The three main pain points are pacing (managing time across multiple questions), vocabulary depth (understanding nuanced word meanings in context), and reading comprehension strategy (extracting key information from dense passages quickly). Many students also struggle with the transition from standardized tests like the SAT to the GRE's more advanced reasoning requirements. A tutor can help you develop strategies specific to each question type and build confidence in your approach.

Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current score (or administer a diagnostic test), identify your strongest and weakest areas within Verbal, and understand your target score and timeline. From there, you'll create a personalized study plan that addresses your specific challenges, whether that's vocabulary building, reading speed, or mastering question formats. This foundation ensures every future session is focused on what matters most for your goals.

Practice tests are essential—they familiarize you with the test format, help you develop pacing strategies, and reveal patterns in your mistakes. Most experts recommend taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks once you've built foundational skills, then analyzing your results to identify recurring weak spots. Tutors can help you interpret practice test data and adjust your study plan accordingly, turning test results into actionable insights rather than just a score.

Timing issues typically stem from spending too long on difficult questions or reading passages too slowly. Effective strategies include skimming passages first to identify main ideas, flagging tough questions to return to later, and practicing with a timer to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. A tutor can help you find the right balance for your reading style and teach you which questions to prioritize based on difficulty and point value.

Not necessarily—while knowing common GRE words helps, the test focuses more on your ability to infer word meaning from context and understand how words function in sentences. A strategic approach involves learning high-frequency GRE words (200-300 core words), then practicing context-based reasoning skills. Tutors can help you prioritize vocabulary study based on your baseline knowledge and teach you techniques to decode unfamiliar words on test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your strategy. Building confidence through consistent practice, mastering question formats, and developing a clear approach to each question type significantly reduces anxiety. Tutors can also teach you calming techniques for test day and help you practice under timed conditions so the real test feels familiar rather than overwhelming. Many students find that knowing they have a solid plan makes a huge difference in their mindset.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors in Birmingham who specialize in GRE Verbal prep and understand the specific challenges of the test. When you get matched with a tutor, you can review their qualifications, experience with GRE students, and teaching approach before your first session. This personalized matching ensures you're working with someone who fits your learning style and has a proven track record helping students improve their Verbal scores.