Most students struggle with time management—crafting a clear, well-organized essay in just 30 minutes requires practice and planning. Many also find it difficult to identify the argument's logical flaws rather than simply disagreeing with the conclusion, and others struggle to balance depth of analysis with conciseness. Additionally, some test-takers become anxious about writing under pressure, which can affect their clarity and structure.

Improvement depends on your starting point and practice commitment. Students typically see noticeable gains—often 1-2 points on the 0-6 scale—within 4-8 weeks of focused work with a tutor. The key is learning to quickly identify logical fallacies, structure your response efficiently, and practice under timed conditions. Consistent practice with feedback accelerates improvement more than self-study alone.

A good tutoring plan covers four core areas: understanding common argument structures and logical fallacies, developing a consistent essay template for quick organization, practicing timed writes with immediate feedback, and refining your ability to identify multiple weaknesses in an argument. Your tutor will also help you build confidence by showing you how to manage the 30-minute constraint and avoid common pitfalls like spending too long on the introduction.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic—you'll write a timed practice essay while your tutor observes your process and identifies strengths and gaps. They'll review your essay for argument analysis, organization, grammar, and time management, then create a personalized study plan targeting your specific needs. This initial assessment helps determine whether you need to focus on logical reasoning, essay structure, writing mechanics, or pacing.

Most students benefit from 15-25 timed practice essays leading up to test day, spread across several weeks. This volume allows you to internalize the argument patterns, refine your template, and build speed and confidence. Your tutor can provide official GMAT prompts and grade your practice essays, giving you targeted feedback on where to focus your revision efforts between sessions.

Look for tutors who have strong GMAT experience, ideally with a high score themselves, and who understand the specific demands of business school writing. They should be able to teach logical reasoning and argument analysis, not just grammar and essay structure. For students in Reno, Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven success coaching students through the AWA and can provide detailed feedback on your reasoning and writing under time pressure.

Test anxiety during the AWA often stems from time pressure and uncertainty about what makes a strong response. Working with a tutor helps by building familiarity with the format, practicing under timed conditions repeatedly, and developing a reliable process you can trust on test day. Your tutor can also teach you grounding techniques and help you reframe the task—the AWA is designed to be challenging, and schools understand that it's a rough draft written under pressure, not a polished essay.