590 to 710... in a couple of weeks!

Well, I've just finished my GMAT and you all deserve to be among the first ones to thank for.

I've been a silent follower of this forum for several months. I've posted no more than 10 times.

Three weeks ago I took my GMAT for the first time. The result was a dissappointing 590 (Q41, V I dont remember but percentile was about 50%).

Today I took it again and I've got myself a 710 -- Q48V38

After my first attempt I decided to stop worrying about GMAT and start working on my essays. I took the books again this last weekend, and focused only on the verbal section. So, I've studied only for 3 days (I also practiced comb/perm just for the fun) between my 710 and the lousy 590.

What I've learnt:

- It is extremely important to take control of the situation. My first GMAT was my first standardized test. I took my last GMAT after I had also taken the TOEFL, so I was used to the initial paperwork, proper clothing, breaks, etc. My advice: If you have to take the TOEFL, do it before the GMAT. Do not overestimate the importance of being familiar with the actual test environment.

- An important piece of advise: You are only allowed 6 pieces of paper. I used to use 30 pages for the quant section only. Dont do that.

- Dont overestimate verbal. I had done 1000 SC questions by my first GMAT. It's useless. In quant it may work, but not in verbal. It's better to really focus on understanding the concepts.

- Finally, if things dont go right the first time... try again! You will most probably do better the second time!

Good luck to all of you.
I hope to know some of you at Business School.

You've all been an invaluable resource of information and made the "quest" much more pleasant.

Thanks!!!

PS: The post is probably full of mistakes, but well, I've just been on a 4-hour GMAT... you know what I mean...