Hi Sonia,
I faced a similar problem. And I employed a couple of strategies. I know that the new GMATPrep is out and you should definitely download it, because it shows a nice section-wise timing graph.Since you have the Old GMATPrep with you, I'd suggest that you open up a GMAT prep test and whirl through all the sections till you reach the verbal section. Then solve the first 5-7 questions absolutely correctly (you can find solutions to most old gmatprep problems online). Keep the 700-800 level questions that will follow, on a word doc! Also, your GMAT psychology is important too. Remind yourself during the actual test that it's just practice.
Timing strategy - Yes, maintaining is good. But know that you CAN compromise with your timings till the point where 20 minutes are left on the clock. But, once you get to the point where 20 minutes are left, then, instead of rushing through. Slow down!
Alternate - Do one question correctly and guess the next one and so on. For example, in the verbal section, let's say when 20 minutes are left, you are at question number 25. Your mind should immediately tell you, "hey 16 questions are still left. But I'm not going to panic." Why not ? "Because, I am going to alternate where I can. If I get a passage, I AM going to read the passage and answer those questions, because, if I 'get' the passage, I get at least 3 questions correct! And then i can guess the next one and solve another question." And, If you have a strong section between CR or SC, you generally do give priority to your stronger section questions if possible. Of course, if you're great at SC and you get two in a row which are CR, well solve the second one.
Does it affect your score ? Not really. It may take it down just a little.
And so in the above example, you had 16 questions left, you alternated and answered 10, guessed 6 and got 8 correct. But that's better than answering questions wrong in succession which will be really bad. So if you think about it, you just answered 10 questions in 20 minutes! And that also means that you solved the first 25 questions in 55 minutes => that's more than two minutes per question. It's just an example, but calculation wise that's a really sweet deal! I believe we should always solve each question on its merit, giving it as much time as we can.
This really helped me. Hope it helps you.
