Your first session typically focuses on understanding your baseline skills, learning goals, and target score. A tutor will likely review your diagnostic test results (or administer one), identify which sections—Quantitative, Verbal, or Analytical Writing—need the most work, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and MBA program deadlines.

Pacing is one of the most common GMAT challenges, and tutors address it by teaching you to recognize question types quickly, practice strategic skipping, and develop time-management habits during practice tests. Rather than rushing through problems, a tutor helps you balance accuracy with speed so you can maximize your score within the test's strict time limits.

Personalized tutoring lets you allocate study time based on your actual needs—if Quantitative is your weakness, you'll focus there; if Verbal reasoning trips you up, your tutor can target reading comprehension and critical reasoning strategies. This targeted approach is far more effective than generic prep courses that treat all students the same.

Practice tests are essential—they reveal your pacing issues, weak question types, and stamina gaps under real test conditions. A tutor uses your practice test results to guide instruction, helping you understand not just what you got wrong, but why, and how to avoid similar mistakes on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused prep, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. Working with a tutor helps you create a realistic schedule and stay accountable, ensuring you're making progress toward your goal rather than cramming ineffectively in the final weeks.

Yes—confidence comes from preparation and familiarity with the test format. A tutor builds your confidence by drilling question types, reviewing strategies repeatedly, and helping you practice under timed conditions so test day feels familiar rather than overwhelming. Many students find that understanding exactly what to expect reduces anxiety significantly.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores themselves, experience teaching the test, and familiarity with MBA program expectations. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the nuances of each section and can explain complex concepts clearly, whether you're targeting a 600 or a 750+.