Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will likely review your target score, timeline, and any practice test results you have, then identify which sections need the most work. You'll discuss your study schedule and learning style so the tutor can create a personalized plan that fits your goals—whether you're aiming for a top MBA program or a specific graduate school in the Minneapolis area.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE, especially in the Quantitative and Verbal sections where you have limited minutes per question. A tutor teaches you strategic approaches like identifying when to skip difficult questions, recognizing question patterns that waste time, and practicing under real test conditions. They'll help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy through deliberate practice and feedback on where you're losing time.

Students often find the Quantitative section most challenging, especially if their math background is rusty—the GRE tests reasoning and problem-solving rather than just computation. However, the Verbal section trips up many test-takers too, particularly the Reading Comprehension questions that require quick analysis of dense academic passages. A tutor can diagnose which section is your weak point and build targeted strategies, whether that's brushing up on algebra and geometry concepts or improving reading speed and inference skills.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, identify weak areas, and build stamina for the 3+ hour exam. Most tutors recommend taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks as you prepare, then reviewing your errors to spot patterns. The official GRE PowerPrep tests are the most accurate predictor of your actual score, and a tutor can help you interpret your results and adjust your study plan based on what you discover.

Yes—test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the format, question types, or your own preparation level. A tutor builds confidence by demystifying the test, teaching proven strategies, and giving you plenty of practice so the exam feels familiar on test day. Regular practice under timed conditions, combined with honest feedback about your progress, helps many students move from nervous to confident.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-3 times per week depending on their starting level and target score. If you're starting from a lower baseline or aiming for a highly competitive score, you may want 12-16 weeks. Your tutor will help you create a realistic timeline based on your current skills, available study hours, and application deadlines for your graduate programs.

Look for tutors who have strong GRE scores themselves (typically 160+), experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the specific graduate programs you're targeting. They should understand the test structure deeply, teach strategic approaches beyond just content review, and be able to diagnose why you're missing questions—not just whether you got them right or wrong. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Minneapolis who meet these standards and can tailor their approach to your learning style.