For a 5-week intensive program, plan to spend 10-15 hours per week on independent study, including practice tests, drills, and review of concepts covered in sessions. This typically breaks down to 3-4 hours of practice between each tutoring session, plus a full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks. Your tutors will provide a customized study schedule that fits your timeline and identifies which practice materials will have the biggest impact on your score.

The Verbal Reasoning section challenges many test-takers because it requires both vocabulary knowledge and the ability to understand complex passages under time pressure. However, struggles vary by person—some find Quantitative Reasoning difficult due to timing or specific math concepts, while others need help organizing their thoughts for the Analytical Writing section. During your first session, tutors will assess which sections need the most attention and build a plan to address your specific weak points.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format and question types, which is exactly what a structured prep program addresses. By taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions, you'll build confidence and develop pacing strategies that reduce stress on test day. Tutors also teach mental strategies like question triage—knowing which questions to tackle first and which to skip strategically—so you feel more in control during the exam.

Pacing varies by section: Verbal typically allows about 1.5 minutes per question, Quantitative about 1.75 minutes, and Analytical Writing requires careful time management for two essays. The most effective strategy is to work through easier questions quickly to build confidence and time cushion, then tackle harder questions. Practice tests are essential for developing your personal pacing rhythm—tutors will review your practice test performance to identify if you're rushing, getting stuck on hard questions, or mismanaging time across sections.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your baseline score, strengths, and areas for improvement across all three sections. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns—whether that's math anxiety, reading speed, or essay writing. From there, tutors create a personalized 5-week roadmap that prioritizes the concepts and strategies most likely to move your score, ensuring every session counts toward your goal.

Most test-prep experts recommend taking 4-6 full-length practice tests throughout your prep, with at least 2-3 during your final two weeks. This frequency helps you identify patterns in your mistakes, build stamina for the 3.5-hour exam, and refine your pacing strategy. Your tutors will recommend which official GRE practice tests to use and when to take them for maximum diagnostic value—the goal is learning from each test, not just accumulating test-taking hours.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students who engage fully in a 5-week program typically see gains of 30-80 points on the GRE (which ranges from 260-340). Students starting from a lower baseline often see larger percentage improvements, while those already scoring above 160 per section may see more modest gains. The most important factor is consistent practice and targeted focus on your specific weak areas—tutors will track your progress through practice tests to adjust the plan as needed.