Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 0.5 to 1.5 points on the 0-6 scale—when working with a tutor on essay structure, argument analysis, and timed writing practice. The key is understanding exactly what graders look for (clear thesis, relevant examples, logical organization) and getting feedback on multiple practice essays so you can apply those lessons consistently.

The main obstacles are managing time (writing two coherent essays in 60 minutes total), distinguishing between the two task types (responding to an issue vs. critiquing an argument), and moving beyond generic responses to show sophisticated analysis. Many students also struggle with organizing ideas quickly on screen or identifying logical fallacies in arguments—both skills that improve significantly with targeted practice and expert feedback.

A session typically starts by identifying your specific weaknesses—whether that's essay structure, time management, argument analysis, or grammar—through a practice essay or diagnostic. Your tutor then walks you through strategies for that area, models strong responses, and has you write practice essays under timed conditions to build speed and confidence. You'll receive detailed feedback on each essay so you can see exactly what's working and what needs refinement before test day.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the timed format, identify which task type gives you more trouble, and track your progress over time. ETS (the test maker) provides official practice tests with real prompts and scoring guides, which are invaluable for understanding grader expectations. Most students benefit from writing 8-12 timed practice essays throughout their prep, with expert feedback on each one to reinforce what's working.

A solid approach is spending 2-3 minutes planning your essay (outlining main points and examples), 20-22 minutes writing, and 3-5 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors—applied to each 30-minute task. The key is resisting the urge to over-edit; graders care more about clear reasoning and relevant examples than perfect prose. Practicing this timing repeatedly helps it become automatic so you're not scrambling on test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GRE Analytical Writing and understand the specific skills graders are looking for. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, timeline, and whether you want to focus on both writing tasks or strengthen a weaker area. Most tutors offer flexible scheduling to fit around your test prep timeline.

Ideally, take a practice essay or two beforehand so your tutor can see your current writing style, argument analysis skills, and time management. Bring your target graduate program's expectations if you know them, and be ready to discuss which task type feels harder or where you typically lose points. If you haven't taken a practice test yet, your tutor can help you with that in an initial diagnostic session.