Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your baseline score (or administer a diagnostic test if you haven't taken the GMAT yet), discuss your target score and business school goals, and identify which sections need the most work. From there, they'll outline a customized study schedule and explain the specific strategies you'll use to tackle each question type.

Pacing is one of the most common GMAT challenges, and tutors teach you proven strategies to manage the 3.5-hour exam effectively. They'll help you recognize when to spend more time on a question versus when to make an educated guess and move on, practice timed sections to build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and develop a rhythm that works for your brain. Over multiple sessions, these techniques become automatic.

Absolutely. Many students are stronger in one area and need targeted help in another—whether that's mastering algebra and geometry concepts, improving reading comprehension, or strengthening sentence correction skills. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can zero in on your specific section challenges and spend your tutoring time where it matters most for your score goals.

Practice tests are essential—they build stamina, reveal patterns in your mistakes, and help you track progress. A tutor will recommend a strategic practice test schedule (typically spaced throughout your study timeline), review your results to identify recurring errors, and teach you how to analyze what went wrong on each question. This diagnostic approach is far more effective than simply taking test after test without feedback.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and how many hours per week you can dedicate to studying. A tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that balances tutoring sessions with independent practice. Some students need more time; others achieve their goals faster—your personalized plan accounts for your specific situation and goals.

Yes. Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or fear of time pressure—both things tutoring directly addresses. By practicing under timed conditions, learning proven problem-solving strategies, and receiving regular feedback on your progress, you'll build genuine confidence in your abilities. A tutor also teaches mental strategies for staying calm during the actual exam.

Look for tutors with strong GMAT scores themselves, proven teaching experience, and deep knowledge of the test's structure and question types. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and can speak to specific strategies for each section. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand both the content and the test-taking psychology that leads to results.