From V77 to V83: How 4 Sessions in 5 Weeks Helped Create One of GMAT30’s Biggest Success Stories
At GMAT30, we often say: It’s not about how many hours you study. It’s about how precisely you use them.
The story of Mr. Dattatreya Nayak, who improved from a GMAT 575 to 675 in a few weeks’ time to gain an IIM-A admit, is the perfect example
The Starting Point: A Score of 545 and a Sub-50th Percentile in Verbal
When Dattatreya first reached out to us, he had already taken the GMAT once and scored a 575. The Verbal section — with a V77 (sub-50th percentile) — was his Achilles heel. And more specifically, the Critical Reasoning section in Verbal – it felt too subjective.
And the sheer unpredictability of Verbal was draining his confidence.
Through the next few weeks, with a few private one-on-one sessions, we reformulated and enhanced the way he approached the test. We moved away from “tips and tricks” or “gut instinct” approaches, and focused on viewing them as they are tested — as puzzles rooted in mathematical logic, framework, structure, and precision.
We replaced vague strategies with concrete frameworks – frameworks such as conditional statements, numbers vs percentages, averages, reported data, generalization vs specificity, and many more. We trained him to see argument structures, not just sentences. To understand what a question is really testing — and why a “trap” answer is a trap.
He was determined to improve, but like many working professionals juggling long hours and little time, he didn’t want fluff. He needed clarity, strategy, and speed.
So, we began. Not with a 3-month overhaul.
Not with an endless stack of material.
But with just 4 private sessions spread across 5 weeks.
Process: Not More Content, But a New Way of Thinking
In those 4 sessions, we didn’t aim to cover everything.
We focused on transforming the way he thought about Verbal.
In Critical Reasoning, we trained him to strip arguments down to their skeletons — to stop reading the words and start spotting the logic.
In Reading Comprehension, we emphasized structure over memory — helping him anchor each passage to a mental framework.
No fluff. No guesswork. No “just read more.”
Just a complete rewiring of the approach.
The Turnaround: 130+ Points in 5 Weeks
In just over a month, his GMAT mock scores started to climb.
What was once a 575 transformed into a 675 (95th %ile), thanks to an incredible jump in Verbal from V77 to V83 — now sitting at the 86th percentile.
And this wasn’t just a numerical gain.
It was a mindset shift.
From guessing to knowing.
From reacting to reasoning.
Completing the Duo Holy Grail of IIM A and ISB
Yes, that’s right.
This same student who was once unsure of his Verbal abilities secured proudly admits to both the ISB and IIM Ahmedabad, two of the most prestigious business schools in India. He ultimately made the decision to join IIM-Ahmedabad. And we couldn’t be happier for him!
Key Takeaways for MBA Aspirants
Your GMAT prep doesn’t need to be long.
It needs to be sharp.
It doesn’t need to overwhelm you.
It needs to wake you up to the logic the test is built on.
At GMAT30, this is what we specialize in. Whether it’s a full-length course or a few targeted sessions, we aim to change how you think, not just what you study.
Lessons from Dattatreya’s dual IIM admits
Dattatreya’s journey is a reminder that MBA admissions are about more than just numbers. His story is an inspiration for all GMAT aspirants—proof that perseverance and strategic planning can lead to extraordinary results.
At GMAT30, we couldn’t be more thrilled for Datta and wish him the very best in his IIM-A journey! To all future applicants, remember: your dream B-school might be closer than you think.
Congratulations, Datta, on getting admitted to one of the most sought-after Indian B-schools in IIM-Ahmedabad! The best is yet to come!
Are you ready to start your GMAT success story? At GMAT30, we’re here to help you unlock your full potential. Reach out today to see how we can help you achieve your goals.
