Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but students typically see gains of 5-10 points with focused preparation. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's reading speed, argument structure recognition, or grammar patterns—and targets those areas systematically. Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent practice combined with expert guidance.

Many students struggle with reading comprehension pacing—the passages are dense and time pressure is real. Critical Reasoning questions require you to identify logical flaws and assumptions, which trips up students who haven't practiced argument deconstruction. Sentence Correction can feel overwhelming because it tests subtle grammar rules and style conventions. A tutor helps you develop strategies for each question type and builds the pattern recognition skills that separate good scores from great ones.

You have 65 minutes for 36 questions, which averages about 1.8 minutes per question—but Reading Comprehension passages require more time upfront. A smart strategy involves spending 3-4 minutes reading each passage carefully, then answering questions more quickly. Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction questions typically take 1-2 minutes. Working with a tutor helps you develop personalized pacing strategies based on your strengths and practice test data.

Practice tests are crucial—they help you understand question formats, build stamina, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions mimics test day and reveals whether your issues are conceptual (not understanding grammar rules) or strategic (poor time management). Most test-takers benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests throughout their preparation, with expert review to pinpoint improvement areas.

Look for tutors with proven GMAT expertise, strong verbal scores themselves, and experience teaching test-taking strategy—not just grammar or reading comprehension. They should be able to explain why answers are right or wrong, help you recognize question patterns, and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Ogden who understand the nuances of GMAT Verbal and can create a customized study plan based on your diagnostic scores.

Your first session typically involves a diagnostic assessment to understand your current level, strengths, and specific challenges. The tutor will review your practice test results (if available), ask about your target score and timeline, and discuss which question types give you the most trouble. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your weak areas and builds a realistic path toward your goal score.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for a top business school, you'll want to dedicate consistent time to practice and review. Working with a tutor accelerates progress by eliminating wasted effort and keeping you accountable—they help you make the most of every study session rather than grinding through materials without direction.