Many students struggle with grammar rules, sentence construction, and understanding complex reading passages—especially when they've been out of school for a while. Time management is another major challenge, as the RLA test requires you to read passages quickly and answer questions accurately within a set timeframe. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps address these specific gaps by targeting your weak areas rather than spending time on concepts you've already mastered.

Your first session typically includes an assessment to identify your current skill level, specific grammar or reading comprehension gaps, and your target timeline for taking the GED. A tutor will review your strengths and areas for improvement, then create a personalized study plan focused on the RLA content you need to master. This foundation ensures your tutoring is efficient and directly aligned with your goals.

Effective strategies include practicing active reading (annotating key points), learning to identify main ideas and supporting details, and working through timed practice passages to build speed and accuracy. Tutors help you understand different text types—from workplace documents to literary excerpts—and teach you how to answer inference and analysis questions confidently. Consistent practice with feedback is key; research on retrieval practice shows that repeated, spaced review of challenging material significantly improves retention and comprehension.

Grammar and writing skills make up a substantial portion of the RLA test, covering sentence structure, verb tense, punctuation, and pronoun usage. The test also includes an extended response (essay) section where you must write a well-organized argument based on a provided passage. Personalized tutoring allows you to practice these skills repeatedly with detailed feedback, helping you internalize grammar rules and develop stronger writing habits before test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting skill level and how frequently you study. Students with stronger foundational skills may need less time, while those returning to academics after several years might benefit from a longer timeline. A tutor can assess your current level and create a realistic study plan tailored to your schedule and goals.

In a classroom setting, instruction moves at one pace for everyone, which means you might spend time on topics you already understand or miss deeper coverage of areas where you struggle. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction adapts to your learning style and focuses entirely on your weak spots, making study time far more efficient. You also get immediate feedback and can ask questions without worrying about holding back the class, leading to faster improvement and greater confidence on test day.

Look for tutors with strong expertise in GED curriculum, experience helping adult learners prepare for the test, and a track record of student success. Ideally, your tutor should be familiar with the specific RLA format, including the reading comprehension and extended response sections. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand GED requirements and know how to teach grammar, reading, and writing skills effectively to students in Columbia preparing for this important exam.