Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths, weaknesses, and target score. Tutors will review your goals, timeline, and any specific challenges you're facing—like pacing issues or difficulty with reading comprehension. This foundation helps create a personalized study plan that focuses your preparation where it matters most.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges GRE test-takers face, and expert tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying question difficulty levels quickly and knowing when to skip and return to harder problems. You'll practice these timing strategies on full-length practice tests, building the confidence and muscle memory needed to manage the test's adaptive format. Regular timed practice with feedback helps you find your optimal pace without sacrificing accuracy.

Absolutely. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can customize your preparation to focus on your weaker sections while maintaining your strengths. Whether you need intensive Quantitative Reasoning support, help with complex reading passages, or guidance on the Analytical Writing section, personalized instruction lets you allocate study time where it will have the biggest impact on your overall score.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, build stamina for the 3+ hour exam, and identify specific question types that trip you up. Expert tutors use your practice test results to pinpoint patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study strategy accordingly. Taking full-length tests under timed conditions, then reviewing them thoroughly with a tutor, is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or doubt in your ability to handle the material. Personalized tutoring builds confidence through mastery—as you develop stronger problem-solving strategies and see improvement on practice tests, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach test-day mindset techniques and help you practice under realistic conditions, so the actual exam feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement or applying to highly competitive programs, 3-4 months of consistent study is ideal. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your specific goals and current level, ensuring you're prepared without burning out.

Look for tutors with strong GRE scores themselves, proven experience helping students improve, and expertise in test-taking strategy—not just subject knowledge. They should be able to explain the reasoning behind questions, identify patterns in your mistakes, and adapt their teaching to your learning style. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with experienced tutors who have a track record of helping students reach their target scores.