Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but students typically see 2-4 point gains (on the 118-132 scale) over 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. The key is identifying whether your struggles stem from reading speed, comprehension, question interpretation, or test anxiety—and addressing the specific root cause rather than just doing more practice.

Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy. A tutor will review your diagnostic test results, identify which question types and passage topics give you the most trouble, and discuss your timeline and goals. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan that targets your specific weaknesses rather than generic test prep.

Pacing struggles usually come from either reading too slowly, re-reading passages multiple times, or spending too long on difficult questions. Tutors help you develop a systematic approach: strategic skimming techniques, annotation methods that save time, and decision rules for when to skip a question and come back. Practice with timed passages is essential to building the automaticity you need.

Most students benefit from taking 6-10 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their preparation, with at least 2-3 taken under strict timed conditions in the weeks before your exam. However, quality matters more than quantity—reviewing every question you missed and understanding why you got it wrong is far more valuable than rushing through practice tests without reflection.

The three main question types are Main Idea (what's the passage about), Detail (what did the author say about X), and Inference (what can you conclude). Most students struggle with inference questions because they require you to read between the lines and avoid choosing answers that are too extreme or unsupported. A tutor can teach you the specific reasoning patterns that appear in inference questions and how to eliminate traps.

Test anxiety on Verbal often stems from feeling rushed or uncertain about your comprehension. Tutoring builds confidence through repeated exposure to difficult passages, timed practice that proves you can manage the pace, and concrete strategies you can rely on when you feel panicked. Knowing exactly what to do when you encounter a tough passage reduces anxiety significantly.

Look for tutors with strong MCAT scores themselves, proven experience helping students improve their Verbal section, and the ability to teach strategy rather than just content. For students in Columbia, connecting with a tutor who understands your timeline and learning style is crucial—whether you're preparing months in advance or cramming for a test date coming up soon.