Your first session typically involves an assessment to understand your current GRE knowledge, identify which sections challenge you most, and discuss your target score and timeline. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who will review your diagnostic results, ask about your graduate program goals, and outline a personalized study plan. This foundation ensures your tutoring is focused on your specific needs from day one.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges on the GRE, especially in the quantitative section where students often get stuck on difficult problems. Tutors teach you strategic approaches like identifying which questions to prioritize, when to skip and return, and how to manage the adaptive test format. Through timed practice problems and full-length tests, you'll build confidence in your ability to complete sections within the 35-minute limit.

Most students have a stronger section, and tutoring can help you leverage that strength while improving your weaker area. If you excel in verbal reasoning but struggle with quantitative concepts, your tutor will focus on building foundational math skills and problem-solving strategies. If math is your strength, you might work on reading comprehension techniques and vocabulary in context—ensuring a balanced score across both sections.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, identify weak areas, and build stamina for the 3+ hour exam. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use full-length practice tests strategically throughout your preparation, not just at the end. Your tutor will review your results to pinpoint which question types trip you up and adjust your study plan accordingly, making each practice test a learning opportunity.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or feeling unprepared for specific question formats. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by familiarizing you with every aspect of the GRE—the interface, timing, question types, and strategies. As you practice with a tutor and see your scores improve, anxiety naturally decreases because you've proven to yourself that you can handle the material and manage your time effectively.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused GRE preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and how much time you can dedicate weekly. If you're balancing work or other commitments, a tutor can help you maximize your study hours by focusing on high-impact strategies rather than busywork. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

The Analytical Writing section requires you to analyze arguments and present your own perspective under time pressure—skills that improve with targeted practice and feedback. Tutors review your essays, identify patterns in your reasoning, and teach you how to structure compelling arguments quickly. Unlike self-study, you get real-time feedback on your writing rather than guessing whether your essays meet GRE standards.