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If you've decided to take the GRE, then Varsity Tutors can help set you up with the right San Francisco-Bay Area GRE prep option for you. The GRE is a standardized test intended for those wishing to attend graduate school. It's very similar to the SAT or the ACT, although most people who take the GRE have already earned their bachelor's degree. This is in contrast to the SAT or ACT, which targets high school students. If you need to take the GRE, then you might be trying to get into a grad school at Stanford University, or perhaps UC San Francisco. Your GRE scores plays a major role when it comes to getting accepted into grad school.
The GRE contains three sections, and you have about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. The good news is that you can take this test almost anywhere in the world, as it's offered in more than 160 countries. The sections you'll need to complete include Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. These are all important topics that you might cover in your GRE prep.
You have a few different options when it comes to preparing for your GRE. You might choose to take a GRE prep course, which is an excellent option for anyone who enjoys a group learning environment. These courses are fully online, and you'll be learning alongside a group of other students who are preparing for the GRE. You'll have the chance to learn from an expert instructor, ask questions, interact, and cover topics related to the GRE.
Of course, you also have the option to enlist the help of a GRE private instructor. This is a perfect solution for those who enjoy one-on-one instruction. You might benefit from a more personal learning environment with a highly qualified private instructor. With this option, you can experience a much more personalized and custom-tailored approach to your study regimen. Your private instructor can help you focus on concepts that you find particularly challenging.
What Does GRE Prep Cover?
Each section of the GRE focuses on entirely different skills, so you'll need to become well-versed in each area to achieve your full potential on this test. We'll give you a basic rundown of what to expect from each section, but your GRE instructor can go into much more depth.
The Analytical Writing section takes one hour to complete. During this section, you will have a total of two tasks to complete. The first task is to analyze an issue, while the second task is to analyze an argument. You should plan to spend roughly thirty minutes on each section. You should also plan out your analysis before actually writing out each task. Organization is key to tackling this section with speed and efficiency, and this might be something that your instructor covers in your GRE prep. This section will put many of your skills to the test. You'll be scored based on how well you can articulate concepts, use examples and reasons, and maintain focus throughout your writing. This section also assesses your overall command of the English language.
Verbal Reasoning is another section you'll need to become familiar with. Many skills will be tested in the Verbal Reasoning section, including your ability to summarize, analyze, and interpret written passages. There are many different types of questions you might face within this section. Reading comprehension questions are common, and you'll be asked to evaluate approximately 10 written passages in this section. You'll also face text completion questions, which ask you to fill in blank parts of a written passage. You'll need to choose the best possible answer for each of these questions. Sentence equivalence questions are also part of the Verbal Reasoning section. In this section, you'll be given partial sentences and asked to complete them in the best possible way. With these questions, you can choose two answers per blank section.
The final section of your GRE is Quantitative Reasoning. This is essentially the math section of the test. You'll be tested on your understanding of basic math concepts, and you'll also use logic and reasoning to solve a number of problems. You'll be tested on a number of math-related skills, including algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, and geometry. These questions are presented in many formats, including multiple choice, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison.
Note that there are actually two more sections: an Experimental section and a Research section. You don't really need to worry about these sections, as they're not scored, but it's helpful to know. These sections contain questions that might be used in future GRE tests. You may or may not encounter both of these sections on test day.
What Are The Benefits Of Each Type Of San Francisco-Bay Area GRE Preparation?
As previously noted, there are two different types of GRE prep to choose from here: a San Francisco-Bay Area GRE prep course, or a San Francisco-Bay Area GRE tutor. Each of these options has its own unique benefits, and you might be better suited to one option over the other. Let's find out the differences between these prep types.
Working in a San Francisco-Bay Area GRE prep class is an ideal option for those who enjoy working with groups, and want the flexibility of an online class. New classes start weekly, and you can choose between a two-week and a four-week course. When you join a virtual classroom, you'll be taught by a qualified instructor who will cover relevant subject matter pertaining to your upcoming GRE. You'll also have the opportunity to interact and ask questions.
Working one-on-one with a private instructor is a perfect option if you benefit from personalized, highly targeted study sessions that focus on the specific concepts that you need to learn. Throughout your personal study sessions, your instructor will learn which learning tools suit you best, which gives them the chance to create highly efficient techniques that work for your individual learning style.
How Can I Find San Francisco-Bay Area GRE Prep In My Area?
Varsity Tutors can connect you with whichever study option suits you best. Remember, this is an important step on your road to grad school. It makes sense to invest in your future and give yourself a solid chance of fully understanding the upcoming GRE before you take the test. Simply contact Varsity Tutors, and get set up with a San Francisco-Bay Area GRE prep option that works for you.

Jennifer: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...progress and helping them reach their potential is very fulfilling. And seeing how a student can surprise themselves with their own abilities is the best thing a tutor can ask for. For mathematics, I've taken up to Calculus BC in high school, and Multivariable Calculus at UCR. I understand the concepts, but I can also explain them using applicable examples. Really, math is like a language; you need to know the basics before you get...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Elementary School Math
- Phonics
- Graduate Test Prep
- +107 subjects

Jennifer: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...senior thesis and literature seminars. I also work with everyone from ESL students to students with multiple languages to elementary-aged students just learning to read and write for the first time. And although it may sound silly, I get really excited about reading, writing, researching, and editing, and even more so, I look forward to working with students! I'm available to help, instruct, and work collaboratively with anyone looking for the additional guidance, practice, or...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Mills College - Master of Arts, English Literature
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Creative Writing
- Phonics
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- +128 subjects

Helene: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...learners. I've always seen it as a challenging job, but also as enriching, enlightening, and awesome (and I mean awesome in the strongest sense of the word)! I am so happy to be able to continue that work with Varsity. In terms of the subjects I am comfortable teaching, of course Math and French are what I have the most experience with. But I would love to be given the chance to tackle new things...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Elementary Math
- ISEE
- SSAT
- +57 subjects

Michael: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...material, and I have a knack for finding the one that works. I enjoy using examples and analogies that help the student "get" and remember complicated concepts. Preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT and GRE is much easier with a tutor to help you prioritize, strategize, and structure your time wisely. I took the GRE in 2013 and earned the top score in Critical Reading, so the latest version is fresh in my...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT Writing Skills
- ASPIRE
- +46 subjects

Eric: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...also worked as a substitute teacher in the Buffalo area providing quality instruction in a variety of disciplines as needed. I plan to continue substitute teaching in the 2015-2016 school year in the San Francisco Bay Area. While my teaching certification is in instrumental music, my primary interest in tutoring is high school core subjects like math and English. I believe these fundamental subjects are the basis of effective thought and communication that set students...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Vanderbilt University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Reading
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- +29 subjects

Lucas: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...am now pursuing a career in education. I have worked with students in a range of settings-- as a K-12 substitute teacher, an after-school program instructor, and a graduate teaching assistant in geography and economics. My time spent at the head of the classroom has granted me a great deal of patience for working with a range of learning styles, and a passion for creating positive learning experiences. Good luck, and keep studying! -- B.S.F.S....
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Int'l Environmental Studies (B.S.F.S.)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Conversational French
- Test Prep
- French 2
- +52 subjects

Shannon: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...one, and only one, right answer. Through effective communication and patience, the student is not only able to learn the mathematical process, but also the ability to think analytically. I would say that my tutoring philosophy is based on encouragement and always validating the opinions of the student before steering the student in the right direction. The student must be willing to learn and absorb information, as well as willing to work with me on...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelors, Biological Sciences & English (Double Major)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Spanish 4
- Spanish
- SAT
- +48 subjects

Evan: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...and a writer by habit. I have over three years of teaching experience at private tutoring companies, UC Berkeley, UC Berkeley's Summer Bridge Program, and as a freelance political science/calculus tutor (there's more overlap than you think). In 2014, my paper "Set Theory and Fuzzy Sets: Their Relationship to Natural Language" was published in the Newsletter of the American Political Science Association Organized Section for Qualitative and Multi-Method Research. I'm fond of good food and...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Verbal
- AP Statistics
- Essay Editing
- +130 subjects

Rohayah: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...embarked on a journey to reach the goals that I had in mind. As a result of that experience, I can really empathize with students who are struggling in school and do not know whom to turn to for help. My forte has always been mathematics, so I would like to help as many students as possible and let each one know that he or she can have a taste of success.... Teaching and learning can take place when both parties feel safe and supported. Knowing what the learning goals are can help the tutor determine the best course of action to take to help you achieve them.
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra 3/4
- College Math
- Elementary Math
- +30 subjects

Alexander: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...who are seeking a little extra help for all kinds of reasons. I am happy to work with middle- or high-school students in any of the standard courses. I have tutored Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, etc. and am very comfortable with the assignments given in these classes, as well as the areas students most often need help with on tests and exams. I am also happy to work with college students. I have worked with...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Calculus 2
- SAT Math
- SAT Reading
- +22 subjects

Jacqueline: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...as Romanian Children's Relief, Stop Hunger Now, and Relay for Life. Though I tutor in a wide variety of topics, I am most passionate about English. I am a highly skilled writer and editor who can provide valuable tutoring to any student struggling with the written word. Most importantly, my methods of teaching can help encourage students to regain the confidence in themselves needed to feel prepared and at ease in any academic setting. Next...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT Reading
- +30 subjects

Matthew: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...justice, novel mathematics education, and increasing diversity in STEM majors and careers. Currently, I am working on a thesis in discrete geometry and combinatorics, as well as doing research for UCSF where I design machine vision software. I am well positioned to motivate and justify nearly every aspect of math education as being crucial for a future career in science, engineering or education. I bring this emphasis on real world relevance every time I...... The philosophy that I bring to every class and tutoring session is that it is going to be a period of high intensity training. However I assume that for the student, it is only the beginning of their training, and that for every hour spent in class in a tutoring session with me, at least one hour will be spent in self-study to completely master the topic. Together we lay the groundwork and the pace for that study. Tutoring is not be an extension of lecture, but a training session where I expect a high level of student effort, attention and creativity. My method is to quickly develop a casual but engaging rapport with the student so that we feel comfortable making mistakes in front of each other and are able to collaborate on a learning method rather than drilling problems. The aim is twofold: to help students realize the level of commitment, work, and intellectual awareness required to really master subjects, as well as to instill confidence that they are capable of doing so.
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Philosophy/Mathematics
- SFSU - Masters, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Java
- Elementary Math
- Arithmetic
- +38 subjects

Retesh: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...you don't have all As every semester in every class: what's more important is your effort. One's efforts and hard work are what really measure one's intelligence and my goal as a Varsity Tutors instructor are to not only teach my students the material but also encourage them to work hard as school is simply a test of what the real world will be like. As I head onto to graduate school this fall, I...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelors, Physiological Sciences
- Drexel University - Masters, Health Management and Policy
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- ESL/ELL
- Languages
- +46 subjects

Nathan: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
I have teaching experience in a range of the humanities and social sciences, particularly writing and language, history, politics, geography and religious studies. I have advanced degrees in history and religion from McGill and Harvard, and have held research positions at Oxford and Princeton. I love learning and teaching, and I find working with students incredibly rewarding.... My teaching philosophy revolves around encouraging students' autonomy to tailor my approach to their interests, learning styles, and background knowledge, and to support and facilitate their active engagement with the material and participation in the learning process.
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Comparative literature and Russian
- Harvard University - Masters, History and Religion
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- PSAT Mathematics
- English Grammar and Syntax
- College Level American History
- +102 subjects

Cody: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...as the number one university in the country. At MIT I am pursuing a degree in mathematics. During this time I have acquired great experience in tutoring and teaching. I have a total of 8 years of experience tutoring mathematics, particularly calculus. I also have 5 years of experience tutoring in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. My experience has come in the form of private, one-on-one tutoring with students ranging in ages...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- AP Computer Science A
- Calculus
- AP Physics 2: Electricity and Magnetism
- +127 subjects

Vivek: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
I am passionate about helping students get better! I love Mathematics and Physics, and want to be involved with the subjects for as long as possible.... To be flexible in teaching methods according to students' needs, and to be available to them for as much as they need.
Education & Certification
- Indian Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - PHD, Nuclear Engineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- AP Calculus AB
- Chemistry
- High School Chemistry
- +32 subjects

Bryan: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
I believe in being a life-long learner. An academic course should be designed to optimize a student's success. My goal is to teach mathematics, along with life skills at all levels, observation, critical thinking, organization, hard work, and reflection.
Education & Certification
- California State University-Sacramento - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Math
- HSPT Math
- Algebra
- +28 subjects
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- Multivariable Calculus
- Statistics
- +37 subjects

Michael: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
...basic math and writing skills, and as Teaching Assistant at Cornell my most rewarding experience was always seeing the improvement in my student's essays during the semester. My teaching philosophy is that students learn best when given the opportunity to explore and apply the material on their own. My role as an instructor is to help guide that exploration and untangle any obstacles that prevent the student from internalizing and applying new knowledge. In my...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, International Policy Analysis
- Cornell University - Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Sociology
- C++
- Econometrics
- +37 subjects

Isabelle: San Francisco GRE test prep instructor
I am a recent graduate from Yale University, where I studied Psychology and Neuroscience. I currently work in content marketing at Halo Neuroscience. I am passionate about writing, music, fitness, and nutrition.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Biology
- SAT Writing and Language
- Middle School Science
- +25 subjects