Got a 740 after 9 months of studying!

Background: I am an Indian Engineer and have a strong quant background. I started my prep in July 2022, with a base score of 700 (50Q/ 34V). My target score was 730+.

Resources used

• TTP
• Gmat Club
• OG
• Manhattan tests

GMAT 740 (50Q / 41V) debrief

I finally gave the GMAT after 9 months of studying! Here is what my journey looked like
Background: Indian female engineer in Investment Banking- strong quant background, needed improvement in verbal. My target was 730+ for applications to good U.S. school. I started my prep in July and ended up giving the GMAT twice. One in Nov 2022- 710 (49Q / 37V) and in March 2023- 740 (50Q / 41V). I’ll explain in detail my approach towards both these attempts and hopefully this helps someone!


Test 1

I started my prep in July 2022 with a diagnostic test – GMAC PT 1 and scored 700 (49Q / 37V) and was very hopeful and thought I should be able to wind up a good score within 3 months. I started solving the OG and OG supplements and within the month was out of questions to solve very soon. I started solving from the GMAT Club QBank, around 50-60 questions everyday. Soon, I started giving practice tests and got the below scores

GMAC PT 2 – 720 (50Q / 37V)
GMAC PT 3 – 700 (37Q / 38V)
Manhattan PT 1 – 690 (46Q / 38V)
GMAC PT 4 – 720 (49Q / 40V)
GMAC OT 5 – 710 (49Q / 36V)


I was very frustrated as even after over 15 hrs of studying (solving questions) every week, I still wasn’t able to raise my score. I finally booked a test in November 2022. The night before I barely got any sleep and was super tired the on test day. I drank ounces of coffee and went to the test centre for my test which was at 1PM. Kept feeling sleepy since I do take afternoon naps occasionally. During the test, I attempted the verbal first and was absolutely gutted as it ended. Quant also seemed super hard and I was skipping a lot a lot of the questions. I ended up with a 710 and was crushed. A 10 point improvement after 3.5 months of studying was an absolute low.

Downtime

I took a month to recoup and used some of that time to find loopholes in my preparation and how to go about them. I researched a bit and I had essentially hit "a plateau" in my preparation. I read some articles talked to colleagues. Below are the points that immensely helped me.


Target Test Prep: One colleague recommended TTP to me and it was a game changer for my prep. I took the 5 day trial and understood that by just solving questions-I wasn't learning anything new and my concepts were shaky. I quickly subscribed to the 1 month package and got 2 weeks more through a referral. All of the concepts were broken down into chapters. Each chapter had subtopics. As I went through these I understood more and more on where I was lacking the first time. Definitely make notes as you go through these chapters. The chapter quizzes were also a good parameter of where I stood and the in chapter tips were also super helpful. I also used the quant resources for a couple of chapters that I was weak on and they were so in depth and well explained.
OG solving technique: When I was initially solving the OG, my focus was a lot on time and lot less on technique. So I got through all questions in a short time without improving my skills much and ran out of material quickly. From a TTP tip, I learnt a better way of approaching questions. I took 15-20 minutes for one question, highlighting to myself why each of the answers was wrong. I did this for around 2 weeks and slowly started improving on time. Before I knew it, my SC and CR accuracy was at 80%+


Error Log: I never thought error log would be important, but it made a HUGE difference. For every question I solved and for each practice test, I maintained an error log from Manhattan prep here
Meditation: Sounds unnecessary put here but honestly helps you get through so much. I tried Isha Kriya by Sadhguru for reference.

Test 2:
I re-gave the practice tests and took some additional from Manhattan
GMAC PT 2 750 (50Q / 42V)
GMAC PT 3 750 (51Q / 40V)
GMAC PT 5 760 (49Q / 44V)
GMAC PT 6 700 (49Q / 35V)
Manhattan CAT (47Q)
Manhattan CAT (45V)

I went to my parents' home this time and gave a home test instead of centre to better suit my time. I booked it for 5PM this time. Barely got any sleep again but I really doubt anyone does. This verbal went a little better and while starting quant I just tried to keep my mind blank on previous section. And Voilaaaa! Been a long journey but totally worth it. Hope this helps you!