I just took the GMAT today and got a 720. (Quant: 48 Verbal:40). I am happy with my performance since I achieved my target. Before the test, I kept telling myself that no matter what happens, I am going to be be brave. I think that really helped to calm me down and keep my concentration levels high.
The math section was tough but the Verbal section felt like a cake-walk. I think I found verbal easy because I was very focused and relaxed. I read the passages with great interest and curiosity. The CR questions felt like situations that a person might encounter in his everyday life. The SC was easier than MGMAT CAT's SC.
Practice tests:
I took four Manhattan GMAT CAT's. My highest score was 660. I was doing okay on Math but poorly on Verbal (33-35 range). 10 days before my test decided not to take any practice tests. I knew a low score would demotivate me besides taking away crucial prep time.
Some takeaways:
- A lot of the math questions in the real GMAT looked exactly liked the GMAT prep questions I had seen before on the forum! Looking back, I think going over the posts in the GMAT prep math forum was the KEY to getting a decent score in math.
- I had never prepared flashcards in my life before GMAT. I found them to really useful (although I still forgot the formula for area of a sphere!)
- One day before GMAT I did absolutely nothing. I relaxed the whole day- read a book, went for a long walk and listened to music. I think it really helped to clear my mind and attack the GMAT with everything I got.
I hope the tips are useful. Good luck!