Hi Erica!
There's no shame in a bad score. We all have to start from somewhere!
The best MBA advice regarding the GMAT is to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. A great GMAT score is achievable by anyone with good organization and solid Test Prep commitment. I'd suggest at least 6 months. Here's a few quick tips to get you started:
Start with the official materials. Bare minimum, you'll need the Official Guide, the downloaded Powerprep CATs from mba.com, 1-2 other workbooks from reputable companies like MGMAT, Barron's or Kaplan, and several supplemental CATs (also available from private companies - Amazon is a great place to read reviews). I like MGMAT SC, MGMAT Number Properties, Powerscore CR, and a Kaplan Math Workbook.
Schedule your study time methodically. Buy a white-erase wall calendar and write your test date in big letters at the top, then begin to schedule study time for yourself by working backwards. Aim to study at least 1 hour a day, 5-6 days a week. Don't try to cram 20 hours of studying in one week and then do nothing the next. Slow and steady wins the race. Focus, but don't burn out.
Register early. Choose a GMAT test date that gives you a comfortable window in case you want to re-take. It's important to set your test date first. If you wait until you feel "ready" to take it, you never will.
Build content knowledge first. Don't try to do everything at once. First familiarize yourself with the tested subject-matter. The OG is the best place to start. You may want to buy supplementary algebra, geometry or English grammar books to fill gaps in your knowledge.
Use a tutor your weak areas if needed. Strategy is the most important step in your preparation because it dictates how you are actually taking the test, so if you are struggling with a certain area or question type, you're not alone! Reach out to an expert for supplemental help.
Take full-length tests. You'll want to take at least 6 over the course of your studies - save the two official Powerprep CATs for the last quarter of your study-time. Use a private company's CATs to practice your pacing and for extra question review but do NOT put much faith in the "scores" they give you. No private company will accurately mimic the official GMAT's scoring algorithm, and too often students are disappointed when they score much lower on the actual GMAT. Don't let these CATs lull you into a false sense of panic or security. Use them only to build your stamina.
Don't neglect AWA. Write both practice essays each time you take a practice CAT. Send them to friends to review, post them on an online forum, or schedule a session with a tutor online, or an in-person tutor, to review them and ask for suggestions. Make sure you are developing a template for both essays that can easily be completed in the allotted time.
Also, keep in mind that the GMAT is changing in 2012. You'll want to decide whether you want to do the New or Old GMAT and study accordingly. I'd suggest taking it before the changes, if possible.
Good luck!
