Bara Sapir of Test Prep NY/Test Prep SF hopping in here. SInce we're the only test prep/GMAT company that deals directly with the psychology of test taking - - helping you with test anxiety is up our alley, an I thought I'd throw in my two cents.
In terms of anxiety - - all the things Brent mentioned are AWESOME. We have written numerous articles on the detrimental affects of anxiety, and actually have an audio course you can use to help you get over it.
Here is a sample:
https://www.testprepny.com/pages/products_gmat.htm The sampler alone might do the trick!
The product and our one-on-one coaching (used in conjunction with ours, or others tutoring or classes) utilize - - draws from the latest in neuroscience, cognitive behavior modification , mindfulness and positive psychology more: think of what we do with students as what sports psychologists and trainers do for athletes. We go WAY beyond deep breathing which works well for many people, but for a handful (actually - - many) - - it's not enough.
In terms of your verbal performance - - the challenge the test, as I'm sure you know, i that it's testing formal written English, speed and logic.
FOR SC: You might be the best orator in the world, but if you can't decipher the formalities in SC. Many of the 'books' out there are a one-size-fits all model and dont get into nuances - - which are VERY important. It's the difference between rocking out...and a 'ehh' score. or even a 'good' score. Work with an expert!! Someone with many years experience AND who knows the intricacies in how they've changed the test.
For RC: What is your speed? YOu might need to get quicker. There are speed reading classes out there - - we have one specific to the GMAT - - and that could be a HUGE help.
And for CR: An audit of what you're getting right and wrong may be in order.
For math and IR - - YOu're going to want to get that audit down - - isolate what your'e getting right/wrong - - what you guessed on and clueless about.
The GMAC explanations should not be your only source for 'why' something is right. Bring it to the forum - - to other experts and your colleagues here.
And by the way - - there is a TON out there beyond MGMAT and Kaplan - - they're great for what/who they are, but they are big companies that adhere to their brands - - which is great for many many people - - but since you're having specific issues, you're going to have to go the big guns - - and get more intimate with a tutor, most likely. He or she will see who YOU are when taking the test - - and figure out solutions specific to your needs. You simply won't find that in most books or big classes.
Hope this helps!
Good Luck!
