I just took the test two days ago, only six days before my last year of college starts. The experience was tremendously nerve wracking because I had no clue how I'd perform under test conditions. I scored a 49 41 on my first PP and a 50 41 on my second one. I don't know what the overall scores were because I took only one section at a time (meaning I would tank the other section to find out what my individual scores were). This was mainly because I didn't have enough time before work to finish each section. The quant section was not more difficult than the PP sections. However, about 40 minutes into the math section I had to urinate (yeah I know pretty funny) and just couldn't hold it any longer. I got up, signed out, peed, signed back in and lost 3 and half minutes. As a result I made uneducated guesses on a number of questions because I was running out of time. I could have cancelled my scores, or just left at that point (I was so upset I wanted to) but decided to finish anyway. I'm not sure if I'll take the test again or if I'm even going to apply to business school (long story), but I'm glad I stuck with it.
Anyway not long ago I decided to devote what turned out to be 8 weeks preparing for this exam. I took a Princeton Review course and reaped absolutely no benefit from it. None. I'm not even sure I want to waste space talking about it, but I will summarize my view by urging anyone reading this to forego the waste of money and time. By resisting this program you can avoid the grimy feeling associated with being ripped off and violated. (Transition?)
I benefitted the most from studying Kaplan prep materials (any book you can find) and
the official guide. It is difficult to know when to study
the official guide. Doing so means that the PP tests won't be as accurate. If I could do this again I would have taken a PP test immediately to see where I was at and what kind of plan I would need. The other one I would save for two days before the test. This type of strategy will help people avoid the type of sick desperation that many people here suffer from after they see their Kaplan or PR scores. Incidentally on my first PR test I scored a 620, scored as high as 710, and finished off with a 610 (right... not too indicative). If I have any advice at all it is as follows. To create a study plan, you need to know what range you are already scoring in. I feel that neither Kaplan nor PR provide accurate scoring information. Find a way to avoid the type of unnecessary discouragement that these tests provide.
Anyways I've rambled long enough. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Besides I have nothing to do for the next couple of days except make inappropriate passes at incoming freshman chicks (last chance).