The Quantitative section gives you roughly 1.5 minutes per question, so pacing is critical. Expert tutors help you develop strategies like identifying easier questions to solve first, recognizing when to skip and return to harder problems, and using estimation techniques to save time on complex calculations. Practice tests are essential for building the rhythm and confidence needed to manage time effectively on test day.

Many students struggle with word problems that require translating English into mathematical equations, geometry questions that demand spatial reasoning, and data interpretation under time pressure. Others find that they know the math but make careless errors when rushing, or they freeze on unfamiliar question formats. Personalized tutoring helps you identify which of these challenges affects you most and develop targeted strategies to overcome them.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current skill level, identify content gaps, and pinpoint timing or test-anxiety issues. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will review your goals, discuss your target score, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused and efficient.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the question formats, build stamina, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Most students benefit from taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks during their preparation, then reviewing them with a tutor to understand why they missed questions. This cycle of testing and targeted review is one of the most effective ways to improve your score.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about question formats or lack of confidence in your problem-solving approach. Tutors build confidence through repeated practice with different question types, teaching you to recognize patterns and trust your strategies. As you develop mastery over the material and timing, anxiety naturally decreases, and you can focus on performing your best on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent study. Your tutor will help you create a realistic study schedule based on your starting score, target score, and test date. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular, focused sessions allow you to build skills progressively and retain what you learn.

Look for tutors with strong mathematical backgrounds, proven experience preparing students for the GRE, and familiarity with the specific question types and strategies that work on this test. Ideally, your tutor should have scored well on the GRE themselves and understand the nuances of each content area—from algebra and geometry to data analysis. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can adapt their teaching to your learning style.