EMPOWERgmatRichC I have been "studying" since 2014. I took my first GMAT then as well and scored an abysmal 490. I've been studying mostly math ever since then, trying to improve my math score. I downloaded all of the
Manhattan GMAT quant books and was on GMAT club practicing problems religiously. However, I did not take any practice tests, which may be one of my problems.
Yesterday I realized I needed some structure to hone-in on my weak areas and test-taking skills -- I decided to pay for an online program. Coincidentally the program is your EmpowerGMAT. The price point was good and hopefully will provide the structure I need. This morning, I took a practice test and scored a 580. Improvement! V -36, Quant -34. I see this journey as a marathon rather than a sprint!
I haven't planned when I will take the GMAT yet, but I'm hoping I can get where I want to be by August. Based on what I have going on at work, I will probably apply in 2018 for entry in 2019, so I have time. However, overcoming the GMAT hurdle has been a goal of mine for years and would like to put it behind me!