The GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340, with separate scores for verbal reasoning (130-170) and quantitative reasoning (130-170). A "good" score depends on your target programs—competitive programs often expect scores in the 160+ range for each section, though requirements vary significantly by field and school. Varsity Tutors can help you identify score targets based on your specific graduate programs and create a study plan to reach them.

During your first session, a tutor will assess your current strengths and weaknesses across the verbal, quantitative, and writing sections. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or work through sample questions to identify which areas need the most focus. This helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your goals and timeline before your test date.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges GRE test-takers face, especially on the quantitative section. Tutors work with you on strategies like identifying when to skip difficult questions, recognizing common question patterns, and practicing under timed conditions. Regular timed practice tests help build the stamina and decision-making skills you need to manage the full 3+ hour exam confidently.

GRE reading comprehension requires active reading strategies rather than memorizing details. Effective approaches include identifying the main idea and author's tone, understanding logical relationships between ideas, and practicing retrieval of specific information under time pressure. Tutors can teach you how to annotate passages efficiently and recognize question types so you know exactly what to look for when re-reading.

Most test-takers benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting point and target score. If you're aiming for a competitive score in a quantitative field, you may need more time on math fundamentals. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your needs and create a realistic timeline, whether you're preparing for a test date a few weeks away or planning several months in advance.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats and uncertainty about pacing. Building confidence through repeated practice tests, learning to recognize patterns in questions, and developing a pre-test routine can significantly reduce anxiety. Tutors help you practice under realistic test conditions so the actual exam feels familiar, not surprising—turning anxiety into confidence through preparation.

The Analytical Writing section (two essays) tests your ability to analyze arguments and develop ideas clearly under time pressure. Success requires understanding the specific task for each essay type, planning your response quickly, and writing clearly with strong examples. Tutors provide feedback on your essays, help you identify common logical fallacies to recognize in arguments, and teach time-management strategies so you can draft and edit within 30 minutes per essay.