So here is my debrief:
I started looking at the GMAT option in the beginning of this year. I was looking at it primarily for ISB. But the more I browsed PG the more I got inclined towards an idea of doing my MBA from US. Still have not completely figured out what I plan to do, though.
As soon as the Indian MBA admissions season got over, I started browsing the net and PG for information on the GMAT. Unfortunately, there were very few people I knew, who had taken the GMAT. I registered around end of May without having looked at the structure of GMAT. Then called some people, browsed the net and found huge amount of preparation software on e-snips. I know it's copyrighted material, but once in a while, its ok.
The first things I bought for the GMAT were OG11 and Kaplan 800. I had given CAT before so my basics to a large extent were in place. Started my preparation in June and finished Kaplan in 10-12 days. The book is challenging, but not sure how much of it helps you take the GMAT. Some verbal questions are very very tough. So, do it, but don't get disheartened by it.
Amit told me about a software called GMATTer which is an online GMAT-style software with verbal questions from the OG-10 with their explanations. I found that to be very good. So, the next thing I did, was to complete the OG-10 verbal. later, I found it to be of a little better level than OG-11.
I found out very early that SC were my weakness. I would get an accuracy of around 60% while I got 90% odd in RC and generally 100% in CR. Heard about about Manhattan SC guide and found it on e-snips. The book helped me structure my thoughts on SC. I used to rely a lot on my ears to do questions on SC. This book taught me that it is not always a correct approach. I would recommend this book to anybody who is facing difficulty in SC.
Then, somewhere around beginning of July, I started doing OG-11. I found that the book is a little over-hyped. It's good for practice, but does not have as many challenging questions especially if you are targeting a 720+ score.
The other thing I did was to take up a lot of tests. I took 4 tests from Kaplan, 4 from Princeton, 2 PowerPrep and 2 times each of the two GMATPreps. Most of them had useless scoring algorithms. Nevertheless, they are a valuable source of practice questions.
Here are my test scores in chronological order:
9-Jun GMATPrep-1 690 (34;49)
17-Jun PowerPrep-1 750 (40;50)
23-Jun PowerPrep-2 740 (40;49)
2-Jul Kaplan-1 640 (35;50)
7-Jul
PR-1 650 (38;42)
12-Jul Kaplan-2 630 (33;44)
18-Jul
PR-2 690 (41;45)
21-Jul GMATPrep-2 750 (42;49)
26-Jul
PR-3 700 (39;4
28-Jul Kaplan-3 640 (33;50)
2-Aug Kaplan-Online 720 (42;45)
4-Aug
PR-4 670 (41;42)
7-Aug Kaplan-4 600 (30;50)
9-Aug
PR-Online 700 (33;47)
11-Aug GMATPrep-1 (R) 760 (41;51)
13-Aug GMATPrep-2 (R) 760 (41;51)
Got identical scores in my last two GMAT Prep test which I had re-installed and I was pretty pleased with myself. I found Princeton quant very basic and their scoring algorithm outright ridiculous. However, their verbal questions were good. Kaplan was the other way round. Its verbal was so tough, that at times, it did not make sense to do them. However, I persevered because I was getting practice, nonetheless.
GMATPrep software is a very good indicator of your performance. I would say, if one has time use it to the maximum. Install it 3-4 times and do all its questions. The look and feel of the main exam is also exactly the same as GMATPrep software.
This was about my GMAT preparation phase. The test-day experience and strategies follow.
That's what I call a "killer performance".. Way to go!! 
Linear Mode
