730 (Q48, V42) - Thanks Everyone!

[casbroker]

I just took the GMAT and came out with a 730. I had no idea I would do this well as my highest practice CAT was a 690. I almost stopped caring but the forum users really kept me motivated. Here's how I studied:

September 24 - Registered for the test and realized that I needed to study.

Arco Beat the GMAT - I used the 2006 edition, thought it was awful but didn't have anything else.

Sometime in October - found this site and got the OG. Completed all 800 questions.

Picked up the Kaplan 800 and tried to do as much as possible within a week.

Here are my CAT scores:

ARCO
640
620
680

GMATPrep
690
680

I hope everyone who reads this realizes that if I can do it - you can!

[casbroker]

Edited: I'm an idiot - I got Q48 and V42. Still shaky from the test!

[beatthegmat]

casbroker:

That's a fantastic score, congrats! Obviously, you are the type of person that performs well under pressure.

Can you provide some more details on your GMAT study strategy or your test day experience? We'd love to hear more details!

Thanks and good luck!

[casbroker]

I'm not sure if I perform well under pressure but I just didn't feel nervous when I sat for the test. I was, however, shaking up until I sat in front of the computer and almost forgot which finger was my index finger! I had a 9:00 am appointment and had to go to work afterwards so I was the only person at the center wearing a suit. I probably got a solid 7 hours of sleep before the test and ate a bowl of cereal and drank a cup of coffee at 7:00. I really did not want to have to use the restroom during the test so I refrained from drinking too many fluids prior to the test. From 7-8 I did some more quantitative questions from the Kaplan 800 book just to get my brain working. I was then off to the races...

My study strategy was probably like many people who have shared their experiences. I used Arco, the OG and Kaplan 800. I completely finished Arco and OG but didn't have enough time to go entirely through the Kaplan. I studied for a month - about 1-2 hours M-F (I work long hours and need sleep) and 4-6 hours on Saturdays/Sundays. I really buckled down the two weekends prior to my test. I think the key to success is practice, practice, practice. If anyone wants more insight into my study methods (which are probably not recommended by experts) feel free to ask.