Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths and weaknesses across all three sections of the GRE. A tutor will review your goals, timeline for test day, and any specific challenges you're facing—like pacing issues or particular question types. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that focuses your efforts where they'll have the biggest impact.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges GRE test-takers face, especially on the quantitative and verbal sections. Tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying easier questions to answer first, knowing when to skip difficult problems, and managing your time across the full test. Practice with full-length, timed tests helps you develop a rhythm and build confidence in your timing decisions.

Absolutely. Many students come to tutoring strong in one area but struggling in another—whether it's reading comprehension, quantitative problem-solving, or analytical writing. You can work with a tutor to focus entirely on your weakest section, or balance your sessions across multiple areas depending on your needs and test timeline. This flexibility allows you to use your tutoring time most efficiently.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about question formats, time pressure, or past test experiences. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to authentic GRE questions, timed practice tests, and proven test-taking strategies. Understanding exactly what to expect on test day and having a solid plan for tackling each section significantly reduces anxiety and helps you perform closer to your practice test scores.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this depends on your starting score, target score, and how much time you can dedicate to studying. If you're working full-time or managing other commitments, a tutor can help you create a realistic schedule that fits your life while keeping you on track. Regular tutoring sessions combined with independent practice between meetings keeps momentum going.

Full-length, timed practice tests are essential because they simulate the actual test experience and help you identify specific patterns in your mistakes—whether you're struggling with certain question types, running out of time, or making careless errors. Tutors use your practice test results to pinpoint exactly where to focus your studying and track your progress over time. Taking multiple practice tests also builds familiarity with the format and reduces test-day surprises.

Look for tutors with strong GRE scores themselves, proven experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the current test format and question types. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the nuances of each GRE section and can teach both content knowledge and strategic test-taking approaches. The best tutors combine subject expertise with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and adapt to your learning style.