At GMAT30, we believe that GMAT prep success is not just about intelligence—it’s about perseverance, strategy, and continuous improvement. Shashwat Dev exemplifies this mindset perfectly.
A highly dedicated and meritorious student, Shashwat managed to balance his GMAT prep alongside a full-time job. He attended every session, diligently completed homework, and actively sought clarifications on his doubts. His commitment to learning and evolving his study approach made all the difference.
Shashwat first attempted the GMAT Focus and scored a 645—a respectable score that many at his age (26) would accept and move forward with their B-school applications. However, for Shashwat, his GMAT prep journey had only just begun! Shashwat displayed exceptional maturity and self-awareness, recognizing that he had the potential to do even better. Rather than settling, he pushed himself further, refining his approach and making targeted improvements.
His efforts paid off. In his second attempt, he scored a 655, improving by a further 3 percentile points (from an already high base of 88 percentile points). What’s even more remarkable is his performance in the Data Insights (DI) section—where he secured a stunning 93rd percentile!
Cracking the DI Section: Shashwat’s Winning GMAT Prep Strategy
The DI section of the GMAT is one of the most challenging areas for test-takers. It requires a combination of logical reasoning, numerical fluency, and the ability to interpret complex data quickly. Many students struggle with DI because they underestimate the depth of preparation it requires.
Shashwat, however, approached this section with a well-thought-out strategy:
Building Strong Fundamentals – Instead of jumping straight into tough problems, Shashwat focused on mastering the fundamental concepts of data interpretation. He ensured that he was comfortable with tables, graphs, and statistical data.
Developing Pattern Recognition – The DI section often follows certain patterns in the types of questions asked. By practicing with a wide range of questions, Shashwat developed an intuition for recognizing common question structures, allowing him to answer faster and with more accuracy.
Active Participation in Live Doubt-Solving Sessions – Throughout his GMAT prep, Shashwat was a regular and enthusiastic participant in our live doubt-solving sessions. These sessions provided him with exposure to different problem-solving approaches and helped him refine his own strategies.
Time Management & Decision-Making – One of the biggest challenges in DI is knowing when to move on. Shashwat practiced simulated GMAT sections to fine-tune his ability to decide which questions to attempt first and which ones to revisit later, ensuring he maximized his accuracy while maintaining speed.
Analyzing Mistakes Thoroughly – Every incorrect answer was an opportunity to improve. Instead of just noting the correct answers, Shashwat spent time analyzing why he got questions wrong and adjusted his approach accordingly.
The Results: A Remarkable 93rd Percentile in DI
Shashwat’s disciplined approach and willingness to continuously refine his methods during his prep paid off tremendously. By scoring in the 93rd percentile in the DI section, he proved that mastering GMAT DI is not about tricks or shortcuts—it’s about rigorous preparation and strategic thinking.
Lessons for Future Test-Takers
Shashwat’s journey holds valuable lessons for anyone preparing for the GMAT, particularly for those looking to improve their DI performance:
Focus on understanding data representation – Tables, charts, and graphs are the backbone of DI. The faster you can interpret them, the better your chances of answering correctly.
Develop a logical approach – Many DI questions require multi-step reasoning. Practice breaking problems down into smaller steps to enhance clarity and accuracy.
Simulate real exam conditions – Take timed DI practice tests to build confidence and refine your decision-making skills under pressure.
Leverage doubt-solving sessions – Engaging with peers and instructors in structured discussions can offer new perspectives and strategies.
The Triumph: A Stellar GMAT Score
Shashwat’s perseverance paid off handsomely. He not only achieved his target score but exceeded it, reaching a 655—an outstanding 91st percentile. His section-wise performance was nothing short of remarkable:
- Quant Reasoning: Scoring in the 88th percentile, despite spending 5 minutes on one question
Data Insights: Recovering from an error in Question 1 to secure an astoundingly brilliant 93rd percentile!
- Quant Reasoning: Scoring in the 88th percentile, despite spending 5 minutes on one question
These achievements underline Dr. Danish’s ability to stay composed under pressure and apply the strategies he learned effectively.
What Makes Shashwat’s GMAT Prep Story Unique
Shashwat’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, structured preparation, and personalized mentorship. His improvement of 3 percentile points within a short span speaks volumes about his work ethic and resilience. Not many would be motivated to re-write the GMAT and risk an additional few weeks of hard work to improve their score, considering a starting point of GMAT 645. That Shashwat did so despite a full-time role and numerous personal challenges illustrates that he kept his eyes on the prize, and his success is well-deserved.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Shashwat sets his sights on ISB and other top B-schools, we couldn’t be prouder. Shashwat’s story is a testament to what dedication and a growth mindset can achieve—not just on the GMAT but in life.
Congratulations, Shashwat! 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.
