Scoring 705 or higher on the GMAT Focus Edition, corresponding to the elite 99th percentile on the GMAT Focus Edition is a remarkable feat, representing the pinnacle of performance. It is a milestone that few can proudly claim, signifying not only mastery of content but also the strategic finesse in test-taking. This is the story of Sankha, an e-GMATer who not only reached this coveted score but soared beyond it, securing a 715 on the GMAT Focus – a score that stands as a beacon of what is possible when determination meets direction.

In this comprehensive article, we delve into Sankha's effective strategies and disciplined approach to achieving excellence on the GMAT, by answering three essential questions:

Each section of Sankha’s narrative is not just a chapter in a success story; it is a guidepost for current and future GMAT aspirants. By navigating through these segments, readers will gain a framework for decision-making, strategies for acing each section of the GMAT, and most importantly, the inspiration to pursue their goals with an infectious zeal for excellence.

Central to Sankha’s verbal strategy was the meaning-based approach, particularly effective Critical Reasoning (CR), and Reading Comprehension (RC). This technique involved a thorough dissection of sentences and texts to grasp their fundamental meanings, significantly enhancing his comprehension and analytical skills. This foundational understanding was crucial, as it allowed Sankha to approach the verbal section with a deeper insight into the text's intent and logical structure.

In CR, Sankha adopted the pre-thinking method, where he anticipated possible answers before reviewing the answer choices. This strategy helped him understand the argument's underlying logic, enhancing his ability to swiftly eliminate similar but incorrect options, thereby speeding up his response time. He applied similar strategic skills to tackle Reading Comprehension, focusing on grasping the author’s intentions and the deeper meanings behind the texts. This approach allowed him to navigate complex passages effectively, debunking the myth that extensive reading alone could guarantee success in RC.

Sankha’s quantitative strategy was greatly enhanced by his use of the PACE AI (Personalized Adaptive Course Engine) feature from e-GMAT, which tailored his study plan based on an initial diagnostic assessment of his strengths and weaknesses. This innovative tool was pivotal in optimizing his study time, enabling him to focus intensively on areas needing improvement while spending less time on topics where he was already proficient, such as number properties and word problems.

By leveraging PACE AI, Sankha was able to save approximately 43 hours of study time, which he could then redirect towards his weaker areas likealgebra and geometry.

Despite his strengths in certain areas, Sankha recognized the dangers of overconfidence. He understood that mastery in familiar topics could still be refined and that there was always room for improvement. This awareness led him to continue practicing even in areas he felt confident about, ensuring a well-rounded competence across all quantitative topics.

In the final stages of his preparation, Sankha shifted his focus towards mastering medium and hard difficulty questions, particularly in areas highlighted as needing more attention. He utilized the Quant Scholaranium to simulate real exam conditions, practicing under strict time constraints and using materials that closely resembled the structure and challenges of the GMAT. This targeted practice was crucial for fine-tuning his abilities and ensuring he was well-prepared to tackle the quant section efficiently and effectively on test day, culminating in a strong quantitative performance.

Sankha leveraged e-GMAT’s newly launched DI course to master the Data Insights section of the GMAT, systematically tackling each subsection such as table analysis, graphical interpretation, two-part analysis, and multi-source reasoning.

The course's structured approach and emphasis on visualization and analytical techniques enabled him to efficiently navigate complex DI questions, minimizing reliance on manual calculations and maximizing his time efficiency. His strategic test-taking, informed by course insights, focused on leveraging his strengths and efficiently managing his time, especially in demanding sections like multi-source reasoning. The DI Cementing phase of the course, simulating exam conditions and time pressure, was crucial in honing his quick-thinking abilities, culminating in a 99th percentile score in the focus edition, where he successfully answered 14 out of 17 targeted questions correctly.

Sankha's preparation for the GMAT Verbal section was significantly enhanced through his use of the e-GMAT Scholaranium, particularly as he tackled the more challenging medium and hard difficulty questions. This tool was instrumental in identifying his precise weaknesses; for instance, while he excelled at assumption questions in Critical Reasoning, he discovered a need for more rigorous practice with strengthen/weaken questions. Sankha's strategic use of Scholaranium allowed him to pinpoint these areas for improvement, leading to targeted practice sessions that solidified his skills.

The role of Scholaranium extended beyond just pinpointing weaknesses; it also played a crucial part in building Sankha's confidence and test readiness. By simulating real test conditions and providing practice questions that closely mirrored those found in the actual GMAT, Scholaranium was essential in preparing him for the exam environment. This preparation was clearly reflected on test day, as Sankha encountered Critical Reasoning questions that were strikingly similar to those he had practiced, allowing him to answer efficiently and confidently. This effective use of Scholaranium not only reinforced his Verbal skills but also contributed significantly to his overall score of 715 on the GMAT.

Sankha’s approach to the GMAT Focus Edition (GFE) was tailored to its unique format, which is notably shorter than the classical GMAT. He recognized key differences such as fewer initial screens and the elimination of the need to send scores on test day, aspects that reduced anxiety and streamlined the testing process.

Understanding the structure of breaks in the GFE was another critical strategy; Sankha noted that the test allows one optional 10-minute break. He strategically chose to take his break after the Quantitative section to refresh before moving on to the Verbal section, a decision that helped him manage his energy throughout the test.

To simulate realistic test conditions, Sankha practiced full mock tests in the exact order he planned to attempt on test day—starting with Quant, followed by Data Insights, and Verbal after his break—without pausing between sections. This practice was crucial in preparing him for the endurance and mental agility required on the actual test day. Additionally, he adapted his strategies to the three-section format of the GFE, acknowledging that managing three sections instead of the traditional two posed a unique challenge.

Despite these format differences, Sankha observed,

Sankha's GMAT preparation combined rigorous time management and strategic study habits, crucial for maintaining high energy and balancing other commitments: