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Please advise- I cannot seem to crack the GMAT. I'm not an idiot either. I went to the School of Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill and finished with a 3.3 GPA, but I'm terrible at standardized tests.

I took my first GMAT practice test in late September 2012 without studying whatsoever and received a 520. From the beginning of October through the end of November, I met with a private tutor for about 1.5 hrs/week and studied about 30hrs/week. (I was unemployed) During that time my scores ranged from a 450-570, and every other test seemed to vary 100pts from the last. A week before my actual GMAT (on 12/29/12) I did three practice tests and got 550 on all of them. Needless to say, I was more than frustrated that I had been studying for 2 months, while not working, and only improved 30 points. (What a waste of $1200!)

For the actual test, which I took 12/29/12, I received a devastating 450. I also took the GRE, and received a relatively better score that I used to apply for Round 3 deadlines.

Does anyone have advice for improving my score? I feel hopeless because I worked so hard with no improvement and don't know what to do next. I feel like whether I study another month or another 5 months, I'll continue to get the same outcome. Should I just continue to take practice test after practice test, spend another $1000-$1500 on test prep, or just accept that 450 is the best I can do. I'm willing to put in the time, effort, and money, but want to see results.

Thanks so much for your advice!!