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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!

Steve: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...range of tutoring positions during my undergraduate experience including: an English Literacy tutor for grammar school students, an SAT Math instructor, and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) tutor for college students. I believe my strongest subject to tutor is Standardized Test Prep (SAT, ACT, and 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....
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- AP Calculus BC
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Math
- +24 subjects

Benjamin: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...of Brussels for one year, and then as a research scientist at the Air Force Research Lab in Dayton, Ohio for two years. It's been a rewarding career, but I have missed teaching. When it comes to teaching, I try my best to take a flexible approach and meet students where they are. I am a big believer in the power of intuition and curiosity, so I try to teach in a way that nurtures...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Science, Electrical Engineering
- Drexel University - Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Programming Languages
- Science
- +42 subjects

Karishma: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 am very excited to be able to tutor again and to work with students. There is nothing...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Psychology
- ACT Math
- High School Level American Literature
- +58 subjects

Johnathan: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...school and beyond. I believe that every student is capable of excellence when given the right guidance and encouragement. Helping students unlock their potential and achieve their academic and professional goals is what drives me every day. I'm here to make math less intimidating, GMAT prep more effective, and success more attainable. My 8-year-old son and I love travelling and are trying to visit all 50 states together. (Feel free to ask what the count...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- Northwestern University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Business Adminstration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GMAT
- LSAT
- ACT Math
- +17 subjects

Gabriel: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...teaching in Colombia. Currently, I am studying to get my PhD at the University of Chicago. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring a variety of ages and subjects (in particular, I have the most experience tutoring for the PSAT, SAT and college admissions essays, as well 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...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, History and Literature
- University of Chicago - PHD, Comparative Human Development
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- SAT Mathematics
- Algebra
- +51 subjects

Alex: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 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....
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
- GMAT
- LSAT
- DAT
- +88 subjects

Alice: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am a chemistry student at Bates college. I have experience tutoring students from ages 4 up to undergraduate student. I primarily tutor maths and sciences. I also have a lot of experience with standardized testing.
Education & Certification
- Bates College - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Biology
- SAT Essay
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +44 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
- GMAT
- MCAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- +8 subjects

Rachel: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Economics
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Masters, MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GMAT
- Pre-Calculus
- GMAT Quantitative
- +32 subjects

Kevin: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 my free time, I love playing Ultimate Frisbee, running, watching TV, and hanging out with friends. I...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Test Prep
- Science
- ACT Math
- +17 subjects

Prahith: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
I am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests. ... It is more important that students learn how to solve problems rather than just memorizing facts or formulas. All students are smart in their own way and, teaching should be catered to how students best understand. Ultimately students should understand why what they are learning is important.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GMAT
- DAT
- LSAT
- +103 subjects

May: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 key to learning a new language is to practice, practice, and practice. I love seeing my...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
- Algebra
- +29 subjects

Catherine: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...and helping young people reach their full potential. It has been my privilege to work with dozens of bright and talented students over the years, ranging from fifth grade to university level. I especially enjoy helping students with test prep and am qualified to teach all sections of the SAT and GRE, including math. I would also love to tutor in history, literature, and writing. Currently, I am earning my PhD in early modern European...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Stanford University - PHD, History
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- LSAT
- English
- Test Prep
- +44 subjects

Mark: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- Algebra 2
- High School Business
- Economics
- +37 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
- Discrete Math
- Homework Support
- Environmental Science
- +51 subjects

Ruthie: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...my students are engaged because from that engagement, we can build investment in the material and skills they need to learn. I like to incorporate labs, hands-on experience, competitions, games, videos, and compelling activities (for example, writing letters to the government about harmful algal blooms to a graphing project on the abundance of the invasive species, "rock snot") into skill building and practice. I care deeply about my students and they know that. They know...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Biological Basis of Behavior
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- SAT Math
- GRE Verbal
- Cell Biology
- +22 subjects

John: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...me, and it is important to always keep in mind the skill levels of every diverse learner I work with. After all, if students don't learn the way we teach, then we need to teach them the way they learn. I'm an extremely positive and enthusiastic person not only as an educator but as a person in general. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, cooking, throwing boomerangs, reading, and playing backgammon.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Secondary English Education
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- PCAT
- DAT
- GMAT
- +77 subjects

Stephen: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...When I tutor, I aim to lead students to an answer by example so that they can see the reasoning involved themselves, rather than me just telling them the answer. The more the students can come to their own solutions, the more memorable the lessons will be. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing skill games like scrabble, bridge, and poker, and outdoor activities like biking, camping, and canoeing when the weather is nice.
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- GMAT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +79 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
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Graduate Test Prep
- Algebra
- +38 subjects

Elizabeth: Chicago GRE test prep instructor
...appropriate with their peers. My students are motivated and engaged with their studies; together we form a circle of learning in which all are expert critical thinkers. My task, as I see it, is to facilitate, encourage, and stay informed. A hand-written message from Mother Teresa, faithfully carried from Calcutta by a former student, hangs on my study wall: "Liz, Teach for the glory of God." And that's what I endeavor to do.... By encouraging critical thinking and by teaching the skills necessary to accomplish academic goals.
Education & Certification
- DePaul University - Bachelors, English & Linguistics
- DePaul University - Masters, English & Linguistics/ Also hold TESOL credentials from College of Teachers, U.K.
- University of Malta - PHD, Theology
Subject Expertise
- GRE
- PCAT
- GMAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- +33 subjects