The biggest hurdles are typically time management (balancing speed with accuracy), building advanced vocabulary in context, and understanding the logic behind complex reading passages. Many students also struggle with the nuanced differences between similar answer choices in text completion questions. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each question type and build confidence in your decision-making process.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths, weaknesses, and target score. You'll discuss your timeline, graduate program goals, and any specific concerns—like anxiety around timed tests or vocabulary gaps. From there, your tutor will outline a personalized study plan and begin working on the areas that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week over 8-12 weeks, though this varies based on your timeline and starting score. Consistent, focused preparation is more effective than cramming, so regular sessions help you build skills progressively and stay accountable. Your tutor can adjust the frequency based on how you're progressing and how much time you have before test day.

Reading Comprehension requires both speed and deep understanding—you need to grasp main ideas, author tone, and logical structure while working under time pressure. Tutors teach active reading strategies, question prediction techniques, and how to eliminate wrong answers efficiently. Practice with real GRE passages and targeted feedback on your approach helps you build the skills to tackle complex academic texts confidently.

While you'll encounter challenging words, the GRE tests vocabulary in context rather than pure memorization. Understanding how words function in sentences and recognizing common word roots and patterns is more useful than flashcard drilling. A tutor helps you build vocabulary strategically, focusing on words that appear frequently on the GRE and teaching you how to infer meaning from context when you encounter unfamiliar terms.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, build stamina for the full exam, and identify patterns in the questions you're getting wrong. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also reveals pacing issues and helps reduce test anxiety. Your tutor will use practice test results to guide your study plan and ensure you're improving on the skills that matter most.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GRE Verbal and understand the test's unique challenges. When you get matched with a tutor, you'll have access to someone with proven test expertise and the ability to teach strategies tailored to your learning style. The matching process ensures you work with a tutor who fits your goals and schedule.