How Kartik Shreenath Turned Setbacks into a 695 GMAT Score
Not every journey to an MBA is about hitting a 700+ GMAT score on the first try. Kartik Shreenath scored 695. He didn’t see it as a failure. He saw it as a real win.
If you’re stuck, worried about your scores, or feel like you’re falling behind, Kartik’s story is for you.
The First Attempts: Where Things Fell Apart
Kartik started out like many Indian MBA aspirants. He was full of energy and big dreams.
But after the first few months, things didn’t go as planned:
- He relied too much on generic study material.
- He skipped error analysis, thinking more practice alone would fix his issues.
Mocks didn’t show much improvement. Frustration set in. Family and friends kept asking about his score. The pressure grew. At times, Kartik doubted if he was even cut out for an MBA.
Facing Failure: The Breaking Point
One day, after another low mock score, Kartik stopped. He realized his approach wasn’t working.
He could have quit. Instead, he asked himself a hard question: “What’s really holding me back?”
He saw that repeating the same methods wasn’t leading to progress. The fear of letting himself down was real. But the drive to improve was stronger.
Rebuilding with a Fresh Mindset
Kartik started over. This time, he:
- Admitted his past mistakes.
- Stopped chasing a perfect 700+ and focused on steady growth.
- Set new, realistic targets for each week.
He decided to celebrate small wins—each improved section, each error he didn’t repeat.
Practical Changes in Study Strategy
Kartik didn’t just study harder; he studied smarter.
- He switched from passive reading to active problem-solving.
- He kept an error log. Each mistake had a reason—and a fix.
- He balanced quant and verbal using feedback from mock analytics.
- Shorter, focused sessions worked better for him than marathon study days.
Fitting prep around work and family wasn’t easy. But these small shifts made all the difference.
Leveraging Support: Coaching and Community
Kartik realized he didn’t have to do it alone.
- He joined MBA Wizards, moving from isolated prep to guided learning.
- Small batch sizes meant his questions got real answers.
- Unlimited sessions let him repeat tough concepts until they clicked.
- Connecting with others facing similar struggles gave him confidence.
He found that the right mentor and a supportive community can change your whole approach.
Handling Setbacks During Prep
Setbacks didn’t disappear. Some days were tough. Kartik had a few routines to help:
- He took short breaks when motivation dropped.
- He revisited basics to build back confidence.
- He reached out to a mentor for honest feedback.
Self-compassion was key. Kartik learned that patience matters as much as persistence.
The Final Push: Exam Week Tactics
When the exam was near, Kartik doubled down on what worked:
- He reviewed his error logs daily.
- He focused on timed mocks, not just more practice.
- He made sleep and routine a priority.
He let go of the need for perfection. On test day, he stuck to his plan:
- Handled nerves with breathing exercises.
- Paced himself section by section.
- Didn’t dwell on tough questions—guessed and moved on.
Results and Moving Forward
Seeing 695 on the screen, Kartik felt proud. It wasn’t the “magic” 700, but it was his best score yet.
He knew how far he’d come. This score opened doors for MBA applications. More than anything, it gave him the confidence to keep moving forward.
Lessons for Indian MBA Candidates
- Progress matters. Perfection doesn’t.
- Every candidate faces setbacks. What you do next is what counts.
- Ask for help. Change your strategy if you’re stuck.
- Resilience and self-awareness are as important as tough quant drills.
How MBA Wizards Supports Students After Setbacks
- Personalized coaching for every stage, including repeat test-takers.
- AI-driven analytics to spot unique weak areas.
- A supportive community and real success stories.
- Free demo sessions so you can see the approach before you commit.
Your next attempt can be your best. Ready to turn your setbacks into progress? Connect with MBA Wizards for a personalized plan and start your GMAT journey fresh.
FAQs
What was Kartik’s biggest mistake during his early GMAT prep?
Kartik tried to follow generic study plans he found online. He didn’t track his mistakes or adjust his methods. The result? He kept repeating the same errors. If you’re seeing flat mock scores, take a step back and look at what’s not working.
How did Kartik deal with low scores and self-doubt?
He stopped ignoring his feelings and started talking about them. He set smaller, weekly goals and celebrated small wins. When the pressure built up, he shared his frustrations with a mentor. If you’re doubting yourself, remember: progress is slow, but it’s real.
What practical changes helped Kartik improve his score?
He switched from long study hours to short, focused sessions. He kept an error log and reviewed it daily. Instead of doing more and more theory, he practiced active problem-solving and balanced quant with verbal based on his mock analytics.
Why did Kartik seek help from MBA Wizards?
Kartik felt stuck studying alone. He needed feedback, not just more material. MBA Wizards gave him access to small batches, unlimited sessions, and mentors who understood his struggles. The personal attention and support made a big difference.
How did Kartik handle setbacks during his prep?
When scores fell or motivation dropped, Kartik took short breaks and revisited basic concepts. He reached out to peers and mentors when he felt stuck. He learned to be patient with himself and kept going, even on tough days.
What’s Kartik’s advice for other MBA candidates facing setbacks?
Don’t chase perfection. Focus on steady improvement and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use error logs, set realistic targets, and give yourself credit for small wins. Your journey is unique—embrace it and keep moving forward.