Here is my GMAT experience:
So I gave my GMAT last week. Not ecstatic about my score but not disappointed either. Wanted a 700+ score at all costs and got it.
During the initial days of my preparation, I studied from only one book: Kaplan. I had no idea that there was an
OG! Googled for more GMAT books and bought the 12th edition of the
OG. A MUST for every GMAT
aspirant. You simply cannot do without it.
So I finished Kaplan and then started to devour the
OG. Since I'm working, my strategy entailed working 1-2 hrs everyday after work and about 5-6 over weekends. Well, that is the key. Regular practice. 1-2 hours everyday will make a big difference.
Kaplan is a must for SC and CR. Some very good examples and techniques mentioned in that book. Of course,
OG is good overall because of it's exhaustive nature but the nuances of tacking these two subjects that are mentioned in Kaplan is what makes it compulsory.
So like I was saying, I completed Kaplan and then completed the
OG. Gave the Kaplan Paper Sample Test and got a 730. Gave the
OG sample test and got a 710. Felt pretty confident up until I gave the Kaplan Tests from the CD. They were horrific! The RCs are like some PhD thesis! They are THAT long! Don't let it psych you out though. The real RCs are nowhere as long. I would recommend everyone to take atleast a couple of the sample Kaplan tests just for the CRs and the SCs. They are extremely helpful. Quants is ok. When I got about 550 in my first Kaplan test, I passed out and when I awoke 3 days later, I panicked and nearly postponed my test! Gave another Kaplan Test and got about 620. Much better performance but nowhere close to what I wanted on the actual test.
After visiting some forums, I realised that Kaplan tests were known to be absolute killers and that you shouldn't let them put you off. Finally, I gave the two GPrep tests and got 710 and 750. The level of the GPrep tests are pretty much what you can expect on the actual GMAT.
By the way, I didn't write a single AWA essay during my prep. Just read a few sample essays and felt that I could cope when it came to writing it on actual test day. Got the usual stuff, nothing too horrific. Quant was ok and I feel that I could have done a lot better. Verbal was as expected. So neither overly happy nor dejected. I'm satisfied. 93 percentile can't be bad.