Pacing is one of the biggest obstacles on the GRE, especially in Quantitative Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. A structured 5-week program dedicates time to timed drills for each section, helping you internalize the rhythm of the test without rushing or second-guessing yourself. You'll practice managing the 3-hour test format incrementally, building endurance and confidence as your test date approaches.

Absolutely. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who assess your baseline performance and customize the 5-week plan around your needs. If Verbal Reasoning is your challenge, you'll spend more time on reading comprehension strategies and vocabulary in context. If Quantitative Reasoning needs work, the focus shifts to problem-solving techniques and common traps. This personalized approach ensures you're not wasting time on material you've already mastered.

Most students benefit from taking 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 5-week program—roughly one every 10 days. This gives you enough data to identify patterns in your mistakes while leaving time to review and adjust your strategy. Your tutor will help you interpret each test's results, pinpoint which question types trip you up, and refine your approach before your actual GRE.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and uncertainty about your abilities. Working with a tutor over 5 weeks builds confidence through repeated exposure to real GRE questions, timed practice, and immediate feedback on your performance. You'll develop concrete strategies for managing stress during the test itself, understand exactly what to expect, and see measurable progress—all of which calm anxiety before test day.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted questions across all three sections—to establish your baseline score and identify strengths and weaknesses. You and your tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns (like math anxiety or reading speed). This foundation allows your tutor to build a personalized 5-week plan tailored to your goals.

A typical 5-week program works best with 5-7 hours of independent study per week, spread across practice drills, timed sections, and review of mistakes. Your tutor will assign targeted homework—specific question types to drill, vocabulary to master, or practice test sections to complete—so your study time reinforces what you're learning in sessions. This balance between guided instruction and independent practice maximizes your score improvement.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have deep expertise in GRE content, question formats, and test-taking strategy. Look for tutors with strong track records helping students improve their scores, familiarity with the latest GRE format, and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. The best tutors combine content mastery with personalized coaching—they understand not just the material, but how to help you overcome your specific obstacles.