Balancing a full-time job and studying for the GMAT isn’t easy, but Laura, a recent bachelor’s grad, managed to pull it off with 10 hours of tutor led classes. Her journey is all about hard work, finding the right support, and striking a good balance. In this article, we dive into Laura’s experience and the key strategies that helped her ace the GMAT.

Introduction: Meet Laura

Laura had just completed her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Business from a German Hochschule. Her goal was to get into a top-tier business school Mannheim Business School for her Master’s degree, requiring a strong GMAT score. Balancing GMAT preparation with a full-time internship was challenging, but Laura was determined.

 The Beginning: Juggling Work and Study

Laura began her GMAT preparation before starting her internship. Initially, she struggled to maintain a regular study schedule. “I started studying for the GMAT before I began working, but I just couldn’t get into a consistent routine,” Laura recalls. The demanding schedule of her internship forced her to study in the early mornings and late evenings. “Waking up early to study and then continuing after work was crazy. I wouldn’t recommend it because your brain is already tired after a full day of work,” she explains.

The Struggle: A decreasing Score

Despite her efforts, Laura’s progress was slow, and her practice test scores began to decline. “I started with a score of 535, but it dropped to around 455. It was really frustrating and hurt my confidence,” Laura admits. This period was emotionally taxing, as she felt her efforts were not yielding the desired results. It was at this point that Laura decided to seek professional help.

Turning Point: Seeking Professional Tutoring

Laura reached out for tutoring sessions at 700+Club hoping to turn her preparation around. “My final straw was coming to you and seeking tutoring. And in just one month of tutoring with 10h of guided sessions, I improved significantly,” Laura says. She focused on Quant and Data Insight courses, which proved pivotal in her improvement. The personalized attention and strategic guidance she received helped her understand the concepts behind the questions, rather than just practicing them blindly.

 The Preparation: Strategic Study Techniques

Laura’s preparation strategy evolved with her tutoring sessions. She learned to focus on understanding the underlying concepts of GMAT questions, greatly improving her performance. “Practicing a lot and knowing the questions beforehand was beneficial. In tutoring, I learned the concepts behind the questions, which helped immensely,” Laura explains. This approach helped her make significant strides in a short amount of time.

 The Test Day: A Positive Experience

On test day, Laura’s experience was smooth and positive. “The people at the test center were very helpful. I could start early, which helped me avoid unnecessary waiting. The environment was quiet, and the staff was friendly,” Laura recalls. Her preparation and the support she received made her test day less stressful and more manageable.

The Result: The impact of 10 hours of tutor-led classes

Laura’s hard work paid off. She achieved a final GMAT Focus score of 615, a significant improvement from her initial score of 535. “It was a great achievement, especially considering all of this happened in one month with only 10 hours of tutoring,” Laura proudly states. Her story is a testament to the effectiveness of focused, strategic preparation and the value of professional tutoring.

Laura’s Advice for Future Test Takers

Laura’s journey offers valuable insights for future GMAT test-takers. Here are her key pieces of advice:

1. Start Early and Be Consistent: “Don’t overburden yourself; study two hours a day consistently. Stay focused during your study sessions.”
2. Seek Professional Help: “Tutoring helped me understand the concepts behind the questions, which was crucial for my improvement.” (learn more here)
3. Stay Confident: “Confidence is key. If you lose your confidence, it’s over. Believe in yourself and your preparation.”
4. Avoid Last-Minute Changes: “Don’t reschedule the GMAT too often. You’ll never feel fully prepared, but at some point, you just have to take the test and hope for the best.”

Conclusion: Laura’s Final Words

Laura’s journey to GMAT success is an inspiration of perseverance and strategic preparation. Her experience underscores the importance of consistent study, professional guidance, and maintaining confidence. Laura’s final words of advice are, “Go for it. You might regret not trying hard enough in the future. Give it your all.”

Her story shows that with determination and the right support, achieving a high GMAT score is within reach.