Most students benefit from 10-15 hours of additional study per week beyond class time to see significant progress. This includes practicing problem sets, taking full-length practice tests (ideally one per week), reviewing mistakes, and drilling specific question types. A typical week might look like: 2-3 hours on quantitative drills, 2-3 hours on verbal practice, 1-2 hours on analytical writing, and 3-4 hours on full timed practice tests with review. Varsity Tutors can help you create a personalized study schedule that fits your availability and targets your specific weak areas.

Most students struggle more with the verbal reasoning section, particularly reading comprehension and vocabulary in context—though the challenge varies by individual. The quantitative section requires strong foundational math skills and comfort with time pressure. In a focused five-week program, you'll identify which sections are slowing you down through diagnostic testing, then allocate more time accordingly. For instance, if reading comprehension is your bottleneck, your prep should emphasize active reading strategies, question type patterns, and timed practice with increasingly complex passages. Tutors can provide targeted strategies for your specific challenges rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Test anxiety often comes from unfamiliarity with the format and pacing. During your five-week prep, prioritize full-length, timed practice tests in a test-like environment—this builds familiarity and confidence. After each practice test, review not just what you got wrong, but what went right, which reinforces your strengths. Learning specific time-management strategies for each section (how to pace the reading passages, when to use the calculator) reduces the anxiety that comes from feeling rushed. Many students also benefit from discussing test-day logistics and stress-management techniques with an experienced tutor, who can provide perspective on what to expect and help you develop a calm, focused mindset.

The Analytical Writing section often gets overlooked, but dedicating 1-2 hours per week to it pays dividends. This section requires practicing both the "Analyze an Issue" and "Analyze an Argument" essays under timed conditions (30 minutes each). Most students benefit from completing 3-5 full practice essays, getting feedback, and revising them—this builds both speed and confidence. While the Analytical Writing score carries less weight than verbal and quantitative in many graduate programs, strong performance demonstrates clear thinking, which matters for admissions. A tutor can provide targeted feedback on your essay structure, argument clarity, and time management, helping you develop an efficient writing approach within the five-week timeframe.

Yes—taking official ETS practice tests is crucial because they reflect the actual test format, difficulty level, and scoring algorithm. During a five-week program, aim to complete at least 4-5 full-length practice tests, ideally one per week with several days between each for review and targeted practice. The first test (taken early) serves as a diagnostic to identify weak areas. Subsequent tests help track progress and build stamina for the 3.75-hour test day. ETS provides free and paid practice materials that are the gold standard; practicing with authentic materials ensures you're not wasting time on tests that don't match the real GRE's difficulty or question patterns.

Varsity Tutors connects Phoenix students with expert GRE tutors who understand the test's specific challenges and can tailor instruction to your goals and timeline. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll start with a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses, then create a personalized five-week plan that targets your biggest opportunities for improvement. Whether you need help mastering challenging question types, developing test-taking strategies, or building confidence through practice tests, tutors work with your schedule and learning style. The personalized 1-on-1 instruction means you're not sitting in a generic classroom—you're getting strategies designed specifically for you.