Alex Johnson
GMAT Instructor
Hey there! If you're reading this, chances are you're on your own GMAT journey, and I want to share my story with you. It's a tale of ups and downs, of learning and growth, and ultimately, of breaking through psychological barriers. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!
I graduated with a degree in business economics and started my career in the finance industry as a private equity analyst. After a couple of years, I transitioned into strategy, where I’ve been working for the past three years. My role involves capacity management, workforce management, and performance management, which keeps me on my toes!
In 2021, I realized I had hit a ceiling in my career and needed to catapult my professional growth. That’s when I decided to pursue an MBA. I spoke to mentors and family members, weighing my options between the GMAT and other exams like the CAT. The GMAT seemed more manageable for my busy schedule, and it opened up a world of B-school opportunities.
Like many students, I started my GMAT preparation with a bit of Google research. I stumbled upon various platforms and resources, and my first attempt was with a popular prep company. I thought my strong quantitative background would make the GMAT a piece of cake, but I quickly learned that it was more challenging than I anticipated.
After months of preparation, I took my first GMAT exam and scored a disappointing 650. I was devastated. I had been scoring much higher in my practice tests, so I couldn’t understand what went wrong. I thought I just needed to study harder, so I took a couple of months to prepare again.
After my second attempt, I scored 640. It was a wake-up call. I realized that simply putting in hours of study wasn’t enough. I needed to analyze my mistakes and understand my weaknesses. I started to feel the pressure mounting, especially since I was juggling work and preparation.
After my third attempt, where I scored 670, I decided to seek professional help. I found a mentor who specialized in verbal preparation. I was frustrated because my practice test scores were consistently high, but they weren’t translating to the actual exam. My mentor helped me identify the psychological barriers I was facing.
One of the most significant changes in my approach came when my mentor advised me to stop studying altogether for a while. It sounded counterintuitive, but I took her advice. I booked my next exam just 25 days later and didn’t study during that time. Instead, I focused on relaxing and clearing my mind.
When I walked into the exam room for my final attempt, I felt free. I had made peace with my previous scores and was ready to give it my all without the pressure of expectations. To my surprise, I scored above 700! It was a moment of pure joy and relief.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that preparation is only half the battle. The GMAT is as much a psychological test as it is an academic one. Here are my top three pieces of advice for anyone preparing for the GMAT:
As I wrap up my applications, I feel a sense of accomplishment and growth. The GMAT journey taught me resilience and the importance of mental well-being. If you’re looking for a way to track your GMAT progress and stay organized, consider using GMAT Sprint. It’s a fantastic platform that can help you monitor your preparation and keep you on track.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I hope my story inspires you to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles you face. Good luck with your GMAT preparation!
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