Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment to understand your current skill level, test-taking habits, and areas needing the most work. The tutor will review your goals, timeline, and any specific concerns—like time management or particular question types that trip you up. From there, you'll develop a customized study plan that fits your schedule and targets your biggest opportunities for improvement.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE, and tutors teach you strategic approaches for each section. You'll practice techniques like identifying question difficulty patterns, knowing when to skip and come back, and managing the balance between accuracy and speed. With timed practice tests and targeted drills, you'll build the stamina and decision-making skills to move through the exam confidently without rushing or getting stuck.

That depends on your diagnostic scores and target programs—some graduate schools weight these sections differently. A tutor will analyze your performance on practice tests to determine where you have the biggest opportunity for improvement. Many students benefit from balanced preparation, but if one section is significantly weaker, tutors can concentrate time there while maintaining your stronger area through strategic review.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the test format, and build test-taking stamina. Tutors use official ETS practice tests to benchmark your progress and simulate real exam conditions. Taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks, combined with targeted skill-building between tests, gives you concrete data about what's working and what needs adjustment.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or uncertainty about your abilities—both things tutoring directly addresses. By mastering content, practicing under timed conditions, and developing reliable problem-solving strategies, you build genuine confidence rather than false reassurance. Tutors also teach stress-management techniques and help you develop a growth mindset about challenging questions, which reduces anxiety on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, meeting 1-2 times per week, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. If you're starting significantly below your goal, you might need 12-16 weeks; if you're closer to your target, 6-8 weeks may be sufficient. Your tutor will recommend a realistic timeline based on your diagnostic assessment and help you stay on track with consistent practice between sessions.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert GRE tutors who understand the test's unique challenges and can work with your schedule. You'll be matched with a tutor based on your goals, learning style, and availability. The process is straightforward—just share your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns, and we'll find the right fit to help you succeed.