My GMAT Journey: 580 to 660 to 650 to 700 to (750)???

Hello Everyone,

Finally have made some headway into my GMAT studies. As a quick review of my progress:

All MGMAT CATs:
#1: Q44 V26 580 3/6/11
#2: Q44 V36 660 3/27/11
#3: Q43 V36 650 4/9/11
#4: Q44 V40 700 4/30/11

TEST DAY: MAY 31st 2011.

So as you can see my verbal improvement has been the sole reason from 580 to 700 thus far. Interestingly enough, my study plan has been quite typical.

Study journey:
Messed around since May '09, did not get serious until Jan 2011. I would say nothing in this period would count as real study.

From Jan, got serious, become more involved with this forum, rearranged some activities to dedicate time to study, and devised a plan based on advice gained on this forum. Purchased MGMAT set, had OG12 and a 2006 PR book from long before. Took some evals and assessments, landed between 550 and 600. Discouraging, but hey you have to start somewhere.

Jan: Breezed through the PR book, I do not recommended PR. More guessing techniques (which might help you... but I would rather focus on solving the problem then become great at guessing). Started slogging through MGMAT series.

Feb: Continue slogging through MGMAT books in order.

Mar: Took a MGMAT CAT#1 - got owned. Felt sad. Collected myself. At this time I was just getting started in the MGMAT Verbal section, so I convinced myself I knew my verbal was weak. Took second CAT (#2) near the end of the month. Much better, still a ways to go. Finished all MGMAT Books. In parallel started to grind on OG problems, doing a bit from each section (PS, DS, CR, RC, SC), albeit in order. Using the guide to the guide spreadsheet to figure out weakest parts/sections. (I am making some improvements to that spreadsheet, I will post after I have made it a bit better).

Apr: Took another CAT (#3) - no improvement, slight discouragement. Realized I must not have been studying correctly. Shifted focus to sentence correction, reading the Elements of Style by Strunk and White, as well as redoing the MGMAT SC book. Continuing to work through OG12 probs and use the guide to the guide.

Took another CAT (#4) near the end of the month. Hit 700! Happy as all hell with a month left on the clock. Have come to the conclusion that my weak spot in Quant is just 700 to 800 level problems, and solving them within 2 mins. This will be my next area of focus. Looking for good resources btw. I have my eye on some MGMAT problem sets as well as GMAT club here. I think decent drilling of 700 to 800 level should get me to Q46-50 range. Also looking to continue OG12 use (almost finished now), and review SC religiously. Thankfully my RC and CR and pretty solid, so basic review of those should keep those sections healthy.

So like I said above, another month to go (test day May 31st), but time flies and no time to get cocky! My goal was 700+ before, but now I think I will aim for a 750+. Going to take CATs weekly, using the last 2 MGMAT and the GMAC ones starting 2 weeks out from test date.

Open to any questions/comments/suggestions. This forum has been extremely supportive and VERY informative, would love to continue the spirit of exchange.

I hope to hear from you and report the final score in month's time.

Bring it on GMAT! I WILL DESTROY YOU!