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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!

Levente: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...this fantastic company for the money; I'm working with Varsity Tutors to help you grow academically. While 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Elementary School Math
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- +30 subjects

Christopher: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, where the bulk of my work, including my senior honors thesis, concerned the adverse of effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing hippocampal region of the brain. After graduating, I served a year, full time, as an 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Chemistry
- Other
- ISAT
- +32 subjects

Alex: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 investments you can make is in improving your college/grad school aptitude testing skills, as just a couple hours of study per week can yield enormous results in admittances and scholarships. On the weekend you might...
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
- Geometry
- Management
- +80 subjects

Meriam: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...over the world, I am comfortable working with a diverse range of people, regardless of their language fluency and subject expertise. Since graduating, I have been attending a post-bac program at the University of Toronto in intensive Spanish and Arabic, before continuing on to medical school. I have also been tutoring numerous subjects for over 10 years, including Math, French, and Biology. I truly believe that it is with individual attention helps maximize one's full...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Biology and French
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Geometry
- French 3
- Math
- +63 subjects

Jacob: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...myself: discussion and collaborative explanation. When approaching difficult material, lecturing at a student leaves much to be desired. I aim to help them arrive at conclusions and realizations on their own by building on material with which they are already comfortable and confident, and working together towards a solution rather than giving the answer and expecting it to simply be memorized. Outside of academic pursuits, I enjoy many creatively-focused hobbies, primarily writing, acting, and even...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelors, English Literature
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Professional Certifications
- Test Prep
- College Essays
- +35 subjects

Peter: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 to work with learners to find an approach that works for them. I have tutored in both the SAT and the...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- English
- College Essays
- SAT Reading
- +36 subjects

Mark: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 often are forced into tasks that are not always enjoyable. Whats important is to persevere and understand that there is no other option but to complete the task or learn the material and we...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra
- High School Economics
- College Algebra
- +37 subjects

Mackenzie: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...French. I love reading, traveling, learning and helping others learn! I have experience tutoring high school and elementary school students in math, science, and English and I love tutoring in each subject equally. Eventually, I see myself going to medical school and researching topics related to viral diseases which I've been interested in since a very young age. I'm very passionate about the subjects I teach and hope to pass my passion on to the...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Middle School Writing
- Econometrics
- ACT
- +113 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
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Competition Math
- SAT Reading
- +38 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 tests in Illinois and Michigan. Finally, I majored in and am pursuing a Master's Degree in the field of social science. The...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Social Studies
- ACT
- Literature
- +67 subjects

Sresht: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I 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...
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
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Physics
- +48 subjects

Casey: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...as a literacy tutor with the Family Learning Institute in Ann Arbor, MI. While I am comfortable tutoring in a wide range of humanities and language arts subjects, I am most passionate about teaching English and reading comprehension. I believe students' advancements in these subjects positively impact all other academic areas. Every student can build confidence in reading and writing, and have fun doing it. I see education as a collaborative effort and I work...
Education & Certification
- Butler University - Bachelor in Arts, Music History and Literature
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Masters, Musicology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Study Skills and Organization
- ACT
- ACT English
- +21 subjects

Najla: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 University, as well as a course in pedagogy. Throughout this time, I continued to tutor...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Washington , Columbia University - PHD, History
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Arithmetic
- ISEE- Upper Level
- General Biology
- +108 subjects

May: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 - it boosts students' confidence and at the same time gives them the desire to...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Languages
- Physics
- SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
- +29 subjects

Taryn: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...knowledge with others. I was the teaching assistant for several chemistry courses at Pepperdine and Northwestern Universities; as well as being involved in Science in the Classroom demonstrations for 3rd and 4th grades. I am eager to share my love of science with students. I am passionate about science and math at all levels and I am a down-to-earth and compassionate teacher. My tutoring style is adapted to each student to focus on the specific...
Education & Certification
- Pepperdine University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Northwestern University - PHD, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Elementary School Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +31 subjects

Benjamin: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 beginning, I am incredibly passionate about film and film studies I am a huge movie buff. But perhaps the most important thing I can say about myself is that I don't believe that any...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisville - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Humanities
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra 3/4
- College Algebra
- Study Skills
- +48 subjects

Igor: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...and ambiguities which prevent people from understanding concepts in math and the sciences, and I know how to get around them. I explain every concept in straightforward and totally plain language to describe the relationships between all of the moving parts in math and science subjects. I use familiar analogies as needed to paint a picture of the models students should imagine to successfully solve problems and wrap their heads around the concepts. After learning...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering AND Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- AP Calculus AB
- Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- +55 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
- Applied Mathematics
- Math
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +8 subjects

Rachel: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 tutoring methods are completely student specific. I will listen to your problems and together we can brainstorm the best way to improve your scores or abilities. I do not believe in applying the exact...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Economics
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Masters, MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Statistics
- College Algebra
- AP Statistics
- +32 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am passionate about education. I believe that math and logical reasoning in general are important on 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Masters, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- 10th Grade Math
- Linear Algebra
- ACT Science
- +71 subjects