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30 Oct 2023, 10:52
Kudos
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Hello everyone, I am Shantanu, and I am delighted to share my remarkable
journey to GMAT success. Achieving a score of 720 on the GMAT was not an easy feat, but
I believe my experience can serve as inspiration for those who are on the path to GMAT
excellence. In this article, ll take you through the challenges I faced, the strategies I
adopted, and the essential lessons I learned along the way.
The Verbal Challenge: One of the most significant hurdles I encountered was the verbal
section of the GMAT. When I initially took a GMAT mock test on official mba dot com, I scored a
modest 660. Surprisingly, my performance in the quant section was quite strong, with 50 out
of 51 correct answers. However, my verbal skills lagged far behind. I struggled with sentence
correction and often found myself guessing the answers. In my first attempt, I even ran out of
time, leaving the last seven questions unanswered.
The Transformation: Despite my initial struggles, I was determined to overcome my
weaknesses, particularly in sentence correction. I knew I needed a different approach. This
is when I discovered various resources, including GMAT Club and the coaching provided by
my mentor, which would later transform my GMAT journey.
Understanding the Power of Meaning: My journey took a pivotal turn when I realized that
understanding the meaning of the sentences was the key to solving sentence correction
questions effectively. Rather than cramming every grammar rule I could find, I shifted my
focus to comprehending the meaning behind the sentences. Once I grasped the intended
meaning, I found it easier to eliminate answer choices and identify the correct option. While
grammar rules are essential, I learned that they shouldn't be the sole focus.
Cracking Critical Reasoning: Moving on to Critical Reasoning (CR), my initial approach
was to read the passage and quickly jump into answering the question. However, I often
ended up oscillating between two or even three answer choices, wasting valuable time. It
was only when I adopted a structured "tree-thinking" approach that I noticed significant
improvements. Predicting the answer before looking at the choices streamlined the process
and reduced the time I spent on each question. It was a game-changer.
Mastery of Reading Comprehension: For Reading Comprehension (RC), I had to adapt
my strategy due to the difference between GMAT and CAT exams. In the CAT exam, I had
the luxury of reading passages and deciding which ones to tackle. However, GMAT offers no
such flexibility. I realized that I needed a new approach. The "pause-point" approach proved
to be invaluable. While initially time-consuming, it enhanced my understanding of the
passages and questions. This methodology allowed me to tackle any RC passage
effectively.
The Role of Test Readiness: To prepare for the real GMAT, I embarked on a test
readiness phase. This phase included practicing with a mix of questions and focusing on
different test-taking aspects. It forced me to adapt my approach rapidly when faced with
various question types. The test readiness phase not only improved my accuracy but also
enhanced my speed and stamina, ensuring I could tackle the full spectrum of GMAT
questions effectively.
The Importance of a Mentor: For this thanks goes to Ms Rida Shafeek. Throughout my GMAT journey, having a mentor was
invaluable. While self-study and resources are essential, an expert's perspective adds an
extra dimension to the learning process. My mentor pinpointed my weaknesses, offered
guidance on tackling them, and provided that external expert view that was crucial for my
progress. I highly recommend aspiring GMAT test-takers to seek out mentorship.
The Last Mile Push Program: In the final stages of my preparation, I joined the Last Mile
Push Program, which was instrumental in refining my test-taking skills. This program helped
me analyze my mock test performance, dissecting my mistakes, and pushing me to achieve
the accuracy I needed on medium and hard questions. It significantly boosted my confidence
and readiness for the real GMAT.
Choosing GMAT Online: Despite initially planning to take the GMAT in an exam center, I
opted for the online version. I found the experience smooth and convenient. The proctors
presence wasnt disruptive; they only monitor through the camera. The flexibility of choosing
your exam location is an advantage. I would recommend the online GMAT to those who are
comfortable with it.
Conclusion and Advice: In hindsight, I have come a long way, overcoming my initial
struggles and achieving a GMAT score of 720. My journey emphasizes the importance of
understanding the meaning behind GMAT questions, rather than just memorizing grammar
rules. Approach each section strategically, work on your weaknesses, and consider
mentorship as a valuable resource. The GMAT is not just about practicing but also about
learning the right approach. Stay focused, embrace change, and tackle the GMAT with
confidence. Your journey to success is attainable with the right mindset, strategy, and
preparation.
So to all GMAT aspirants, I say this: learn the proper approach first, don't blindly practice
questions, and aim for excellence. Your GMAT success is within reach. Good luck on your
journey!
journey to GMAT success. Achieving a score of 720 on the GMAT was not an easy feat, but
I believe my experience can serve as inspiration for those who are on the path to GMAT
excellence. In this article, ll take you through the challenges I faced, the strategies I
adopted, and the essential lessons I learned along the way.
The Verbal Challenge: One of the most significant hurdles I encountered was the verbal
section of the GMAT. When I initially took a GMAT mock test on official mba dot com, I scored a
modest 660. Surprisingly, my performance in the quant section was quite strong, with 50 out
of 51 correct answers. However, my verbal skills lagged far behind. I struggled with sentence
correction and often found myself guessing the answers. In my first attempt, I even ran out of
time, leaving the last seven questions unanswered.
The Transformation: Despite my initial struggles, I was determined to overcome my
weaknesses, particularly in sentence correction. I knew I needed a different approach. This
is when I discovered various resources, including GMAT Club and the coaching provided by
my mentor, which would later transform my GMAT journey.
Understanding the Power of Meaning: My journey took a pivotal turn when I realized that
understanding the meaning of the sentences was the key to solving sentence correction
questions effectively. Rather than cramming every grammar rule I could find, I shifted my
focus to comprehending the meaning behind the sentences. Once I grasped the intended
meaning, I found it easier to eliminate answer choices and identify the correct option. While
grammar rules are essential, I learned that they shouldn't be the sole focus.
Cracking Critical Reasoning: Moving on to Critical Reasoning (CR), my initial approach
was to read the passage and quickly jump into answering the question. However, I often
ended up oscillating between two or even three answer choices, wasting valuable time. It
was only when I adopted a structured "tree-thinking" approach that I noticed significant
improvements. Predicting the answer before looking at the choices streamlined the process
and reduced the time I spent on each question. It was a game-changer.
Mastery of Reading Comprehension: For Reading Comprehension (RC), I had to adapt
my strategy due to the difference between GMAT and CAT exams. In the CAT exam, I had
the luxury of reading passages and deciding which ones to tackle. However, GMAT offers no
such flexibility. I realized that I needed a new approach. The "pause-point" approach proved
to be invaluable. While initially time-consuming, it enhanced my understanding of the
passages and questions. This methodology allowed me to tackle any RC passage
effectively.
The Role of Test Readiness: To prepare for the real GMAT, I embarked on a test
readiness phase. This phase included practicing with a mix of questions and focusing on
different test-taking aspects. It forced me to adapt my approach rapidly when faced with
various question types. The test readiness phase not only improved my accuracy but also
enhanced my speed and stamina, ensuring I could tackle the full spectrum of GMAT
questions effectively.
The Importance of a Mentor: For this thanks goes to Ms Rida Shafeek. Throughout my GMAT journey, having a mentor was
invaluable. While self-study and resources are essential, an expert's perspective adds an
extra dimension to the learning process. My mentor pinpointed my weaknesses, offered
guidance on tackling them, and provided that external expert view that was crucial for my
progress. I highly recommend aspiring GMAT test-takers to seek out mentorship.
The Last Mile Push Program: In the final stages of my preparation, I joined the Last Mile
Push Program, which was instrumental in refining my test-taking skills. This program helped
me analyze my mock test performance, dissecting my mistakes, and pushing me to achieve
the accuracy I needed on medium and hard questions. It significantly boosted my confidence
and readiness for the real GMAT.
Choosing GMAT Online: Despite initially planning to take the GMAT in an exam center, I
opted for the online version. I found the experience smooth and convenient. The proctors
presence wasnt disruptive; they only monitor through the camera. The flexibility of choosing
your exam location is an advantage. I would recommend the online GMAT to those who are
comfortable with it.
Conclusion and Advice: In hindsight, I have come a long way, overcoming my initial
struggles and achieving a GMAT score of 720. My journey emphasizes the importance of
understanding the meaning behind GMAT questions, rather than just memorizing grammar
rules. Approach each section strategically, work on your weaknesses, and consider
mentorship as a valuable resource. The GMAT is not just about practicing but also about
learning the right approach. Stay focused, embrace change, and tackle the GMAT with
confidence. Your journey to success is attainable with the right mindset, strategy, and
preparation.
So to all GMAT aspirants, I say this: learn the proper approach first, don't blindly practice
questions, and aim for excellence. Your GMAT success is within reach. Good luck on your
journey!
30 Oct 2023, 11:18
Kudos
Bookmarks
Wow! Congrats on the achievement. Which colleges would you be targeting?
30 Oct 2023, 12:34
Kudos
Bookmarks
Gratz on the 720. All the best going forward.
-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm
-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm
