Award-Winning GRE Test Prep in San Antonio, TX

If you are interested in formal San Antonio GRE prep, Varsity Tutors is a powerful resource worthy of your consideration. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test considered by local institutions such as The University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio as well as other schools across the country. Each school and program assigns a different weight to the test, but a good score can help differentiate your application from the large stack that is sure to be on the desk. Needless to say, you should take the GRE seriously.

Thankfully, we can help by providing two great test prep services. If you take a San Antonio GRE prep course, you'll study for the exam in a virtual classroom complete with a knowledgeable teacher and several other students. If you opt instead for a private San Antonio GRE tutor, you'll receive individualized attention as you pursue your academic potential. Either way, you'll feel more confident heading into the test than you would if you tried to study on your own.

What topics are typically covered during San Antonio GRE prep?

The GRE is a digital exam (in most parts of the world including the United States) comprised of three scored sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section measures a test-taker's argumentation and written communication skills through two timed essay tasks. The GRE's Quantitative Reasoning section assesses a test-taker's analytical thinking and quantitative problem-solving abilities. Finally, the Verbal Reasoning section evaluates a student's critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Here is a more comprehensive look at the material you can expect to see in each section:

1. Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section is divided into two essay tasks lasting 30 minutes each. The first is an issue task, an essay prompt that demands an informative essay based on a topic from a list you can access prior to your exam. Since you know every potential topic in advance, you can outline them all beforehand and be ready for anything the exam can throw your way. The second is an argumentative task demanding a critique of another author's work. You won't have a heads-up on what you're writing about this time around. This section is scored on a scale from 0-6 in increments of half a point.

2. Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section is divided into two separate blocks of 20 questions. You have 35 minutes for each block, and you cannot apply unused time on the first block toward the second. There are three question types on the Quantitative section: quantitative comparison, multiple-choice, and numeric entry. Questions may deal with a variety of mathematical concepts, including data analysis, geometry, algebra, and arithmetic. Some items may require two or more responses in order to earn full credit. This section is scored on a scale from 130-170 in one-point increments.

3. Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section is also divided into two blocks containing 20 questions each, though you only have 30 minutes per block instead of 35. There are again three types of question: reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion. Reading comprehension items measure how well you can draw logical conclusions from the material you read. Sentence equivalence items require you to select the two responses that make the most sense as a continuation of a sentence. Text completion questions work similarly, except that you only need to choose one correct answer and have a short passage to derive information from. The Verbal section is scored in the same way as the Quantitative portion of the test.

There are two other GRE sections that may appear on your exam: Research and Experimental. A Research section would appear as a standalone section at the conclusion of your exam, while Experimental items are mixed into your Quantitative or Verbal section. Both exist only so that the manufacturer can test out future exam questions, and neither impacts your score at all. Therefore, you do not need to study for them, but should be aware of their existence.

What are some of the benefits of each of the San Antonio GRE preparation options available to me?

If you take a San Antonio GRE prep class, you'll attend weekly class sessions on a convenient live virtual platform. Two- and four-week classes are available, and new classes start up every week. Your instructor will have a great GRE knowledge base for you to draw on, and you can arrange private study time with them if you feel like you need extra help with a particular concept.

Studying with other students also provides a suite of advantages. You can all work together to foster a collaborative learning environment that may deepen your understanding of GRE concepts. For instance, one of your new friends might share a test-taking strategy or time-saving tip that helps you out on exam day. You may also complete group assignments to help you learn how to approach things in a new way. For example, reading somebody else's essay outline and comparing it to your own can provide a lot of inspiration. You can also split the cost of your instructor to make standardized test prep more affordable for everyone.

Alternatively, working with a private instructor allows you to learn at your own pace. There is no set curriculum to follow, allowing your needs to be the sole determinant of every session's pacing. Your instructor can also adapt their approach to your unique learning style to improve your study efficiency. Best of all, our Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions so you can study anywhere with a solid internet connection.

You can also take practice exams under realistic test-taking conditions during your private tutoring sessions. Not only can practice exams help you feel more comfortable with the GRE's electronic interface, but they can also help you get a better sense of your academic strengths and areas of opportunity.

How do I sign up for San Antonio GRE prep?

Varsity Tutors strives to make San Antonio GRE prep as convenient as we can. If you need help signing up, contact an educational consultant using the info on this page to jump-start the process!