Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but students working with personalized 1-on-1 instruction typically see meaningful gains within 4-12 weeks of focused preparation. Many students improve by 5-10 percentile points by identifying their specific weaknesses—whether that's reading speed, argument analysis, or grammar patterns—and practicing targeted strategies. Your improvement timeline will be clearer after an initial assessment with a tutor who can pinpoint exactly where to focus.

Students often struggle with pacing—trying to read passages too carefully and running out of time—or with Critical Reasoning questions that require identifying logical flaws rather than just understanding content. Sentence Correction trips up many test-takers because the GMAT tests nuanced grammar rules that differ from everyday English. Working with a tutor helps you recognize these patterns, build efficient reading strategies, and practice the specific question formats until they feel natural.

Most test-takers benefit from 6-12 weeks of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-7 hours per week to GMAT Verbal specifically. Your timeline depends on your target score, current skill level, and how much time you can commit. Personalized tutoring accelerates progress by helping you focus on high-impact weaknesses rather than spending time on concepts you already know, so you can reach your goal score more efficiently.

Practice tests reveal your actual pacing, stress responses, and specific question types that trip you up—information that's impossible to get from studying individual concepts alone. Taking full-length GMAT practice tests under timed conditions helps you build stamina and identify whether your struggles are with content, strategy, or test anxiety. A tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns and adjust your study plan, turning each test into a diagnostic tool rather than just a score.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—often a practice test section or targeted questions—to identify your current strengths and weaknesses across Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. The tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style to create a personalized study plan. You'll leave with clear next steps and a sense of exactly which skills to prioritize.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about question formats or doubt in your preparation—both things tutoring directly addresses. By practicing under timed conditions with a tutor, receiving immediate feedback, and building confidence through repeated exposure to challenging questions, you'll feel more in control on test day. A tutor also teaches stress-management strategies like how to pace yourself, when to guess strategically, and how to stay focused when a question feels hard.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Greenville who specialize in GMAT Verbal and understand your specific goals. You'll work with the tutor to find a schedule and format that fits your life, and you can start with a single session to see if it's the right fit. Get in touch to discuss your target score and timeline, and we'll match you with someone who can help you reach your goal.