Having studied for GMAT using various resources (Magoosh, TTP, Manhattan Verbal Books, Official Guide) for 9 months, I managed to increase my score from 620 (first attempt) to 680 (second and third attemp) but my score hit the plateau at 680. I didn’t have any problem on quant side(usually scored 49-50) but my verbal scores were inconsistent and far away from my target (fluctuated around 27-34). I was targeting for 700+ score, and I decided to work with a Private tutor. I was always amazed with Gmat Ninja videos on Youtube, so I knocked their door without a second thought.

The level of care and attention they give to their students was apparent even before I started my first session. They really dig into detail about how did I study for gmat, which materials I have used, my practice and actual exam scores and tried to understand my situation. I luckily had a chance to work with Harry. From the moment we start tutoring, he was super attentive and patient. He uncovered each factor that keeps me away from my target score in detail and forced me to apply the right concepts and thought process for approaching each question. He was like a traffic police that calls out and immediately corrects each flaw in my thought process. The only thing left on my part was to follow the steps that Harry laid down for me and be disciplined througout the process. After four sessions with Harry, I felt much more confident on Verbal and increased my accuracy rates significantly. Finally, I passed the 700 barrier and scored 710 (V38-Q49).

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To give an overview of my profile and application journey, I applied to 3 M7, 2 T15, and 1 T20 schools. I have below average GMAT and GPA for all of them except 1 T20 school. I knew that I had to craft excellent applications and show the schools that I deeply researched them to stand a chance. And I did that with amazing resources at ApplicantLab. I went 5/6 on interviews and was accepted to Stern and UNC Kenan-Flagler ($$$$). At the start, ApplicantLab does a great job of establishing the right foundation(crafting your vision, why MBA, leadership stories, and resume) – I highly recommend the add-on service Sanity-Check-, which you build upon in later stages(essays and interviews) of your application. After that, Essay Advice and Interview Prep modules give you all you need to know to write killer essays and put your best foot forward during interviews.  Maria and her team are super responsive and they really care about the applicant’s success. I used all of their add-on services (sanity check, resume and essay review/polishing, interview prep), which I benefited a lot. In one instance, when I was running out of time to have an essay polishing service for one school before the deadline, Maria advised me to not take the risk and proceed without a polishing service, even though the advice was not in their best interest monetarily. I think this applicant-centric viewpoint and exceptionally detailed information make them the best consulting service out there.  To anyone interested in add-on services, I worked with Luqzan for my sanity check, essay/resume reviews, and interview prep. His help and the care he took were incredible throughout my application process. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

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