GMAT Strategy

I just want to start by saying this has been a great website. I wish I had found it before I took the GMAT the first time. I took the GMAT Dec. '06 and got a 570 without any studying. That was sufficient to get me into a Master's program that was convenient for me. I currently work as a Hedge Fund Analyst, so I wasn't looking for a top-tier program, just one that met my needs. I'm now looking to apply this fall for PhD programs. I have already been in contact with several schools that are top-tier programs and they have assured me that with my work experience I will be accepted as long as I can get my GMAT to 640ish. I feel very confident that this is possible, I'm just wondering how to proceed. I work full-time and am still engaged in the Master's program. I do have a wife and baby so I can't spend all my time in books. However, I have 6-8 months before I have to take the test. I'm open to taking a course if I need to, or just buying good books to study with. If any of you have suggestions, I would appreciate it.

I am in the exact same position - I am going to begin studying full time for the exam in May, once my MBA program is over, and spend 2 months dedicated before taking the exam.

I have been looking at different courses to take and materials. Small Group tutoring and private coaches are so expensive. . . I may end up just having to take a general class.

You can raise your score sufficiently if you study. How long will you have to prepare? Let me know!

I am a PhD applicant in Organizational Behavior.

I think I won't have to take the test until the end of the summer. I think I'll try studying on my own until the start of the summer, take a couple practice tests to judge if my scores are in the area I want and if they're not I'll take a class this summer and then take the GMAT end of the summer. I thought the same thing about the costs for the small groups and tutors. I'm just not sure it will be worth it. Hopefully it will work out. I will be applying for Finance programs. I actually thought about pursuing Organizational Behavior, I just can't get the investor out of me. I figure if I won't be actively investing as much, I might as well be teaching/researching it.