370, but got 530 on practice tests :(

[dwight_schrute]

370

I studied for about a month, 10 hours per week. Went through about 5 practice tests on the Manhattan GMAT website (440,410,430,510,530).

My goal was really just to break 500, I'm just trying to get into the local university down the street, nothing prestigious.

What should be my next step. I feel awful. I totally panicked during the test and got really far behind in my time.

When should I take it again?
Should I get a private tutor?

[dart2gmat]

no need of a tutor..sit again after proper review of your weaknesses..
and then start anew..afresh..go through OG properly..see their solutions..
that would be enough to take your score beyond a 500!

all the best!

[dwight_schrute]

Thanks for your response.

What is the proper way to go through the OG?

I have decided to try to take the GMAT again in 1 month, Do you think this will be enough time for me?

[dart2gmat]

take some more time..booking a date is a minute job..do only wen u feel
comfortable and confident..proper way to do the OG is to :
->solve some questions..grasping the language as well as the pattern..
->trying to increase the accuracy..
->timing yourself keeping the accuracy..
->referring to their way of solving them as well..

for SC,I would suggest you to pick Manhattan SC guide..
for quant..Official Guide 12 is a must(esp. DS)
for critical reasoning..if possible get a hold of the Powerscore critical reasoning Bible..
reading comprehension is your own way of attacking it..FIRE strategy works sometimes..
(to more about FIRE..search google or other related GMAT websites)

hope this helps..(and may be you should give another 2 months and not just a month)

all the best!

[dwight_schrute]

These are the books I have:

OG 12th Ed.
OG Quant Review (Green)
Kaplan Math Workbook
Manhattan SC (already used 5/6 practice tests)

Should I start with the OG? When should I go to the other books?

Where can I get some more practice tests? (Free or $)

How often should I take a practice test? Every week? 2x week?

[dart2gmat]

start with OG as I said..after u get the accuracy..go for some other books..
stick urself to OG and Manhattan..u will find manhattan paid tests and books on their website as well..try not delving deep into the Kaplan..rely on OG and Manhattan..towards the end,wen u r confident..buy the kaplan tests through their website or some book..take practise tests after u get thy accuracy completely and a bit of timing..and a test per week would do good..then thorough review of the questions where you went wrong..

all the best!