Mixed Emotions on Score (140 point improvement)

Practice scores were closest to my final score on the GMAT. I took the test in December after plenty of preparation and recieved a score of 430 Q29 V20. I had never scored so low on any practice test and was devastated. I decided to give it another shot a month later and recieved a score even lower! 410 Q29 V19. Well, I decided to give it one last shot (did not prepare for the final test-just tried to be mentally ready for the exam). Ended up with a 550 Q31 V35.(55% overall) While happy to see improvement, my average quant score was around 38 during the practice tests. Even though I have not hit the desired score of 600, I'm happy that I did not throw in the towel. My first two scores were not near my ability (practice tests ranged from 450 to 680). The 450 being a blind PP test before I picked up a book. Also, 35 was near the top of my verbal ability on the practice tests (I averaged around 30 on practice). I'm not sure if I'm taking this thing again quite yet, just wanted people to know that there is hope for improvement and don't give up. I truly think the mental pressure can kill you on this test and managing that pressure will help tremendously.