What was your motivation behind an MBA?

So, I’ve done my engineering in Electronics & Tele-Communications, and I have about 4 years of work experience. When I started off, I joined a company called Ice Asia as a service engineer. So, what this company does is that they are a service and sales partner for several European firms who are into the field of automation. I joined here as a service engineer and was later promoted to handle technical sales. Somewhere along the line, since I was very passionate about consumer electronics, I felt I needed a shift.

What aspects did you highlight on your profile for an admit to Schulich?

I think my rapid career development due to the various roles I had taken on while working in the service department, while simultaneously handling sales & technical sales, was something that helped me in great ways. An added plus was my hobby of writing for blogs on daily life experiences. This was something that was unique about me, and I felt that it helped me crack an admit to Schulich.

What was your GMAT Mantra like?

Before joining CV, I had approached the GMAT like any other typical engineering exam just like all Indian applicants do — cramming whatever you can into your head just before the exam with a text book and a few notes.

Although Quant was easy, Verbal was the real obstacle during my first attempt. So later, when I started doing some research on various forums, this one post on GMAT Club really caught my eye. It was written by a student about how CrackVerbal provided him the perfect approach that was required on GMAT Verbal and how the GMAT is a test of logic and not skill, plus how there is a pattern in every question on the GMAT.

Coaching from CrackVerbal was an integral part of my journey especially because it helped me understand this pattern, which in turn helped me score well on the Verbal section considering that was my weak area. Plus, it taught me how to keep time when I’m writing the test.

When it comes to the hardest modules on GMAT Verbal, I would say that CR and SC were my kryptonite. At CrackVerbal, they taught me the right way to ace the Verbal section by helping me understand how we can classify each question and distinguish between them. Hence, with all that, you’ve got a definitive approach to each question that appears on the test.

What sort of material did you use?

I would say it was always a combination of different reference books along with the material provided by CrackVerbal. No matter what the book was, when it came to practice, I would only use the strategy taught to me during my online classes (Yes! I took the CrackVerbal Live Online Course!). Another thing that aided me when it came to my prep was the student forum that you have access to. They’ve got the solutions for all the OG questions, along with responses from other fellow students. This really helps you understand all the unique ways in which other people approach the same question.

What was your experience like on the day of the GMAT?

Firstly, I ensured that the slot that I booked was perfect for me to write the exam. Because when you are in prep mode, i.e., the last two months of studying, you understand at which point of the day your mental health would be peaking. So, I booked my slot around the time my mental state was the most active.

Secondly, I would say that two chocolate bars would do you good during the break to keep the sugar going and to keep your mind alert.

Thirdly, the most important thing I’d like to say is that you need to be calm although you might make mistakes. Never get disheartened, and always keep your cool.

What was your application process like?

Here, again, CrackVerbal comes into the picture. They helped me when it came to structuring my essays along the right line of thought and ensured that I don’t make common mistakes that other applicants do. I was certain that it was either Canada or Singapore where I wanted to go. The mentors at CrackVerbal were very easy to talk to, and they knew what you needed to have. They ensured a one-on-one personal approach when it came to applications.

What all schools did you apply to?

I applied to Schulich, Rotman, NUS, and ISB. I got admits from Schulich and NUS, but Schulich was my dream school. I chose schools on the basis of the regions I wanted to settle down in after my MBA. The second reason for choosing Schulich was because I was looking for a more holistic experience when it came to my MBA. Plus, I wanted to understand not only the role that I would play in business, but also the roles of other people related to me.

How do you feel CrackVerbal helped?

I took the CrackVerbal Online Course. They have very good faculty who go out of their way to help you. I don’t think classroom or online makes a difference. During my entire MBA journey, I felt CrackVerbal was a major game changer. The instructors and the forum at CrackVerbal helped me with my prep in ways that I cannot even imagine. When it came to applications, they ensured that I would be up to speed with whatever I do. CrackVerbal’s USP would have to be its approach to Verbal and its unique student forum.

Do you have any words of wisdom for our MBA aspirants?

GMAT Quant is very easy, but when it comes to Verbal, everyone finds it hard. This might sound like I’m trying to market CrackVerbal , but I truly feel that they’ve mastered the art of Verbal! They know what works for Indian applicants.

It is very important that you don’t freak out on the day of the exam. You need to be relaxed and composed when it comes to approaching the questions on the test to ensure that you deliver.

As far as applications go, adcoms look at you as a developed individual. It’s not all about academics. It’s what you’ve done in life and how exactly you went through it all. They want to know you as a person who has his own individual identity. At the end of the day, it’s you against another bunch of individuals more or less like you!