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Apr 2512:30 AM EDT
-01:30 AM EDT
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.
Apr 2601:30 AM EDT
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Learn how Keshav, a Chartered Accountant, scored an impressive 705 on GMAT in just 30 days with GMATWhiz's expert guidance. In this video, he shares preparation tips and strategies that worked for him, including the mock, time management, and more.
Apr 2610:00 AM EDT
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The Target Test Prep course represents a quantum leap forward in GMAT preparation, a radical reinterpretation of the way that students should study. Try before you buy with a 5-day, full-access trial of the course for FREE!
Apr 2711:00 AM EDT
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Prefer video-based learning? The Target Test Prep OnDemand course is a one-of-a-kind video masterclass featuring 400 hours of lecture-style teaching by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder of Target Test Prep and one of the most accomplished GMAT instructors
Apr 2808:00 AM PDT
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Whether you are just beginning your MBA journey or fine-tuning your path to a 700+ score, GMAT Day is designed to give you a competitive edge.
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Free- full-length test + 15 concept videos + 150+ short videos + study plan!
26 May 2025, 05:24
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From 555 to 665: My First Attempt GMAT Success Story
Hello GMAT Club Members,
I'm thrilled to share my GMAT journey with all of you! I recently scored 665 on my first attempt at the GMAT Focus Edition, which represents a remarkable 110-point improvement from my diagnostic mock score of 555. Here's how I managed to achieve a 90th percentile score in just two months of focused preparation.
Initial Scores and Background
Diagnostic Score: 555
Final Score: 665 (90th percentile, equivalent to 720 on GMAT Classic)
As someone who had been out of academics for several years, I knew I had significant ground to cover, especially in getting back that academic momentum and recalling fundamental concepts.
Choosing e-GMAT
After extensive research and speaking with multiple people who had taken the GMAT, I was recommended e-GMAT by a close friend. What attracted me most was their PERSONALISED STUDY PLAN. Unlike other prep methods where you're left wondering how much to study each day, e-GMAT provided a clear roadmap based on:
This eliminated the guesswork and allowed me to focus purely on execution.
Quant Journey: Q74 to Q87
Initial Challenges
Key Breakthrough
The e-GMAT course taught me to focus on:
Diagnostic-Based Learning (PACE Engine)
One feature that saved me significant time was the diagnostic test before each topic. If I scored well, I could skip basic videos and jump directly to medium-level questions. This was crucial given my 2-month timeline.
Test Day Strategy
My approach during the actual exam:
This strategy was game-changing and something I practiced extensively during my preparation.
Verbal Journey: V80 to V84
Primary Challenge: Inference Questions
My biggest struggle was with inference-based questions where I'd get confused between seemingly correct answer choices. The e-GMAT analytics clearly identified this as my weak area.
Game-Changer: Pre-thinking Technique
This was probably the most impactful strategy I learned:
What is Pre-thinking?
Why It Works:
Important Note: Pre-thinking is a skill that takes time to develop. Don't expect immediate results - it requires consistent practice to build this "muscle memory," similar to how international cricketers anticipate deliveries.
Data Insights: Strategic Decision
Conscious Trade-off
Given my 2-month timeline, I made a strategic decision to focus on my stronger areas (Quant and Verbal) rather than trying to master all three sections equally.
Limited DI Preparation
This decision allowed me to maximize improvement in areas where I had a stronger foundation.
Mock Test Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
Only 3 Mocks Total
This was a conscious decision to focus on quality over quantity in my mock test preparation.
Key Insight: Mocks Can Be Misleading
Test Day Mindset
Even after scoring poorly on my final mock (575) the day before the exam, I maintained a calm approach:
Test Day Experience
Environment Management
Section Strategy
Started with Quant (my strongest section) to build confidence, followed by Verbal and DI.
Key Takeaways and Advice
1. Structured Preparation is Crucial
2. Question Comprehension > Calculation Speed
3. Strategic Time Management
4. Mindset Matters Most
5. Focus on Your Strengths
Final Thoughts
Achieving 665 on my first attempt was honestly surprising, but it reinforced that consistent, structured preparation combined with the right mindset can lead to significant improvements in a short timeframe.
For anyone starting their GMAT journey: trust the process, focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than just practicing questions, and remember that your mental approach on test day can make or break your performance.
The GMAT is as much about strategy and mindset as it is about knowledge. With the right preparation approach, significant score improvements are absolutely achievable.
Good luck to all future test-takers!
Hello GMAT Club Members,
I'm thrilled to share my GMAT journey with all of you! I recently scored 665 on my first attempt at the GMAT Focus Edition, which represents a remarkable 110-point improvement from my diagnostic mock score of 555. Here's how I managed to achieve a 90th percentile score in just two months of focused preparation.
Initial Scores and Background
Diagnostic Score: 555
Final Score: 665 (90th percentile, equivalent to 720 on GMAT Classic)
- Quant: Q74 → Q87 (13-point improvement)
- Verbal: V80 → V84 (4-point improvement)
- Data Insights: D78
As someone who had been out of academics for several years, I knew I had significant ground to cover, especially in getting back that academic momentum and recalling fundamental concepts.
Choosing e-GMAT
After extensive research and speaking with multiple people who had taken the GMAT, I was recommended e-GMAT by a close friend. What attracted me most was their PERSONALISED STUDY PLAN. Unlike other prep methods where you're left wondering how much to study each day, e-GMAT provided a clear roadmap based on:
- My diagnostic score
- Available study hours (4 hours weekdays, 6 hours weekends)
- Target exam date
- Specific focus areas
This eliminated the guesswork and allowed me to focus purely on execution.
Quant Journey: Q74 to Q87
Initial Challenges
- Question Comprehension: GMAT quant questions are deliberately complex in their framing, even when the solution is straightforward
- Time Management: I would spend too much time on difficult questions, missing easier ones later
Key Breakthrough
The e-GMAT course taught me to focus on:
- Breaking down question stems systematically
- Understanding exactly what the question is asking before attempting to solve
- Recognizing that GMAT quant success is more about comprehension than calculation
Diagnostic-Based Learning (PACE Engine)
One feature that saved me significant time was the diagnostic test before each topic. If I scored well, I could skip basic videos and jump directly to medium-level questions. This was crucial given my 2-month timeline.
Test Day Strategy
My approach during the actual exam:
- Move on quickly from questions I couldn't solve within 2 minutes
- Mark my best guess and flag for review
- Finished with 10 minutes to spare, allowing me to revisit 3-4 flagged questions
- Changed 3 answers during review (GMAT allows up to 3 changes)
This strategy was game-changing and something I practiced extensively during my preparation.
Verbal Journey: V80 to V84
Primary Challenge: Inference Questions
My biggest struggle was with inference-based questions where I'd get confused between seemingly correct answer choices. The e-GMAT analytics clearly identified this as my weak area.
Game-Changer: Pre-thinking Technique
This was probably the most impactful strategy I learned:
What is Pre-thinking?
- After reading the passage and question stem, pause before looking at answer choices
- Anticipate what the correct answer should address
- Look for conjunctions, contradictions, or shifts in author's tone as trigger points
- Develop 2-3 mental notes about possible correct directions
Why It Works:
- You approach answer choices with a clear expectation
- Reduces confusion between trap answers
- Builds pattern recognition for different question types
- Creates a muscle memory for logical reasoning
Important Note: Pre-thinking is a skill that takes time to develop. Don't expect immediate results - it requires consistent practice to build this "muscle memory," similar to how international cricketers anticipate deliveries.
Data Insights: Strategic Decision
Conscious Trade-off
Given my 2-month timeline, I made a strategic decision to focus on my stronger areas (Quant and Verbal) rather than trying to master all three sections equally.
Limited DI Preparation
- Data Sufficiency: This was my only focus area within DI
- Key Challenge: Avoiding the trap of using both statements when only one is sufficient
- Strategy: Resist the natural instinct to combine Statement 1 and 2
This decision allowed me to maximize improvement in areas where I had a stronger foundation.
Mock Test Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
Only 3 Mocks Total
This was a conscious decision to focus on quality over quantity in my mock test preparation.
Key Insight: Mocks Can Be Misleading
- Mock performance depends heavily on mental state
- Too many mocks can create false confidence or unnecessary anxiety
- Focus on learning from each mock rather than the score itself
Test Day Mindset
Even after scoring poorly on my final mock (575) the day before the exam, I maintained a calm approach:
- "Nothing to lose" mentality
- Focus on the present question only
- Don't think about performance while taking the test
Test Day Experience
Environment Management
- Arrived early to avoid last-minute stress
- Used provided headphones to block distractions
- Sat slightly lower in the cubicle to limit peripheral vision
- Focused only on my screen - not on other test-takers
Section Strategy
Started with Quant (my strongest section) to build confidence, followed by Verbal and DI.
Key Takeaways and Advice
1. Structured Preparation is Crucial
- Having a day-by-day study plan removes decision fatigue
- Knowing exactly what to study each day improves efficiency
- Diagnostic-based learning saves time on topics you already know
2. Question Comprehension > Calculation Speed
- Spend time understanding what each question is really asking
- Break down complex question stems systematically
- Remember: GMAT tests reasoning, not computation
3. Strategic Time Management
- Don't get stuck on any single question
- Mark your best guess and move on
- Use review time strategically at the end
4. Mindset Matters Most
- Stay calm and focused during the actual exam
- Don't overthink mock test scores
- Trust your preparation on test day
5. Focus on Your Strengths
- Given limited time, improve areas where you have a foundation
- Make strategic trade-offs rather than trying to master everything
Final Thoughts
Achieving 665 on my first attempt was honestly surprising, but it reinforced that consistent, structured preparation combined with the right mindset can lead to significant improvements in a short timeframe.
For anyone starting their GMAT journey: trust the process, focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than just practicing questions, and remember that your mental approach on test day can make or break your performance.
The GMAT is as much about strategy and mindset as it is about knowledge. With the right preparation approach, significant score improvements are absolutely achievable.
Good luck to all future test-takers!
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26 May 2025, 08:21
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Congrats and all the best going ahead!
27 May 2025, 10:59
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Congrats on the score and thanks for sharing your story!
Vidds0214
