Your first session focuses on understanding your current level and goals. A tutor will typically review your target graduate programs' score requirements, assess your strengths and weaknesses across the three sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing), and discuss your timeline for test day. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan rather than generic test prep, so your tutoring time is spent on what actually moves your score.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the GRE, especially on the Quantitative section where complex problems can eat up valuable minutes. Tutors help you develop strategies like identifying question types quickly, knowing when to skip and return to harder problems, and practicing with real time constraints so pacing becomes automatic. Working through timed practice tests with feedback is essential—it's not just about knowing the content, but executing efficiently under pressure.

That depends entirely on your strengths and target programs. Some students struggle with the dense reading passages and vocabulary in Verbal Reasoning, while others find the advanced math concepts in Quantitative Reasoning more challenging. A tutor can assess which section needs the most work and allocate study time accordingly—though most students benefit from balanced preparation since competitive programs expect strong scores in both areas. Your specific graduate program's average admitted scores can also guide where to focus effort.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their preparation, with at least 2-3 done under real testing conditions (timed, no interruptions). The official GRE practice tests from ETS are the most accurate predictors of your actual score. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific question types and sections helps reinforce strategies, but full-length tests are crucial for building stamina and identifying patterns in where you lose points.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the format, question types, or whether you can manage the time pressure—all things that personalized tutoring directly addresses. By repeatedly practicing with real GRE questions, learning proven strategies, and getting immediate feedback on your performance, you build genuine confidence rather than just hoping for the best. Tutors also help you develop a realistic sense of your abilities, which reduces the fear of the unknown on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, dedicating 3-5 hours per week to studying, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a competitive program or starting from a lower baseline, you might need 12-16 weeks. Personalized tutoring can compress your timeline by helping you study smarter—focusing on high-impact concepts and strategies rather than reviewing material you already know—so you make faster progress than self-study alone.

Look for tutors who have strong GRE scores themselves (typically 160+), ideally with experience teaching test prep and familiarity with the current GRE format. Subject expertise matters—your tutor should understand advanced math concepts, reading comprehension strategies, and analytical writing rubrics. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven track records helping students improve their scores and gain admission to their target programs, so you get someone who knows the test inside and out.