GmatPrep

The forum is a great resource, here is my $.02:

Spend a couple hours and sift through some of the sticky threads and starter guides on here.
- Build a strategy to your prep
- Assemble the resources you will need

I have studied on and off over the past couple of years. I have used books, tutors, and now the Economist GMAT prep software. It probably depends on how you learn and your focus. From my experience, the GMAT prep software I'm using has made more of an impact. It is convenient, well structured, self-paced, and works a lot on the approach/process/and strategy of the test. I find this more helpful than the rest. I had a lot of quant deficiencies because I never learned algebra that well in high school. I found it took me a long time to really understand the fundamentals but once I did and started grasping the in and outs of the exam, I really started building momentum.

I'm just now at the practice test taking phase where I will score and hone in on my weaknesses. Most of my upfront focus has been working on the fundamentals and understanding the test. The good thing I did was keep a note pad of things that I was having more issues with. This helps when I have time to open a book (get a different perspective) or work with a tutor.

I'm no expert, just trying to prep myself. Like anything, set a goal, a strategy, and measure. Good luck!

A lot of people do poorly on their first practice exam. It's important to figure out if this was a fluke or due to a gap in understanding of topics - if you are lacking knowledge in certain areas, then you need to figure out which of these areas you are weak at and then to build up your foundation from there. I'd recommend looking at some GMAT prep materials (books, videos, etc.). If you are still scoring poorly, then you may want to look at taking a GMAT prep class or hiring a private tutor for one-on-one sessions. I found having a tutor was better for me; even though it was more expensive, I got help in specific areas that I needed help with.