GMAT Experience (From 660 to 700)

Hello all,

First of all, I would like to thank GMATClub for all the help and guidance. It is a great source of information and at times, motivation. I took GMAT two times and would like to share my experiences.

First time GMAT (660; 45Q, 36V)
I primarily used OG and Manhattan SC. OG was indespensible and for me, so was Manhattan SC. I prepared on and off for about two and half months (which included moving between countries and unscheduled travels.)
GMATPrep Exam#1: 680 (with AWA, a week before the exam)
GMATPrep Exam#2: 690 (with AWA, two days before the exam)

I was not expecting any miracles, and was just hoping to get 680-690 or touch 700 on the exam day.

On the exam day, after finishing the AWA section, I got stuck on the first question in the Quant section. I spent approximately 7 minutes on that and it was all down-hill from there. May be I was too nervous from the start. After finishing the quant section, I didn't even I want to attempt the verbal. I did, and was sure my score would be in low 600s, but to my surprise, it was 660 (though it did not bring any joy).

I decided to take the exam again. I was running out of time for meeting the R2 deadlines, so I scheduled the exam exactly after 31 days.

Second time GMAT (700; 49Q, 36V)
In addition to the books mentioned above, I also used PowerPrep CR and Total GMAT Math. I also took all six Manhattan exams. PowerPrep CR was of great help (and although I ended up getting same verbal score), I was much more confident with the CR questions. I did put in a lot of effort to improve primarily my quant (my strong suit) and to improve verbal by a couple of points.

My practice test scores:
Manhattan Exam 1# 650 (Q46, V33)
Manhattan Exam 2# 680 (Q45, V37)
Manhattan Exam 3# 710 (Q45, V41)
Manhattan Exam 4# 700 (Q46, V39)
GMATPrep Exam 1# 690
Manhattan Exam 5# 700 (Q47, V39)
Manhattan Exam 6# 720 (Q48, V40)
GMATPrep Exam 2# 680

I was extremely frustrated after getting a 680 on my GMATPrep Exam#2. (I knew my Manhanttan tests scores could be a little inflated because, I took (had to) a few breaks during the exams). Nonetheless, I went to the exam centre for the second time, more confident and relaxed. During my quant section, I knew I was doing well, because by the end, the computer had started throwing ridiculous math questions with figures (one had a tower and a lady). I thought, I did better on my verbal too, but the score did not refelct that.

But when I saw a 700 on the screen, I was satisfied.

Note: I personally found Manhattan verbal way easier than the real GMAT exam. Their quant is harder, but I learnt to manage the clock well in the quant section with their exams.

Few observations:
Nothing is more important than preparing well for the exam, but the state of mind during the exam could significantly affect the scores. I was very nervous and almost gave up just after the first question in the quant section (first attempt). Second exam, I was much more relaxed and more confident (stems also from the fact that I took several more practice exams). Just prepare hard and beileve in yourself, and there is no reason you would not do well in the GMAT. Good Luck!

Thanks all!