Things to keep in mind: 1. DO NOT start with the OG. It is to be used in the end as a practice tool since it has the most accurate depiction of the kind of problems you will face on the final test day. 2. Rushing to take tests before learning anything - waste of tests. 3. Skipping basics and rushing to advanced topics - Useless! In the GMAT, if you don't bludgeon the easier and moderate questions, then you will never get the chance to reach the good stuff which actually plays the vital role in boosting your score. 4. Keep yourself motivated. Read about how others achieved high scores in GMAT, research your dream B-Schools and how awesome it is to get there, and talk to your friends/alumni/seniors about B-Schools and MBAs. 5. DO NOT let there be a substantial break in the midst of your prep. It brings your preparation back considerably. I had to take a month off in the midst of my preparation due to some unforeseen chores that cropped up during my final semester in college, but I used the official guide and spent 10-15 minutes everyday practicing some basic problems to keep myself from getting back to square one. 6. If you're a decent writer, the AWA section does not pose much difficulty. So don't waste your time on it until the last week or two if you are confident enough (I have a blog that I update once in a blue moon, so I was kind of comfortable with spewing up random stuff ^^).