Successfully Conquering GMAT in Three Months: My Experience Achieving 655 on the New GMAT on My Second Attempt
YI TING | 655 on Second Attempt | Preparation Time: 3 Months (2025/9-12)
Basic Information
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- Status: Working professional studying for the GMAT
- English Proficiency: GSAT Level 14
- Preparation Period: Late September 2025 ~ Mid-December 2025
- Study Materials: OG, Official GMAT Mock Tests, Dustin’s Online Course
Foreword
I remember back when I first graduated from university, I thought about preparing for an MBA. I took classes at A2 GMAT then, but I didn’t actually take the test after finishing the course. Then, 5 years later, the MBA idea came up again, but my memory of the GMAT was very vague, so I took classes at A2 GMAT once more. However, after finishing the course that time, due to a major work change, I got busy with work and didn’t take the test.
So, nearly 10 years after graduation, I had gained a lot of professional experience, but I still couldn’t let go of the MBA idea. I always felt that I had to try it, no matter the outcome, so I wouldn’t have any regrets. Therefore, during a career transition gap, I had some time off. I told myself: “Try preparing for the GMAT one more time, and this time, I absolutely have to take the test!”
With this do-or-die mindset, I browsed many of Dustin GMAT’s videos and experience articles. Also, because I was abroad, I needed a platform that could effectively provide independent practice for self-studying students. Later, I messaged Dustin via Instagram, got a consultation, and signed up for Dustin GMAT.
Timeline
First Mock Test: The Reality Check of a 555 Score
Around mid-September, after my consultation with Dustin, he asked me to first try some OG Easy/Medium questions on my own, and then take a mock test so he could assess my level and plan my study schedule.
I still remember my feeling during that first mock test: I really couldn’t finish the test in time, even for Quant, I was rushing towards the end. I think I scored 555 on that mock test.
Preparation Period: 6 Hours of Persistence Every Day
For the next two months, I followed Dustin’s study plan, practicing each section for 6 hours a day, reviewing, and watching videos. I also messaged Dustin about my study experiences from time to time. Sometimes I really felt Dustin’s Line account was like my confidant back then. The GMAT preparation process is long and lonely, but whenever I shared my thoughts on practice with Dustin, he would always respond warmly and patiently, making me feel like I at least had someone to share the journey with.
First Attempt: The Frustration of a 575 Score
By mid-November, I went to take my first New GMAT. Honestly, I didn’t feel great during the test. My order was Q → V → DI, and I felt off right from Quant. My score wasn’t great either: 575.
I felt a bit frustrated then, as I had spent so much time studying every day but hadn’t seen much improvement. But I didn’t give up. I immediately discussed my score with Dustin, analyzed the problems, and then signed up for my second attempt (mid-December).
However, right after my first attempt, I went on a trip (I had already planned a relaxing trip after the test). So, from when I returned from my trip (early December) to my second attempt (12/18), I only had two weeks.
Second Attempt: The Surprise of a 655 Score
This time, I still followed Dustin’s study plan, adjusting my review methods. In the last few days, I was even too lazy to prepare. The day before my second attempt, I even considered rescheduling because I knew I hadn’t prepared enough and my mindset was too relaxed. But I didn’t want to waste the registration fee, so I went to take the test anyway.
Incredibly, I actually scored 655 this time (my original target score was only 645). I distinctly remember that moment when I saw the score on the screen; I really couldn’t believe my own score. I didn’t even dare to share it with friends, afraid it might just be a dream. It was only after I actually received the score report that I believed the score was real.
Thoughts on Each Section
RC (Reading Comprehension): The Transformation from WPM 100 to 200
Before I started with Dustin, I never realized how important English reading training was. Starting with a very low WPM 100, I later trained myself with WPM 180/200, forcing myself to read quickly and actively, grasp key sentence points, and anticipate the article’s direction. During this process, I used Dustin AI Platform’s Reading Practice, which allowed me to directly summarize the articles I read and have the AI compare it to check if I missed any key points or nuances. I also used Sentence Cracker to strengthen my understanding of unfamiliar long and difficult sentences. This process was truly very helpful.
Coupled with Dustin’s course, I focused on strengthening unfamiliar question types, which enabled me to effectively complete the RC section during the test, and I no longer felt that anxiety of not being able to finish.
CR (Critical Reasoning): The Power of the Audio Review Method
During my preparation, I first watched Dustin’s CR videos, which helped me better grasp the key points of different question types. Then, every time I reviewed homework, I also used Dustin’s review method: recording myself. I found that this verbalization process was very effective in helping me reflect on points I hadn’t considered or areas where I misunderstood. Also, on the Dustin AI Platform, there’s a feature that allows me to transform incorrect questions. The AI provides questions with different angles but similar test points for practice, which further deepens my training for specific logical weaknesses.
Although Verbal wasn’t my best performing section in my second attempt, I believe that through this preparation and training process, I made significant progress in understanding long and difficult sentences, English logic, and more.
Quant (Mathematics): The Savior of My Second Attempt
I relied on Quant to boost my score in my second attempt. It’s quite amazing, but my first attempt at Quant felt very rough. The first few questions had so many word problems, with a ton of text in each one, making the math section really difficult for me. I probably got 4 questions wrong, and by the end, I was rushing and made many careless mistakes.
However, in my second attempt, the Quant math questions I encountered were more friendly. There weren’t many word problems in the initial questions, so this time it felt particularly smooth. Looking at my final score, I only got one Quant question wrong, which effectively boosted my overall score significantly.
I’m very grateful for KH’s daily assignments and math videos. They provide very detailed explanations for all kinds of question types, and the sheer volume of practice questions means you really don’t have to worry about running out of problems to solve.
DI (Data Insights): Focusing on the DS Strategy
For the DI section, I didn’t actually spend much effort preparing because I felt it had the most varied item types, and preparing for it broadly wouldn’t be very efficient. So, I only focused my efforts on DS, practicing various DS test points with KH’s materials, which was truly very effective and helpful.
I’m also very grateful for Dustin’s self-developed AI Platform. It provides explanations for various DI question types; I could simply screenshot a question, and the AI would analyze it, provide a detailed explanation, and identify the test points that needed strengthening.
Heartfelt Recommendations
I’m truly grateful for Dustin’s course and the AI Platform he diligently developed. Even though I was abroad, it felt like having a personal tutor who could guide me at any time, allowing me to prepare very effectively and use various online resources to get instant feedback.
The Dustin AI Platform is genuinely different from ChatGPT or Gemini on the market. Because it has been trained and fine-tuned by Dustin, the content it provides is specifically tailored to the GMAT and Dustin’s course materials. This really impressed me, and I’m very thankful for Dustin’s dedication~
After taking my second attempt, I also happily shared my joy with A2. I’m very grateful to A2 for helping me with school evaluations and consultant recommendations; A2 GMAT truly has a powerful network of resources.
Finally, I wish everyone who reads this and is still on their GMAT journey the very best, hoping you’ll all achieve your ideal scores soon!
Want to learn more about GMAT preparation strategies and success stories? Feel free to contact Dustin GMAT for a free consultation.
