Most test-takers see meaningful improvement with focused preparation—typically 5-10 points or more over 8-12 weeks of consistent study. Your starting score, baseline reading comprehension skills, and the amount of time you dedicate to practice all affect your potential gains. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify your specific weak areas (whether it's reading speed, argument analysis, or grammar rules) so you can target improvement more efficiently than self-study alone.

Students often struggle with reading comprehension speed and retention, especially when passages cover unfamiliar business or science topics. Critical Reasoning questions require you to identify logical flaws and assumptions—a skill that takes practice to develop. Sentence Correction trips up many test-takers because it tests nuanced grammar rules that go beyond everyday writing. Pacing is another major challenge; many students run out of time before answering all questions, which significantly impacts their score.

Practice tests are essential for GMAT Verbal preparation—they help you understand question formats, identify weak areas, and build test-day stamina. Most experts recommend taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks, then reviewing incorrect answers in detail to understand why you missed them. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice with individual question types. A tutor can help you interpret your practice test results and create a study plan that addresses your specific gaps rather than wasting time on topics you've already mastered.

You have roughly 75 minutes for 36 questions, which means about 2 minutes per question on average. However, Reading Comprehension passages require more time upfront (4-5 minutes to read), while Sentence Correction questions are typically faster (30-45 seconds). Effective pacing comes from practicing with a timer, learning to skip difficult questions strategically, and returning to them if time permits. Working with a tutor helps you develop a personalized timing strategy based on which question types are your strengths and weaknesses.

Your first session typically involves a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or focused questions across all three verbal question types—to understand your current level and identify specific areas for improvement. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any particular concerns (like reading speed or grammar rules). From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that breaks down the material into manageable steps and sets realistic milestones for your preparation.

Look for tutors who have scored well on the GMAT themselves (typically 160+ on the verbal section), have experience teaching business school test prep, and understand the specific question types and strategies tested. They should be able to explain not just the correct answer, but why other options are wrong—this develops critical reasoning skills that transfer across all three question types. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Baton Rouge who tailor their approach to your learning style and goals.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, dedicating 5-10 hours per week to GMAT Verbal study. If you're starting with a lower baseline score or aiming for a top business school, you may need 12-16 weeks. The key is consistency and quality over quantity—targeted practice with a tutor who identifies your weak spots is more effective than months of unfocused self-study. Your tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your starting point and target score.