Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your baseline score, identify content gaps, and determine your pacing challenges. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who will review your goals, timeline, and target score, then create a personalized study plan that prioritizes the areas where you'll gain the most points.

Many test-takers struggle with the Quantitative section's data sufficiency format and the Verbal section's reading comprehension passages—both require specific strategies beyond content knowledge. Expert tutors teach you how to approach each question type systematically, manage time effectively across sections, and avoid common traps that test-makers design into harder questions.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test's pacing, format, and difficulty level while revealing exactly which question types trip you up. Tutors use your practice test results to guide your study sessions, focusing on your specific weak areas rather than reviewing content you've already mastered, which is far more efficient than generic test prep.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target. Tutors for students in Charleston can help you create a realistic study schedule that balances your work and personal commitments, ensuring you're making steady progress without burnout.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared for specific question types or unsure about pacing—both areas where personalized tutoring makes a real difference. Tutors teach you confidence-building strategies, help you practice under timed conditions, and work through the mental side of test-taking so you feel genuinely ready when you sit for the exam.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores themselves, proven experience teaching the test, and familiarity with the current exam format and question types. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand both the content and the test-taking strategies that drive real score improvement.

Target scores vary by program—top MBA programs typically expect scores in the 650-750 range, while other programs may have lower minimums. Your tutor can help you set a realistic target based on your specific schools' requirements and your current baseline, then create a focused study plan to get you there.