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27 Jul 2024, 08:54
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My GMAT Focus Journey to 755
Hello GMAT Club members,
I'm thrilled to share my GMAT journey with you all. I'm Sandipan, a 2022 graduate from IIT KGP. I recently scored 755 on the GMAT Focus Edition with a perfect Q90, DI89, and V83. This was a massive 130-point improvement from my initial score of 625.
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to this community. The advice and experiences shared here were incredibly helpful during my prep. Now it's my turn to give back. I hope my journey can help some of you out there who are in the thick of GMAT preparation.
Initial Challenges and Preparation at a Glance
I started my GMAT preparation in February and took my first test in March, scoring a 625. This helped me identify my weak points, particularly in time management. After a brief break, I resumed my preparation in May with a more strategic approach.
In May, I enrolled in the e-GMAT course and joined their Last Mile Push program. Rida Shafeek was my mentor through this phase. This decision was key in my journey to a 755 score.
During my prep, I encountered several obstacles:
1. Time Management: I struggled to complete sections within the allotted time. I overcame this by practicing with timed quizzes and developing efficient strategies for each question type.
2. Reading Comprehension: Initially my weakest area, I improved by focusing on the Master Comprehension course and practicing active reading techniques. I figured that spending a few seconds extra while reading the passage was worth it for me since I could make up for that over the subsequent questions.
3. Maintaining Focus: I developed techniques to re-engage with difficult passages and simulated test conditions during practice to build mental stamina.
4. Test Anxiety: As the exam approached, I managed increasing pressure by reminding myself of my thorough preparation and focusing on the process rather than the end result.
5. Balancing Prep with Work: As a full-time software engineer, I created a strict study schedule and prioritized quality of study over quantity.
But structuring my prep allowed me to overcome these challenges!
Section-wise Breakdown
Data Insights (DI): D79 to D89 (100th percentile)
The Master Comprehension course was a game-changer for me, not just in Verbal but across all sections. Key skills I developed:
1. Strategic pausing: Learning where to pause while reading saved crucial seconds on each question.
2. Understanding context: Subconsciously analyzing the function of each sentence improved my comprehension.
3. Owning the data set: This skill was crucial for DI, helping me interpret data efficiently and confidently move through questions without second-guessing myself.
Here is what my accuracy looked like for hard questions –
Quant: From Q84 to Q90
Despite starting with a strong Quant foundation, I made two key changes:
1. Tackling Quant first: I switched from doing Quant last to doing it first when I was fresh.
2. Mindset shift: Instead of stressing about getting every question right, I focused on doing my best on each question and trusting my abilities.
These changes paid off enormously - I finished the Quant section with 20 minutes to spare, which I used for review.
Verbal: Significant improvement, especially in RC
My initial Verbal score was weak, especially in RC where I only got 5 out of 14 questions correct. Strategies that helped me improve:
1. Master Comprehension: This course was fundamental in improving my understanding across all question types.
2. Time management: I learned to balance time between CR and RC better.
3. First question focus: I spent extra time on the first RC question, which helped me tackle subsequent questions faster.
4. Maintaining focus: Practicing strategies to stay engaged with difficult passages helped me push through fatigue during the test.
Study Tools and Resources
Scholaranium, e-GMAT's question bank, was instrumental in my preparation for a lot of reasons
1. Extensive customization: I could create quizzes that closely mimicked the real test environment.
2. Realistic question distribution: Unlike other platforms, Scholaranium allowed me to practice with the exact format I'd see on test day.
3. Performance tracking: This helped me identify areas for improvement and track my progress.
I also purchased the OG question bank for DI and it had some pretty amazing questions. Although their procedure for building custom quizzes is not as good.
Example of my tests -
Mentorship and Last Mile Push Program
Having a mentor through e-GMAT's Last Mile Push program was incredibly valuable. My mentor Rida set clear milestones with metrics and timelines. I had different targets for different sections and Rida helped me strategize the right goals for each section. She also:
1. Provided experienced insights, helping me avoid common pitfalls.
2. Helped me strategize my preparation, focusing on strengthening my strong areas rather than just working on weaknesses.
3. Offered personalized advice and encouragement, which was particularly impactful on test day – her mock tips and analysis were really helpful!
Test Day Experience
On test day, I followed these key strategies:
1. Choose a well-reviewed test center to ensure a good environment.
2. Maintained a calm mindset, reminding myself of my thorough preparation.
3. Tackled sections in the order that worked best for me (Quant, Verbal, DI).
Key Takeaways and Advice
1. Don't rush into preparation headfirst. Take time to develop a strategy that works for you.
2. Focus on understanding your approach and tackling shortcomings gradually.
3. Utilize tools like Scholaranium to create a realistic test environment during practice.
4. Do analyse your mocks very thoroughly. In my first attempt I took Expert’s Global, 15 mocks package. But I was in a rush to finish them before the test. So I didn’t analyse them properly and my score throughout them was plateaued.
5. Don't underestimate the value of a good mentor and structured program.
6. On test day, stay calm and trust in your preparation.
To Sum it Up
My journey from 625 to 755 was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of strategic preparation, the right resources, and a positive mindset. Remember, it's not just about working hard but working smart.
I hope my experience helps and inspires you on your GMAT journey. Feel free to ask any questions, and best of luck with your preparation!
GMAT-Club-Forum-335ci33v.png [ 136.35 KiB | Viewed 5442 times ]
GMAT-Club-Forum-w97hy0l4.png [ 42.9 KiB | Viewed 4823 times ]
Hello GMAT Club members,
I'm thrilled to share my GMAT journey with you all. I'm Sandipan, a 2022 graduate from IIT KGP. I recently scored 755 on the GMAT Focus Edition with a perfect Q90, DI89, and V83. This was a massive 130-point improvement from my initial score of 625.
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to this community. The advice and experiences shared here were incredibly helpful during my prep. Now it's my turn to give back. I hope my journey can help some of you out there who are in the thick of GMAT preparation.
Initial Challenges and Preparation at a Glance
I started my GMAT preparation in February and took my first test in March, scoring a 625. This helped me identify my weak points, particularly in time management. After a brief break, I resumed my preparation in May with a more strategic approach.
In May, I enrolled in the e-GMAT course and joined their Last Mile Push program. Rida Shafeek was my mentor through this phase. This decision was key in my journey to a 755 score.
During my prep, I encountered several obstacles:
1. Time Management: I struggled to complete sections within the allotted time. I overcame this by practicing with timed quizzes and developing efficient strategies for each question type.
2. Reading Comprehension: Initially my weakest area, I improved by focusing on the Master Comprehension course and practicing active reading techniques. I figured that spending a few seconds extra while reading the passage was worth it for me since I could make up for that over the subsequent questions.
3. Maintaining Focus: I developed techniques to re-engage with difficult passages and simulated test conditions during practice to build mental stamina.
4. Test Anxiety: As the exam approached, I managed increasing pressure by reminding myself of my thorough preparation and focusing on the process rather than the end result.
5. Balancing Prep with Work: As a full-time software engineer, I created a strict study schedule and prioritized quality of study over quantity.
But structuring my prep allowed me to overcome these challenges!
Section-wise Breakdown
Data Insights (DI): D79 to D89 (100th percentile)
The Master Comprehension course was a game-changer for me, not just in Verbal but across all sections. Key skills I developed:
1. Strategic pausing: Learning where to pause while reading saved crucial seconds on each question.
2. Understanding context: Subconsciously analyzing the function of each sentence improved my comprehension.
3. Owning the data set: This skill was crucial for DI, helping me interpret data efficiently and confidently move through questions without second-guessing myself.
Here is what my accuracy looked like for hard questions –
Quant: From Q84 to Q90
Despite starting with a strong Quant foundation, I made two key changes:
1. Tackling Quant first: I switched from doing Quant last to doing it first when I was fresh.
2. Mindset shift: Instead of stressing about getting every question right, I focused on doing my best on each question and trusting my abilities.
These changes paid off enormously - I finished the Quant section with 20 minutes to spare, which I used for review.
Verbal: Significant improvement, especially in RC
My initial Verbal score was weak, especially in RC where I only got 5 out of 14 questions correct. Strategies that helped me improve:
1. Master Comprehension: This course was fundamental in improving my understanding across all question types.
2. Time management: I learned to balance time between CR and RC better.
3. First question focus: I spent extra time on the first RC question, which helped me tackle subsequent questions faster.
4. Maintaining focus: Practicing strategies to stay engaged with difficult passages helped me push through fatigue during the test.
Study Tools and Resources
Scholaranium, e-GMAT's question bank, was instrumental in my preparation for a lot of reasons
1. Extensive customization: I could create quizzes that closely mimicked the real test environment.
2. Realistic question distribution: Unlike other platforms, Scholaranium allowed me to practice with the exact format I'd see on test day.
3. Performance tracking: This helped me identify areas for improvement and track my progress.
I also purchased the OG question bank for DI and it had some pretty amazing questions. Although their procedure for building custom quizzes is not as good.
Example of my tests -
Mentorship and Last Mile Push Program
Having a mentor through e-GMAT's Last Mile Push program was incredibly valuable. My mentor Rida set clear milestones with metrics and timelines. I had different targets for different sections and Rida helped me strategize the right goals for each section. She also:
1. Provided experienced insights, helping me avoid common pitfalls.
2. Helped me strategize my preparation, focusing on strengthening my strong areas rather than just working on weaknesses.
3. Offered personalized advice and encouragement, which was particularly impactful on test day – her mock tips and analysis were really helpful!
Test Day Experience
On test day, I followed these key strategies:
1. Choose a well-reviewed test center to ensure a good environment.
2. Maintained a calm mindset, reminding myself of my thorough preparation.
3. Tackled sections in the order that worked best for me (Quant, Verbal, DI).
Key Takeaways and Advice
1. Don't rush into preparation headfirst. Take time to develop a strategy that works for you.
2. Focus on understanding your approach and tackling shortcomings gradually.
3. Utilize tools like Scholaranium to create a realistic test environment during practice.
4. Do analyse your mocks very thoroughly. In my first attempt I took Expert’s Global, 15 mocks package. But I was in a rush to finish them before the test. So I didn’t analyse them properly and my score throughout them was plateaued.
5. Don't underestimate the value of a good mentor and structured program.
6. On test day, stay calm and trust in your preparation.
To Sum it Up
My journey from 625 to 755 was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of strategic preparation, the right resources, and a positive mindset. Remember, it's not just about working hard but working smart.
I hope my experience helps and inspires you on your GMAT journey. Feel free to ask any questions, and best of luck with your preparation!
Attachment:
GMAT-Club-Forum-335ci33v.png [ 136.35 KiB | Viewed 5442 times ]
Attachment:
GMAT-Club-Forum-w97hy0l4.png [ 42.9 KiB | Viewed 4823 times ]
27 Jul 2024, 11:12
Kudos
Bookmarks
Gratz on the 755. All the best going forward.
29 Jul 2024, 01:20
Kudos
Bookmarks
@Sandipan8352 - Your GMAT Focus journey is truly inspiring, and your success is a testament to your dedication, strategic approach, and adaptability. Let me break down the key aspects of your achievement that other students can learn from:
1. Crafting the Right Strategy
Your success stems from first developing a solid strategy and then tailoring its execution based on your strengths. This approach is something other students can emulate and customize to reach their target scores:
2. Quant and Data Insights Excellence
Your performance in Quant and Data Insights was phenomenal:
For readers looking to improve their Data Insights skills - focus on Owning the dataset. e-GMATers - you already have the comprehensive courses, Coach Connect, and Scholaranium. For those who cannot access the e-GMAT course, here are some excellent free resources by Payal that provide a solid foundation for Data Insights:
These resources cover key aspects of Data Insights and can be extremely helpful in building a strong foundation.
3. Overcoming Challenges
You mentioned many problems/challenges in your debrief. While many of these problems may not seem related to Subject matter issues, the key to solving these issues lies in improving your SM knowledge and approaches.
4. Mindset and Motivation
Perhaps most importantly, your mindset throughout this journey was exemplary:
Sandipan, your GMAT success is just the beginning. The skills you've developed - strategic thinking, adaptability, focus under pressure - will serve you well in your future endeavors. Remember this experience as you aim for even bigger goals in life. This journey has not only prepared you for business school but has also equipped you with valuable skills that will be assets in your professional career and personal growth. As you move forward, let this achievement be a constant reminder of your capability to overcome challenges and excel in high-pressure situations.
Congratulations once again on your outstanding achievement!
1. Crafting the Right Strategy
Your success stems from first developing a solid strategy and then tailoring its execution based on your strengths. This approach is something other students can emulate and customize to reach their target scores:
- You aimed for a sum of scores of 272 to achieve your 755. After establishing a baseline of 80 in each section, you strategically distributed the additional 22 points needed: 10 from Quant, 9 from Data Insights, and 3 from Verbal.
- Your decision to start with Quant was brilliant. It minimized the risk of initial mistakes and effectively gave you an additional break, which can be crucial when performing at high ability levels.
2. Quant and Data Insights Excellence
Your performance in Quant and Data Insights was phenomenal:
- Achieving Q90 is outstanding. Those crucial 6 points from Q84 to Q90 showcase your ability to trust your instincts under pressure. As your mentor Rida noted, removing stress allowed your true abilities to shine.
- Your D89 in Data Insights is equally impressive. Your improvement was driven by building core skills, starting with the fundamental Master Comprehension course. Your 90% accuracy on L20 Hard questions and overall DI score demonstrate your mastery in "owning the dataset." . Payal would be proud of you
For readers looking to improve their Data Insights skills - focus on Owning the dataset. e-GMATers - you already have the comprehensive courses, Coach Connect, and Scholaranium. For those who cannot access the e-GMAT course, here are some excellent free resources by Payal that provide a solid foundation for Data Insights:
- Table Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W644_hwX_EA&t=8s
- Two Part Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdL3SGse1Ig
- Multi Source Reasoning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EZGyWuo-Ac&t=3s
These resources cover key aspects of Data Insights and can be extremely helpful in building a strong foundation.
3. Overcoming Challenges
You mentioned many problems/challenges in your debrief. While many of these problems may not seem related to Subject matter issues, the key to solving these issues lies in improving your SM knowledge and approaches.
- You tackled time management issues by practicing with timed quizzes and developing efficient strategies for each question type.
- Your improvement in Reading Comprehension, initially your weakest area, shows the power of focused practice and active reading techniques.
- Balancing GMAT prep with your full-time job as a software engineer demonstrates excellent time management and prioritization skills.
4. Mindset and Motivation
Perhaps most importantly, your mindset throughout this journey was exemplary:
- You stayed motivated despite initial setbacks, using your first score of 625 as a learning opportunity rather than a discouragement.
- Your ability to manage test anxiety by focusing on the process rather than the end result is a valuable lesson for all test-takers.
- The fact that you didn't buckle under the pressure of expectations shows true leadership qualities.
Sandipan, your GMAT success is just the beginning. The skills you've developed - strategic thinking, adaptability, focus under pressure - will serve you well in your future endeavors. Remember this experience as you aim for even bigger goals in life. This journey has not only prepared you for business school but has also equipped you with valuable skills that will be assets in your professional career and personal growth. As you move forward, let this achievement be a constant reminder of your capability to overcome challenges and excel in high-pressure situations.
Congratulations once again on your outstanding achievement!
