The Quantitative Reasoning section challenges many test-takers, especially those who haven't studied math in years. The GRE math isn't about advanced concepts—it's about speed and problem-solving strategies under time pressure. Many students also underestimate the reading comprehension section, which tests your ability to find key information quickly in dense passages rather than deep reading comprehension. A tutor can help you build confidence in whichever section is your weak spot by breaking down question types and teaching you efficient approaches.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to studying. Your timeline depends on your target score and starting baseline—someone aiming for a top-tier program may need longer than someone with a baseline strong foundation. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can compress your timeline by helping you focus on high-impact areas rather than spending time on concepts you've already mastered. A tutor can also create a customized schedule that fits your life in Chicago while keeping you on track toward your goals.

Practice tests are essential—they help you identify weak areas, build stamina for the 3.5-hour exam, and get comfortable with the actual test format and pacing. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is far more valuable than studying isolated concepts. Most students should take at least 4-5 full practice tests during their prep. Tutors can review your practice test performance to spot patterns in your mistakes, whether you're running out of time, misunderstanding certain question types, or struggling with specific content areas.

Pacing is one of the most common GRE challenges—spending too long on difficult questions while rushing through ones you could get right. The key is developing a strategic approach: for each section, you should allocate roughly 1.5 minutes per question, but be willing to skip and return to tricky items. Learning to quickly assess question difficulty and make smart guesses on hard questions helps you maximize your score. A tutor can teach you tested pacing strategies specific to each section and help you practice implementing them until they become automatic during test day.

Test anxiety is normal, and it often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or fear of particular question types. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who build confidence by making the test familiar—when you've seen similar questions dozens of times and practiced your strategies repeatedly, the actual test feels less intimidating. Tutors also teach mental strategies like how to handle unexpected difficult questions without spiraling, how to recognize when you're overthinking, and how to move forward productively. Mock test practice under realistic conditions is one of the best ways to build the calm confidence that reduces anxiety on test day.

The Analytical Writing section (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument essays) rewards clear structure and specific reasoning more than brilliant prose. Most students need to practice recognizing common argument patterns, identifying logical fallacies, and organizing coherent responses in just 30 minutes. Writing multiple timed essays and getting feedback is more valuable than studying writing theory. A tutor can evaluate your essays, point out where your logic is weak or unclear, teach you efficient templates that organize your thinking, and help you practice until you can write a solid response quickly and confidently.