This depends on your target programs and starting scores. Most students find GRE Verbal improvement comes faster because the skills—vocabulary, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning—build more naturally with consistent practice. However, if your program requires a strong Quant score (engineering, economics, data science fields), prioritize that first since it has a higher ceiling for improvement in the same timeframe.

A smart approach: spend 60% of your prep time on your weakest section while maintaining your stronger section through weekly practice. Varsity Tutors can connect you with tutors who help you develop a strategic study plan based on your specific goals and program requirements.

GRE Reading Comprehension tests your ability to understand complex ideas quickly—you'll have about 1.5-2 minutes per passage. Effective strategies include: reading for structure and main ideas rather than memorizing details, annotating key arguments as you read, and practicing the specific question types (single answer, multiple answer, and select-in-passage).

Most students improve timing through deliberate practice with real GRE passages and timed drills. A tutor can identify whether your challenge is reading speed, comprehension, or test anxiety under time pressure—then focus on the specific bottleneck. With the right approach, most students shave 10-15 seconds per passage within 4-6 weeks.

The good news: raw vocabulary memorization is less critical than understanding how words function in context. The GRE tests vocabulary through sentence equivalence and text completion questions, where you need to understand relationships between ideas, not just define isolated words.

That said, building a working vocabulary of 500-1000 frequently tested words gives you a solid foundation. Instead of traditional flashcard drilling, effective GRE vocabulary study combines: reading high-level texts, learning word roots and patterns, and practicing words in context through realistic questions. Tutors help you focus on high-impact vocabulary that appears across multiple question types rather than obscure words you'll never see again.

A strategic practice test schedule looks like: one baseline test at the start to identify weak areas, then one full-length test every 2-3 weeks as you build skills. Taking too many tests (more than weekly) leads to fatigue and inflated scores since you haven't had time to improve. Taking too few means you're not tracking progress or getting comfortable with pacing.

Between full tests, focus on targeted drills for specific sections and question types. Once you're scoring consistently in your goal range over 2-3 consecutive tests, you're ready for the actual exam. Your tutor will help you calibrate your practice test schedule and interpret results to refine your study plan.

Test anxiety often stems from two sources: unpredictable difficulty (the GRE adapts to your performance) and time pressure. Managing anxiety starts before test day: familiarize yourself with the exact format and timing through repeated practice, build confidence by scoring well on practice tests, and develop a pre-test routine that calms your mind.

During the test, effective strategies include: reading questions carefully before panicking, skipping difficult questions and returning to them (you can navigate freely), and taking the 1-minute break between sections to reset mentally. Many students find that tutoring reduces anxiety simply because they feel more prepared and understand the logic behind questions. Connect with a tutor who can help you build both skills and confidence for test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GRE Verbal preparation. When you're matched with a tutor, you get personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension pacing, vocabulary strategy, or managing test anxiety. Tutors work with your schedule and can adapt their teaching approach to your learning style.

The right tutor should have proven GRE expertise, understand your target programs' score requirements, and help you develop a realistic timeline to reach your goals. Varsity Tutors makes it easy to connect with qualified tutors who fit your needs and schedule.