Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you engage with the material. Students who start with a diagnostic score around 150-160 often see gains of 10-30 points over five weeks with consistent practice and focused instruction. The key is identifying which sections need the most work—many students find that targeted practice on their weakest areas yields the fastest improvement. Your tutor will help you set realistic goals based on your baseline and the graduate programs you're targeting.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE because you have limited time for complex questions. A 5-week prep class teaches you to recognize question types quickly, know when to skip difficult problems and come back later, and use educated guessing strategically. You'll practice timed sections repeatedly so pacing becomes automatic, and your tutor will help you identify whether you're rushing through easy questions or spending too much time on hard ones.

This varies by student background, but many find the Verbal section more challenging because it requires both strong vocabulary and the ability to understand nuanced arguments quickly. However, students with weaker math foundations often struggle with Quantitative Reasoning. A good 5-week prep class assesses your strengths and weaknesses early so you can allocate study time where it matters most—some students need heavy Verbal work, while others benefit from focused Quant review.

Most test prep experts recommend taking at least 4-6 full-length practice tests during your entire GRE preparation. In a 5-week class, you'll typically take a diagnostic test early on, 2-3 full-length tests during the course, and potentially one final practice test near the end. These tests serve two purposes: they help you get comfortable with the test format and pacing, and they provide data about which question types and content areas need more attention.

Test anxiety often comes from unfamiliarity with the format and uncertainty about how to approach questions. A 5-week prep class reduces anxiety by building your confidence through repeated practice with real GRE questions and timed sections. Your tutor can also teach you breathing techniques, help you develop a pre-test routine, and remind you that the GRE is designed to be challenging—it's normal to find some questions difficult. Taking multiple practice tests in a low-stakes environment is one of the best ways to build confidence before test day.

The Analytical Writing section (two essays: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument) requires you to write clearly and logically under time pressure. In a 5-week prep class, you'll learn the specific structure and expectations for each essay type, practice writing timed essays, and get feedback on your arguments and organization. Many students underestimate this section, but practicing it regularly helps you develop templates and strategies that make writing faster and more effective on test day.

For a 5-week intensive prep class, most students benefit from dedicating 8-12 hours per week to outside study—roughly 2-3 hours on top of class time. This includes reviewing class materials, completing practice problems, taking timed sections, and analyzing mistakes. Your tutor will help you create a realistic study schedule based on your starting score and target score, and they can adjust the pace if you need more or less time on specific topics.