Not a 700 story - 470 TO 630 and RSM. Never Give Up

To begin with, I'd like to clarify this is not a guide on how to get a 700 score. Instead, I just wish to share my story, hoping to help someone who may be in a similar position feeling hopeless.

I began my journey in quarter 2 of 2016 by deciding to quit my job and focus all my attention on making it to a good school. My priority was to not settle for a sub-standard school and aim for a top 50 school (I referred FT rankings). Soon in my research I realized that MBA was not for me - fees were too high, I only had 2 years of work experience and my past academic record was merely above average. Eventually, I set my eyes on Masters in Management (MiM) as it perfectly met my requirements and I was a much competitive candidate in that pool.

Naturally, the 1st step was GMAT prep. Due to financial limitations, joining a test-prep course was out of question. Instead, I decided to give myself more time and started self-studying. I made use of all the free material available online and only purchased the OG 17 and a bunch of mock tests from Veritas prep. After a basic round of prep and familiarizing myself with the subject matter, I gave the first diagnosis mock test - 470. I had a long, long way to go. Nevertheless, I had time so I put myself to work.

For the next 3 months, I put myself under an intense regime - 8 to 10 hours of studying per day, exercise, ample sleep, regulated diet and stipulated time for research. The mock scores rose gradually - 520, 540, 570, 600, 610, 640. Things seemed to be working and I felt confident about achieving my target score of 700. Here, I'd like to mention the huge contribution of prep forums like GMATclub which really empowered me to be able to tutor myself. Things were going well, however, a bit too slow. I had hit the dreaded mid-600's plateau with my max score being a 660 and the scheduled test being just 15 days away. I decided to stick with the scheduled date (wanted to apply in round 1) and gave myself a final boost with advanced prep for about 10 days involving flash cards, post-it's stuck all over my room, longer hours of studying and detailed analysis of error logs. In the week leading up to the test I only worked on my usual errors through light practice.

On the day of the test, I made sure I took care of the most miniscule of things like diet, hydration, easy travel, soothing music, etc. For required documents I rechecked GMAC's website which mentioned any of these would do - passport, driver's license, any Govt. issued ID card or military ID card. To be safe, I carried my driver's license, unique identification card and even the card with the Permanent Account Number; assuming these are more than enough. And with the fear of misplacing it, I did not carry the passport. DISASTER STRUCK! I was turned away from the exam center because I did not carry the passport which was apparently the only acceptable id proof in my country. Now, I understand my mistake and take full responsibility but I really believe, a company that charges $250 for a test which is so crucial and intimidating, can at least allow an alternate proof of identification and/or highlight such conditions significantly on the website / appointment mail. The webpage on the official website mentions all the accepted forms of identification first, then highlights the unacceptable forms, then some more text and only in the last line, right at the bottom of the page, they mention 'Country Specific Regulations', which links to three other webpages to finally state exactly which identification you require (a case of terrible UX/UI). That was a real low point; three months of test prep and $250 wasted. The next day, I went back to practicing and now re-scheduled the test for a month later, so that I could prepare harder.

One month passed like a breeze. Even though my mocks did not show much improvement in that period, I was feeling more confident this time and had better clarity about the concepts. Finally, after close to five months of prep, I gave the dreaded test - 630. To be honest, I wasn't satisfied, a part of me was disappointed. But there was no way I could afford another attempt or study material; this is what I had to work with. So, without wasting any more tie, I began the application process.

This was the game changer for me. I applied in six different schools and spent almost a week or two on each application. The key here, in my opinion, is to keep editing, re-editing, tweaking and polishing your essays. Even though the schools ask you to showcase yourself through the essays, I feel it is more important to actually build on your real personality and showcase yourself more like how the schools want. I am aware this may not be a very popular opinion but when it's about achieving your goals, you better put your best foot forward. I ended up getting offers from four of these schools and after plenty of evaluation, I chose to go with RSM, Netherlands (which by the way was no. 2 on my preference and I thought my chances were pretty slim).

This is not a story about succeeding with flying colors but this is one for those who are struggling to go above average or have already given the test and are disappointed with a lower 600's score. GMAT is definitely a crucial aspect of the application but it certainly isn't all. It pains me to see people giving attempt after attempt just to achieve a particular score. If attaining GMAT merit is your ultimate goal, then sure, go for it. But for most people, for whom the dream is getting in a reputed b-school and uplifting your career -

1. Manage expectations
2. Set specific and realistic goals
3. Never lose hope