Now with some rest and a couple days of reflection, here's how I broke down my studying/resources:
First, I should mention that I had an "okay" SAT at 1260. I didn't really understand what the big fuss was about until I started college apps. Even through college, as I worked part-time to pay for it, I didn't realize the importance placed on stellar grades.. that is until I started looking for a job! I felt capable I could do well, but I simply didn't have the MOTIVATION or FOCUS to apply myself. Knowing I was going to take the GMAT for a Master's program, and completely fed up with my so-so academic achievements to date, I wanted to blow this test out of the water. That is the kind of mentality you need to have if you are serious about doing well!
However, I had some serious limitations in almost all categories. I hadn't take a math class in over 4 years and was completely unfamiliar with the DS, SC, and CR sections to start.
I started by purchasing the OG and after consulting this forum I went with the Manhattan 4th edition series for all subjects, except PowerScore for CR. I HIGHLY recommend Manhattan SC and Number Properties!
I first tackled the OG PS to identify my problem areas (using the excel Error Logs found on this site), and used the supplemental material to build on my weak points. Although I felt I made some progress, I felt overwhelmed as I transitioned my study plan to tackling the Verbal section, as I'm sure many do. Around this time I got caught up with work and delayed my GMAT until later. After a failed attempt to start my studying again this summer I delayed my prep until about a month ago.
Around December I realized I needed to take the GMAT for Master's programs (not MBA yet) and scheduled the next GMAT I could (only ~3 weeks away!) I then outlined my study plan:
Having worked through all the OG PS I felt I could just tune up along the way through diagnostics, while I dedicated serious efforts to DS, SC, CR, and RC. Please note that this plan was extremely aggressive in that I just graduated and had all the free time in the world. I do not recommend studying on such short notice if you have just a couple hours a day!
When I started my hit rates were terrible. Maybe 50% for all those sections. By the time I finished studying I was 80-85% on the hardest sections of OG. I read the MGMAT SC TWICE! In the day's leading up to my test I was studying 8-10 hours a day and would go to bed thinking about SC questions and underlined phrases. I can't emphasis enough the changes I felt from beginning to end, you really can start to wrap around your head everything GMAC is going to throw at you. Live, Breathe, and Dream about GMAT!
One of my biggest obstacles I overcame was the overwhelming feeling you feel when you start the verbal section, especially a very technical RC section. But one of my keys to success was a change of perspective from hating to embracing the challenge, and be sure to take notes! This single handily increased my RC hit rate from 55% to 90%. It's easy to get lost in who said what when the author changes perspectives mid paragraph.
There's a plethora of good write ups on this site detailing study plans and advice from people that scored even higher than me. Be sure to use these resources! If there's anything to take away from this recap is that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and commit to continuously improving! If there are any specifics I'd love to help, but otherwise good luck!
