Score improvement varies based on your starting point and prep intensity, but most students see meaningful gains—often 5-15 percentile points—with focused, strategic tutoring over 8-12 weeks. The key is identifying your specific weak areas and practicing with intentional feedback rather than just taking more practice tests. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who create a customized study plan targeting your exact problem areas, which accelerates improvement far more than self-study alone.

Timing issues usually stem from two problems: spending too long on difficult questions or not recognizing question patterns quickly. Expert tutors teach you to identify when to skip a question strategically, recognize common problem types instantly, and allocate your 62 minutes across 31 questions wisely. Practice tests with timed conditions and post-test analysis of where you lost time are essential—tutors help you build these habits so pacing becomes automatic rather than stressful.

Data Sufficiency questions require a different mindset than traditional math problems—you're not solving for an answer, you're determining whether you have enough information to solve. This confuses many test-takers who default to problem-solving mode. The trick is recognizing the five answer choices (A through E) and understanding the logic of when one statement, both statements, or neither is sufficient. Tutors teach you the systematic approach to these questions so you stop second-guessing yourself and gain confidence in your reasoning.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your diagnostic test results (or administer one if you haven't taken a practice test), identify your specific weak areas, and understand your timeline and score goal. From there, you'll build a customized study plan that prioritizes the topics and question types where you're losing the most points. This personalized approach means you're not wasting time on concepts you already know—you're maximizing every study hour.

Practice tests are essential—they reveal your actual pacing, identify weak topics, and build test-day stamina. However, taking practice tests without analysis is just busy work. The real value comes from reviewing every wrong answer, understanding why you missed it, and adjusting your strategy. Expert tutors use practice test results to guide your prep, ensuring each test informs your next study session rather than just giving you a score. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests throughout their prep timeline.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll recognize question types, manage your time, or remember formulas under pressure. Personalized tutoring builds confidence through familiarity and mastery. When you've practiced problem types repeatedly, developed a clear strategy, and reviewed your mistakes thoroughly, the test feels less threatening. Tutors also teach you mental strategies for staying calm when you encounter a difficult question, helping you maintain focus and avoid panic that derails your performance.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven GMAT success (ideally 90th+ percentile scores), and teaching experience—especially with GMAT-specific strategies. Equally important is someone who communicates clearly and can explain why you're making mistakes, not just what the right answer is. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and work with you to ensure a good fit. A great tutor adapts to your learning style and keeps you motivated throughout your prep journey.