Just took the test (2nd try) - Need advice

Hello,

Looking for advice on next steps. Below has been my journey thus far:

Test 1 (Manhattan): 2/14/2016 Score 510 (Q29, V31)
Test 2 (Manhattan): 3/27/2016 Score 530 (Q38, V26)
Test 3 (Princeton Review): 4/17/2016 Score 530 (Q34, V29)
Test 4: GMAT Prep 1: 5/29/2016 Score 600 (Q36, V26)
Test 5: GMAT Prep 2: 6/5/2016 Score 580 (Q35, V35)
Official Test: 6/13/2016 Score 550 (Q36, V30)
MGMAT CAT #3: 8/1/2016 Score 540 (Q37, V28)
MGMAT CAT #4: 8/28/2016 Score 600 (Q39, V34)
GMAT Prep #3: 9/5/2016 Score 610 (Q38, V36)
GMAT Prep #4: 10/3/2016 Score 660 (Q42, V39)
GMAT Prep #5: 10/16/2016 Score 680 (Q42, V41)
Official Test #2: 10/19/2016 Score 600 (Q40, V30)

I started studying for the GMAT around March of this year. I’ve finished the MGMAT online class and been through most of their books. I’ve taken the Official Test twice (June and October). I had started using TTP a little bit before my first test and have been using it a lot more recently. After the first test, I purchased the e-GMAT SC course and, recently, the PowerScore GMAT CR Bible. Verbal has been the weaker section throughout. All study materials have been helpful, I think. I’ve received great support from both platforms (TTP and e-Gmat) and I would highly recommend them. Once the GMAT is over with, I will definitely write more about both of these platforms and the awesome people on this forum (Marty).

After MGMAT CAT#3, I started using 800score Verbal sections to try and lift my verbal section. All of my efforts were paying off prior to test day. SC was a major concern as my sub section score on the first official test was around 25 I think. On the last few I was in the higher 30s. Perhaps I was continually getting lucky on these tests? One thing to note is that I was not doing the essay with these tests but I did the IR and obviously the Quant and Verbal under the official test and break times. On the second test, I remember that I had to hurry through the last 13 or 14 questions because I had run out of time. This wasn’t completely unusual for me but definitely not this bad, I might have had to rush through the last 8-9 questions before (still not good). Nonetheless, I was devastated to see that score. I’d been working really hard and I figured I’d drop 20-30 points on the real thing but this was a huge swing. I cancelled the scores and here we are almost a week later and now I am trying to evaluate my options.

I had scheduled the next test date (11/14/2016) prior to this last one in hopes of potentially increasing my score after my second attempt. I figured I have more attempts at my disposal and showing progression would probably be good for my application. I can’t take vacation days to take tests so the only time I can take more practice tests would be on the weekends. I need at least 650 to be competitive at the programs I want to apply to. I want to apply in Round 2 and I’ve got a couple of busy weeks coming up. Now I can’t really decide on what specifically to focus on in the next few weeks.

So a few questions for the experts:
• Is it common to see a huge swing like I saw on the official test?
• How do I reset quickly and try and at least score a bit higher than my official score (2nd test)?
• Any advice on how to improve timing on verbal and improve stamina, overall, for the test?

Thank you in advance!