I visited this forum a couple of times before I took the GMAT but didn't find what I was looking for - A post that said the equivalent of
"If you have above average Verbal skills and above average Quants skills, one month of study is all you need to get a 700+ score". Now that I've taken the exam and given that I have, even if I say so myself, above average Quants and Verbal skills, I'd like to say that the above IS true. I estimate I prepared for no more than 100 hours in the month before I took the exam. In my mock tests, I was seeing scores in the higher 600s and that disappointed me a little.
However, in the actual exam, I got a 740 (49Q, 41V)!
My prep material / Mock Tests:
1.
OG 12
2.
OG 11
3. Barron's
1. 4 Princeton Review Tests (Average Score = 660)
2. 2 GMAT Prep Tests (Average Score 690)
My advice to people with good verbal and Quants Skills:
1. Since you've got a good background, you've won half the battle already. Congrats.
2. Do timed sample tests.
3. Do timed sample tests.
4. Do timed sample tests.
5. Do timed sample tests.
6. Pray.
My advice on the day of the exam:
1. Utilise each of the two 8 minute breaks between sections. Drink water, take a leak and clear your head. And get back on time.
2. Treat the GMAT as a war you have to win. Psych yourself before and during the exam. Stay strong. If need be, repeat the Obama '08 campaign slogan, Yes, We Can.