Most students struggle with pacing—you have about 1.5 minutes per question, which feels rushed when you're also working through complex problem-solving. Other common challenges include recognizing which math concepts a question is testing, managing test anxiety under timed conditions, and distinguishing between careless mistakes and genuine knowledge gaps. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each of these obstacles through targeted practice and confidence building.

Most students benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting point and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement (15+ points), you'll likely need 8-12 weeks with consistent practice. Working with a tutor accelerates progress by identifying your specific weak areas early and providing targeted instruction rather than generic study, so you can make the most of your preparation time.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your baseline knowledge, discuss your target score and timeline, and identify which quantitative concepts (algebra, geometry, data analysis, etc.) need the most attention. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that addresses your specific gaps rather than treating every topic equally.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test's format, build pacing skills, and reveal which topics consistently trip you up. The official GRE offers free practice tests, and taking them under timed conditions is crucial for realistic preparation. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test results to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study strategy accordingly.

Pacing improves through deliberate practice with timed drills and full-length sections. The key is learning to recognize question types quickly, knowing when to skip a difficult problem and return to it later, and building speed without sacrificing accuracy. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches for different question types and help you practice under realistic time pressure so you develop confidence and efficiency.

Score improvements vary based on your starting point, target score, and effort level. Students typically see 5-15 point improvements over 8-12 weeks of focused preparation with tutoring, though larger gains are possible depending on your baseline. The most important factor is consistency—regular study sessions combined with expert guidance to address your specific weak areas yields the best results.

An effective GRE Quantitative tutor should have strong mathematical expertise, proven test-prep experience, and familiarity with the GRE's specific question formats and strategies. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and understand how to diagnose conceptual gaps versus careless errors. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GRE preparation and can tailor their approach to your learning style and goals.