The most common struggles are pacing (running out of time on harder questions), distinguishing between Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency formats, and gaps in foundational math concepts like ratios, exponents, or coordinate geometry. Many test-takers also struggle with the adaptive nature of the GMAT—the test gets harder as you answer correctly, which can shake confidence. A tutor helps you develop efficient solving methods, practice strategic guessing when needed, and build the mental stamina to stay sharp through all 62 minutes of the section.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. You'll likely take a diagnostic assessment or review your recent practice test results to identify your strongest and weakest question types. The tutor will ask about your target score, timeline, and any specific anxiety or confidence issues you're facing. From there, you'll build a personalized study plan that prioritizes the areas where you'll gain the most points, so your prep time is spent efficiently.

Practice tests are essential—they're how you build stamina, learn to pace yourself, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions simulates the real test experience and reveals whether your struggles are conceptual, strategic, or time-related. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests throughout their prep, with tutoring sessions focused on analyzing what went wrong and refining your approach for the next attempt.

Time management on the Quantitative section comes down to knowing when to solve, when to eliminate answer choices strategically, and when to make an educated guess and move on. With an average of about 2 minutes per question, you need efficient solving techniques and the confidence to skip a tough problem without losing focus. A tutor teaches you to recognize question types quickly, use shortcuts and pattern recognition, and practice the mental discipline to let go of questions that are eating up your time—skills that only develop through targeted practice and feedback.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in GMAT Quantitative and understand the specific challenges of the section. When you reach out, you'll be matched with someone based on your goals, timeline, and learning style. Tutors work with you flexibly—whether you need intensive prep over a few weeks or steady guidance over several months—and they focus on building both your math skills and your test-taking confidence.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week while doing independent practice in between sessions. Your ideal timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and how much time you can dedicate to studying. A tutor helps you create a realistic schedule that balances deep learning with consistent practice, so you're making steady progress without burning out before test day.

Data Sufficiency questions require a different mindset than Problem Solving—you're not solving for a specific answer, but rather determining whether you have enough information to solve. Many students waste time doing unnecessary calculations or get confused by the logic. Effective tutoring teaches you a systematic approach: evaluate each statement independently first, then together, and recognize common traps like assuming information that isn't given. With practice, you'll develop the pattern recognition to answer these questions quickly and confidently.