Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 5-10 points on the 130-170 scale—within 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction is particularly effective for Verbal because tutors can identify whether your challenges stem from vocabulary gaps, reading speed, or question strategy, then target those specific weaknesses.

Students often struggle with three main areas: managing the time pressure (90 seconds per question), building sufficient vocabulary for Text Completion questions, and extracting key information quickly from dense academic passages. Additionally, many test-takers find Sentence Equivalence questions tricky because they require identifying two synonymous answers rather than just one. Expert tutors can help you develop efficient reading strategies and practice under timed conditions to build confidence.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, dedicating 5-10 hours per week to focused study. However, your timeline depends on your target score and current baseline. A tutor can assess your starting level and create a personalized study plan that balances vocabulary building, reading comprehension practice, and full-length practice tests—helping you use your study time efficiently rather than studying longer.

Practice tests reveal your pacing patterns, identify which question types trip you up most, and help you build stamina for the full exam. They also reduce test anxiety by familiarizing you with the format and time constraints. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use official ETS practice materials and help you analyze your results to pinpoint whether you need to work on speed, accuracy, or both.

Effective timing requires knowing when to spend more time on difficult passages and when to move forward strategically. Many students waste time rereading passages instead of annotating key ideas on the first read. Tutors can teach you proven pacing strategies—like tackling Reading Comprehension first, then Text Completion—and help you practice these techniques until they become automatic during full-length tests.

Not necessarily. While building vocabulary is important, the GRE tests advanced words in context, so understanding how words function in sentences matters more than rote memorization. Effective prep focuses on high-frequency GRE vocabulary (typically 500-1000 words) and learning to infer meaning from surrounding text. Tutors can help you build a targeted vocabulary list and teach you strategies for tackling unfamiliar words during the exam.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted questions—to identify your strengths and specific areas for improvement. The tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style, then create a customized study plan. This foundation helps ensure every session afterward is focused on your unique needs rather than generic test prep.