For the Non-genius: From 550 to 640 (w/ study sheet)

I promised myself that if I increase my score significantly the second time around, I will post a little something for people like me... for people who are not geniuses

Five weeks ago I took the GMAT for the first time and scored a 550 (Q 32 V 34). I was devastated but I sort of expected it since this is what GMATprep was telling me. As soon as I got home, after throwing a fit at those around me, I signed up to retake the test. Today, I took the test again and went up 90 points and 25%tile points - 640 (Q 41 V 35). Here's my story.

I sat down and created a study plan. I KNOW THIS IS CLICHE but please believe me IT WORKS and if you set REALISTIC goals it also HELPS. I printed out five weeks forward from outlook and assigned a chapter or two of alternating Manhattan GMAT math chapters and Critical Reasoning bible chapters per day. My schedule also included two GMATprep CATS. I left the last week blank for practice questions from the OG.

I also created an error log that looked something like this: Col 1 - source; Col 2 - type of question; Col 3 - seconds used; Col 4 - error; Col 5 - lesson learned. This became a study sheet for my last week of preparation.

Finally, I created this study sheet:
https://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc23fqnf_30g8cs5z

When I took the first GMATprep since my last GMAT, I scored a 680 - I was in shock. I thought it was an error. This score was, after all, 130 points higher than what I scored on the test. But CATs dont lie, especially GMATprep. In fact, I should have never taken the actual test itself when I did since I was, after all, scoring between 540 and 570. DO NOT TAKE THE TEST UNTIL YOU'RE SCORING THE SCORE YOU WANT TO SCORE ON CATS!

Anyway, the bottom line is this: I studied four months for this test. The first three months I did Kaplan and had a private tutor (12 hours). They weren't worth a damn. I ended up -- yes, I myself, the procrastinating king that I am -- doing way better when I was on my own.

Thank you to everyone at the GMAT Club who have contributed. You have all contributed to my success.

I know I can do better than 640 but I'm happy with this score. It was right around my target score. I am, however, applying to all the top programs, so I'm going to need some more luck on the apps

If anyone has any questions please dont hesitate to pm me!

GOOD LUCK and YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!