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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
...at the University of Southern California. My business school classmates and I took pride in offering group tutoring in subjects such as stats, economics, finance, etc., and I still feel ardently that the best way to fully understand a subject is to teach it! I have years of experience teaching algebra I & II, economics and Spanish, but also love to assist students with ACT, SAT, LSAT and GMAT test prep. One of the greatest...
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, Real Estate
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra 2
- ACT Writing
- ESL/ELL
- +77 subjects

Christopher: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 to think independently and draw their own conclusions about the content. In my free time, I enjoy appreciating and composing...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- College English
- ACT
- Other
- +32 subjects

Brady: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...rather than a fixed one, in which students realize that they can develop and improve their intelligence through hard work and persistence, rather than surrendering to the conventional belief that intelligence is a fixed trait; that you are either smart or dumb, and there's not much you can do to change it. I always make sure to add a sense of humor to my tutoring sessions, because I think learning is easiest when students are...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelors, Engineering - Product Design
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- ACT Reading
- Pre-Algebra
- High School Physics
- +33 subjects

Karishma: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 am very excited to be able to tutor again and to work with students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a previously struggling student excel and to have helped them improve along the way.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Social Sciences
- ACT
- AP United States History
- +58 subjects

Benjamin: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...them what we will. I also love helping students work their way through the daunting task of preparing for standardized tests. I have often found that my past students have gotten tangled in the problems that have been set out for them, and I have always found success in teaching the conceptual framework behind these problems, so that they learn to find solutions by whatever means they prefer. As indicated by my degrees at the...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisville - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Humanities
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- French 4
- Algebra 3/4
- High School English
- +48 subjects

James: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 priority. I believe that with hard work and the proper guidance any student can be successful.... I believe that with hard work and the proper guidance any student can be successful. I work to identify the unique needs and strengths of each student so that I can create personal and effective lessons.
Education & Certification
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Architectural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GMAT Integrated Reasoning
- SAT Writing and Language
- IB Mathematics SL
- +92 subjects

Sresht: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 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...
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
- College English
- AP English Literature and Composition
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +48 subjects

Levente: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I held a few roles in academia. I was a class assistant for Differential Equations for 3 semesters, where I organized and led study sessions, graded assignments, etc. At different points in my college career, I also worked as a mentor for Calculus 1-3 and a project manager for a higher level engineering course. Currently, I work as a derivatives trader in Chicago, so I'm constantly using and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- AP Calculus AB
- ACT Science
- Geometry
- +30 subjects

Mark: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...strive to make the information relatable to my students. This way we can become excited about the subjects which makes learning that much easier. Mostly I am interested in tutoring math and math-related subjects including economics. Throughout sessions I will always try to convey exactly how important it is to learn the information, because like it or not, even if the student is not interested in learning, I want to convey that in life we...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Arithmetic
- Social Studies
- Geometry
- +37 subjects

Mengyi : Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...and test prep (ACT, SAT, GRE, APs, and select IB subjects). I also have experience tutoring graduate students with ESL. I love getting to know my students and understanding how they study best. I tailor my teaching style and methods to each individual, and sometimes I find that the most effective way to learning is to have the student teach it back to me. I always end up learning a lot in unexpected ways from...
Education & Certification
- Princeton - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- IB Extended Essay
- IB Mathematics HL
- SAT Subject Test in Literature
- +95 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...an academic level, but also on a personal level. The ability to reason through a problem and understand the flow of an argument will help any student inside or outside the classroom. As a teacher, I aim to build confidence in my students and decrease anxiety about any difficulties that may arise with the subject matter. I do not believe there is any such thing as a bad question, and the only problems that cannot...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Masters, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra 2
- Calculus
- ISEE
- +71 subjects

Steve: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 PhD in Biological Engineering, and I aspire to be an undergraduate professor and researcher. In my free time, I love...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Graduate Test Prep
- SAT Mathematics
- +24 subjects

May: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...SAT Subject Math and AP Calculus. Helping struggling students achieve high scores in standardized testing has been one of the most rewarding experiences - it boosts students' confidence and at the same time gives them the desire to learn more and tackle harder problems. Chinese is my native language. As a Chinese tutor, I enjoy helping students not only achieve desirable scores in standardized testing, but also use the language to communicate. I believe the...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
- Calculus
- SAT
- +29 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 tests in Illinois and Michigan. Finally, I majored in and am pursuing a Master's Degree in the field of social science. The Master's in Education program at Depaul is preparing me to teach students from a variety of cultural...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- World History
- College English
- GRE Verbal
- +67 subjects

Michael: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 History and Government to Reading, Writing, and Grammar. I am passionate about helping others to realize their academic potentials, and I believe that my most important responsibility as a tutor is helping my students to develop the reading, writing,...
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
- Literature
- SAT Mathematics
- College Level American History
- +37 subjects

Ebony: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...test taker, so I always take the time to share valuable tips with my clients. As an instructor I am very patient and I have often been complimented on my ability to break down material and explain it in a way that is easily understood. I see it as important that every client feel confident in their capabilities to improve and that we both work together to discover his/ her individual needs in order to...
Education & Certification
- University of Alabama at Birmingham - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Johns Hopkins - Master of Science, Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Reading
- Essay Editing
- ACT English
- +18 subjects

Elizabeth: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am a leadership and change management consultant with six years of experience teaching at the college level at the Illinois Institute of Technology, DePaul University, and Northeastern Illinois University. I love teaching, love coming up with creative examples to help make material relatable and accessible for students, and love seeing the "light bulb" go off when a difficult concept really starts to "click" for a student.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Master of Science, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Statistics Graduate Level
- Statistics
- +8 subjects

Peter: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 to work with learners to find an approach that works for them. I have tutored in both the SAT and the GRE. In my free time I love to watch movies, follow and partake in sports, especially football, rugby,...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Graduate Test Prep
- IB Film SL
- Homework Support
- +36 subjects

Rachel: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...the right mentality, and 2) a good teacher. I hope to be the latter. For test prep, I am eligible to tutor all the tests I myself have taken: SAT, ACT, GMAT, and GRE. Most of my tips will come from my own personal experience taking these tests or studying these subjects. I actually tutored a friend in GMAT prep this way, and he went from a 680 to a 760 in one month! My...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Economics
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Masters, MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Reading
- Elementary Math
- Quantitative Reasoning
- +32 subjects

Mike: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
My goals are to help students develop their critical 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...
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 Analytical Writing
- Spanish 1
- IB Theory of Knowledge
- +85 subjects