Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but students typically see 50-100+ point gains on the overall GMAT with focused preparation. For the Quantitative section specifically, many students improve by 3-5 percentile points or more when working with a tutor to identify weak areas and master test-specific strategies. The key is targeted practice on your specific problem areas rather than generic studying.

Students often struggle with pacing—the 62 minutes can feel tight when you're working through complex problems. Data Sufficiency questions trip up many test-takers because they require a different mindset than traditional problem-solving. Additionally, word problems can be tricky to parse quickly, and geometry questions sometimes catch students off-guard if they haven't reviewed those concepts in years. A tutor can help you build speed and confidence by breaking down these specific question types.

Your first session typically involves a diagnostic assessment to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses across algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and the two question formats. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific areas causing frustration. From there, a tutor can create a personalized study plan that focuses on your gaps while building test-taking strategies and time management skills.

Practice tests are essential—they help you identify weak areas, build stamina for the full exam, and get comfortable with the pacing and question formats. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions gives you realistic feedback on where to focus your efforts. Between practice tests, targeted drills on specific question types accelerate improvement. A tutor can review your practice test results to highlight patterns and adjust your study strategy accordingly.

Effective timing comes down to knowing when to move on from a difficult problem and recognizing which question types play to your strengths. Data Sufficiency questions, for example, often reward quick thinking over lengthy calculations. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like working backwards from answer choices, estimating when exact calculations aren't necessary, and flagging problems to return to if time allows. Practice under timed conditions helps these strategies become automatic.

Data Sufficiency questions ask whether you have enough information to answer a question—not what the answer actually is. This requires a fundamentally different approach than traditional problem-solving, which trips up many test-takers. You need to practice recognizing when statements are sufficient, insufficient, or redundant, and the logic can feel counterintuitive at first. With targeted practice and clear explanations of the framework, Data Sufficiency becomes manageable and often a scoring opportunity.

Most students benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting point and target score. If you're strong in math, you might need less time; if it's been years since you studied algebra or geometry, you may need longer. Working with a tutor helps you study efficiently by targeting your specific gaps rather than reviewing material you already know. Many students see meaningful progress with 8-10 hours of focused weekly study over 6-8 weeks.