GMAT Strategy

Hello,

last week I had my first GMAT attemped and scored a 560 (Q44,V24). I was completely shocked about my verbal core. During the practice tests verbal was always my strong part and I scoed alway around 30-35. Math was always my weak are and here I realised that it was much easier than I had expected. My Gmat Prep test results were 600 and 650, Manhatten 620 - 690, Kaplan 520-540.

I only need 600 points but I don't know how to prepare for the verbal part. It seems to be that the real verbal is much harder than in all the prcatice tests. I continued to practice verbal, but I have again good results. But that does not help when the test is much harder.

I will have my next attempt at the end of October. Can anyboby advise me how to prepare for the verbal part? I already habe OG 12, Verbal OG and all the Manhatten Books. I don not need the essays for my application. Therefore I skip the essays in the real test. I hope that had no influence on my verbal score?

It would be great to get some advise from you. Many thanks!