Pacing is one of the most common struggles—the GMAT gives you just 62 minutes for 31 Quantitative questions and 65 minutes for 36 Verbal questions, which means you need both speed and accuracy. Tutors help you develop strategic approaches like identifying which questions to spend more time on versus which to answer quickly, and they teach you to recognize question patterns so you can work more efficiently. Practice tests are essential here; tutors use them to pinpoint where you're losing time and coach you through better test-taking strategies.

Taking a full-length practice test under timed conditions is the best way to identify your weak areas—you'll get a realistic score breakdown and see exactly where you're struggling (Data Sufficiency, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, etc.). Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test results to spot patterns: Are you running out of time? Missing certain question types? Struggling with specific content like geometry or critical reasoning? Once you know your weak spots, your tutor can create a focused study plan that prioritizes the areas that will have the biggest impact on your overall score.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a top business school (700+), you'll likely need more intensive study time. Working with a tutor helps you study smarter, not just longer—they create a structured study schedule, assign targeted practice, and keep you accountable so you make efficient progress toward your goal.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure, which is why practice tests are so valuable—the more times you take a full-length exam under timed conditions, the more confident and comfortable you'll feel on test day. Tutors also teach you mental strategies like managing time pressure, knowing when to move on from a difficult question, and building confidence through targeted practice on your weak areas. Many students find that understanding the question patterns and having a clear strategy reduces anxiety significantly.

Your first session is focused on understanding where you stand and what you need. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or review a recent one, discuss your target score and business school goals, and talk through any specific challenges you're facing (timing, certain question types, test anxiety, etc.). Your tutor will use this information to create a personalized study plan that outlines which topics to focus on, how to structure your practice, and what resources will help you improve most efficiently.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores themselves (typically 700+), proven experience helping students improve their scores, and deep knowledge of test strategy—not just content knowledge. They should be able to explain not just the right answers, but why wrong answers are tempting and how to avoid common traps. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Albuquerque who have a track record of helping students reach their target scores and get into their desired programs.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most accurate way to predict your actual GMAT score and identify exactly where you need to improve. Taking full-length, timed practice tests regularly (ideally every 1-2 weeks) helps you build stamina, refine your pacing strategy, and get comfortable with the test format. Your tutor will use your practice test results to guide your study plan, focusing your effort on the areas that will have the biggest impact on your final score.