The three main GMAT Verbal sections—Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning—each present unique obstacles. Many students struggle with pacing, spending too much time on dense passages or overthinking grammar rules. Others find it hard to distinguish between answer choices that seem almost identical, or they miss the logical structure of arguments. A tutor can help you develop efficient reading strategies, master grammar patterns, and recognize the reasoning traps test makers use.

The Verbal section gives you 65 minutes for 36 questions, which means roughly 1.5-2 minutes per question. Many students either rush and make careless mistakes or get stuck on difficult questions and run out of time. Personalized tutoring helps you practice pacing strategies, learn which questions to tackle first, and develop the confidence to move on when you're unsure. Regular practice tests under timed conditions are essential for building this skill.

Most test-takers benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a top business school, you may need longer to master the nuances of each section. Working with a tutor helps you create a realistic study schedule tailored to your goals and timeline, ensuring you focus on high-impact practice rather than spinning your wheels on material you've already mastered.

Practice tests reveal patterns in your mistakes, show you how well you manage time under pressure, and help you build test-day stamina. Taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks allows you to track progress and identify which question types consistently trip you up. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint whether your errors stem from knowledge gaps or careless mistakes, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty about question formats or lack of confidence in your abilities. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by familiarizing you with every question type and giving you proven strategies to tackle even the hardest problems. Regular practice under timed conditions also reduces anxiety—the more you simulate test day, the calmer you'll feel when it actually arrives. Your tutor can also teach you breathing and mental techniques to stay focused during the exam.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores (typically 90th percentile or higher in Verbal), proven teaching experience, and familiarity with the latest test format. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and understand the psychology of test prep. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of GMAT Verbal content and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly, so you can focus on improvement rather than searching for the right fit.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths and weaknesses across Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning. Your tutor will review your goals, discuss your timeline, and create a personalized study plan focused on the areas where you'll gain the most points. From there, you'll begin working through targeted practice and building the strategies and confidence you need to succeed on test day.