Many test-takers struggle with time management, trying to write a polished essay in just 30 minutes while analyzing a complex argument. Others find it difficult to identify the logical flaws in the prompt—distinguishing between weak assumptions and actual errors requires practice. A third common challenge is balancing depth of analysis with essay structure; students often write too much about one flaw or fail to organize their response clearly, which hurts their score even if their ideas are sound.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets tutors identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's spotting logical fallacies, organizing your essay, or managing time pressure. You'll practice analyzing real GMAT prompts, receive detailed feedback on your writing, and learn proven strategies for structuring arguments quickly. Tutors can also help you build confidence by working through timed practice essays and showing you exactly where you're losing points, so you know what to focus on in your final prep weeks.

AWA score improvement depends on where you're starting and how much you practice. Students who work with tutors typically see 1-2 point improvements (on the 0-6 scale) within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, especially if they're learning to identify argument flaws more quickly and structure essays more effectively. The key is consistent practice with real prompts and actionable feedback—tutors help you avoid wasting time on ineffective study methods and target the skills that will move your score most.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic—you'll write a practice AWA essay under timed conditions so your tutor can assess your current strengths and weaknesses. They'll review your essay with you, identify patterns (like weak argument analysis or organizational issues), and discuss your target score and timeline. From there, you'll create a personalized study plan that focuses on the specific skills you need to improve, whether that's faster flaw identification, better time management, or clearer writing structure.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused AWA preparation, with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice. If you're starting from scratch or aiming for a 5-6 score, you might need 8-12 weeks to build strong argument analysis skills and develop an efficient essay template. The timeline depends on your starting point and how much time you can dedicate to practice—tutors help you create a realistic schedule and stay on track.

Practice tests replicate the real test experience, including the time pressure and stress that affects many test-takers. Writing timed essays under realistic conditions helps you develop speed without sacrificing quality, and it reveals exactly where you're losing points—whether you're missing flaws, running out of time, or struggling with organization. Tutors use your practice test results to guide your preparation, showing you which types of arguments are hardest for you and how to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GMAT preparation and the Analytical Writing Assessment. You'll work with someone who understands the specific skills tested on the AWA and can provide personalized instruction tailored to your goals and schedule. The matching process ensures you get a tutor with proven expertise in helping students improve their argument analysis and writing skills for business school entrance exams.