When I first started studying a little over a month ago, I was using the Kaplan GMAT Strategies, Practice, and Review Book. I did some research to see what guides or classes I should use to take this process seriously. I found
Manhattan GMAT and took their free CAT test. I scored a 530 (29, 35) and was seriously surprised at how terrible I did on the Quant section.
After this epiphany, I realized I needed serious help and ordered the
Manhattan GMAT complete set. Since my quant was so terrible and it had been so long since I used any of this math, I decided to focus entirely on Quant to start. After I got through all of the Quant books I took another practice exam and scored a 620 (42,33). This was very encouraging even though my verbal dropped a little.
I went through the reading comprehension book, as it was my weakest verbal area and took another practice test today and scored a 640 (46, 32). Again, very encouraged despite my verbal falling.
I took the last two weeks off from work to study and I think it has paid off. My test is on Monday the 27th and I plan on going through the rest of my verbal books to try to bring my verbal score back to where it was originally. Unfortunately I have to work next week, but I have this weekend and next weekend to get through my verbal.
I really wish I had found this forum when I first started this entire process, because I would have saved so much time evaluating my study options. All of your stories are so encouraging and I hope that mine can serve as encouragement to someone in a similar situation.
If anyone has any advice for my next week of studying, please do share.