Score improvement depends on your starting point and study effort, but most students see meaningful gains with focused prep. If you're starting around the 50th percentile (approximately 150 Verbal/150 Quantitative), 5 weeks of consistent practice can realistically move you toward the 60th-70th percentile. Students with stronger baselines or those targeting specific sections often see faster improvements. The key is identifying weak areas early and dedicating practice time to those sections.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE, especially in the Quantitative section where students often run out of time. A 5-week prep class teaches you strategic skipping—knowing when to move on from a difficult question rather than getting stuck—and helps you practice under timed conditions with full-length tests. You'll learn which question types you can solve quickly and which require more careful thinking, so you can allocate your 3 hours and 45 minutes effectively.

A 5-week prep class can be tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. If you're strong in Quantitative but struggle with Verbal Reasoning, your study plan will emphasize reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, and logical reasoning strategies. Conversely, if math is your challenge, you'll focus on GRE-specific math concepts and problem-solving techniques. Personalized instruction helps you spend time where it matters most rather than reviewing material you already know well.

Most students should take at least 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 5-week prep period—ideally one every 1-2 weeks. This gives you realistic score benchmarks, helps you identify patterns in your mistakes, and builds stamina for the actual test day. The GRE offers free official practice tests, which are essential because they match the real test format exactly. Between full tests, you'll do targeted section practice to work on specific question types.

Test anxiety is common, and 5-week prep helps by building confidence through repeated exposure to real question formats and timed practice. Taking multiple practice tests under test-like conditions desensitizes you to the pressure. You'll also learn stress-management strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and how to stay focused when you encounter a difficult question. Many students find that knowing they've practiced extensively is the best anxiety reducer.

Yes, Analytical Writing is part of the full GRE and should be included in your 5-week prep. This section requires you to write two essays under time pressure, which many students find challenging because it's different from multiple-choice sections. A good prep class teaches you essay structure, how to analyze arguments critically, and time management for writing. You'll practice writing sample essays and get feedback on clarity, organization, and argument strength.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert GRE prep tutors who understand the test format, scoring, and strategies needed to improve. Tutors work with you to create a personalized 5-week study plan based on your diagnostic test results and target score. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, whether you prefer structured group prep or one-on-one personalized instruction.