Award-Winning GRE Test Prep in Salt Lake City, UT

Varsity Tutors is the only name you need to know when it comes to professional Salt Lake City GRE prep. The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a high-stakes exam that's used by graduate admissions departments across the country as an objective data point to compare candidates with different backgrounds. Individual programs at schools such as the University of Utah and Brigham Young University may weight your score differently, but a strong performance could potentially be the first step toward reaching for your academic potential.

We can set you up with two great options. First, we can find you a Salt Lake City GRE prep course where you can study for the examination in a structured, classroom environment. Alternatively, we can connect you with a certified Salt Lake City GRE tutor who can provide individualized attention as you pursue your academic goals. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help you.

What subjects can I study during Salt Lake City GRE prep?

The GRE is a computer-based exam (there are paper tests available in areas where computer testing is unavailable) consisting of three scored sections. On the Analytical Writing section, your written communication and argumentative skills are assessed. On the Verbal Reasoning section, your reading comprehension and ability to infer information about the whole through its parts are evaluated. On the Quantitative Reasoning section, your analytical thinking and quantitative problem-solving skills are put to the test. Here is a closer look at what you can expect on each section of the test:

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section consists of two separately-timed 30-minute essay tasks. The issue task requires test-takers to compose an essay about a topic randomly selected from a list released prior to your testing date. With a finite number of potential topics, it's possible to outline everything before you begin so that you are ready for anything. The argumentative task demands a critical analysis of an argument presented to you. You won't know what you are writing about beforehand, so be prepared to rely on your reading comprehension skills. This section is scored from 0-6 in increments of half a point.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section is comprised of two 20-question blocks with a total testing time of 60 minutes (30 minutes each). There are three types of multiple-choice questions on this segment of the exam: text completions, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension. Text completion items require you to read a short passage and then fill in a blank with the option that makes the most sense from those provided. Sentence equivalence items work similarly, except that you only have a sentence to work with and must identify two correct responses. Finally, reading comprehension items measure your ability to internalize what you read and effectively draw conclusions from it. This section is scored on a scale from 130-170 in one-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section is also comprised of two 20-question blocks, though you have 35 minutes instead of 30 for each one. There are again three question types: numeric entry, multiple-choice, and quantitative comparison. Some of the topics you can expect to see include data analysis, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. This section is scored on the same scale as the GRE's Verbal Reasoning section.

There are two additional sections that may appear on your GRE. The Research section is an optional section placed at the conclusion of the test that the manufacturer uses to test out future exam items. Alternatively, an Experimental section might be embedded in a Verbal or Quantitative section. Neither impacts your score in any way, so there's no need to burn valuable prep time on either of them.

Can you explain the benefits of each Salt Lake City GRE preparation option for me?

If you choose a Salt Lake City GRE prep class, you'll study with a knowledgeable instructor and a handful of other students in weekly class sessions. We offer two and four-week classes to make it easier to find something that compliments your lifestyle. New classes also start weekly, so it's always a great time to start pursuing your academic goals.

Working with other students also carries several advantages. You can all split the cost of your test prep, making expert instruction more affordable than you may think. You can also work together to create a collaborative learning environment to enhance your understanding of challenging concepts. For example, you might collaborate on an outline to consider new ways of approaching an essay or explain something to somebody else to reinforce your own understanding. It might seem counter-intuitive, but working with others can promote a deeper understanding of academic concepts than studying on your own.

That said, sometimes you need one-on-one instruction to pursue your ambitions. Working with a private tutor allows you to progress at your own pace, whether that means rushing through something you already understand or taking your time on something you find more difficult. A private instructor can also adapt sessions to your preferred learning style to improve your study efficiency. Best of all, you can do all of this on our proprietary Live Learning Platform that facilitates digital study sessions without the hassle of arranging a physical meetup.

Many students also take practice exams with their private instructor to give them a sense of what to expect on exam day. For example, time management is important in all sections of the GRE. Experiencing what the time available to you feels like is what one of the best ways to budget it effectively. Your instructor can also review the results of your practice test with you to identify your academic strengths as well as any areas of opportunity that could improve.

How do I enroll in Salt Lake City GRE prep?

Varsity Tutors exists to make Salt Lake City GRE prep as convenient as possible. Simply use the contact information provided on this page to speak with an educational consultant and get the process started. We are also ready and willing to answer any questions you may have, so reach out today for more information!