Mastering the GMAT: A Personal Journey to Success

Introduction

Hi there! My name is Jiv Kim, and I’m excited to share my journey with you as I navigated the GMAT, a crucial step in my academic career at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Graduating with the class of 2014 was a significant milestone, but getting there required overcoming the challenges posed by the GMAT. If you’re preparing for this test, I hope my experiences and tips will help you achieve the scores you desire!

My First Encounter with the GMAT

Let me start by being completely honest: my first attempt at the GMAT was a disaster. I had no business taking the test at that time. I didn’t prepare, I didn’t study, and I didn’t even know what the test format looked like. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t finish, and it was a humbling experience. But it was also a wake-up call.

Learning from Mistakes

After that first attempt, I realized that I needed to take this seriously. I decided to enroll in a GMAT preparation class. This was a game-changer for me. Being in a structured environment allowed me to familiarize myself with the test format and the types of questions I would encounter. Plus, I had the opportunity to ask instructors questions whenever I got stuck, which was incredibly beneficial.

Finding My Study Method

While the class provided a solid foundation, I found that the real progress came when I started studying on my own. I developed a systematic approach to tackle the GMAT, which I’d like to share with you. Here are the four steps that helped me improve my scores:

Step 1: Get the Right Resources

First and foremost, I recommend purchasing the GMAC book of problem sets. Since they are the creators of the GMAT, their materials are invaluable. I went through every single problem in the book, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of the test.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

Whenever I got a question wrong, I would take a moment to identify what type of problem it was. Was it a quantitative question about distance, percentages, or statistics? Pinpointing the problem type was crucial in understanding where I needed to focus my efforts.

Step 3: Analyze Your Mistakes

Next, I would ask myself why I got the question wrong. Was it due to unfamiliarity with the topic, carelessness, or time management issues? By analyzing my mistakes, I could better understand my weaknesses and address them directly.

Step 4: Correct and Reinforce

Once I identified the problem and the reason for my mistake, I would correct it. I made sure to understand the solution thoroughly and practiced similar problems multiple times to solidify my understanding. This repetition built my confidence and prepared me for the actual test.

Creating Flashcards

To further reinforce my learning, I created flashcards for the problems I got wrong. On the front, I wrote the question, and on the back, I included the solution along with key concepts to remember. This technique helped me train my brain to think critically about similar problems in the future.

Building Confidence

Ultimately, the goal of these four steps was to build my confidence. When I walked into the test center, I wanted to feel prepared and capable. I knew I had strengthened my weaknesses and improved my speed. This confidence was key to my success.

🧠 Final Thoughts

As you embark on your GMAT journey, remember that preparation is essential. Don’t hesitate to seek help, whether through classes or study groups. And if you’re looking for a way to track your progress, consider using GMAT Sprint. It’s a fantastic platform that can help you stay organized and focused on your study goals.

Good Luck!

I wish you the best of luck in your GMAT preparation. Remember, it’s not just about the score; it’s about the journey and the skills you develop along the way. Stay positive, keep practicing, and you’ll achieve the results you’re aiming for!