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06 Jul 2024, 23:59
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Hi everyone, I’m Gargi, and I want to share my GMAT journey with you. It’s a tale of struggle, strategy, and ultimately, success. My hope is that my story will provide some insights and inspiration for your own GMAT preparation.
The Beginning
When I first decided to take the GMAT, I began with some free resources available on GMAT Club and Official Guide resources. These helped me get started, but I soon realized I needed a structured approach to my preparation. After thorough research on GMAT Club reviews and advice from colleagues who had already taken the GMAT, I finally decided to purchase a subscription to e-GMAT.
My initial diagnostic score was 615. This was a decent starting point, but it left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I felt a sense of relief that I was above average and had a solid foundation to build on. On the other hand, I felt anxious and overwhelmed, knowing that I had a long way to go to reach my target score. Verbal was particularly challenging for me, and I struggled with timing and concept gaps, especially in Critical Reasoning (CR). I knew that to achieve my dream of pursuing an MBA and advancing my career, I needed a significant improvement.
Mastering Verbal
Verbal was one of my biggest challenges. When I started, my verbal score was 80, placing me in the 56th percentile. I had serious timing issues and concept gaps, particularly in Critical Reasoning (CR).
Initially, I faced issues distinguishing between different question types, which hampered my performance. It was then that I discovered the power of pre-thinking. At first, it seemed time-consuming, but as I practiced the approach diligently on 25-30 questions, it became a game-changer. My accuracy improved significantly, and by the end of my preparation, I was achieving around 60% accuracy in my last 10 attempts on Hard CR and RC questions.
This is how, I managed to improve my verbal score to 81, placing me in the 70th percentile by test day.
Mastering Quant: Leveraging Strengths
Quant was always my strong suit. When I started, my quant score was Q85, which placed me in the 88th percentile. However, I still faced challenges, especially in areas like interest questions.
One of the game-changing tools in my GMAT preparation was the P.A.C.E. AI feature from e-GMAT. This adaptive learning technology was incredibly efficient, allowing me to focus my efforts where they were most needed. The P.A.C.E. AI evaluated my performance on diagnostic quizzes and intelligently skipped concepts I had already mastered, effectively customizing my study plan. This not only saved me a tremendous amount of time—33 hours to be exact—but also ensured that I concentrated on areas requiring improvement. For instance, in the Quant section, the AI helped me bypass familiar topics and directed my attention to weaker areas like interest problems. This targeted approach significantly boosted my confidence and performance, ultimately contributing to my success on the GMAT.
In the final days, cementing quizzes played a crucial role in identifying and filling the gaps. The E-GMAT’s AI feature was a blessing. It allowed me to skip concepts I had already mastered and focus on weaker areas, saving me time and effort. The cementing quizzes helped me regain confidence and ensured no concept was left out.
I also took several mock tests during this period. For example, one mock test I took just a week before the exam revealed that I was getting stuck on initial questions, which caused a domino effect, reducing my overall score. Another mock test, taken three days before the exam, helped me fine-tune my time management strategy. This test saw me improve my quant score from a shaky 80th percentile to a solid 88th percentile, giving me the confidence I needed.
By the end of my preparation, I had managed to achieve a Q88, which placed me in the 95th percentile.
The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help
With just 10 days left before my GMAT exam, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. I realized that I hadn't taken some crucial steps correctly, and the panic started to set in. The feeling of having only a limited amount of time left, combined with the realization that I had gaps in my preparation, was overwhelming. That’s when I decided to reach out to Dhruv, my mentor. I shared a detailed analysis of my scores and gaps. This was my first cry for help, and it led to a crucial change in my strategy.
Before reaching out to Dhruv, I had taken several full-length tests that left me feeling disheartened and frustrated. My verbal scores fluctuated significantly: 78 (42nd percentile), 82, 81, and 79. These inconsistencies revealed gaps in my CR and RC performance and underscored the need for a refined strategy. My DI scores were similarly erratic: 79, 75, 67, and 79. These results highlighted a clear need for improvement in Data Sufficiency and Graph Interpretation & Table Analysis. My quant scores were more stable but still indicated areas needing attention: 85, 88, 85, and 80. The lower scores in Arithmetic were particularly concerning. This rollercoaster of emotions—from the highs of scoring well to the lows of disappointing results—made me realize the gaps in my preparation and the urgency to address them
Dhruv assessed my situation and helped me devise a plan. Despite having excellent course grades in Quant, I hadn’t done the cementing quizzes to reinforce and apply concepts. Additionally, much of the DI section remained untouched. Given all these factors, Dhruv suggested a two-pronged approach: complete the DI course with calmness and diligence, and take Quant quizzes on the portal to identify gaps and solidify skills.
Conquering Data Insights: The Final Frontier
Data Insights (DI) was a relatively new section for me. My starting score was DI76, placing me in the 68th percentile. Much of the DI section remained untouched initially, which added to my anxiety.
The E-GMAT course materials were incredibly helpful, providing me with the tools and techniques needed to tackle DI questions effectively.
I also took mock tests focusing specifically on DI. One notable improvement came from a mock test five days before the exam, where my DI score jumped from 76 to 81 percentile. This boost came from applying the strategies and tips learned from the E-GMAT course and focusing on time management during the mock test.
By diligently following the plan, I managed to improve my DI score to 83, placing me in the 96th percentile.
The Final Push: Strategic Preparation
Dhruv’s strategic advice was a game-changer. He suggested starting the exam with the Quant section, as it was my strong suit. This strategy helped set a strong tone for the entire test. Practicing cementing quizzes and revisiting weak areas in verbal boosted my confidence significantly. By implementing these strategies, my overall score improved from 615 to 685 .
Test Day: Calm Execution
On test day, I started with Quant followed by Verbal and DI, which gave me a confidence boost. This approach worked wonders as I answered almost all quant questions correctly and maintained a positive mindset throughout the test. I realized the importance of staying calm and focused, which helped me avoid silly mistakes and manage my time effectively.
Importance of Error logs
Throughout my GMAT preparation, maintaining error logs played a crucial role in identifying and rectifying my mistakes. Initially, I found the process tedious and time-consuming, often skipping some columns that were suggested by e-GMAT. However, as I progressed, I realized the importance of diligently tracking my errors. Keeping detailed records of where I went wrong—whether it was in understanding the question, solving it, or choosing the right option—helped me spot patterns in my mistakes. This reflection allowed me to address specific weaknesses systematically. By the end of my preparation, I understood that the error logs were not just about recording mistakes but about learning from them and ensuring I didn't repeat them. Had I taken them more seriously from the beginning, I believe my preparation would have been even more efficient.
Final Scores and Improvements
Here are my final scores:
* Overall Score: 685 (97th percentile)
* Verbal: 81 (70th percentile)
* Quant: 88 (95th percentile)
* Data Insights: 83 (96th percentile)
To all GMAT aspirants, my advice is simple:
* Stay Calm: Going into the test without the fear of losing helped me stay focused.
* Error Logs: Though tedious, maintaining error logs helped identify and rectify recurring mistakes.
* Follow the Process: Stick to the curriculum and process diligently without skipping any steps.
In the end, it’s all about perseverance and the right strategy. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck, and remember, with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your GMAT goals.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope it helps you in your preparation journey.
Warm regards,
Gargi
The Beginning
When I first decided to take the GMAT, I began with some free resources available on GMAT Club and Official Guide resources. These helped me get started, but I soon realized I needed a structured approach to my preparation. After thorough research on GMAT Club reviews and advice from colleagues who had already taken the GMAT, I finally decided to purchase a subscription to e-GMAT.
My initial diagnostic score was 615. This was a decent starting point, but it left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I felt a sense of relief that I was above average and had a solid foundation to build on. On the other hand, I felt anxious and overwhelmed, knowing that I had a long way to go to reach my target score. Verbal was particularly challenging for me, and I struggled with timing and concept gaps, especially in Critical Reasoning (CR). I knew that to achieve my dream of pursuing an MBA and advancing my career, I needed a significant improvement.
Mastering Verbal
Verbal was one of my biggest challenges. When I started, my verbal score was 80, placing me in the 56th percentile. I had serious timing issues and concept gaps, particularly in Critical Reasoning (CR).
Initially, I faced issues distinguishing between different question types, which hampered my performance. It was then that I discovered the power of pre-thinking. At first, it seemed time-consuming, but as I practiced the approach diligently on 25-30 questions, it became a game-changer. My accuracy improved significantly, and by the end of my preparation, I was achieving around 60% accuracy in my last 10 attempts on Hard CR and RC questions.
This is how, I managed to improve my verbal score to 81, placing me in the 70th percentile by test day.
Mastering Quant: Leveraging Strengths
Quant was always my strong suit. When I started, my quant score was Q85, which placed me in the 88th percentile. However, I still faced challenges, especially in areas like interest questions.
One of the game-changing tools in my GMAT preparation was the P.A.C.E. AI feature from e-GMAT. This adaptive learning technology was incredibly efficient, allowing me to focus my efforts where they were most needed. The P.A.C.E. AI evaluated my performance on diagnostic quizzes and intelligently skipped concepts I had already mastered, effectively customizing my study plan. This not only saved me a tremendous amount of time—33 hours to be exact—but also ensured that I concentrated on areas requiring improvement. For instance, in the Quant section, the AI helped me bypass familiar topics and directed my attention to weaker areas like interest problems. This targeted approach significantly boosted my confidence and performance, ultimately contributing to my success on the GMAT.
In the final days, cementing quizzes played a crucial role in identifying and filling the gaps. The E-GMAT’s AI feature was a blessing. It allowed me to skip concepts I had already mastered and focus on weaker areas, saving me time and effort. The cementing quizzes helped me regain confidence and ensured no concept was left out.
I also took several mock tests during this period. For example, one mock test I took just a week before the exam revealed that I was getting stuck on initial questions, which caused a domino effect, reducing my overall score. Another mock test, taken three days before the exam, helped me fine-tune my time management strategy. This test saw me improve my quant score from a shaky 80th percentile to a solid 88th percentile, giving me the confidence I needed.
By the end of my preparation, I had managed to achieve a Q88, which placed me in the 95th percentile.
The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help
With just 10 days left before my GMAT exam, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. I realized that I hadn't taken some crucial steps correctly, and the panic started to set in. The feeling of having only a limited amount of time left, combined with the realization that I had gaps in my preparation, was overwhelming. That’s when I decided to reach out to Dhruv, my mentor. I shared a detailed analysis of my scores and gaps. This was my first cry for help, and it led to a crucial change in my strategy.
Before reaching out to Dhruv, I had taken several full-length tests that left me feeling disheartened and frustrated. My verbal scores fluctuated significantly: 78 (42nd percentile), 82, 81, and 79. These inconsistencies revealed gaps in my CR and RC performance and underscored the need for a refined strategy. My DI scores were similarly erratic: 79, 75, 67, and 79. These results highlighted a clear need for improvement in Data Sufficiency and Graph Interpretation & Table Analysis. My quant scores were more stable but still indicated areas needing attention: 85, 88, 85, and 80. The lower scores in Arithmetic were particularly concerning. This rollercoaster of emotions—from the highs of scoring well to the lows of disappointing results—made me realize the gaps in my preparation and the urgency to address them
Dhruv assessed my situation and helped me devise a plan. Despite having excellent course grades in Quant, I hadn’t done the cementing quizzes to reinforce and apply concepts. Additionally, much of the DI section remained untouched. Given all these factors, Dhruv suggested a two-pronged approach: complete the DI course with calmness and diligence, and take Quant quizzes on the portal to identify gaps and solidify skills.
Conquering Data Insights: The Final Frontier
Data Insights (DI) was a relatively new section for me. My starting score was DI76, placing me in the 68th percentile. Much of the DI section remained untouched initially, which added to my anxiety.
The E-GMAT course materials were incredibly helpful, providing me with the tools and techniques needed to tackle DI questions effectively.
I also took mock tests focusing specifically on DI. One notable improvement came from a mock test five days before the exam, where my DI score jumped from 76 to 81 percentile. This boost came from applying the strategies and tips learned from the E-GMAT course and focusing on time management during the mock test.
By diligently following the plan, I managed to improve my DI score to 83, placing me in the 96th percentile.
The Final Push: Strategic Preparation
Dhruv’s strategic advice was a game-changer. He suggested starting the exam with the Quant section, as it was my strong suit. This strategy helped set a strong tone for the entire test. Practicing cementing quizzes and revisiting weak areas in verbal boosted my confidence significantly. By implementing these strategies, my overall score improved from 615 to 685 .
Test Day: Calm Execution
On test day, I started with Quant followed by Verbal and DI, which gave me a confidence boost. This approach worked wonders as I answered almost all quant questions correctly and maintained a positive mindset throughout the test. I realized the importance of staying calm and focused, which helped me avoid silly mistakes and manage my time effectively.
Importance of Error logs
Throughout my GMAT preparation, maintaining error logs played a crucial role in identifying and rectifying my mistakes. Initially, I found the process tedious and time-consuming, often skipping some columns that were suggested by e-GMAT. However, as I progressed, I realized the importance of diligently tracking my errors. Keeping detailed records of where I went wrong—whether it was in understanding the question, solving it, or choosing the right option—helped me spot patterns in my mistakes. This reflection allowed me to address specific weaknesses systematically. By the end of my preparation, I understood that the error logs were not just about recording mistakes but about learning from them and ensuring I didn't repeat them. Had I taken them more seriously from the beginning, I believe my preparation would have been even more efficient.
Final Scores and Improvements
Here are my final scores:
* Overall Score: 685 (97th percentile)
* Verbal: 81 (70th percentile)
* Quant: 88 (95th percentile)
* Data Insights: 83 (96th percentile)
To all GMAT aspirants, my advice is simple:
* Stay Calm: Going into the test without the fear of losing helped me stay focused.
* Error Logs: Though tedious, maintaining error logs helped identify and rectify recurring mistakes.
* Follow the Process: Stick to the curriculum and process diligently without skipping any steps.
In the end, it’s all about perseverance and the right strategy. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck, and remember, with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your GMAT goals.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope it helps you in your preparation journey.
Warm regards,
Gargi
07 Jul 2024, 02:05
Kudos
Bookmarks
Indeed, an inspiring journey of hard work and commitment.
All the Best for the applications.
All the Best for the applications.
