Believe what you've read, my friend! Don't use a Kaplan test as a diagnostic. Use a GMATPrep test or a Princeton Review test. They're much more accurate.

Ask the tutor for references. How long has s/he been tutoring, and what were the results? Plan to meet him/her in a coffee shop and discuss an approach to the GMAT. See if your personalities mesh. Give the tutor a sample problem you're struggling with and ask how s/he'd solve it. You'll get a feel f...

Yes, it could have been a fluke, it could have been nerves...don't think about it too much. Just move forward with your prep!

Which CAT did you take? GMATPrep and Princeton Review are the most accurate, Manhattan GMAT tends to be a lot harder, and Kaplan seems to be the least representative. So if it's a Kaplan score, ignore it altogether.

Cracking the GMAT is a much better book. I'd switch to that, and use the official materials as well.

GMAT paper tests should not be used for anything other than untimed practice questions. You need to practice on CATs (computer adaptive tests), because that's what you're going to see on test day. GMATPrep (the official ones) and Princeton Review sre adaptive; I don't think Kaplan is. I've never hea...

Definitely focus on verbal, as that seems to be your weakness. I honestly think part of the problem is the materials you've been using...I have never seen anyone recommend Barron's for GMAT (I remember it from my SAT days, though), so there's probably a reason for that. Kaplan seems to be off for ve...

Um, for most American b-schools, you DO need a bachelor's degree which equates to 16 years of education. The GMAT is a different story, though.

The best book to start your GMAT prep with is Cracking the GMAT, from Princeton Review. Read it from beginning to end. And definitely get the Official Guide.