From 610 (Diagnostic) to 650 (real GMAT) to 710 (real GMAT)

When I started this whole process, I set 700 as my goal. I thought it might be a little too high, given that my diagnostic was 610 and my math was crazy bad. After reading this site, I realized I could improve my math. My verbal was already solid. So, I practiced and practiced, question after question. At the end of my practice, I was scoring around 710-730 M 45-49 V 40-45 consistently across all tests. Then came D-Day Aug 26. I got 650 M 47 V 32, which baffled the hell out of me, because I have a 4.0 GPA in humanities. I was convinced something was wrong with the test. However, I realized I might be deluded and rebooked it. Today I got 710 M 45 V 41, right in line with my practice. Needless to say, it was a long journey that included the birth of my firstborn child and the death of my father during my practice time. But I made it. One thing my father taught me was to take responsibility for my own actions. So, instead of blaming the test, I blamed myself. I think that is what motivated me in the end to get my target score.