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The Target Test Prep course represents a quantum leap forward in GMAT preparation, a radical reinterpretation of the way that students should study. Try before you buy with a 5-day, full-access trial of the course for FREE!
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Apr 2808:00 AM PDT
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Whether you are just beginning your MBA journey or fine-tuning your path to a 700+ score, GMAT Day is designed to give you a competitive edge.
18 Dec 2023, 20:56
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As an Arts major, my journey towards the GMAT was unique. Coming from a non-traditional background for MBA applicants, the GMAT was a critical step for me to bridge the gap and prove my quantitative and analytical abilities. It was essential to not only demonstrate my competence in areas outside my primary field of study but also to stand out in the competitive pool of MBA candidates. Scoring well on the GMAT was crucial for my ambition to attend a top-tier business school, as it was a testament to my ability to excel in a diverse range of subjects and a key component in strengthening my application.
First GMAT Attempt – GMAT 720:
When I decided on attempting a GMAT, I took a blind test and in that my score was 690.
To get a better score, I relied on self-study through OG and online resources. The mock scores preceding my second attempt were in the range of 710-730. So, I was not completely satisfied when I saw the score 720 pop-up. While this was a respectable score, it fell short of the high expectations I had set for myself. My preparation was largely self-driven, relying on standard study materials and methods. This experience was a pivotal moment, making me realize that while I had put in a significant amount of effort, there was a need for a more strategic and targeted approach to tackle the GMAT effectively. The 720 was not just a score; it was a learning curve that guided me to reevaluate my study strategy for my subsequent attempt.
Reattempt journey to 780:
After scoring 720 in my first attempt, I realized the importance of having a methodical and data-driven study plan, something that e-GMAT is known for. I was particularly impressed by their focus on understanding the 'why' behind each question, which aligned well with my learning style. e-GMAT’s reputation for excellence in verbal preparation, a section I needed to improve upon, was also a deciding factor. Their comprehensive resources, which emphasized clarity of concepts and strategic learning, seemed like the perfect fit for elevating my GMAT performance. Choosing e-GMAT was about aligning my preparation with a methodology that promised deeper understanding and practical application, setting the stage for a more successful GMAT reattempt.
I started by creating a study-plan that would help me structure my reattempt journey – with more focus on verbal than on quant.
With verbal, I realized that it was about building ability, while with quant, it was about identifying and fixing weaker areas. So, both these needed different approaches and that is what I achieved through my preparation with e-GMAT.
Verbal Journey from V38 to V47:
Here SC was the weakest link while I had a decent understanding of CR and RC.
Sentence Correction (SC): My approach to SC changed significantly. I delved into the intricacies of grammar and syntax with e-GMAT's comprehensive material. Their focus on understanding the meaning behind grammatical rules rather than just memorizing them helped me improve my accuracy. The focus on meaning was the game changer.
Critical Reasoning (CR): Here while my accuracy was decent, pre-thinking became a key strategy. Initially, I employed the process of elimination, a common strategy where you systematically eliminate clearly wrong answers to find the right one. However, I realized that this method, while effective to a degree, was time-consuming and sometimes led to confusion, especially with closely related answer choices.
I then transitioned to pre-thinking, which fundamentally changed my approach to CR questions. Pre-thinking involves anticipating the answer before even looking at the choices provided. This strategy allowed me to form an idea of what the correct answer should encompass based on the logic and structure of the argument presented in the question. By understanding the core of the argument and predicting the likely conclusion or assumption, I was able to approach the answer choices more decisively and confidently.
This shift to pre-thinking helped in several ways. It improved my accuracy, as I was less likely to be misled by trap answers that the test setters include. It also saved time, a crucial factor in the GMAT, where every minute counts. Instead of wading through all the options, I could quickly identify and select the answer that matched my pre-thought conclusion, streamlining my decision-making process.
In essence, adopting pre-thinking in CR was about enhancing efficiency and accuracy in my response strategy, which significantly contributed to my overall performance improvement in the GMAT's verbal section.
Reading Comprehension (RC): For RC, it was all about practice and knowing the question types in RC. Recognizing whether I was tackling a main-point question or an inference question greatly influenced my reading strategy.
And of course, I don't think you should focus on speed for RC. You should rather focus on understanding the passage well because even if you get faster in reading an RC, it won't matter. Ultimately, it is the understanding that matters.
The vital role of error log:
The error log wasn't just a list of errors; it was an analytical tool. For each mistake, I noted down the specific concept I got wrong, the reasoning behind the correct answer, and my thought process at the time of answering the question. This helped me identify patterns in my mistakes, areas where I consistently struggled, and topics that required more attention.
This systematic approach to tracking errors allowed me to focus my studies more effectively. It wasn't about just practicing more questions; it was about practicing smarter. By analysing my errors and understanding why I made them, I could tailor my study plan to address my weaknesses, turning them into strengths over time.
The error log became an integral part of my study regimen, ensuring that my preparation was not just comprehensive but also focused and efficient. This methodical approach to learning from my mistakes was crucial in achieving a high score on the GMAT.
Quant Journey from Q50 to Q51:
When I first scored Q50, it was clear that I had a strong grasp of quant concepts. However, to move from Q50 to Q51, which is a significant leap in terms of percentile ranking, I needed to refine my approach and enhance my efficiency. This is where e-GMAT's Quant resources played a crucial role. They provided advanced level questions and strategies that helped me tackle the most challenging problems more effectively.
The PACE tool in particular, was a game-changer for me. PACE is a feature of e-GMAT quant, that assesses your strengths and weakness at a topic/ module level and gives you a customised study plan. Through this I was strategically able to just go through my weaker areas and save time by avoiding my stronger areas. This strategy not only helped me save over 60 hours of prep time but also helped in the last mile jump from Q50 to Q51.
This improvement in my quant score was a key contributor to my overall GMAT score of 780.
Final stage of prep and test-day mindset:
All this went smoothly. Now coming to the last part of the prep – the mocks – I started noticing a variation in my scores which was a concern.
It wasn't just about the scores themselves but understanding why there was such variability. To address this, I delved into great data analytical tools that e-GMAT provides, meticulously analysing each mock test. This involved looking beyond the scores to the patterns and trends in my performance. I assessed factors like question types I consistently got wrong, sections where I spent more time, and areas where I made frequent errors.
This data-driven approach helped me identify specific areas that needed more attention. For instance, I might have discovered that my performance dipped in certain question types in the Quant section or that I consistently lost time in specific Reading Comprehension passages. By pinpointing these areas, I was able to tailor my study plan to focus more on these weaknesses.
The use of data analytics in evaluating my mock test performances was a crucial step in my GMAT preparation. It transformed the way I approached my studies, making my preparation more focused and efficient.
So, going into the test, I was confident about the score😊 The hard work and strategic preparation had been done; it was now time to execute my plan.
I approached the test with a clear, focused mind. I knew the importance of staying calm and composed, especially given the pressure of the situation. My strategy was to tackle each question on its own merit, without letting the performance on previous questions affect my mindset. This approach was particularly crucial in maintaining my concentration and decision-making abilities throughout the test.
I also made a conscious effort to manage my time effectively. Time management is critical in the GMAT, and I had practiced this extensively during my mocks. My goal was to allocate my time wisely across all sections, ensuring that I had enough time to thoughtfully consider each question without rushing.
Additionally, I reminded myself to trust in my preparation. I had put in the effort, learned from my mistakes, and developed effective strategies for each section of the test. This trust in my preparation helped me stay grounded and focused, preventing panic and helping me to methodically work through each question.
The test day mindset was not just about intellectual preparation; it was equally about emotional and psychological readiness. Staying positive, managing stress, and keeping a level head were as important as the knowledge and strategies I had honed. This balanced mindset was a key factor in my ability to perform well and achieve the score I aimed for on the GMAT.
In conclusion, my journey to achieving a 780 on the GMAT was a transformative experience that combined strategic preparation, insightful learning, and personal growth. The shift to a data-driven and process-focused approach, especially with e-GMAT, played a pivotal role in enhancing my verbal and quant skills. Employing techniques like pre-thinking in CR and a meaning-based approach in SC, alongside meticulous error analysis and effective time management, were key strategies. On test day, a balanced mindset of calm focus and confidence, grounded in thorough preparation, was crucial. This journey exemplifies that with the right strategies, dedication, and mindset, reaching a top GMAT score is indeed attainable.
First GMAT Attempt – GMAT 720:
When I decided on attempting a GMAT, I took a blind test and in that my score was 690.
To get a better score, I relied on self-study through OG and online resources. The mock scores preceding my second attempt were in the range of 710-730. So, I was not completely satisfied when I saw the score 720 pop-up. While this was a respectable score, it fell short of the high expectations I had set for myself. My preparation was largely self-driven, relying on standard study materials and methods. This experience was a pivotal moment, making me realize that while I had put in a significant amount of effort, there was a need for a more strategic and targeted approach to tackle the GMAT effectively. The 720 was not just a score; it was a learning curve that guided me to reevaluate my study strategy for my subsequent attempt.
Reattempt journey to 780:
After scoring 720 in my first attempt, I realized the importance of having a methodical and data-driven study plan, something that e-GMAT is known for. I was particularly impressed by their focus on understanding the 'why' behind each question, which aligned well with my learning style. e-GMAT’s reputation for excellence in verbal preparation, a section I needed to improve upon, was also a deciding factor. Their comprehensive resources, which emphasized clarity of concepts and strategic learning, seemed like the perfect fit for elevating my GMAT performance. Choosing e-GMAT was about aligning my preparation with a methodology that promised deeper understanding and practical application, setting the stage for a more successful GMAT reattempt.
I started by creating a study-plan that would help me structure my reattempt journey – with more focus on verbal than on quant.
With verbal, I realized that it was about building ability, while with quant, it was about identifying and fixing weaker areas. So, both these needed different approaches and that is what I achieved through my preparation with e-GMAT.
Verbal Journey from V38 to V47:
Here SC was the weakest link while I had a decent understanding of CR and RC.
Sentence Correction (SC): My approach to SC changed significantly. I delved into the intricacies of grammar and syntax with e-GMAT's comprehensive material. Their focus on understanding the meaning behind grammatical rules rather than just memorizing them helped me improve my accuracy. The focus on meaning was the game changer.
Critical Reasoning (CR): Here while my accuracy was decent, pre-thinking became a key strategy. Initially, I employed the process of elimination, a common strategy where you systematically eliminate clearly wrong answers to find the right one. However, I realized that this method, while effective to a degree, was time-consuming and sometimes led to confusion, especially with closely related answer choices.
I then transitioned to pre-thinking, which fundamentally changed my approach to CR questions. Pre-thinking involves anticipating the answer before even looking at the choices provided. This strategy allowed me to form an idea of what the correct answer should encompass based on the logic and structure of the argument presented in the question. By understanding the core of the argument and predicting the likely conclusion or assumption, I was able to approach the answer choices more decisively and confidently.
This shift to pre-thinking helped in several ways. It improved my accuracy, as I was less likely to be misled by trap answers that the test setters include. It also saved time, a crucial factor in the GMAT, where every minute counts. Instead of wading through all the options, I could quickly identify and select the answer that matched my pre-thought conclusion, streamlining my decision-making process.
In essence, adopting pre-thinking in CR was about enhancing efficiency and accuracy in my response strategy, which significantly contributed to my overall performance improvement in the GMAT's verbal section.
Reading Comprehension (RC): For RC, it was all about practice and knowing the question types in RC. Recognizing whether I was tackling a main-point question or an inference question greatly influenced my reading strategy.
And of course, I don't think you should focus on speed for RC. You should rather focus on understanding the passage well because even if you get faster in reading an RC, it won't matter. Ultimately, it is the understanding that matters.
The vital role of error log:
The error log wasn't just a list of errors; it was an analytical tool. For each mistake, I noted down the specific concept I got wrong, the reasoning behind the correct answer, and my thought process at the time of answering the question. This helped me identify patterns in my mistakes, areas where I consistently struggled, and topics that required more attention.
This systematic approach to tracking errors allowed me to focus my studies more effectively. It wasn't about just practicing more questions; it was about practicing smarter. By analysing my errors and understanding why I made them, I could tailor my study plan to address my weaknesses, turning them into strengths over time.
The error log became an integral part of my study regimen, ensuring that my preparation was not just comprehensive but also focused and efficient. This methodical approach to learning from my mistakes was crucial in achieving a high score on the GMAT.
Quant Journey from Q50 to Q51:
When I first scored Q50, it was clear that I had a strong grasp of quant concepts. However, to move from Q50 to Q51, which is a significant leap in terms of percentile ranking, I needed to refine my approach and enhance my efficiency. This is where e-GMAT's Quant resources played a crucial role. They provided advanced level questions and strategies that helped me tackle the most challenging problems more effectively.
The PACE tool in particular, was a game-changer for me. PACE is a feature of e-GMAT quant, that assesses your strengths and weakness at a topic/ module level and gives you a customised study plan. Through this I was strategically able to just go through my weaker areas and save time by avoiding my stronger areas. This strategy not only helped me save over 60 hours of prep time but also helped in the last mile jump from Q50 to Q51.
This improvement in my quant score was a key contributor to my overall GMAT score of 780.
Final stage of prep and test-day mindset:
All this went smoothly. Now coming to the last part of the prep – the mocks – I started noticing a variation in my scores which was a concern.
It wasn't just about the scores themselves but understanding why there was such variability. To address this, I delved into great data analytical tools that e-GMAT provides, meticulously analysing each mock test. This involved looking beyond the scores to the patterns and trends in my performance. I assessed factors like question types I consistently got wrong, sections where I spent more time, and areas where I made frequent errors.
This data-driven approach helped me identify specific areas that needed more attention. For instance, I might have discovered that my performance dipped in certain question types in the Quant section or that I consistently lost time in specific Reading Comprehension passages. By pinpointing these areas, I was able to tailor my study plan to focus more on these weaknesses.
The use of data analytics in evaluating my mock test performances was a crucial step in my GMAT preparation. It transformed the way I approached my studies, making my preparation more focused and efficient.
So, going into the test, I was confident about the score😊 The hard work and strategic preparation had been done; it was now time to execute my plan.
I approached the test with a clear, focused mind. I knew the importance of staying calm and composed, especially given the pressure of the situation. My strategy was to tackle each question on its own merit, without letting the performance on previous questions affect my mindset. This approach was particularly crucial in maintaining my concentration and decision-making abilities throughout the test.
I also made a conscious effort to manage my time effectively. Time management is critical in the GMAT, and I had practiced this extensively during my mocks. My goal was to allocate my time wisely across all sections, ensuring that I had enough time to thoughtfully consider each question without rushing.
Additionally, I reminded myself to trust in my preparation. I had put in the effort, learned from my mistakes, and developed effective strategies for each section of the test. This trust in my preparation helped me stay grounded and focused, preventing panic and helping me to methodically work through each question.
The test day mindset was not just about intellectual preparation; it was equally about emotional and psychological readiness. Staying positive, managing stress, and keeping a level head were as important as the knowledge and strategies I had honed. This balanced mindset was a key factor in my ability to perform well and achieve the score I aimed for on the GMAT.
In conclusion, my journey to achieving a 780 on the GMAT was a transformative experience that combined strategic preparation, insightful learning, and personal growth. The shift to a data-driven and process-focused approach, especially with e-GMAT, played a pivotal role in enhancing my verbal and quant skills. Employing techniques like pre-thinking in CR and a meaning-based approach in SC, alongside meticulous error analysis and effective time management, were key strategies. On test day, a balanced mindset of calm focus and confidence, grounded in thorough preparation, was crucial. This journey exemplifies that with the right strategies, dedication, and mindset, reaching a top GMAT score is indeed attainable.
18 Dec 2023, 21:08
Kudos
Bookmarks
Gratz on the 780. All the best going forward.
20 Dec 2023, 23:34
Kudos
Bookmarks
Congratulations on 780! Such a nice debrief but pity you did not bother to post it properly.
