@CaptainM: I can understand what you are going through. From your practice scores, I'd say you have prepared well and as you have rightly pointed out it was perhaps that dullness and slowness that affected your performance.
In my final try I just ensured that I finished all the questions, tried not to slow down. Some of the CR and RC passages were really long. So speed is really going to be key. Towards the end I felt even SC questions were quite lengthy. But honesty, if you are trying to interpret how you are performing during the test you are losing focus. The point is whatever you think need not be true(as was the case with you, you didn't do bad at all on Quant). Besides thinking about it is not going to help. So make up your mind first and tell yourself you are not going to interpret. I know it is easier said than done. But yes, you surely can make up your mind.
One way I tackled pressure was to ask myself what was the worst that was going to happen?!! As I've mentioned in my post I had made up my mind that I'd give GMAT as many times as it takes to get the scores! Seriously!! So that mindset helped me reduce that anxiety and the pressure. Even during the test I kept telling myself the same.
That said, another important aspect to consider is, how you felt while handling the English section? Were you actually comfortable during the first 30 questions or so? Was time the only issue? Or did you have difficulty recalling stuff? Was there any particular section you felt particularly felt uncomfortable? Perhaps you can ask yourself more questions. But the idea is to know for yourself what exactly was the issue? If it was time alone, I guess you should get to your score in the next time! All you need to tell yourself is to not worry about the results, but just give your best!! However, I would really suggest you to keep brushing up all the sections, perhaps give a couple of tests and I guess you should be ready.
I understand you are keen to get your applications finished on time. But having such a huge pressure at the back of mind can really affect your performance. If you ask me, I'd say first get rid of that thought from your mind!!
I guess you are already aware that you'll need to write a few essays for your application to any B-school. And that takes quite some time. If you are planning to work on those after your GMAT, in my honest opinion, I'd feel it's extremely hard to come up with a good essay/application in about just 10 days. Remember, GMAT score is only one part of the whole process. I would strongly suggest you not to hurry but to take your time and come up with a solid essay.
Those are my thoughts. I hope this is somewhat helpful. I might have been a bit blunt here, but my intention is only to help. Obviously you are the final judge. Take a step back, may be ask opinions from others and then decide. Please don't rush. I wish you all the best. I will look forward to reading your success story soon!!
Thanks for your comments and wish you all the best !
