Improving GMAT Score (from 690 Q48, V35) - Developing a plan

Hi GMATClub,

I sat for the GMAT in Feb'20 and scored a 690 (Q48, V35). I had been intermittently studying for about a year, and had started putting in serious hours a month before the test date. My initial plan was to take the test by Nov'19, but I was dazed by the varying practice test scores I was getting leading to Nov'19 and decided to take a break which extended into Jan'20.

I started off my preparation with a score of 640 (Q48, V28) on the free official GMAT PREP test in Apr'19. I then spent months doing questions on GMATClub and reading the recommended Manhattan Guides in my spare time. I was startled by my verbal score, and therefore spent most of my time preparing for that.

I purchased the Manhattan GMAT tests and these were my scores:
MGMAT 1 : 590 (Q38 V34)
MGMAT 2 : 620 (Q39 V36)
MGMAT 3 : 600 (Q41 V39)
MGMAT 4 : 650 (Q42 V37)
MGMAT 5 : 640 (Q42 V36)
MGMAT 6 : 670 (Q45 V36)

I felt good at the end of my Manhattan GMAT tests, as these tests are supposedly tougher than the real deal. But my verbal score did not change as much.

I then re-did my GMAT PREP 1 in Oct'19, after ~ 5 months, and scored a 740 (Q49 V42) which made me ecstatic, but I was able to see repeat questions which made doubt my score. I took the GMAT PREP 2 a week later and scored a 670 (Q45 V37). At this point, I took a test from Veritas and Global Experts which gave varying scores too. I was filled with self-doubt and decided to take a break.

I then took up the reins in 2020, and started studying first. I was able to figure out that SC and RC were my weaker areas. And scrambled to improve at them. I re-read the Manhattan books, and watched Ron Purewal's ideas. But I feel I wasn't structured or clear in my learning. .

I then purchased the Veritas tests and got the following results:
Veritas 2 : 680 (Q46 V38), PS : 56%, DS : 46%, SC: 73%, CR: 56%, RC: 57%
Veritas 3 : 690 (Q49 V36), PS : 67%, DS : 31%, SC: 50%, CR: 67%, RC: 83%
Veritas 4 : 700 (Q49 V37), PS : 78%, DS : 54%, SC: 62%, CR : 45%, RC : 58%
Veritas 5 : 700 (Q47 V39), PS : 78%, DS : 69%, SC: 71%, CR : 100%, RC : 67%
Veritas 6 : 710 (Q46 V41), PS : 47%, DS : 77%, SC: 80%, CR : 78%, RC : 25%
Veritas 7 : 690 (Q46 V39), PS : 61%, DS : 61%, SC: 64%, CR : 80%, RC : 58%

These scores were positive, however I had timing issues and often guessed the last few questions right which often happened to be the toughest ones, leading to high V scores.

A few days before the actual, I took the GMAT Prep 3 and scored a 700 (Q49, V37).

I took the final test and scored a 690 (Q48, V35). This score was perhaps in line with my test scores, though I was disappointed by my verbal score. I had terrible timing in the actual test which can be seen in the purchased ESR. I am not unable to upload it yet as I don't have 5 posts.

I plan on sitting for the test again this year, and would appreciate any analysis on my ESR and my study plan to help get over a 740. I have the luxury of time as I would not be applying for B school until end of 2021.