Score improvement depends on your starting point and current weaknesses, but students typically see 10-40 point gains (on the 260-340 scale) with focused preparation. If you're targeting a specific program's average score, working with a tutor helps identify exactly which sections need the most attention—whether that's data interpretation in Quant or reading comprehension strategies in Verbal. Consistent practice, strategic review of mistakes, and targeted skill-building are what drive measurable improvement in this timeframe.

The Quantitative Reasoning section challenges many test-takers, especially those who haven't studied math in years—it requires quick problem-solving under time pressure rather than advanced concepts. The Verbal Reasoning section trips up students who rush through reading passages or struggle with nuanced vocabulary in context. Analytical Writing is often overlooked but requires clear argument structure and specific examples. A 5-week prep program lets you focus intensively on whichever section is your biggest hurdle, whether that's mastering geometry, improving reading speed, or strengthening essay organization.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE—you have roughly 1.5 minutes per Verbal question and 2 minutes per Quant question. The best strategy is practicing with timed drills early and full-length practice tests regularly so you internalize the pace without panic. Learning when to skip a difficult question and come back to it (if time allows) is crucial. Tutors for students in Omaha can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your natural speed and problem areas, so you're not guessing blindly under pressure.

You should complete at least 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 5-week program—ideally one every 7-10 days so you have time to review mistakes in depth. The official ETS GRE practice tests are most valuable since they match the real test format exactly. Between full tests, focus on targeted drills in weak areas rather than repeating full exams. Each practice test should be followed by a thorough review of every wrong answer to understand why you missed it and what concept or strategy you need to strengthen.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect—both of which a 5-week intensive program directly addresses through repeated exposure to real test conditions. Taking timed practice tests in a quiet environment mimics test day and builds confidence. Developing a pre-test routine (sleep, healthy breakfast, arrival time) and positive self-talk during practice helps you stay calm when it matters. Tutors can also teach you breathing techniques and help you reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, shifting your mindset from anxiety to growth.

Start by taking a diagnostic practice test to see which question types and content areas trip you up most—this reveals patterns, not just individual mistakes. Track your errors in a spreadsheet by category (e.g., geometry, reading inference, argument structure) to spot trends. A 5-week prep program lets you dedicate focused time to these weak areas with targeted practice and strategy refinement. Tutors can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint whether your struggles are conceptual gaps, timing issues, or misunderstanding question formats—then address the root cause rather than just drilling more problems.

Look for tutors with proven GRE expertise—they should understand the test's unique format, scoring, and common pitfalls, not just general math or reading skills. Experience helping students improve scores in your target range is valuable, and the ability to diagnose whether your mistakes are conceptual or strategic matters more than just drilling practice problems. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors for students in Omaha who specialize in GRE prep and can create a personalized 5-week study plan based on your diagnostic results and target score. A good fit means someone who explains concepts clearly, reviews your practice tests thoroughly, and adjusts strategy as you progress.