I, too, am preparing for IELTS hoping to appear for exam in October-November. IELTS General is what I'm planning to attend. My target is 8. I am attending a coaching centre here(Cochin). classes in the evenings.
What they do is, give exercise books (around 30 or so) with the IELTS format questions for Reading and Writing. Listening sessions and Speaking sessions are separate. A Lecturer is giving classes on writing and we've to write essays every day. (Though I haven't started yet!). We've to speak with the mentor to improve the accent. I find it hard to manage time for this classes and am thinking of self studying although speaking session is helpful. Suggestions for study materials are welcome.
EDIT: What about spelling of words? Whether US and GB spellings both are accepted or we should start recollecting British English spelling?