Award-Winning GRE Test Prep in Chicago, IL

Varsity Tutors is the expert when it comes to referring students like you to formal Chicago GRE prep services. The Graduate Record Examinations (or GRE) is a high-stakes exam written to help graduate-level admission departments at institutions such as Northwestern University and DePaul University make informed decisions. Each program attaches a different weight to the exam, but a strong score can go a long way toward helping your application stand out in a crowded field.

We can set you up with two premium services to help you prepare for the examination. First, we can provide a Chicago GRE prep course where you can study in a classroom environment anywhere with a stable internet connection. Alternatively, we can find you a Chicago GRE tutor who can design your study sessions around your preferred learning style. Reach out to us today for more information on how we may be able to assist you.

What content areas can I study during Chicago GRE prep?

The GRE is a computer-based test with a total testing time around three hours and 45 minutes. There are three sections that determine your score: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each of these sections is split into separately-timed halves, so you have two Analytical Writing tasks followed by 20-question blocks of Quantitative and Verbal items. You have a total of one hour to complete the Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections, and 70 minutes for the Quantitative section.

Here is a closer look at what each section entails:

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section consists of two essay tasks. The first is an "issue task" that asks test-takers to compose an informative essay about a random topic from a list released in advance of your testing date. The second is an "argument task" that demands a critical analysis of an argument provided to you. Both of these essays assess how well you can express complex ideas, use evidence to support your arguments, and evaluate claims made by others. This section is scored from 0-6 in .5 increments.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section measures a test-taker's quantitative problem-solving skills and understanding of basic mathematical concepts. Questions may concern arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and data analysis, and each item may require more than one response. There are three types of questions on the Quantitative Reasoning section: multiple-choice, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison. This section is scored from 130-170 in one-point increments.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section has the same scoring scale as the Quantitative section of the GRE. There are three types of questions on this part of the exam: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Reading comp questions measure how well you can understand and infer additional information from what you read. Text completion questions ask you to fill in a blank portion of a reading passage based on the material available to you. Sentence equivalence items are comparable, except that you only have a partial sentence to work with and must identify two answers.

In addition to the sections above, your exam may also have an Experimental or Research section. Both are unscored and allow the test makers to try out questions for future exams. The Experimental section is embedded in the Verbal or Quantitative sections, so you won't know which questions count. The Research section stands alone at the end of the test, and you may choose not to take it. While you should understand that you might see either of these sections on test day, there is no reason to prep for either of them.

How can each of the Chicago GRE preparation options available to me help me prepare for the test?

If you choose to take a Chicago GRE prep class, you'll study with a knowledgeable teacher and a handful of other students on our live virtual platform. Varsity Tutors vets every class instructor, so you can trust that your teacher will provide a bevy of solid information about the GRE. If you feel as though you could use some extra help, your instructor is also available outside of your normal class time for private study.

Working with other students can also help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of academic subjects. For example, explaining Quantitative concepts to one of your new friends can help you further your own understanding of a subject. Studying in a collaborative learning environment can also help you approach problems in novel ways. For instance, reading another student's outline might give you an idea you can use in the future. Sharing one classroom also allows multiple students to split the cost of their test prep, giving you a better experience than you might be able to afford on your own.

If you prefer one-on-one attention, a private tutor may be a better choice for you. A private instructor can adjust their teaching style to your preferred learning style. For example, a visual learner might use charts, graphs, and other visual aids to reinforce their understanding of a particular concept, while an auditory learner could get more out of oral repetitions of the same material. You can also go at your own pace with a private instructor, whether that means moving more quickly or more slowly than other settings.

We also try to make all of our services as convenient as possible for our clients. For instance, we offer both two- and four-week class sessions to make it easier to find something you can commit to. New classes also start every week so that there's always a fresh class to join. Similarly, students who opt for private instruction get to use our powerful Live Learning Platform to facilitate face-to-face study sessions over the internet. You're also in control of when you meet with your tutor, allowing your test prep to revolve around your life instead of the other way around.

Can I sign up for professional Chicago GRE prep today?

Of course! Educational consultants are currently available to answer any questions you might have about the Chicago GRE prep options Varsity Tutors brings to the table. We look forward to hearing from you!