Hi,

I've been reading BTG post for more than 6 months, and believe it was time for me to write my first post.

I have taken the official GMAT test twice. The 1st score (June 18, 2010) = 610-41Q,33V, which I took after studying for 6 months (30-45 hr/week). My 2nd score was 570 -37Q,31V (Sep 17, 2010).

I have taken more than 28 full GMAT practice test from Kaplan Online, Kaplan CDs, MGMAT, Mba.com, Princeton Review, and Knewton.com and have spent a significant part of my last 9 months studying (for which I decided to only work part time, and study the rest of my time).

I'd like to see if any of you can offer me some advice as to how to approach my next and final attempt at the GMAT, which I'll take in 30 days.

Here's what I've done so far and a little background:
I studying business administration with information systems and work in marketing and web/graphic design. I like the creative side of me, but have always had a good grasp of math topics.

My study programs:
For FIRST GMAT test:
January - June 2010 = SELF STUDY
"¢ Went over the Kaplan GMAT Premier book (with CD)
"¢ Completed the entire OG 11th edition questions (using BTG Excel sheet for right/wrong/unsure notes) + Verbal and Quant OG books (Purple and green)
"¢ Used the GMAT Fix OG 11 Companion for understanding the answers to the questions.
"¢ Read about 80% of all the 8 Manhattan GMAT books, and completed most of the practice materials for the math books.
"¢ Took over 18 GMAT practice test (view results: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key ... 1LYP#gid=0)
"¢ Spent lots of time reviewing my wrong and right questions
"¢ Followed the following two BTG post for the AWA essays and scored a 6
"¢ Argument essay: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/03/ ... ment-essay
"¢ Issue essay: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/03/ ... ssue-essay
OFFICIAL SCORE = 610 (41Q, 33V) AWA 6

For SECOND GMAT test:
"¢ I only decided to take the Knewton.com course, which would let me follow a schedule, take practice quizes and take 5 GMAT CAT exams (580, 520, 520, 530, 570)
"¢ Did not go back to any OG questions
"¢ Reviewed questions from about 2-3 Manhattan GMAT CATs.
"¢ Took an additional 3 MGMAT CAT exams (610, 670, 680)
"¢ Took the 2 GMAT Prep (mba.com) again (650, 630)
OFFICAL SCORE = 570 (37Q, 31V) AWA 6.

I'm a guy who is very committed to studying every day (at least 5 hour/day), takes the time to understand the errors and learn from them, and who has the patience to sit for hours without getting too bored,and who wants to apply to the top 15 schools in the USA, so I need a minimum of 670 or more. I have to admit that I've have spent WAY too much time doing this, and my friends have notice I've really haven't put too much time aside to just have fun and relax. Maybe taking this too seriously might be my problem.

On the last (2nd GMAT) I felt way too anxious knowing it was the real thing, even though I had already taken it once.

From reading other people's posts so far, I'm planning on focusing my study time for my 3rd GMAT by studying OG 12th questions, buy the MGMAT companion and simply focus on my weak areas (RC, SC and Comb, Probability).

Hope anyone has some suggestions.

Thanks!

Jaime