---
title: "Miguel’s 70-Point GMAT Boost: A Journey of Persistence and Progress"
description: Miguel’s GMAT preparation journey is an inspiring example of perseverance and improvement.
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# Miguel’s 70-Point GMAT Boost: A Journey of Persistence and Progress

 Published by [Merchant MBA](https://merchantmba.com/blog/author/merchant-mba) on 9/11/24 9:58 AM

![](https://merchantmba.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-09-06%2013.40.46%20-%20A%20realistic%2c%20photographic%20image%20of%20a%20mountain%20with%20several%20peaks%2c%20each%20peak%20glowing%20brighter%20than%20the%20last%2c%20symbolizing%20progress%20and%20improvement.%20A%20fi.webp?width=1024&height=450&name=DALL%C2%B7E%202024-09-06%2013.40.46%20-%20A%20realistic%2c%20photographic%20image%20of%20a%20mountain%20with%20several%20peaks%2c%20each%20peak%20glowing%20brighter%20than%20the%20last%2c%20symbolizing%20progress%20and%20improvement.%20A%20fi.webp)

Embarking on the GMAT journey can be a daunting task, filled with ups and downs that test both skill and determination. Miguel’s story is a compelling example of **resilience**, **strategic adjustments**, and the importance of a **growth mindset** in achieving success on this challenging exam. Let’s explore how Miguel transformed his initial struggles into significant improvements and what we can learn from his journey.

**📉 Initial Struggles: A Rough Start**

Miguel began his GMAT preparation with high hopes, but the reality of his **first mock exam** was a wake-up call. Scoring **555**, with a Verbal score of **79** and Quant score of **78**, Miguel realized there were substantial gaps in his strategy and understanding. His Critical Reasoning accuracy was particularly low at **44.44%**, and his Reading Comprehension was also a concern, with a **55.56% error rate**. These results not only highlighted weaknesses in his **test-taking skills** but also shook his confidence, leading him to question his approach.

**🔄 Turning Point: Strategic Adjustments and Practice**

Undeterred by his initial results, Miguel decided to make some **strategic adjustments**. A few weeks after his first mock exam, Miguel took his second mock, and his score remained at **555**. However, this time, there was a noticeable shift in his performance—his Quant score dropped to **73** while Verbal slightly improved to **82**. Recognizing that a different approach was necessary, Miguel focused on two critical areas: **time management** and **accuracy in Quant**. He understood that his speed was affecting his performance, and a more measured approach was needed.

📊 Around two weeks later, Miguel’s **dedication** began to pay off. His score jumped to **655**, with a Verbal score of **81** and a much-improved Quant score of **84**. This **100-point increase** was not just a number—it represented his newfound ability to apply learned strategies effectively and adapt to the demands of the GMAT. His accuracy in Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension **stabilized**, showing that his hard work and strategic focus were beginning to yield results.

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXejnz0zQbcNpf_L2VyXQIuLVdZl_ge-v49_aecVtBYIQkDhNtiNNV2mw8iGLxmAjCw-KJ8ByEQaFiDnKCngFpbNMhXZK071oDRtT6JVVHtK2CoSOIBux00WtAkDHQRgESa5FQkrB3Hz9wx0-M_hgWWiIXAD?key=FhmuxdJH344-ArmLfYMZqQ)

**🚀 Final Push: Consistency and Continuous Improvement 🚀**

In the final stretch of his preparation, Miguel aimed to maintain his **momentum**. About three weeks after his third mock, his last practice exam showed a slight dip to **625** (Verbal: **81**, Quant: **80**). While the decrease was a minor setback, his accuracy remained solid, and the consistency in his scores indicated that he had developed a strong foundation. Miguel’s journey underscores the importance of not just reaching a peak but also **sustaining performance** through continuous effort and refinement.

 

## Verbal Mistake Trends Analysis Across Mocks

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeM_uageMgpKxmBDg1m8c5cqjs_kI5ONuh1XHravQpcNuE6yLNQHaJ8NolH45MQgn6xEVEiSgAcxLd2Xy-axa5Sn7QeT4R3SSlgqZRsByBg24OL4PD6l7oQ4L2H-UGJ2mIEK3WKvqpEbKAsQQ3nai3HpWT7?key=FhmuxdJH344-ArmLfYMZqQ)

From this Verbal analysis, we can conclude that Miguel has shown significant progress in his preparation, particularly in reducing silly mistakes and WTH (What the Heck) moments. His improvement in avoiding simple errors suggests a better understanding of the material and increased attention to detail. 

Quant Mistake Trends Analysis Across Mocks

**![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcJpjUP7baML-5o7GOI6iHTC79aXpdXKzSKajAdZnpGHyCabgZwf_OhxqMX0vJOyPUrXPs0eV7jhwP9ueR-zh7ndRh7ShL7Y7ZtzgFe97M1be3md6l8CPKWJbENP0n3jf2SBxmikc3l_uZT3lLwJyDiJXs?key=FhmuxdJH344-ArmLfYMZqQ)**

The trend shows a reduction in silly mistakes over time, with a peak in Mock 2 and a gradual decline thereafter. This suggests that Miguel became more aware of and worked to avoid basic errors as he progressed.

### Data Insights Mistake Trends Analysis Across Mocks

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcBgRVxnmpEi43MYZvMBUp6NCo4koHpRBk8gW0kCaKNI166g8WBxTiQ_Pu9SL7-Fl-VZiUOZtZJegNa1VvDOYB13uVLSNyEno7cdCYuS9x9uAKm8Hz9kE3JuUqoTuGiXSYuPcuIhoJ7c1b_ynBocG0SMDkB?key=FhmuxdJH344-ArmLfYMZqQ)

Over the course of the four mocks, the percentage of silly mistakes generally decreases, especially by Mock 4, indicating improved discipline and reduced carelessness. The presence of WTH mistakes fluctuates, peaking in Mock 2 and then disappearing in Mock 3 before returning at a lower level in Mock 4. This shows that Miguel's familiarity with the test content improved over time. 

**Key Insights from Miguel’s Journey**

1. **Reduction in Silly Mistakes:** Miguel’s journey shows a significant reduction in **basic errors** over time, particularly by his third mock exam, where silly mistakes were almost eliminated. This improvement is a testament to his increased **attention to detail** and **discipline**.
2. **Challenges with Tough Questions:** **Tough questions** were consistently challenging for Miguel, with mistakes on these peaking in his third mock. Despite this, his ability to reduce errors in easier questions shows progress in understanding the material and **test strategies**.
3. **Fluctuating WTH Moments:** Miguel experienced fluctuations in moments of complete confusion (**WTH moments**), particularly early in his preparation. These moments were largely eliminated by his third mock, demonstrating his growing familiarity with the GMAT **content and format**.
4. **Mastery of Basic and Intermediate Questions:** Miguel consistently excelled at **500-level questions**, indicating strong foundational skills. His improvement in **600-level questions** throughout his preparation also shows effective learning and application of strategies for moderate-difficulty questions.

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd4YGh194jUiaUABBpOaAouY5WTje5u3yeJpTd1S4I07TN1H2sLNPz4YmRgYpWYa_KdvTPwWKYLotKYtphlK9pwjEaiGUf4g0Mt_LOLiAer_wlq_0NinVh0_ka5L5AfPY3N8ww8AMkRavCLaxRHcsdbQqPg?key=FhmuxdJH344-ArmLfYMZqQ)

Miguel’s GMAT journey is a powerful example of how **perseverance**, **targeted practice**, and **strategic adjustments** can lead to significant improvement. Starting with a score of **555** and facing numerous challenges, Miguel’s hard work allowed him to achieve a peak score of **655**, a remarkable **100-point increase**. His journey highlights the importance of not just working hard but also **working smart**, focusing on weaknesses, and continuously adapting strategies.

---

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