Score improvement depends on your starting point and preparation intensity, but most students see meaningful gains with focused tutoring. Many students improve by 3-7 points on the 0-60 scale with consistent practice over 6-12 weeks. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses—whether that's reading speed, argument analysis, or grammar patterns—and targeting those areas systematically rather than studying broadly.

That depends on your target score and baseline strengths. Many test-takers find one section more challenging than the other, and it makes sense to prioritize accordingly. However, business schools evaluate your total GMAT score, so a balanced approach is often best. Tutors can help you assess whether specializing in Verbal makes sense for your goals or if you need integrated preparation.

Students typically struggle with three areas: pacing (finishing all questions within the time limit), inference questions (distinguishing what the passage explicitly states from what it implies), and critical reasoning (identifying assumptions in arguments). Reading Comprehension often feels overwhelming due to dense, academic passages, while Sentence Correction trips up students who haven't studied grammar systematically. Personalized tutoring pinpoints which of these challenges affects you most.

Practice tests are essential—they build test stamina, reveal timing patterns, and show you exactly where your weak spots are. Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests throughout their preparation, starting with diagnostic tests to establish a baseline. Between full tests, targeted drills on specific question types help you refine skills. Tutors use practice test results to guide your study plan and track progress toward your goal score.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or uncertainty about your skills. Practicing under timed conditions, learning proven test-taking strategies, and building confidence through repeated success on practice questions all help reduce anxiety on test day. Tutors work with you to develop a personal strategy for managing pressure—whether that's pacing techniques, mental reset strategies between questions, or confidence-building drills that reinforce your strengths.

Most students benefit from 8-16 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week alongside independent practice. Your timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and how much time you can dedicate to studying. A tutor can assess your baseline and create a realistic timeline during your first session, then adjust based on your progress and how quickly you master each section.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GMAT Verbal and understand the test's unique challenges. Start by scheduling a consultation where you can discuss your goals, current score, and timeline. Tutors will assess your strengths and weaknesses, then design a personalized study plan that targets the areas holding you back from your target score.