Stick to the process

The e-GMAT approach is truly a game changer. As a non-native speaker, the e-GMAT interactive and self-pacing approach really helps me be more efficient in my preparation. I personally used Manhattan prep 7 years ago. While it was good and it helped me to score a 700, I was not able to take the next leap to 700+. This time around, I figured I needed to use a different approach to break the 700 barrier and I am proud to say that the e-GMAT approach really works.

After reading reviews on GMAT club, I decided to use e-GMAT back in late June. In my first SIGMA-X mock, I only scored a 630. The meaning based approach for sentence correction and the pre-thinking methodology for critical reasoning is a game changer BUT you really, really need to master it and do not short circuit. I personally had a time when I knew the concept, but was not able to apply it efficiently while solving questions. It was VERY frustrating and I thought about giving up the meaning based approach many times. BUT do not give up. I went back to study the materials again to master the methodology and was slowly able to use the right approach to solve questions effectively and accurately.

In addition, having an error log and analyzing every single question and every single option is super important. As mentioned by many before me, quality trumps quantity. Make sure you learn from every single question and find your weaknesses.

In my second and third SIGMA-X mock tests, I received a 760 and 750 respectively. It was really eye opening on the power of the e-GMAT material. However, because of some major technical issues in my online GMAT exam, I was only able to score 700.

After this, DJ from e-GMAT reached out to me to join the Last Mile Program (LMP) and I can tell you this was next level. The first thing we did was figure out what’s wrong and why did you score just a 700 and not more than that. The process of diagnosis was done by DJ and we figured out that I take longer on SC, CR questions – and get tired. Therefore, we started a 3 step process to solidify my ability and increase my stamina.

In the first phase 3R plan (Revise, Review and Reboot), DJ asked me to go back to review all of my previous notes. This was meant to get me back in GMAT studying mode. This phase was completed by taking a few tests on SC, CR and RC and achieving >70% accuracy.

In the next phase, I went through all of the mistakes I've made in the past through my error log. The analysis template provided by e-GMAT is super helpful and also really insightful in finding my weaknesses. In this phase, I noticed that I was getting lazy in pre-thinking so I went back to the CR material again to practice pre-thinking.

In the final phase, it was an intense 4-day cycle last mile. SIGMA-X mock -> Stress Test -> Pace Test -> Weakness Review. And I can tell you this was really important in building up stamina. One of the hiccups I had was getting a 640 on my last SIGMA-X mock test. Here I would like to especially thank DJ for continue to encourage me and keep me calm during this set back. He noticed that I had ability gaps in my SC and CR and was able to help me continue to focus and keep pace in my preparation. Some other useful test taking tips that helped me included warm-up exercises and testing at the end of the day. Every little tip helped.

Lastly, I would just like to thank DJ and the e-GMAT team for helping me achieve my target score I set back in June. Also, for everyone still hesitating, I would encourage you to fully commit to the program and stick to the process. It my take longer than you expect, but you will get there! All the best!