The Quantitative section gives you about 1.5 minutes per question, and pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face. A tutor can teach you which questions to prioritize, when to skip and return, and how to recognize question types quickly so you're not wasting time on setup. Practice under timed conditions is essential—your tutor will help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Most students struggle with word problems, data interpretation (charts and graphs), and geometry—areas where understanding the question matters as much as the math itself. Many also second-guess themselves on questions they actually know how to solve, which costs valuable time. A tutor can help you build confidence in these areas and develop strategies to avoid overthinking.

Your first session is about assessment and planning. A tutor will review your practice test results, ask about your target score and timeline, and identify which topics need the most attention. You'll walk away with a clear study plan and understand exactly which concepts to focus on first—this focused approach saves weeks of generic studying.

Taking 4-6 full-length practice tests throughout your preparation is ideal—this gives you enough data to identify patterns in your mistakes without burning out on test fatigue. More importantly, you should do targeted practice on specific question types between full tests. A tutor can help you interpret your practice test results and focus your efforts where they'll have the biggest impact.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach to questions. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence because you're mastering concepts and strategies, not just memorizing answers. Your tutor can also teach you specific techniques for staying calm under pressure and managing the mental game when you encounter a difficult question.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week depending on their starting level and target score. Between sessions, you'll do independent practice—your tutor will assign specific problems and drills based on your weak areas. This combination of guided instruction and self-directed practice is what drives real improvement.

Look for tutors who have strong math backgrounds and specific GRE test prep experience—they should understand not just the math, but the unique question formats and strategies the GRE tests. It's also important that they can explain concepts clearly and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Charleston who have proven success helping students improve their Quantitative scores.