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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!

Alex: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...over a decade ago when I taught ESL in South Korea. During that time and since, I've been fortunate to tutor students of all ages and in a variety of subjects. I received a BA in International Relations and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and more recently completed my MBA program at the University of Southern California. My business school classmates and I took pride in offering group tutoring in subjects such as stats,...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- LSAT
- DAT
- GMAT
- +88 subjects

Steve: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...GRE). Performing well on these tests can truly bolster a student???s application for undergraduate or graduate education, and I truly enjoy helping him or her achieve their best. I am also passionate about tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. My teaching style is not set in stone; I understand that everyone learns differently and will try to find a learning method that will suit the student. Next year, I will begin my pursuit of a...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra
- Calculus 2
- ACT Math
- +24 subjects

Christopher: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...Americorps member with City Year, tutoring and mentoring 7th and 8th grade students in the Englewood Community of Chicago in 1-on-1 and small group settings. I am currently working toward a TEFL certification that would allow me to teach English as a foreign language abroad. With Varsity Tutors, I tutor a wide range of subjects including biology, algebra, and English, as well as ACT and GRE prep. I employ a student-centered teaching style, encouraging students...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- ACT Writing
- Phonics
- Social Sciences
- +32 subjects

James: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...degree, and have been doing so ever since. I have tutored several students in a variety of subjects in math and physics, from algebra 1 up through college level calculus, including ACT test prep. Working one on one with students to help them achieve their academic goals has been a deeply rewarding experience for me. I cherish the opportunity to share my skills and experience with my students, and I make their success my highest...
Education & Certification
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Architectural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GMAT
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- +92 subjects

Karishma: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...and in helping them develop study methods and styles that work best for them and that will serve them throughout school. I previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and English, and I was able to help them develop study strategies such as using flashcards or translating a sentence they had spoken aloud that day in their heads for extra language practice. I...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Science
- Spanish
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +58 subjects

Gregory: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.... Asking questions throughout teaching the session.... With conversation about the subject and practice-test results.... What is their most effective way of learning, and what are their biggest struggles and strengths?
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Trigonometry
- PSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- +38 subjects

Gabriel: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...as math, English literature and Spanish to middle school students). My favorite subject to tutor is Math because it was my favorite as a child and adolescent. I love interacting and getting to know those students with whom I work because I believe that having a good connection and feeling comfortable is a key first step in a successful tutoring relationship. I enjoy walking all over the city and reading (often at the same time),...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, History and Literature
- University of Chicago - PHD, Comparative Human Development
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Elementary Math
- Pre-Algebra
- +51 subjects

Peter: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...a degree in Cinema and Media Studies. After working in documentary production for over a year I took the GRE and gained admittance to several competitive graduate programs. I am now beginning an MFA program in hybrid documentary media at Northwestern’s School of Radio, Television, and Film in the fall. My passion for projects that are unique and illuminate subjects in innovative ways ignites his passion for teaching, where the name of the game is...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Writing
- Algebra
- GRE Quantitative
- +36 subjects

Sresht: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...2 years as part of the GPPA Medicine program, where I majored in Biological Sciences. I have also obtained a perfect score on the Psychology/Sociology section of the MCAT with a 97th percentile score overall. I am currently obtaining my MBA before going to medical school. I have been tutoring since high school and enjoy helping students by giving them a unique perspective on how to master comprehension and logical reasoning concepts.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- MCAT
- College Biology
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +48 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...and helping them achieve their academic potential. My tutoring experience extends back more than a decade. Since early high school, I have tutored both peers and younger students. My students have included special education, gifted, English Language Learners, music/arts students and students with disabilities. I have tutored math up to Calculus AP; English Writing, Reading Comprehension and College Essay instruction; Science through AP Physics; and test preparation for GRE, ACT, SAT as well as state-mandated...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- ACT
- Elementary Math
- Languages
- +67 subjects

Darya: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...it be in a medical or educational setting. My favorite part about being a tutor is helping students gain confidence and become excited about subjects they have struggled with in the past. I enjoy tutoring Mathematics and Science because there is typically more than one approach to understanding concepts. In Mathematics, there are multiple methods to solving problems and relating their applications to the real world. With Science, there are many ways to explain processes,...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- College Biology
- English
- Pre-Algebra
- +28 subjects

Najla: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...worked for two years as a foreign language instructor at the University of Washington, conducting my own class of undergraduate and graduate students, while completing my Masters Degree there. Most recently, I worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University in the City of New York while working on my PhD. I have also completed a number of teaching workshops at the University of Washington and Columbia...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Washington , Columbia University - PHD, History
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- 5th Grade Reading
- +108 subjects

Mike: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...thinking abilities and to encourage them to utilize these abilities in interpreting and interacting with the world around them. I believe that liberal education is one of the great pillars of democracy and civil society. If I can help young people understand and assess academic material, achieve their academic goals, and appropriate what they learn to apply it to their own lives and the world around them, I will be well satisfied.
Education & Certification
- The University of San Francisco - Bachelors, European History
- The University of Chicago - PHD, History (History of Ideas and Modern German History)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- LSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +85 subjects

Stephen: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...chemistry, writing, and helped them prepare for standardized tests for college admittance. I have also tutored adults preparing for academic proficiency tests for their jobs and with GRE prep for those interested in going to graduate school. Additionally I have taught English grammar, reading, and conversational skills to ESL students in Chicago, Ecuador, and Colombia. While I tutor a number of subjects, I particularly enjoy helping students with standardized test strategy and following their scores...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Social Studies
- ACT English
- +70 subjects

Kevin: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...in chemistry. I just started working a day job, but I would love to get into tutoring again! I tutored a bit of general chemistry in college and honestly, I loved the experience! I would love to teach chemistry and math because of my solid foundation in these subjects. I would love to be a teacher later in life, but for now, I want to focus on how far I can go with chemistry. On...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Test Prep
- Chemistry
- Quantitative Reasoning
- +17 subjects

Ignacio: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am a Computer Science Master's student at DePaul with a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Chicago.... Math builds on itself. Build a strong foundation.... Ask for past home works and tests.... By showing them that everything they learn can be used to build and create new things.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Environmental Science
- DePaul University - Current Grad Student, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- High School Computer Science
- +51 subjects

May: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...I am good at guiding students and letting them come up with the answer by themselves. In college, I am a TA for a Calculus 1 class, helping students understand difficult concepts and prepare for tests. Last summer, I traveled back to China and tutored math for standardized testing such as the SAT Subject Math and AP Calculus. Helping struggling students achieve high scores in standardized testing has been one of the most rewarding experiences...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- High School Physics
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +29 subjects

Michael: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...Brighton, U.K., where I received an M.A. in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Culture, and Thought. I received my B.A. in English and History from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts in 2011. Having grown up in Alabama, completed an undergraduate degree in Massachusetts, and a Master's in the U.K., I have tutored students from a broad range of backgrounds in an even broader range of subject areas. I have worked with students in subjects ranging from...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor in Arts, English and History
- University of Sussex - Master of Arts, Modern and Contemporary LIterature, Culture and Thought
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- SAT Reading
- Graduate Test Prep
- +37 subjects

Hannah: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...the pre-medical requirements along with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women and Gender studies. After graduating I worked for a year as an Americorps fellow for a program called AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, and I am currently working with young adults with Aspergers at a social service agency. I have extensive experience tutoring and mentoring children, teenagers, and young adults, including those with developmental and/or learning disabilities. These experiences have taught...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Pre-med/Psychology, Minor in Gender Studies
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT
- ACT Science
- SAT Math
- +42 subjects

Michael: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am a recent graduate of the University of Chicago with a BA in English and a MA in the Humanities. My specialties are tutoring in test prep, writing, and reading. I am more than happy to spend time on my students outside of our organized sessions to ensure everyone meets their goals. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to our tutoring sessions!
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English Language and Literature
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Humanities
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Essay Editing
- SAT
- College Essays
- +19 subjects