Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but most test-takers see meaningful gains with focused preparation. Many students improve 50-100 points over several months of consistent practice, though the exact trajectory varies based on your baseline skills and the specific areas you need to strengthen. Personalized tutoring helps identify your weak spots—whether that's reading speed, argument analysis, or grammar patterns—so you can target improvement efficiently.

The three most common struggles are managing time pressure (especially in Reading Comprehension), distinguishing between similar answer choices in Critical Reasoning, and recognizing subtle grammar errors in Sentence Correction. Many test-takers also find it difficult to stay focused through dense business passages or to maintain accuracy when pacing themselves. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each question type and build the stamina needed for the full 65-minute section.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-8 hours per week to targeted practice. However, your timeline depends on your current level and target score. If you're starting from a lower baseline or aiming for a 90th percentile score, you may need more time. Personalized tutoring accelerates progress by focusing your efforts on high-impact areas rather than generic test prep, often reducing the overall study period needed.

Practice tests are critical—they help you understand the test format, build pacing skills, and identify which question types trip you up most. The GMAC (test maker) provides two free official practice tests, and taking full-length sections regularly helps you build stamina and reduce test anxiety. Beyond practice tests, targeted drills on specific question types are equally important for building conceptual mastery before you focus on timed performance.

A tutor provides personalized strategies tailored to your specific weaknesses—whether you struggle with reading comprehension speed, critical reasoning logic, or grammar concepts. They can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, teach you time-management techniques for each question type, and help you build confidence through targeted drills and feedback. This focused approach is far more efficient than generic test prep and helps you avoid wasting time on areas where you're already strong.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your baseline skills, learning style, and specific goals. Your tutor will review your test-taking history (if available), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify which sections need the most attention. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan and may begin introducing foundational strategies or reviewing your most challenging question types.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats. Building confidence through repeated practice with official materials, learning proven strategies for each question type, and doing timed drills helps reduce anxiety significantly. A tutor can also teach you pacing techniques and mental strategies to stay calm under pressure, plus help you develop a realistic sense of what you can accomplish—which itself reduces worry and builds confidence on test day.