Hello fellow GMAT aspirants! I'm Avnit Jha, currently working as an analyst in the corporate analytics and revenue strategy field. I recently scored a 725 on the GMAT with V89, Q88, and DI81. When I started my journey, my target score was 705, and I was pleasantly surprised while I saw that 725 pop-up on the screen.
When I started my GMAT preparation, my biggest areas of weakness where CR and DI. DI I knew that I would be able to pull off DI 80-81, but CR was where I was most underconfident.
The biggest challenge with CR was getting stuck between the last two answer choices and in most cases selecting the incorrect answer choice. Those inference questions were particularly challenging!
After researching various preparation options, I decided to enroll in e-GMAT's course. The structured approach, detailed explanations, and data-driven tools aligned perfectly with my analytical mindset.
How I scored V89:Pre-thinking completely transformed my CR performance. Initially, I was skeptical because it seemed to slow me down. I wondered, "Is this right for me?" But when I persisted and integrated it with my
error log analysis, everything changed.
Once I developed a rhythm with pre-thinking, it actually started saving me time while dramatically improving my accuracy. During the actual GMAT, I was confident about almost every answer I selected - for all but one question where I was genuinely at my limit.
What surprised me most was how pre-thinking skills transferred to other sections. In Reading Comprehension, I could skim passages more efficiently and identify key details. In Data Insights, the logical reasoning portions became "like a brisk walk." Even some Quant questions benefited from the structured thinking approach.
The Error Log: My Secret WeaponThe
error log was transformative for my preparation. Initially, I resisted focusing on my mistakes, thinking, "Why should I spend time on something that shows my errors?"
But the e-GMAT
error log provided granular insights I hadn't considered. Even when I got a question wrong, I discovered I was getting certain aspects right. For example, in inference questions, I might understand the first part correctly but miss the second part due to rushing or conceptual gaps.
This detailed breakdown allowed me to see exactly where I needed improvement rather than making vague conclusions like "I'm weak in inference questions." Once I identified these specific pain points, they became much easier to address.
Quant Score – Q88:Quant was initially my stronger area, given my background in analytics. I focused on maintaining this strength through consistent practice and applying the error-logging approach I used for Verbal.
On test day, I faced an interesting challenge - when easier questions started appearing, I momentarily doubted myself ("Did I make mistakes on the earlier questions?"). But I remained confident in my process and maintained focus. I ended up with a Q88, just shy of the Q90 I was targeting, but still an excellent score.
DI Score – DI81For the Data Insights section, I applied the skills I had developed in both Verbal and Quant.
While DI wasn't my strongest section initially, my performance improved significantly with practice. The key was approaching each question type with the appropriate strategy and managing my time effectively.
Test Day Preparation and StrategyMy test day strategy was carefully planned:
- Section Order: I chose to start with DI (my comparatively weaker section), followed by Verbal (my strongest), then a break, and finally Quant. This allowed me to build confidence as I progressed.
- Mental Preparation: I trained myself to focus on one question at a time without fixating on the overall score. I prepared positive self-talk scripts to use during the test and between sections.
- Simulating Test Conditions: I intentionally practiced under adverse conditions - for example, setting the AC temperature very cold (since we don't control the test center environment). This prepared me to maintain focus regardless of external factors.
- First Four Questions: I made sure to get the first four questions in each section correct, as they significantly impact the adaptive algorithm.
During the test, I experienced moments of self-doubt, especially after the DI section. But I used my practiced self-talk techniques during the break to reset my focus for the remaining sections. What felt like "magic" on test day was actually the result of meticulous preparation meeting opportunity.
Key Takeaways:- Don't fixate on mock scores - They're just yardsticks for your journey. Focus on identifying and addressing your specific weaknesses instead.
- Use a detailed error log - Don't just categorize mistakes broadly. Dig deeper to understand exactly where and why you're making errors, then target those specific areas.
- Focus on the question in front of you - During the test, don't worry about your overall score or whether questions seem too easy or difficult. Trust your preparation and focus solely on the current question.
- Prepare for the environment, not just the content - Simulate test conditions, practice positive self-talk, and have strategies ready for when things don't go as planned.
Remember that GMAT success is less about natural ability and more about structured preparation, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. When thorough preparation meets opportunity, that's when the "magic" happens.
I'm happy to answer any questions about my journey or provide more specific insights into my preparation strategies. Good luck to all of you on your GMAT journey!