Setting the StageI am an Indian graduate from the prestigious institution, IIT, classified as a GEM (General Engineering Male) candidate. In the latter part of 2023, I contemplated taking the GMAT exam, recognizing its potential to unlock opportunities at elite business schools globally, thus enhancing my career prospects.
Similar to many engineers, I possessed a natural affinity for mathematics and approached numbers without trepidation. Despite my demanding 12-hour daily job, I committed to preparing for the GMAT, fully aware of the challenges ahead.
Embracing the mantra,
"Quality always trumps Quantity," I embarked on my journey.
e-GMAT & its Last Mile Push ProgramFollowing extensive research on test preparation companies, I opted for e-GMAT due to its strong online presence and numerous recommendations from peers. Upon joining in October's third week, I was promptly enrolled in the Last Mile Push program, where I was assigned, a dedicated mentor named Akash.
My initial conversation with Akash instilled a newfound confidence. Assessing my ability level at 555, he highlighted areas requiring the most improvement, particularly Verbal and DI.
Akash's mentoring approach seamlessly aligned with my learning style. He devised a meticulously structured plan leading up to the exam, setting clear weekly milestones and precise instructions. By distributing target scores across sections, he minimized the risk of falling short.
My Verbal Preparation- Mastering Comprehension – This foundational Verbal course proved invaluable, eliminating the need for rereading sentences. Initially daunting, longer fully-underlined sentences became manageable by the course's end.
- Critical Reasoning – Employing the Pre-Thinking approach in CR proved effective. Simplified as visualizing the question stem, negating assumptions, and selecting the correct option, this method was instrumental in enhancing my CR skills.
- Reading Comprehension – With clear instructions provided, I honed my RC skills, focusing on completing passages within the allotted timeframes. Summarizing each paragraph facilitated quicker reference during question-solving.
My Quant PreparationGiven my proficiency in Quant, I approached this section with confidence. Leveraging process skills, I solidified conceptual understanding, emphasizing careful consideration of question stems.
My DI PreparationSimilar to Quant, DI came naturally to me. However, e-GMAT's tailored courses enhanced my DI skills, aligning with the exam's application-based nature and fostering data literacy.
Scholaraniume-GMAT's Scholaranium platform, a unique feature, facilitated progress tracking and targeted practice. Offering a plethora of questions categorized by difficulty and topic, it enabled focused improvement.
D-Day – Achieving a score of 645 (Q86, V81, DI78), I experienced nervousness throughout the exam. Despite believing in my potential, pressure undoubtedly influenced my performance, particularly in DI.
Mock Exam StrategiesFirstly, I focused on building stamina by prioritizing longer quizzes from various subsections, which enhanced my endurance for the mock exams. Secondly, I emphasized strategizing accuracy and time management by establishing predetermined accuracy benchmarks and allocating specific time frames for each question block. Thirdly, I replicated exam conditions by scheduling mock exams at similar times to the actual test, thereby simulating exam-day circumstances and reducing anxiety. Lastly, I dedicated the final days of preparation to reviewing mock exams, spacing them apart for thorough analysis and maintenance of an
error log, which proved indispensable in identifying and addressing weaknesses. These strategies collectively contributed to my success on the GMAT.
Final ThoughtsThe GMAT is a challenging test that assesses one's ability to make decisions under pressure, a quality highly regarded by B-schools. While occasionally daunting, it ultimately tests decision-making skills, prompting candidates to allocate time judiciously.
To all GMAT aspirants, may this journey inspire and impart valuable lessons. Best of luck to each of you! 😊