Score improvement depends on your starting point and baseline skills, but students typically see meaningful gains when they commit to consistent practice and targeted instruction. Most test-takers improve by 5-15 points on the Quantitative section and similar ranges on Verbal with focused effort. The key is identifying your specific weak areas early and dedicating time to those sections—tutors can help you prioritize what matters most for your target score.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges test-takers face, especially on the Quantitative section where you have about 1.5 minutes per question. Expert tutors teach you how to recognize question types quickly, skip difficult problems strategically, and allocate time based on your strengths. Practice tests are essential—they help you develop an internal clock and identify which question types slow you down, so you can adjust your approach before test day.

Absolutely. While a 5-week class covers all three sections, personalized instruction allows you to spend more time on your weaker areas. If you're strong in Verbal but struggle with Quantitative, your prep can be weighted accordingly. Tutors can also help you understand the relationship between sections—for example, strong reading comprehension skills help on both Verbal and Reading Comprehension questions in Quantitative.

Test anxiety is common, and the best antidote is familiarity and practice. Taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps desensitize you to the pressure and builds confidence in your abilities. Tutors can also teach you stress-management techniques like pacing your breathing during the exam, developing a pre-test routine, and reframing difficult questions as learning opportunities rather than threats. Building a solid foundation of knowledge and strategy reduces anxiety naturally.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests during a 5-week course—roughly one per week plus a couple at the start and end. Official ETS practice tests are the gold standard because they mirror the actual exam format and difficulty. Between full tests, you'll work on targeted drills for specific question types. Tutors help you review each practice test to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced GRE tutors in Rochester who understand the exam's structure and can tailor instruction to your needs. Tutors work with you to assess your baseline skills, set realistic score goals, and create a focused 5-week study plan. Whether you need help with Quantitative reasoning, Verbal comprehension, or essay writing, you can get matched with a tutor who specializes in your target areas.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths and weaknesses across all three sections. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns—like pacing issues or anxiety around certain question types. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan for your 5 weeks, explaining which areas need the most attention and how you'll measure progress. This foundation helps you make the most of every session.