Many students struggle with analyzing primary and secondary sources, understanding cause-and-effect relationships in history, and applying economic concepts to real-world scenarios. Others find it difficult to retain large amounts of historical information or distinguish between opinion and fact in historical documents. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific gaps by breaking down complex concepts and practicing with actual GED-style questions.

Most students benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting knowledge and how frequently they study. Students who already have some background in history or government may need less time, while those returning to academics after years away may benefit from longer preparation. A tutor can assess your current level and create a customized timeline that works for your schedule.

Unlike classroom settings where teachers cover material at a set pace, personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets tutors focus on your specific weak areas—whether that's understanding the Civil War, analyzing graphs, or mastering civics concepts. Tutors can use real GED practice questions, adjust explanations to match how you learn best, and provide immediate feedback on your reasoning, which research shows significantly improves retention and test performance.

Your first session typically includes an assessment to identify your strengths and areas needing improvement across the four content areas. The tutor will discuss your test timeline, learning style, and goals, then develop a personalized study plan. You'll likely work through a sample GED question or two to establish a baseline and show you how the tutoring process works.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in history, government, economics, or related fields, and who understand the specific demands of the GED test. Many tutors have experience teaching adult learners or working with GED students, so they know how to explain complex concepts clearly and help you build confidence alongside knowledge.

Most experts recommend taking at least 2-3 full-length GED Social Studies practice tests before test day, plus working through dozens of individual questions during your preparation. Practice testing helps you get comfortable with the question format, timing, and types of analysis the real test requires. Your tutor can provide practice materials and review your performance to identify patterns in where you need more work.

You need a score of at least 145 out of 200 to pass the GED Social Studies subtest. However, if you're aiming for college or competitive job opportunities, you may want to target a higher score—many students aim for 160 or above. A tutor can help you set a realistic goal based on your starting point and create a focused study plan to reach it.