The biggest hurdles are usually pacing under time pressure, understanding the unique question formats (Quantitative Comparison and Data Interpretation), and gaps in foundational math concepts. Many students also struggle with word problems that require translating English into mathematical equations, or with data sets that look intimidating but follow predictable patterns. A tutor can break down these challenges into manageable pieces and teach you the strategies that work specifically for the GRE format, not just general math skills.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and how much time you can dedicate weekly. If you're aiming for a top-tier program, you may want 12-16 weeks to build mastery and test comfort. Personalized tutoring accelerates this process because a tutor focuses only on your weak areas rather than having you study everything. Many students see solid progress with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice section or targeted questions—to pinpoint your strengths and gaps. The tutor will review your results, understand your target score and timeline, and discuss which content areas (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis) need the most work. You'll also talk about test-taking habits and anxiety, so the tutor can build a personalized study plan. This foundation ensures every future session is focused and efficient.

Yes—test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or lack of confidence in your skills, both of which tutoring directly addresses. When you practice the exact question types repeatedly with expert guidance, they become familiar and less intimidating. A tutor also teaches pacing strategies and mental techniques to stay calm under time pressure, and can help you build a realistic sense of what you're capable of. Confidence comes from preparation, and personalized tutoring accelerates that process.

Practice tests are essential—they reveal patterns in your mistakes, build test-day stamina, and let you practice pacing in real conditions. Most experts recommend taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks during your prep, then reviewing them carefully to identify trends. A tutor can help you interpret your practice test results, distinguish between careless errors and concept gaps, and adjust your study plan accordingly. This targeted approach is far more effective than just taking test after test without strategic review.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GRE Quantitative and understand the specific challenges of this section. When you get matched with a tutor, you can review their background, experience with GRE prep, and student reviews before your first session. Look for tutors with strong quantitative credentials and proven success helping students reach their target scores. Varsity Tutors handles the matching process so you can focus on your prep.

Start with a full practice test or diagnostic to see your overall performance, then analyze your results by content category (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics) and question type (multiple choice, Quantitative Comparison, numeric entry). Look for patterns—do you miss more algebra questions, or do you struggle with pacing on data interpretation? A tutor can accelerate this analysis and help you prioritize which topics to tackle first based on your target score and time available. This diagnostic approach ensures you're not wasting time on areas you've already mastered.