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Learn how Kamakshi achieved a GMAT 675 with an impressive 96th %ile in Data Insights. Discover the unique methods and exam strategies that helped her excel in DI along with other sections for a balanced and high score.
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At one point, she believed GMAT wasn’t for her. After scoring 595, self-doubt crept in and she questioned her potential. But instead of quitting, she made the right strategic changes. The result? A remarkable comeback to 695. Check out how Saakshi did it.
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02 May 2016, 12:10
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First off - I would like to thank everyone on GMATClub for posting their wide breadth of knowledge to those who are just beginning to learn the test. The reason I am posting this is because I read SO MANY fascinating stories about people scoring in the 700s. I read their stories and subconsciously placed myself in their shoes convincing myself I could do it as easily as them. I soon found out however, I was literally out of touch with reality.
Full disclosure - this is me speaking mostly off the top of my head. Grammar and thought structure may not be the best. Thanks for not judging : )
Like so many others, I decided to take on the GMAT so I could get into a mediocre online business school to get an MBA. I thought to myself, "that shouldn't be a problem, just need a 50th% score." Well, after three months of prepping, it is a problem lol.
Anyway, here is a little background on myself (I hope many of you silently browsing this forum can relate). I majored in Project Management/Acquisition and have been out of college for 5 years. Last college level math class was 7 years ago. I work in the field of contracts so I had hopes that I would be somewhat prepared given my skill set in analyzing cost data and drafting contracts. Well, it turns out, even the most skilled contracting professional (a stretch for me, I know lol) can still struggle on the GMAT. In the beginning I had a real taste of humble pie when I realized I had forgotten so many skills that one would learn in grade school/college. Anyway, I ordered the OG16 and started cranking away aimlessly. Eventually, I realized my biggest weakness was quantitative, scoring on average 16th% with verbal landing in the 50th-60th%. I signed up for Target Test Prep after month one and went through all the chapters and answered about 400 problems. I literally put my entire after-work social life on hold while studying for this nightmare of a test. HOURS I spent trying to learn the nuisances of this test. It wasn’t enough and never will be for me. My scores ranged from 490 (my first attempt two months ago) all the way down to a 450 (official test score). I still have a lot of work to do. I will caveat this for those wondering - I confidently believe that I spent too much time trying to learn the more advanced concepts (most of which I learned here on this forum) and not enough time mastering the simple ones. Obviously, this turned out to be counterproductive when it came time to answer seemingly easier questions and I wasn’t able to formulate the answer (which as you know doesn’t help since the test is adaptive). Reasons aside, regardless of what they are, scores speak for themselves and my excuses weigh as much as a feather. This all sounds extremely negative, I know. And you're probably thinking what is this man's point!? My point is to give you a message that you won't find on google. ESPECIALLY not on google! Since all you see when searching GMAT related articles are success stories of people getting high scores through various means boasting of three weeks of prep through (insert test prep company).
I'm here to tell you that scoring high on the GMAT is no easy undertaking. It's the real deal and shouldn’t be taken lightly if you're a regular Joe who doesn’t have a knack for taking math/grammar standardized tests. But don’t give up! I'm not. And to say I didn’t think about enrolling into program that doesn’t require the GMAT would be a lie. It hurt. I DO feel like an outsider on this forum and it sucks feeling like you don’t have the ability to get into Harvard if you wanted to. But, just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that this test is learnable. I hear over and over that the test has an inherent method (which can be taught). I'd like to think one day I'll figure it out. I equate it to golf which is my favorite thing in life (as you can tell by the username). Anyone can pick up a golf club and swing it at a ball... But the only way to hit long and straight is through countless hours of practice. So, even though I have little room to talk, because I haven’t improved my score at all, know that your score will improve with practice. The RIGHT practice. Listen to these great teachers here on GMATClub. Use them as inspiration as much as I do. But if it's a struggle and you think you're alone, know that you're not. Most of us 450ers are just silent because we don’t want to embarrass ourselves amongst these GMAT giants. So I'm here going on blast for you. I hope you heed my advice and KEEP GOING! Speak up and keep pressing forward. It will come, it has to. I know it will for me. Take care, and stick the dagger in the heart of the GMAT : )
In case you are wondering, my plan is to take the in person Veritas prep course in DC. Also, if anyone else has advice, let's hear it!
Take care,
Derrick
Full disclosure - this is me speaking mostly off the top of my head. Grammar and thought structure may not be the best. Thanks for not judging : )
Like so many others, I decided to take on the GMAT so I could get into a mediocre online business school to get an MBA. I thought to myself, "that shouldn't be a problem, just need a 50th% score." Well, after three months of prepping, it is a problem lol.
Anyway, here is a little background on myself (I hope many of you silently browsing this forum can relate). I majored in Project Management/Acquisition and have been out of college for 5 years. Last college level math class was 7 years ago. I work in the field of contracts so I had hopes that I would be somewhat prepared given my skill set in analyzing cost data and drafting contracts. Well, it turns out, even the most skilled contracting professional (a stretch for me, I know lol) can still struggle on the GMAT. In the beginning I had a real taste of humble pie when I realized I had forgotten so many skills that one would learn in grade school/college. Anyway, I ordered the OG16 and started cranking away aimlessly. Eventually, I realized my biggest weakness was quantitative, scoring on average 16th% with verbal landing in the 50th-60th%. I signed up for Target Test Prep after month one and went through all the chapters and answered about 400 problems. I literally put my entire after-work social life on hold while studying for this nightmare of a test. HOURS I spent trying to learn the nuisances of this test. It wasn’t enough and never will be for me. My scores ranged from 490 (my first attempt two months ago) all the way down to a 450 (official test score). I still have a lot of work to do. I will caveat this for those wondering - I confidently believe that I spent too much time trying to learn the more advanced concepts (most of which I learned here on this forum) and not enough time mastering the simple ones. Obviously, this turned out to be counterproductive when it came time to answer seemingly easier questions and I wasn’t able to formulate the answer (which as you know doesn’t help since the test is adaptive). Reasons aside, regardless of what they are, scores speak for themselves and my excuses weigh as much as a feather. This all sounds extremely negative, I know. And you're probably thinking what is this man's point!? My point is to give you a message that you won't find on google. ESPECIALLY not on google! Since all you see when searching GMAT related articles are success stories of people getting high scores through various means boasting of three weeks of prep through (insert test prep company).
I'm here to tell you that scoring high on the GMAT is no easy undertaking. It's the real deal and shouldn’t be taken lightly if you're a regular Joe who doesn’t have a knack for taking math/grammar standardized tests. But don’t give up! I'm not. And to say I didn’t think about enrolling into program that doesn’t require the GMAT would be a lie. It hurt. I DO feel like an outsider on this forum and it sucks feeling like you don’t have the ability to get into Harvard if you wanted to. But, just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that this test is learnable. I hear over and over that the test has an inherent method (which can be taught). I'd like to think one day I'll figure it out. I equate it to golf which is my favorite thing in life (as you can tell by the username). Anyone can pick up a golf club and swing it at a ball... But the only way to hit long and straight is through countless hours of practice. So, even though I have little room to talk, because I haven’t improved my score at all, know that your score will improve with practice. The RIGHT practice. Listen to these great teachers here on GMATClub. Use them as inspiration as much as I do. But if it's a struggle and you think you're alone, know that you're not. Most of us 450ers are just silent because we don’t want to embarrass ourselves amongst these GMAT giants. So I'm here going on blast for you. I hope you heed my advice and KEEP GOING! Speak up and keep pressing forward. It will come, it has to. I know it will for me. Take care, and stick the dagger in the heart of the GMAT : )
In case you are wondering, my plan is to take the in person Veritas prep course in DC. Also, if anyone else has advice, let's hear it!
Take care,
Derrick
02 May 2016, 13:29
Kudos
Bookmarks
Leftygolfer
First, I want to say that you are way ahead of me after I my first GMAT attempt, in the sense of where your head is and the resilience you're showing. Second, I think it's great to use this forum to vent from time to time, you do need to get it off your chest.
I don't want to just ramble about my entire process as far as GMAT goes, but I just happened to catch your post and it reminded me quite a bit of my history. I was 490>>530>>700. (The 530 hurt the most, emotionally) If you have any questions for me or want to pick my brain I don't mind, but it will always come down to what works for you specifically.
I think your positive attitude will help greatly in tackling the exam, so really try to keep your head up as you at least sound like you are in your post.
02 May 2016, 14:06
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atl12688
Thanks for reaching out atl12688. Feeling like you're on the cusp of ascending can be extremely motivating. I just hope others dont throw in the towel as quickly as I almost did. Realistic expectations are important for everyone : )
