Perseverance Pays Off!

I took a Manhattan GMAT prep course during June/July 2016. Isaac Puglia was my teacher - phenomenal instruction and tips to pass the exam. My first practice exam I took I received a 530 . . . extremely low I know, but it was the first exam of it's type that I ever took.
Fast forward through the course, Isaac's teachings, Manhattan GMAT's material (especially the Navigator website offered) and taking the GMAT a few more times. My first official score reported was 610, a sizable increase from where I started. However, this would not be sufficient for the schools I wanted to apply.
I began to rethink my target schools and where I thought I could attend. I retook the GMAT, receiving a 600. Slightly worse and still little disappointed with my score. I decided to apply for a part-time program at UCLA.
In an effort to boost my candidacy, I looked at my splits, and scheduled a meeting with an MGMAT test adviser (very helpful, and I recommend taking advantage of this when offered). Then I hit the verbal books; purchased a verbal book, and did hundreds of practice problems in a span of 2 weeks. I retook the GMAT amidst the application process after being wait-listed by the program.
I achieved my highest score yet, barely missing the vaunted 700 club; receiving a 690. I was extremely pleased (however, slightly sad that I couldn't repeat my quant. score - which would've put me in the 700+ club) , accepted to UCLA shortly after and will be attending the program Fall 2017.
I would not have known where to begin when studying for the GMAT exam originally, The direction, accountability, and ability to reach Isaac anytime allowed me to succeed.