Introduction : Journey of Perseverance and Growth!
The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of resilience, adaptability, and strategy. This is the story of a supply chain consultant who started with a 555 on their first GMAT mock and, after a year of focused preparation, achieved an impressive 765 on the GMAT Focus Edition (90th percentile in Quant, 90th percentile in Verbal, and 84th percentile in Data Insights). Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the right strategies. The student was able to improve their GMAT score from 500+ range to 700+
Background
The student graduated in 2022 and worked as a supply chain consultant. They decided to take the GMAT to prepare for their MBA aspirations. Like many test-takers, their journey began with significant challenges, particularly in quant and time management.
Initial Struggles
- First Mock: In August 2023, the student scored a 555 on their first mock exam.
- Second Mock: After five months of studying, they took another mock in February 2024 and scored the same—555.
At this point, they realized their quant fundamentals were weak, which compounded time management issues. Their struggles in quant also negatively impacted their performance in Data Insights, as the sections are closely related.
The Turning Point
Reset and Refocus
- February to March 2024: The student decided to take a breather to avoid burnout and frustration. This pause allowed them to reset their mindset and approach the GMAT with renewed focus.
Structured Preparation
- April 2024: They enrolled in a structured online course with personalized mentorship, which became a game-changer. The mentorship provided targeted guidance and accountability, helping them tackle their weak areas effectively.
Intensive Practice
- April to July 2024: Over the next three months, the student completed over 1,000 practice questions and took four additional mock exams. This rigorous practice helped them internalize concepts, improve timing, and build confidence.
Key Strategies for Success
1. Design the Right Test Order
Choosing the optimal test order is critical for staying composed on test day. The student selected Quant first, followed by Verbal, and then Data Insights. This order allowed them to start with their strongest subject while ensuring they tackled a section they felt comfortable with at the beginning of the test when nerves were highest.
2. Internalize the Adaptive Nature of the GMAT
The GMAT is adaptive, meaning question difficulty fluctuates based on performance. The student learned not to let easy or hard questions disrupt their rhythm. They focused on solving each question in front of them without overanalyzing its difficulty.
3. Use Emergency Techniques
Encountering unsolvable questions is inevitable. The student practiced deep breathing to stay composed and maintain focus. This technique helped them move past difficult questions without letting frustration affect their performance on subsequent ones.
4. Let Go of Perfection
Time management was a significant challenge early on. To address this, the student adopted a no-ego approach—letting go of the need to answer every question perfectly. Instead, they prioritized solving questions within the time limits and moved on when necessary, trusting their ability to make up time later if needed.
5. Simulate Test Day Conditions
The student replicated test day conditions in every mock exam. They ate the same snacks, drank from the same water bottle, followed the same section order, and took breaks at the same times. This routine made test day feel familiar and robotic, allowing them to focus entirely on the questions.
Test Day and Results
In July 2024, the student took the GMAT Focus Edition and scored an outstanding 765, with sectional percentiles of 90 in Quant, 90 in Verbal, and 84 in Data Insights. The score was the culmination of a year of persistence, strategic preparation, and self-discipline.
Final Takeaways
- Find the Right Mentor: Personalized mentorship can make a significant difference. The guidance and accountability helped the student overcome their weak areas efficiently.
- Practice with Purpose: Improvement doesn’t happen overnight. Consistent practice, review, and adjustment are essential.
- Stay Composed: Mental resilience is as important as academic preparation. Develop techniques to stay calm and focused during the test.
- Trust the Process: Progress can feel slow at times, but persistence pays off. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Conclusion
The GMAT is a challenging exam, but with the right mindset and strategies, success is within reach. This student’s journey of scoring 555 in GMAT to 765 is proof that perseverance and adaptability can overcome even the toughest challenges. To all future test-takers: believe in yourself, trust the process, and never give up. Your dream score is achievable—one step at a time!
The student was thereby able to improve his GMAT score from 500 to 700 over a period of 9ish months through persistence and multiple attempts!