Your first session is diagnostic and collaborative. A tutor will assess your current skill level, review your target score and graduate program requirements, and identify which sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, or Analytical Writing) need the most work. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan with realistic timelines and discuss your learning style so tutoring can be tailored to how you learn best.

This varies by student background. Many students find Verbal Reasoning more challenging because it requires both content knowledge (vocabulary, reading comprehension) and strategic thinking about how test makers craft questions. Quantitative Reasoning often feels more straightforward but trips up students on timing and non-standard problem formats. A tutor can pinpoint your specific bottleneck—whether it's vocabulary gaps, reading speed, algebra fundamentals, or question interpretation—and focus there.

Pacing is one of the most common GRE challenges because the test is long and the sections are timed. Effective strategies include practicing with full-length tests under timed conditions, learning to identify question difficulty and skip strategically, and developing a personal pace benchmark for each section. A tutor can help you practice these strategies repeatedly so they become automatic, reducing test-day anxiety and improving your actual performance.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their study period—this follows learning science principles of spaced repetition and practice testing. The first test establishes your baseline; subsequent tests help you track improvement and refine strategy. A tutor can review your practice test performance to identify patterns in mistakes, whether they're careless errors, conceptual gaps, or strategy missteps, so you're not just practicing but learning from each attempt.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this depends on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a competitive program score (typically 160+), you'll likely need more intensive study than if you're targeting a 150. A tutor can assess your baseline and help create a realistic timeline, then adjust as you progress—some students accelerate faster than expected, while others benefit from extended preparation.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats. Tutoring builds confidence through repeated exposure to authentic GRE questions, timed practice, and strategy drills so test day feels less like a surprise. A tutor can also teach you specific anxiety-management techniques—like how to pace yourself to avoid panic, when to take a breath and reset, and how to handle difficult questions without spiraling—turning anxiety into focused determination.

Look for tutors with strong GRE scores themselves (typically 160+), experience teaching test-taking strategy not just content, and familiarity with the specific question types and formats on the current GRE. Many expert tutors also have graduate degrees or professional experience in fields where GRE-takers apply, giving them insight into what programs value. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven track records helping students improve their scores and gain admission to their target programs.