How many hours did you study for the gmat?

I probably "studied" for about 20 hours, and then took the two GMATPrep tests.

Note that many of those folks studying 400+ hours may well be internationals with little or no English skills whatsoever. That was precisely my case when I started my GMAT classes. They all were taught in English and, the truth be told, after about 80 hours of classes, I had almost no improvement at all, my best score was 620 and AWA didn't seem even remotely doable. So I took a month off job and studied my ass off for this month 10-12 hours daily. Which in total brings me easily to 400+ hours ( 80 hours of classes + maybe 20-30 hours for homework + 30 days X 10 hours daily = 400+ hours of total preparation time ).

Most non-native speakers take way much more time than native speakers on this exam. Believe it or not, I spend almost 1000hrs on gmat.

My english is terrible. When I just started the exam I cant even understand the questions. Those idioms and phrases took me lots of time to remember. It took me 2-3month to figure out the meanings of GMAT questions. after 3-4month study，I felt that I should go to try the real test. Then I registered the exam which is 10 days later. I got the chance to do the free GMATPREP mock exam. I got 570 on the first mock exam. I couldnt even believe what I saw. I was really frustrated and I didnt know what to do. After a while I put myself together and focused on the mock exams. My pace improved a lot with the mock exams. On the first real exam, I scored 620. After so many efforts I made, I felt very disappointed in myself. By then, I spent almost 400hrs on GMAT.

I really wanna to score 700+ because I want to change my life. Before making the decision of applying business shcool, I realized that I had wasted so many times in my life and I had to strive for my goal. I would do anything to achieve that goal.

After the first exam, I deleted all the apps that distract me，such as reddit，tumblr ，stock trading apps and even the news apps. I spent 14 hrs on study everyday. I knew my study method may be not efficient but I did all I can to improve my efficiency. The last thing I did before sleep is to summarize all the knowlege I learned that day.

By now, I have spent almost 1000 hrs on Gmat. during this long journey, I thought of giving up many times but I decided to keep going every times. I have taken 3 exams on total and the best score I got is 650. There is still a long way to go. I will keep going until I reach my goal.

As an asian, I admire at american because you guys started to learn english since your birth and United States has the best education resources on the earth. I believe education is the most important thing for the development of any country. I wish I could I have a better education to change my life and then change my country. I wish I could build a better university in my country so my son and daughter could get good education easily. I know many American dont like foreigners because of the competition in limited resource. I understand and I will try my best to repay your society besides the tuition fees. I will participate volunteer programs to help American people. I wish someday I dont have to leave my family and my country to study abroad.

At last, good luck to everyone. Wish all your dreams come true.

**** man... I sincerely hope the best for you. Hard work will pay off some way or another.