So I had taken 3 of the AAMC practice tests, and had gotten about the same scores on verbal (not bad ones, but with the MCAT it's the higher the better...)

I bought the EK Verbal Reasoning book, went through it, did everything they told me to.

Next AAMC practice test... my verbal score went DOWN 3 POINTS. Not 3 questions- 3 entire composite points.

I want my money and my verbal skills back!

The same thing happend to me at first! But in general I find the EK verbal strategies to be helpful, but what I had to do to get to my peak score of 11 (a one time score, I usually get 9's/10's) is a combo of their suggestuons plus what works for me.

Like they suggested, I don't read the answers first and I've even stopped circuling/underlining what I think are key words. I do go over the passage much more than they suggest when I'm looking for answers and I finish the verbal section very few minutes left.

My suggestion is to do as many additional passages as you can. (I'm using the 101 EK verbal passages). You'll find what works for you through practice. Good luck!