So, I finally got done with the second attempt of GMAT as was relieved to see a satisfactory 750 (Q50, V41). My journey/story for this is detailed below.

I started toying with the idea of GMAT in my final year of college education, when I learned about the deferred MBA programs offered by several universities. But the deadline was close (3 months) and I couldn't make it. However, given how important GMAT is in application to the any university, I wanted to get done with it asap. So, after reading a lot of debriefs on GMAT Club and talking to a close friend, I took the EGMAT Verbal course. It was suited to me for primarily 2 reasons:
1. It allowed me to study at my own pace and in my own style, and
2. It was reasonably priced, given the USD/INR conversion and my not so strong financial background

After studying for the verbal section for about 5-6 months, I took my first GMAT Prep Mock Test confident (more like overconfident) about my Quant abilities and wanting to know my standing in Verbal. The score was obviously very poor, and I realized that I can't take Quant for granted.

Needing guidance with Quant, I decided to stick with EGMAT because I had gotten familiar with their teaching style, and it suited me. After spending another 20-25 days on EGMAT Quant, I wrote the second GMAT Prep Mock Test. This time my score (700) was consoling and I thought I can now build on this and eventually achieve my target score (760).

After practicing problems for another 10 days, I again took the GMAT Prep Mock Tests (3&4) and scored consistent 750. Thinking at this point about all debriefs where test takers scored more in real tests as compared to mocks, I booked my GMAT slot for May 4, 2019 (2 days after my 4th mock test). I scored a dismal 700 (V35, Q49) in this test and was extremely disappointed.

Having taken a blow, I analysed what went wrong and came up with the following points:
1. I had not practiced enough number of questions (750 made me overconfident that I'll sail through)
2. I did not keep a safety margin in the expectation of GMAT score (thought 750 could be made 760 but not that 750 can also become 700)
3. Did not take enough mocks (I took only 2 proper mocks)

Learning from my mistakes, I decided to prepare again, and did the following things differently this time:
1. I practiced a lot of questions (500-600 questions of Verbal and 300-400 questions of Quant)
2. Took MGMAT's mock test pack
3. Aimed for 770/780 in mocks

After hitting all the above targets, I booked the date for GMAT again, and scored a 750 (Q50, V41) in my second attempt. Although I could have scored better had I managed my time better in Verbal section (had 2 minutes for last 4 questions), I was satisfied with the score and with the fact that I wouldn't be rejected because of my GMAT score by any university.

Key takeaways that I believe would/should come my journeys are;
1. Always have a safety margin of 10-20 point between mock and real test score
2. Practice lots of questions - it helps you understand how GMAC thinks and hence fastens your problem solving
3. Do a lot of mock tests (at least 5-6 in my opinion) - it helps in managing time better
4. Never be overconfident about your abilities

Materials referred & recommended:
1. EGMAT Verbal (especially for non-native speakers who are not grammer nazis)
2. EGMAT Quant (explains the theory really well; you may however choose any other course as well)
3. GMAT Mock Tests
4. MGMAT Mock Tests. One could also use EGMAT's SigmaX mock tests but I didn't do it.
5. GMAT Prep question banks - https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-gmatprep-questions-quant-verbal-187679.html

Cheers!

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It hurts me a little to write such a negative review but I feel it is my obligation to save other potential test takers from wasting their precious time and money. In short: do NOT use eGMAT. The quant section is absolutely awful. eGMAT is EXTREMELY shallow. They only briefly dive into each quant topic and do not provide enough examples to truly master a subject. I'm not kidding when I say for some topics they only provide 5 practice problems. In addition to this, and this is the absolute saddest part of this dreadful service, the quant problems written by eGMAT are LITTERED with grammatical errors. They are not written by native English speakers and it shows. Since this is a test prep service, this is absolutely unacceptable. Additionally, their platform is unintuitive to navigate to the point where I could not find solutions for certain questions I had answered. For reference, I've also used materials from Manhatten, Veritas, OG, GMAT Club, Powerscore, Target Test Prep and EmpowerGMAT, so I'm well aware of what options exist in the market. eGMAT is absolutely not a leading platform. Do not buy into their marketing ploys (which is how they got me). Please take this review to heart, and go with a different service that can actually help you achieve your dreams of getting into your dream school. Buyer be warned! Go elsewhere for your prep! Seriously!

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Having studied from multiple sources such as Manhattan, Official Guide, Classroom Coaching etc. I have developed a skill to separate wheat from the chaff. In my view, the quality of the eGMAT course is class apart and significantly better as compared to any other source. The program helped me develop concrete solid fundamentals, analyse my weaknesses in the scholaranium and build my stamina by giving multiple mock tests. I never had to rely on an alternate source of study to gain additional knowledge as the content of the course is highly comprehensive, elaborative and a cakewalk to understand. The e-learning course made me study at a self pace and take my fundamentals to an amazingly next level. I never thought there was a difference between "Due to" and "Because", "Do It" and "Do So" etc. Knowing the correct usage of various idioms, tenses etc. really helped in eliminating the wrong options on the fly.

I would highly recommend a test taker to enroll in the program and blindly follow it without any second thoughts. I was able to improve my score by a total of 60 points by the program :)

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I started researching about all the best available resources out there and eGMAT was the clear winner. I took their free trail, went through few materials and attended webinars. I most effective thing about eGMAT is that it is an online course, which gives you immense convenience to study at your own will and time. Also, I found solving questions online made me get used to the GMAT format a little better than solving from traditional books (I am someone who tried both. So you can take my word for it).
I purchased their quant and verbal packages right away and started the preparation.
RC Strategy
I have attended a webinar in eGMAT for RC during which a statement by Payal stuck a chord with me. She said that often times we forget that the passage is a real pice of article coming from an authentic source. It changed my perspective towards RC and made me look at passages not just like some tool through which GMAT is testing me, but like a story that’s happened in the real world. It helped me immerse into the passage and assimilate information before answering the questions. It helped me a great deal with accuracy and gradually time taken for each passage.

CR Strategy
Hands down, pre thinking strategy by eGMAT is the best approach for cracking CR questions. I know there are other ways in which you solve the arguments using equations, negation statements etc, which I think make CR complicated than it actually is. CR is essentially about our thought process, which fortunately can be developed with time through pre thinking strategy.
When I initially started practicing this strategy, I used to take a lot of time for each question but my time and accuracy were far better by the end.

SC Strategy
The quality of SC questions in eGMAT are spot on. Solved as many questions as I can and noted down each and every incorrect question into an error log (MUST). Went through the error log in regular intervals. With a lot of practice my accuracy increased from 40% to 90% by the end of my preparation.

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I enrolled with e-gmat twice. First in 2017 - haphazardly used the platform and did not follow the guidelines. This half baked preparation reflected in my first score. However, I had a distinct take away when I walked out of the exam center that the e-gmat had all the tools that I needed in the past four hours to perform better if only I had prepared seriously.

Two years later, I re-enrolled with e-gmat for my second attempt. This time followed the course to the T. Took 2 months to prepare. Scored 730.

The Concept files, application and practice quizzes builds your fundamentals for GMAT. However, scholaranium is the goldmine. This is the section that truly prepares you for the 2 hours of Verbal and Quant on the exam day. I extensively used the scholaranium to test myself through Ability quizzes and practice endlessly. 1000+ questions and each of them helps.

I have seen countless wonderful reviews of e-gmat's Verbal course and I don't have any different opinion either. But I have taken the course twice over 2 years and what stands out is that these guys evolve. And evolve for better. Check out the new CR module. SC module can't be perfected any further in my opinion. i did not use any other course/practice.

Quant - They prepare you for what gets tested - language, information overload handling and ability to concentrate. Use scholaranium ability quizzes wisely and honestly. They pretty much reflect your readiness for GMAT.

Did not use any other material/course. Used gmatclub tests for extra practice on quant, the subscription for which comes with e-gmat sign up. Gave 2 official mock tests.

I will recommend e-gmat for anyone who is not only looking to write GMAT confidently but also looking to enjoy the 4 hours of the dehydrating process.

No cheap tricks, completely online, usefully interactive, no hassle of turning pages of 6 books to cover the verbal and quant course.

Wish the e-gmat team all the best.

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My experience with e-GMAT has been stellar. After using some very disappointing resources for GMAT prep, I happened to attend a free webinar organised by the company on RC. I was blown away by the simple but effective teaching style of Payal. Her reading and comprehension tips are the same that I have always followed sub-consciously over the years as I have read books. It was only with her teaching that I understood the underlying principles. The company's constant focus on understanding meaning is by far the most effective, fool-proof and easiest approach to solve questions. It may seem daunting at first and especially so if you are used to mugging rules (or have read in others' experiences that the same is necessary). However, let it flow organically and trust the process and you will see a drastic improvement in your understanding and score within days.

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I am still currently going on with my preparation for GMAT with my exam scheduled on 17th June, so I'll only write a
short review about the course I have taken for now and the preparation. I will be writing a full detailed debrief on
how to prepare and how I went about it once I am done with the exam.

For the GMAT preparation I had already used Magoosh online course, Powerprep CR Bible and Manhattan Egmat books. I prepared for about a year,
although it wasn't a very regular preparation. I decided to take a mock before booking for the gmat date but could only score
560. After that I decided that I needed some more practice and a more structured approach. After scrolling through Gmat
Club reviews I decided to go with Egmat as it seemed to be the favorite choice among the students.

I took the Gmat Online course. I studied for 6 months- not very regularly again owing to office work, and completed the
Quants section completely but in the verbal section I could only complete it till sentence correction.I always read and
understand each thing like a scholar, probably that's why it takes me a little more time to understand each section, each
video and then apply it. This time I had already booked the exam. So, before the day arrived I could not complete the
CR and RC sections from the EGMAT course. Few days before the test, I just revised my old Manhattan and Powerprep CR Bible
notes and went on to give the test.

This time around I got a 620 in the test. Qaunts-45 and Verbal- 31, IR-6, AWA-5. I was not really satisfied as I held myself accountable
for not getting a convincing result as my target score was 740.I left the test for a few months and went about improving my
profile by completing a few certifications.As soon as I completed it, formulated a list of all the things which had led to my failure.
I shall be publishing the full list in my detailed debrief. But, the main highlight of the list was- I realised that any
failure is the result of a 'lack of consistency and accountability'. Once I fix these things I'll be well on my way to achieve my target
score. Also, even if I fail again, it does't matter because I would have improved a great deal from my earlier attempt.

You are not defeated when you fall down, you are defeated when you refuse to get up. With that in mind, I extended my egmat online course to 3 months,
with a target of consistency. I knew it's not about the content but my approach towards it.

So, far I found EGMAT to be the best course out on the internet for the simple fact that it is STRUCTURED.
There is a methodical approach in which you go about your scheme of things. The first section is the most important,
where you are told as to how to go about the course. Every section contains Videos in the form of concept files. After
you watch them and also solve some questions along with the instructor, you are introduced to the Application files.
Here, you are taught via video explanations on how to approach the actual gmat questions. Then you are introduced to the
application files where you solve time based questions. For the tougher questions video explanations are given and for others
the written explanations are really good and solidify the concepts clearly.
The course even has OG questions extracted per topic which can be solved online itself, by just referring the options from the
OG book.

After completing one module, you take an advanced timed test for that module. At each step of this process, you can track your progress
via your scores in each test. If you are not understanding a particular concept, you can refer back to that concept file,
else you can fine tune your ability by going to an excellent tool- SCHOLARANIUM. In scholaranium, you can create your own
customised test. You can choose easy, difficult or hard level questions, you can choose the time limit and You can even choose the topics
or subtopics that you would like to include in the set of questions.

After going through the course I can see a lot of improvement in my solving and understanding ability. The ESR report from the last test showed
an ability of 94% on SC which I had studied only from EGMAT. In the rest of CR and RC I got 33% each taking my score to 31.
I still have to write my test on 17th and hope to get to my target score this time around. Ps this is just a rough summary
and after the test I would be writing my complete journey- breaking it down into various phases from 560 to 620 and beyond,
how to go about things, how to ace Gmat for working professionals, the reasons for failures in any project in life,how
to fix things and achieve success and tips on each section of the test.

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The course that they have put together is very comprehensive and well structured and has played an important role in helping me reach this milestone. I followed the e-GMAT structured approach through and through and this later paid rich dividends. I was initially very skeptical because it took a lot of time, but with practice, you can see an improvement in your accuracy as well as a reduction in time required to answer the questions.

The verbal section was very comprehensive covering all the important topics in a concise way, at the same time felt that the course very well structures and that it was not too lengthy.. The quality of questions in scholoranium was also very good and was similar in style to the questions in the actual exam.

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If I can tell you one thing about e-GMAT course, I would say that it's the best resource any non-native speaker can go for. All the attributes of GMAT are beautifully covered in each specific modules. I was struggling in my preparation and didn't know what to do about the preparation; there were too much information available and I was over-whelmed with that. Fortunately, my friend who was doing his MBA told me to check out the e-GMAT.

I searched about it online and the feedback was promising; so, I decided to give it a try and attended the online session. I decided to take the plunge and believe me, it was a life-changing decision for me. I used to think that I am good to go as far as Quant section is concern but I was perplexed to see the depth of concept that has been explained in the section. It was an eye-opener for me that prepared me for the test.

However, my favorite section was the Verbal section (Sentence Correction specifically). The verbal section actually taught me the usage of different key words that not only helped me in my GMAT examination but also in my day to day conversation. One frankly need nothing but e-GMAT and official guide to prepare; I felt that the preparation was more about quality than quantity.

I am from one of the remote village in India, and I didn't have any idea about the nitty-gritties of all the elements that are tested in the examination. Without e-GMAT, I don't know what I would have done. All-in-all, the e-GMAT has the best ROI in terms of what you pay and what you get out of it.

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I would say e-GMAT is a very big reason for me achieving my GMAT goals. Starting with the strategy session where they layout the steps necessary, to the actual content which covers all the topics that you need to learn provided to you in an extremely intuitive way and then the scholaranium which provides a detailed understanding of what your are doing right or more importantly where you are going wrong. For me the biggest challenge was SC section, and I think this is where e-GMAT truly shines with its Verbal course. With concepts such as pre-thinking, error analysis, etc. they truly prepare you for the GMAT exam. I would definitely ask everyone to at least take the free class.

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