Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths and weaknesses across all three sections of the test. The tutor will review your goals, timeline, and any previous test attempts to create a personalized study plan. This foundation helps ensure your tutoring is targeted toward the areas where you'll see the most improvement.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE, especially in the quantitative section where many students rush or get stuck on difficult problems. Tutors teach you strategic approaches like identifying which questions to prioritize, when to skip and return to a problem, and how to allocate your time across different question types. With practice tests and timed drills, you'll build confidence in your pacing strategy before test day.

The GRE reading section tests your ability to understand dense academic passages and answer nuanced questions—it's not just about finding facts. Many students struggle with inference questions, vocabulary in context, and managing the volume of text. A tutor can teach you active reading strategies, help you identify what the test makers are really asking, and build your confidence with the types of passages you'll encounter.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, identify your weak areas, and build stamina for the full 3+ hour exam. Most students benefit from taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, highlight patterns in your mistakes, and adjust your study plan based on what you discover.

The analytical writing section rewards clear structure, relevant examples, and logical reasoning—not just perfect grammar. Many students underestimate this section or don't practice it enough. A tutor can teach you the essay templates that work, help you develop strong arguments quickly, and provide feedback on practice essays so you understand exactly what the test makers are looking for.

Most students benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting level and target score. If you're aiming for a competitive score for top graduate programs, you'll likely need more time than if you're just meeting a program's minimum. A tutor can assess where you're starting and create a realistic timeline based on your specific goals and how much time you can dedicate each week.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or lack of confidence in your preparation. Working with a tutor builds familiarity with the test format, teaches you proven strategies, and gives you multiple opportunities to practice under realistic conditions. This preparation translates directly into confidence on test day, helping you manage stress and perform at your best.