Hi Rich,
Thank u for the response,
1. My goal is for a score of 720+ (my target univ requires such)
2. I am a working professional and hence want to give myself ample time. Aug 20 is the date I am looking at.
3. I will apply in September.

rseshnag wrote:I was stupid and wrote 3 b2b gmats in 2014 got 530, 550 & 560. I want to give gmat no.4 this year, target 700+. Any advice? And will my previous scores hamper my admission prospects?

Your scores shows a clear lack of fundamentals.

1.In your preparation so far, how did you study? What material did you follow?
2. Have you completed the OG and the Verbal review?
3. What were your sectional scores?

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the preparatory companies including ours offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.
In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

Hi rich

To answer your questions,

I had given myself prep time of 2months for my first gmat , then took the next two within a month's time .

I used the two free tests from mba.com, had enrolled in one online course. That's all.

Right now I'm equipped with the official guide and material from princeton review, and i have planned 15-18 hrs of study a week.

Hi ankur
Thank you for ur inputs, i will definitely take the mocks you suggested, i felt last time i was short of test practice. I am confident about my fundamentals.

Hi rich

To answer your questions,

I had given myself prep time of 2months for my first gmat , then took the next two within a month's time .

I used the two free tests from mba.com, had enrolled in one online course. That's all.

Right now I'm equipped with the official guide and material from princeton review, and i have planned 15-18 hrs of study a week.

Hi ankur
Thank you for ur inputs, i will definitely take the mocks you suggested, i felt last time i was short of test practice. I am confident about my fundamentals.

Thanks for sharing.

Given that you have enough time, consider engaging a test-prep service to help you with maximize your potential. Boosting your scores will open up more opportunities and help your admissions/scholarship chances.

Wish you all the best!