I work as an architectural drafter, but I am drawn to design. I decided I wanted to be an architect so I am planning to pursue M Arch. My GPA in undergrad was low due to one semester when a friend passed away and in my grief I let my grades slip. I'm hoping to explain that in my application somehow, but also was counting on the GRE to counterbalance my GPA. I will continue to study, and probably start a different study plan now that I feel that what I have been doing is not working. As for finances, I am saving what I can but I don't make much as a drafter so it is tough! I will definitely at least need loans, and I hope to work while in school.

I have actually been using Magoosh online! I also have their book and the ETS book. I liked Magoosh online at first, but I feel that the practice questions are very tough. I often just don't know how to solve them and end up guessing then watching the explanation video. Maybe if I continue to do the questions I will eventually learn from the explanation videos? But it's frustrating because I was following their plan and feel I have made hardly any progress.

I used the magoosh blog in addition to the paid service portion. The blog has individual articles based on the various question types and a study plan. Picking out a study plan and sticking to it, and spending a minimum of an hour per day (with more on the weekends when possible) really helped. It helps to know what you're missing; is it the concept or a vocabulary word or the approach or something else? Pinpointing that can help you narrow down to what to study instead of just doing a million practice questions.