Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see 2-4 point gains (on the 118-132 scale) with focused, personalized instruction over 8-12 weeks. The key is identifying whether your struggles stem from reading speed, comprehension, question interpretation, or test anxiety—then targeting those specific areas with targeted practice and strategy refinement.

Pacing struggles often come from either reading too slowly or spending too long on difficult questions. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: skimming for structure, identifying key claims, and using elimination strategies to move through questions efficiently. Practice tests combined with timed drills help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy.

The section includes main idea questions, detail questions, inference questions, and author tone/perspective questions. Each type requires a different approach—main idea questions reward big-picture thinking, while detail questions demand careful passage reference. Tutors help you recognize question types quickly and apply targeted strategies, so you spend less time second-guessing yourself.

The best way is to take full-length practice tests under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on—not just wrong answers, but questions that took too long. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test patterns to pinpoint whether you struggle with specific passage types (humanities vs. social sciences), question formats, or time management, then build a targeted study plan around those gaps.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about strategy or fear of running out of time. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction builds confidence by teaching you proven techniques, giving you repeated practice in a low-pressure environment, and helping you develop a consistent pre-test routine. As you see improvement through practice, anxiety naturally decreases.

Most students benefit from 6-12 weeks of focused Verbal Reasoning prep, depending on their baseline score and target improvement. A typical schedule includes 3-4 weeks on strategy and question types, 4-6 weeks on timed practice and refinement, and 2-3 weeks on full-length simulations. Tutors help you create a personalized timeline based on your starting point and test date.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice section or review of your recent practice test results—to identify your strengths and specific challenge areas. The tutor will explain their approach, answer your questions about strategy, and outline a customized study plan tailored to your timeline and goals. This foundation ensures every session that follows is focused and productive.