Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your baseline score, identify which sections (Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, or Analytical Writing) need the most work, and pinpoint specific question types that trip you up. From there, a tutor creates a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and target score, whether you're aiming for a top-tier MBA program or just need to meet a school's minimum requirement.

Pacing is one of the biggest GMAT challenges because you have limited time for complex problems. Tutors teach you to recognize question patterns, skip strategically, and allocate time based on difficulty—skills that practice tests alone won't always reveal. Working with a tutor also helps you understand which problem types consistently slow you down, so you can build speed through targeted drills rather than rushing through full tests unprepared.

Absolutely. Many students are strong in one area but struggle with another—for example, excelling at Quantitative but finding Reading Comprehension challenging. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can zero in on your weaker sections while maintaining your strengths, making your study time more efficient and your overall score improvement faster.

Practice tests are essential because they simulate real test conditions and reveal patterns in your mistakes—whether you're rushing, misreading questions, or lacking conceptual understanding. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests throughout their prep, then analyzing results with a tutor to identify trends. This diagnostic approach is far more effective than retaking the same practice test or drilling random problems without direction.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for a 700+ on a 200-800 scale, expect to invest 60-100 hours of focused study. A tutor helps you create a realistic schedule that fits your life, breaks material into manageable chunks, and keeps you accountable—which often leads to faster progress than solo studying.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about question formats or feeling unprepared for specific sections. Regular practice with full-length tests, understanding the exact structure of each section, and building confidence through targeted tutoring all reduce anxiety significantly. Tutors also teach mental strategies like pacing awareness and question-skipping tactics that give you a sense of control during the actual exam.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores (typically 700+), experience teaching the test, and familiarity with business school admissions. Ideally, they understand not just the content but also test-taking strategy, pacing, and how to diagnose why you're missing specific questions. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Dayton who have proven success helping students reach their target scores.