460>480>510>540>600>550

Hi!
I just took the GMAT test and scored a disappointing 550.

But, before I go any further, allow me to introduce myself: Non native English speaker (clearly!), US college grad(3.6/4.0), fine arts background, 10 years out of school, second year GMAT student, avid runner.

I have been following this forum for a month now and it’s truly been a goldmine!
Thank you for all the wonderful resources and advices.

OK, so like I said, my score was 550.
But, what is more tragic than the actual score is the fact that this was my sixth GMAT attempt!!
460(Q28 V25) > 480 (Q31 V25) > 510 (Q32 V27)> 540 (Q32 V33)> 600 (Q42 V31). > 550(Q39 V27).
Most of you are probably shaking your heads and wondering how in the world I could allow myself to step into the GMAT testing room so unprepared. Believe me when I say that I’d put serious hours behind each of the tests and felt ready each time.
But, I have finally exhausted all my self-confidence (and self-respect)…and am here for some serious advice.

Now, some of you may (correctly) advice me that I need to brush up on the fundamentals and then practice using the OG books. In fact, I would give the same advice if it wasn’t me asking. However, in an attempt to solidify by fundamentals, I have not only attended two full GMAT courses but also have studied diligently some of the essential materials listed on the resources section here: MGMAT SC, KAPLAN Premier Program, KAPLAN800, PowerScore CR bible, GMAT Math bible by Jeff Sackmann, PR Cracking the GMAT, All 10 EZ solution quant books, Project GMAT…some Arco stuff… (it seems like a lot, but I have been studying for this cursed test now for two whole years!!)
I have also timed and solved the OG 11 over 8 times. Quant and Verbal review books, each over four times.
Nothing seems to be working…

Here are my four deadly problems:
1. Lack of self evaluation skills.
I am certain that there are some fundamental concepts that I do not truly comprehend but that I had convinced myself that I do. I need a diagnostic tool that would stick those concepts in front of my nose for me to see.
2. Lack of application skills.
By solving OG11 so many times, I have literarily “conditioned” myself to react to certain problems in a certain way. Since I find the questions on the real GMAT quite different from those on the OG series, or from those on the GMAT Prep (specially, Math), I panic when I see something unfamiliar. I need to find a way to prepare myself to face any type of question undaunted.
3. Lack of time-management skill.
Undoubtedly, my biggest problem. I rarely finish a test on time. In fact, I end-up guessing about seven to ten questions at the end of each test. I’ve read the thread on time management, but find it difficult to track time when I am concentrating.
4. Lack of a strategic plan of attack.
Each time I flank the GMAT, I take two to three weeks to review the fundamentals. Then, I force myself to solveOG11 cover to cover at least once. At this point, I take the GMAT prep to assess where I am. Often, I feel confident enough to divert my time to more difficult questions such as the ones in the GmatClub tests. I repeat this study pattern despite the fact that it has brought little RIO.

Perhaps, I am missing something big and obvious that everybody else does correctly….
Or perhaps I am just plain stupid and helpless .
But, I have a dream beyond MBA that I am not willing to give up just yet.

I will be grateful someone suggest/recommend helpful ideas.

A 700+ score can be achieved. I just need to find traction.
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading this far.

U.