Ace the GRE with Target Test Prep: Ayobami's Success Story
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing between GRE and GMAT
- My Practice Test Results
- Deciding to Use Target Test Prep (TTP)
- My Experience with TTP
- 5.1 Intense Two Months of Preparation
- 5.2 The Analytic Features of TTP
- 5.3 Strengthening Quantitative Skills
- 5.4 Improving Verbal Skills
- 5.5 The Value of the Vocabulary List
- 5.6 Overcoming Psychological Barriers
- 5.7 The Error Log and Strategies
- 5.8 Structured Modules for Comprehensive Preparation
- 5.9 Extensive Practice Question Bank
- Test Day and Results
- Conclusion
🎯 Pursuing My MBA: How Target Test Prep Helped Me Ace the GRE
As an equity research analyst, I had a clear career goal in mind: pursuing an MBA. To achieve this, I needed to fulfill the application requirements, which included taking a standardized test - either the GRE or GMAT. Since I wanted to make an informed decision, I took practice tests for both exams. After careful consideration, I chose to go with the GRE. However, I knew I needed a comprehensive study plan and resources to achieve my target score of 330.
2. Choosing between GRE and GMAT
Choosing between the GRE and GMAT was a crucial decision in my MBA application journey. To make an informed choice, I decided to take practice tests for both exams. After careful evaluation, I determined that the GRE was better suited to my strengths and goals. Its format and content aligned more closely with my desired business school programs. Therefore, I made the decision to focus my efforts on preparing for the GRE.
3. My Practice Test Results
Before diving into my GRE preparation, I wanted to assess my baseline performance. Taking a practice test allowed me to gauge my current abilities and identify areas for improvement. While I couldn't recall my exact scores from school, I distinctly remembered scoring around 160. However, during my practice test, I encountered a major obstacle - I scored a disappointing 152. This setback made me realize the importance of finding a study resource that could address my weaknesses and help me reach my target score.
4. Deciding to Use Target Test Prep (TTP)
During my search for the right study materials, I came across a video on YouTube by Red Liquid, an MBA student who recently gained admission to Wharton Business School. In the video, he recommended Target Test Prep (TTP) as one of the resources he used to prepare for the GRE. Intrigued by his endorsement, I decided to explore TTP and see if it could meet my needs. I had previously tried other textbooks, but they didn't provide the level of intensity or detail I required. TTP offered a trial period, and after just two days of using it, I knew it was the resource I had been searching for, despite the considerable cost.
5. My Experience with TTP
5.1 Intense Two Months of Preparation
I approached my GRE preparation with intensity and dedication. To minimize distractions and immerse myself in studying, I relocated from Lagos to my hometown, where I had fewer social obligations. This allowed me to focus on my studies for an average of five to six hours per day. Even on workdays, I managed to dedicate at least three hours to GRE preparation. My diligence paid off, and over the course of two months, I covered the extensive study material provided by TTP.
5.2 The Analytic Features of TTP
One of the standout features of TTP was its comprehensive analytics feature. It provided valuable insights into my study progress, including the number of hours I dedicated each day and my weekly average. The graphical representation of my trajectory motivated me to invest more time and identify areas where I needed improvement. TTP also offered subject-specific analytics, allowing me to pinpoint my strengths and weaknesses.
5.3 Strengthening Quantitative Skills
While I felt confident in my quantitative abilities, TTP revealed gaps in my knowledge. It refreshed concepts I had learned in high school but had since forgotten. Geometry and coordinate geometry, in particular, required additional focus. TTP not only reinforced these fundamental concepts but also equipped me with effective strategies and shortcuts to navigate the quantitative section successfully.
5.4 Improving Verbal Skills
The verbal section was a challenge for me, and TTP addressed this hurdle as well. It provided a comprehensive list of 1,000 vocabulary words that I incorporated into my spare time. Additionally, TTP's reading comprehension materials helped me understand the psychological barriers holding me back. By increasing my self-awareness and identifying bad habits, TTP enabled me to tackle the verbal section with greater confidence.
5.5 The Value of the Vocabulary List
TTP's extensive vocabulary list greatly contributed to my verbal preparation. I familiarized myself with the random words from the list, grasping their meanings and contexts. This exposure proved invaluable during the reading comprehension section, allowing me to navigate passages and comprehend difficult vocabulary effortlessly. The vocabulary list was an excellent resource that enriched my overall preparation.
5.6 Overcoming Psychological Barriers
Preparing for the GRE also meant confronting psychological barriers that hindered my performance. TTP's materials not only addressed the content but also equipped me with strategies to overcome these barriers. By understanding my own psychological obstacles and taking the necessary steps to overcome them, I developed a growth mindset that propelled me further towards achieving my target score.
5.7 The Error Log and Strategies
TTP's error log feature enabled me to track and analyze my mistakes systematically. I could identify recurring errors, enabling more targeted improvement. TTP also offered strategies to avoid specific types of errors, ensuring that my preparation addressed not only content but also test-taking techniques. This combination of error analysis and strategic guidance enhanced my overall performance.
5.8 Structured Modules for Comprehensive Preparation
One of the strengths of TTP was the well-structured modules it provided. Instead of focusing solely on one section of the exam, TTP offered a mix of practice questions and comprehensive content. This approach ensured that my preparation covered all facets of the exam, providing a balanced and holistic learning experience.
5.9 Extensive Practice Question Bank
The practice question bank from TTP was exceptional, consisting of over 2,500 quant and 1,000 verbal questions. Although I couldn't complete the entire question bank within my two-month study period, the practice questions I did attempt significantly contributed to my proficiency. TTP's question bank not only exposed me to a wide range of question types but also ingrained effective strategies that saved precious time during the actual exam.
6. Test Day and Results
After two months of intense preparation using TTP, the day of my GRE finally arrived. Armed with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence instilled by TTP, I felt well-prepared. I stayed focused throughout the exam and managed to achieve a remarkable score of 329. This accomplishment exceeded the median score requirements for all the schools I was applying to and brought me immense joy and relief.
7. Conclusion
My journey through preparing for the GRE and achieving a top score of 329 wouldn't have been the same without the invaluable resources and support provided by Target Test Prep (TTP). TTP's comprehensive analytics, structured modules, and extensive practice question bank played pivotal roles in my success. The detailed content, error log, and strategies sharpened my skills, ensuring a well-rounded preparation. I wholeheartedly recommend TTP to anyone preparing for the GRE, as it is a powerful ally in reaching your target score and pursuing your academic aspirations.
Highlights
- Choosing between the GRE and GMAT: Making an informed decision
- Deciding to use Target Test Prep (TTP) for GRE preparation
- Two months of intense study with TTP: The key to success
- TTP's analytics feature: Gaining insights and optimizing study time
- Strengthening quantitative skills with TTP's comprehensive approach
- Improving verbal skills through TTP's vocabulary list and reading comprehension materials
- Overcoming psychological barriers with TTP's strategies
- The value of TTP's error log and targeted improvement strategies
- TTP's well-structured modules for a comprehensive preparation
- TTP's extensive practice question bank: A valuable resource for success
- Achieving an exceptional GRE score: Reflections on a successful journey
FAQ
Q: How did you decide between the GRE and GMAT?
A: I took practice tests for both exams and evaluated which one aligned better with my strengths and desired business school programs. After careful consideration, I chose the GRE.
Q: How did Target Test Prep (TTP) help you in your GRE preparation?
A: TTP provided me with comprehensive study materials, including practice questions, detailed content, and effective strategies. Their analytics feature allowed me to track my progress, identify weaknesses, and focus on areas that needed improvement.
Q: Did TTP address both quant and verbal sections?
A: Yes, TTP covered both quant and verbal sections. It strengthened my quantitative skills through comprehensive lessons and provided a vocabulary list and reading comprehension materials to enhance my verbal abilities.
Q: How did TTP's error log feature contribute to your preparation?
A: TTP's error log allowed me to systematically track and analyze my mistakes. By identifying recurring errors, I could focus on improving those areas. TTP also provided strategies to avoid specific types of errors, enhancing my overall performance.
Q: Did you find TTP's approach to be balanced and comprehensive?
A: Yes, TTP's structured modules ensured a well-rounded preparation. Rather than focusing solely on one section of the exam, TTP offered a mix of practice questions and comprehensive content, providing a balanced learning experience.
Q: How did TTP's extensive practice question bank contribute to your success?
A: TTP's practice question bank exposed me to a wide range of question types and equipped me with effective strategies. The extensive practice significantly improved my proficiency and saved time during the actual exam.
Q: How did TTP help you overcome psychological barriers?
A: TTP's materials not only addressed content but also provided strategies to overcome psychological barriers. By becoming more self-aware and identifying bad habits, I developed a growth mindset that propelled me toward achieving a great score.
Q: How did your GRE experience with TTP help you in other parts of your MBA application?
A: Achieving an exceptional GRE score with the help of TTP relieved the pressure of the standardized test. It allowed me to focus on other parts of my application, such as crafting a strong essay, building a compelling resume, and securing strong letters of recommendation.
Q: How did TTP compare to other test prep providers you've used in the past?
A: TTP stood out with its comprehensive content, analytics feature, error log, and targeted strategies. Unlike other providers, TTP offered a holistic approach that encompassed content, analytics, and test-taking techniques. It provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to excel in the GRE.
Q: How long did you study with TTP before taking the GRE?
A: I dedicated two intense months to GRE preparation using TTP. During this period, I studied for an average of five to six hours per day, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the study material.
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