750 (Q49, V44, 5.5 AWA)

This is my first post ever, and I never used this website, but I wanted to share my experience anyway.

How I prepared:

1. I downloaded the software from the GMAT website and took one practice test to see where I was at without preparation. I believe I scored between a 660 and a 680.

2. After doing some research online, I bought The Official Guide for GMAT Review Book for like $20. It seemed that everyone agreed this was the best resource.

3. I gave myself about two and a half weeks to study. First, I read through the entire math review, just to make sure I remembered all the concepts and formulas. I wrote down any formula I didn't have memorized to look back at later.

4. Every day I would study for about an hour and a half doing the practice questions. I averaged probably 50-60 questions a day. I completed every question in that book, and I read the two examples of essays scoring a 6. For every question I got wrong, I would go over it and understand what it is I did incorrectly. I had a sheet of paper where I wrote down all the concepts I needed to know.

5. I did the other practice exam using the software and scored a 710. Again, I went over all my mistakes and understood what I did wrong.

6. The last few days before the exam, I went over the few sheets of paper I had written down on (stuff to remember).

On test day, I ate an awesome breakfast - fried eggs, bacon and oatmeal. I hadn't slept well because, well, I naturally get nervous before an exam.

I brought a bottle of water, some energy bars and my I.D. to the testing center. I ended up not drinking or eating anything, since my breakfast sufficed. I also had ample time on all the sections, usually finishing with 10-15 minutes to spare. I did try to take my time on each question, but since you can't go back, I always ended up with extra time.

I recommend taking all the breaks because it's refreshing.

Also, I felt that practice questions and one or two practice tests was sufficient. Personally, I had zero motivation while studying because it wasn't the "real thing." I found that I tried much harder and concentrated a lot more during the real exam.

But basically just familiarize yourself with the concepts, type of questions and test format. That should be enough.