When I started studying for the GMAT, I had my eyes set on a top 50 business school. For my desired program I needed a score around the 60th percentile (about 610) to be considered a competitive applicant. After a couple months of using Kaplan book resources and the two practice CATs available on the mba website I took my first GMAT in October of 2018. I was devastated when I walked away with a score of 540 (Q35 V28). With only a month before applications were due, I knew I would have to try again.

After doing some research I found empowerGMAT and was attracted to their service based off their 1-month study plan for people in a time crunch like me. I diligently followed the syllabus they provided, watching the instructional videos and completing the quizzes. I would say I put in on average 2 hours a night 5 days a week with 4 or 5 hours a day on weekends. This is while taking 18 hours worth of senior undergraduate courses and working 20 hours a week part-time. In less than one month after taking my first exam I scored a 640 (Q42 V35). I walked away very excited with a score higher than I needed for my target program. Overall, I am very glad I didn't give up after the first exam. It was very discouraging but empowerGMAT gave me confidence in myself and using their strategies I was able to walk away with my goal met. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to pick up big points in little time.

I really hope my experience can help to motivate some of you out there...don't give up!