First Attempt - 760! It can be done. AWA - 5.5

Today was my first attempt at the GMAT and I'm ecstatic with the results. I haven't posted much on this site, but I've been around for the nearly two months that I've studied. I saw so many top scores on this forum that I was excited about my chances.

760 Total
49 Q
44V

I'll post more later when I have time. It's time to celebrate!!

EDIT:
Oh boy, after a night of celebrating, I realize I can't handle it as well as I could in college. Anyhow, a little background on me. I have a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Houston, with a poor GPA. So, I knew I needed to do well on the GMAT to make up for my 2.9. I studied for approximately 7-10 hours a week for 8 weeks, with a couple weeks a little more due to time spent on the practice CATs.

My Strategy:
I took the GMATPrep Test 1 before studying at all. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I scored a 640 on that test, 44Q 36V. So, that was my starting point. Reviewing what I missed, I had forgotten a ton about quant and needed to practice. And, I was set on RC and CR but had a glaring need for SC.

I used Kaplan GMAT Study Guide, Kaplan 800, and very little out of OG11.
I actually ran out of time and didn't do anywhere near the amount of problems I wanted to do. I only did approximately 100 questions in problem solving from OG11. The book was basically untouched.

I realize Kaplan gets a lot of bad reviews, but I can't complain. I think the questions are tougher in Kaplan than in OG11. The questions are definitely wordy and try to confuse you in the question stem, but in the end, the math was the same.

I also really liked Kaplan 800. I did every problem in this book. It really helped with my SC. I was getting between 80-90 percent of the questions correct in Kaplan 800.

I took the Kaplan online practice test. It was really easy and I only scored a 700. I knew it wasn't a CAT, but I thought I was in good shape.

August 17th I took only my second practice CAT. The Kaplan CAT 1. It was very difficult and I only scored a 640 again 42Q and 36V. I was disappointed but realized that Kaplan scores are not really a reflection of your true score.

The week of the test on Monday I retried the GMATPrep Test1 and scored a 740, 48Q 44V. I was pumped, but had about 7 repeat questions so I thought my score was way off. Then, Thursday I took the 2nd GMATPrep and scored 740 again, 48Q and 44V. Wow, it was for real. I'm ready and riding high.

Note: I forgot to mention that I often would get on the GMAT Club forum during my lunch hour and would solve SC and Quant problems. I must have completed approximately 100-200 of these questions. I think these questions will help with harder questions on the GMAT tremendously.

The day before the test I was worried about AWA. I hadn't practiced even once. But, I decided to wing it and worry about the rest.

The test: The AWA's were easier than I was expecting so it helped relieve my stress right away. I took advantage of my break after the AWA and just went outside in the hallway and psyched myself up. Getting excited for the challenge ahead. I approached the test as a competition, which really helped with my attitude entering the test. Not nervous at all, but nervous excitement.
The quant seemed very difficult and I was completely bummed after finishing the section. But, I remembered on my practice CAT's that I felt the same way and still scored well. The verbal was almost exactly like the GMATPrep Test Verbal section. I was amazed at how smoothly it went.

Click the score...wait..wait...I'm hoping 700...wait...maybe 720...wait..don't get greedy...760!!!! I don't know how I contained myself.

Anyways, it can be done. If anyone needs any further clarification, please post. I will be getting ready for apps now.

I think emory is still my number one school. Prior to the test, I was just hoping to get in. Now, I'm hoping for scholarship. I need to paint a great picture in my essays and go from there. Good luck to you all.

Thanks to everyone who posts questions in both Verbal and Quant, along with those who preach a positive attitude for this test. I think attitude is key on test day. You've done the studying, you've worked hard...psych yourself up, not out. It's fun.