I wanted to share my GMAT Focus preparation experience in case it helps anyone currently in the middle of their prep.
Background & Early PrepI started studying in April 2025, and my very first practice exam—taken before enrolling in any course—was a major reality check. I scored
565 (Q78, V79, DI77), which placed me in the
56th percentile. That result made it clear that while I had some foundational knowledge, my approach lacked structure and depth. After spending time on GMAT Club and reading countless reviews, I decided to enroll in
Target Test Prep (TTP). I was only able to study until the end of May, but even in that short period, I noticed a significant shift in how I approached problems, especially in Quant. TTP’s emphasis on conceptual clarity and structured problem-solving stood out immediately.
Restarting with Structure & Consistency
I resumed my preparation seriously at the end of August and studied consistently until early November, when I took my first official GMAT Focus exam and scored
675 (Q86, V85, DI80), placing me in the 95th percentile. While this was a strong improvement, it still felt somewhat underwhelming because my practice test scores were consistently ranging between 675 and 725, and I expected to perform closer to the top of that range.
Throughout this phase, I studied every single day, averaging 4–5 hours daily. Even on days when my productivity felt low, I still showed up and followed the plan. TTP’s customizable study plan removed all guesswork from the process. I always knew what I needed to work on, which helped me stay disciplined and consistent.
How TTP Helped Me ImproveTTP’s Quant curriculum was incredibly comprehensive, and I never felt the need to look elsewhere for content. The video explanations and chapter tests helped me build strong fundamentals rather than rely on shortcuts. The
error log and analytics were game changers—they forced me to analyze why I missed questions, identify recurring weaknesses, and improve both accuracy and timing. The advice embedded throughout the chapters, on mindset, pacing, and disciplined review, helped not only for the GMAT, but also influenced how I approach studying and problem-solving outside of test prep.
Test Day, Reset & Final AttemptAfter my first attempt, I shifted my focus to school exams for about a month. I then signed up for another GMAT Focus exam in December with only five days’ notice. I spent 3–4 days reviewing and reactivating my knowledge, focusing primarily on past mistakes and execution rather than learning new material.
I took the exam in person at a test center, and the experience was smooth and calm. The real exam felt very similar to TTP practice(both times), which helped me stay composed and manage my time well. I was honestly shocked when I saw my final score of
735 (Q88, V86, DI85), placing me in the 100th percentile.Final Thoughts & AdviceThis journey taught me that consistency beats everything. Progress isn’t linear, and even strong mock scores don’t guarantee a perfect test day. What matters most is showing up daily, analyzing mistakes honestly, and trusting a proven process. TTP provided the structure, discipline, and mindset that made this possible. If you commit to the process and fully engage with the platform, the results will follow. Happy to answer any questions, and best of luck to everyone still preparing!