Hi everyone, I'm Priya Vohera, currently pursuing my MBA Finance from SPJIMR and a NMIMS BSc Finance graduate (2021). Like many of you, I juggled academics with work experience (22 months at a boutique investment bank and an NBFC). In 2022, I gave the CAT, but due to a heavy workload, I couldn't prepare effectively. My score reflected that (84th percentile). However,
SPJIRM's profile-based call gave me a second chance.
The twist? I had only
4 weeks left to the GMAT deadline.
Taking the GMAT Bull by the Horns:
Knowing time was tight, I went into overdrive. Here's what worked for me:
- GMAT OG Bundle Deep Dive: I started by thoroughly reviewing the Official Guide Bundle (Verbal, Quant, Guide, and Advanced Questions).
- Diagnostic Test: I took the mba.com diagnostic test to assess my strengths and weaknesses. This was crucial in categorizing topics by difficulty (A - Strong, B - Needs Improvement, C - Requires Deep Dive). My initial score was a decent 680.
- Level Up with Practice: I tackled 700-800 level type questions on GMAT Club for each topic (categorized in step 2). This pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
- Final Mock Exam: Before the real test, I took one last mock to simulate test-day conditions and identify any lingering areas for improvement.
- Exam Day: On the GMAT day, I stayed calm and avoided last-minute revisions. Although nervous about the limited prep time, I was determined to give it my all.
The Result? A 750 GMAT!
Key Takeaways:
This crash course wasn't easy, but it taught me valuable lessons:
- Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your weak areas and prioritize improvement.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the question format and time constraints.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Exam day nerves are normal. Take deep breaths and focus on each question.
Remember, everyone's GMAT journey is unique. What worked for me might not be the perfect fit for you. Find your study style, utilize the available resources, and most importantly, believe in yourself!
All the best for your GMAT journey!