ONLY - did not touch anything else and practiced for roughly 2 hours everyday. Wrote 4 simulation tests.

Simulation 1 : 700
Simulation 2: 730
Simulation 3: 720
Simulation 4: 740

I think the Economist team is brilliant with its strategy. I would definitely vouch for the Economist course - Brilliant technology, brilliant set of questions and prepares you to estimate the time you take in answering each question (huge benefit!). The ask a tutor is very effective and guarantees a response within a day! Best 30k spent.

However, I believe that the biggest factors are your mindset and temperament on the day of the test - in fact more than the preparation. I thought 750 would not be hard for me (considering my first GMAT prep 1 score was 690 w/o any preparation), but every time the score dipped, it took a toll on me!

My suggestion is to stay calm and focused. If you have a score in mind - do not give up !! 3rd time, 4th time, 5th time , eventually you will get it right.

Also, I think the GMAT club is a wonderful community - bb, ankur and everyone else! So its my turn to pay it forward -- If anyone needs help, please PM me. I would be more than happy to help with resources, personal guidance or tutoring (*free*).


Godspeed!