I'm finally done with the test. Score was quite close to what I had anticipated so you could say I am satisfied.
Would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participants of this forum. What I found most useful was reading people's experiences regarding their preparation and the actual test. I will try to summarize my experience below .
Background: I'm a working professional with around 8 years of experience. This is the first test that I have taken after completing my graduation(Engineering) so you can imagine that building up the momentum was a bit tough.
Duration: Prepared for the last 3 months. First 2 months spent around 8-10 hours per week. This month moved it to 16 hours a week. Last 4 days I solved one full length test at the same time I had the exam today. Being from a engineering background was always strong in Quant. Verbal especially SC was and is very tough. CR and RC is interesting and I actually enjoy RC.
Preparation Material:
Started with Kaplan GMAT: Found it useful. The questions in the book and the full length CAT are quite tough as compared to the actual test but it helps in motivating you to try better.
Princeton Cracking the GMAT: Not very useful as the questions are very simple and the preparation material is not helpful.
OG 11: Purchased it a month and half ago. Big mistake. Should have started with this. It's absolutely required for preparation.
CAT scores in chronological order
Kaplan 1 : 550 (3 weeks back)
Kaplan 2 : 590 (2 weeks back)
Kaplan 3 : 610 (1 week back)
Kaplan 4 : 640 (D-4)
Princeton: 720 (D-3)
GMAT Prep 1: 710 (D-2)
GMAT Prep 2: 720 (D-1)
Actual Test: 710
Suggestion
Build up the stamina to take 4 hour long tests by attempting tests in a fashion similar to the real one. Thats the most difficult part for people like me who have been out of academics for so long.
Always revise what mistakes you made. After every test spend atleast a couple of hours revising what mistakes you made and be sure you understand what you did wrong.
It was a nice experience. I don't think the GMAT is a measure of one's talent, but because it a pre-requisite you have to work through it in a methodical and unattached manner.
Best of Luck to everyone and thanks again ..
I would be happy to answer any specific questions
BR