Long time lurker, first time poster here. I took the test this morning and ended up with a
610 (43Q, 31V).
Though I feel like I should have scored higher (considering I've been studying for 3-4 months), I know that visiting this site and reading what others have to say about questions, strategies, and experiences has helped me tremendously. Also, I'm primarily concerned with getting into a local University program, of which students have an average score of 600 (or so says princetonreview.com).
When I started, quantitative was my serious weakness. I used ARCO's math book, Kaplan GMAT 2003 (previously sitting in my bedroom since the year I first contemplated grad school),
OG 11, and some 2006 Kaplan CAT tests to study. I originally planned on taking it before Halloween, but alas, there's always a way to improve. I finally decided that I MUST take it before the Thanksgiving holiday to keep it from hanging over my head indefinitely.
I was a bit surprised at how nervous I was before the test began. I saw the woman in front of me have serious problems with both the electronic signature pad and the fingerprint scanner, and that didn't alleviate my anxiety (I can be impatient at times). I had problems with them too, though.
I know I did poorly on the analysis of an issue essay. I have a much tougher time with those than with the argument. I'm both surprised at how high my Quant score was, and how low my verbal score was.
Overall, I'm fairly happy with my score. It sure doesn't help reading about all of you that can break 700, but perhaps my message will give those who are having a more difficult time than myself more hope.
Anyways, as previously stated, I KNOW that this forum helped me tremendously. Not just the strategies and practice problems, but the overall optimism shared by most of the memebers, as well as the "we're all in this together" mentality.
Thanks again.