Award-Winning GRE Test Prep in San Diego, CA

Varsity Tutors is the only name you need to know if you're looking for expert San Diego GRE prep. The GRE, or Graduate Records Examination, is a high-stakes exam that graduate programs such as those at the University of California - San Diego and San Diego State University have the option of using as part of their admission process. Each program varies in how much weight a standardized test score carries, but a great score can help an application stand out from the pack.

We offer two great ways to help students prepare for this difficult exam. First, we can provide a San Diego GRE prep course that allows students to study in an online classroom environment designed to help you pursue your academic goals. Alternatively, we can help you connect with a San Diego GRE tutor who can provide individualized attention as you prepare for the exam. We're confident that you'll wonder how you ever studied without professional assistance after trying either option!

What topics should I review over the course of my San Diego GRE prep?

The GRE is a computer-based standardized exam with three scored sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. You have one hour for the Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections, while you have 70 minutes on the Quantitative section. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale from 0-6, while each of the other two sections is scored on a scale from 130-170.

Your GRE may also contain an Experimental or Research section, but neither is graded. The Experimental section is embedded into the Quantitative or Verbal portion of the test if present, while the Research section is an optional section you may take at the conclusion of the exam. Both serve to test future test items, so there is no reason to worry about them while you study.

Bearing that in mind, here is a closer look at the exam sections that determine your score:

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section is split into two essay "tasks." The first is an issue task that requires test-takers to compose an original informative essay based on a topic from a list released before the exam. The second is an argumentative task that asks you to analyze another author's argument. You have 30 minutes to compose each essay, and you cannot transfer unused time to the other assignment. This section assesses your written communication skills, ability to incorporate evidence into an argument, reading comprehension, and how well you can articulate complex ideas.

Verbal Reasoning

The examination's Verbal Reasoning section consists of two subsections, each of which contains 20 multiple-choice questions. There are three types of questions on this portion of the exam: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence completions. Reading comprehension items measure how well you can draw logical conclusions based on the material you read. Text completion items require test-takers to fill in the blank with one of 3-5 options after reading a short passage. Sentence completions are similar, except you only have a portion of a sentence to work with and there are two correct responses (and four incorrect ones) on each question. This section measures how well you can infer information about the whole through several parts, draw valid conclusions, and compose an informative summary of what you read.

Quantitative Reasoning

The assessment's Quantitative Reasoning section also consists of two subsections of 20 items each. Questions are drawn from a variety of mathematical topics, including arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis. There are three different types of questions: multiple-choice, quantitative comparison, and numeric entry. Some questions may require you to select more than one answer. The Quantitative section measures a test-taker's understanding of numeric concepts and quantitative problem-solving skills.

What advantages does each of the San Diego GRE preparation options available to me offer?

If you opt for a San Diego GRE prep class, you'll study with a knowledgeable instructor and several other students on our live virtual platform. We vet every teacher, so you can count on a knowledgeable instructor who knows how to effectively convey information to a group of students. Your instructor is also available for private study sessions upon request if you feel that you might need extra help with something.

Many students also find it beneficial to share their classroom with other people preparing for the test. You are free to interact with your classmates, allowing you to assist one of your new friends if they are struggling with something. Not only does this provide the satisfaction of helping somebody else, but explaining things to others is one of the best ways to further your own understanding. Working in a collaborative learning environment can also improve your depth of understanding. For instance, looking at another's student's outline for an Analytical Writing prompt may encourage you to approach a problem in a completely different manner. Multiple students can also split the cost of their instructor, making expert test prep more affordable for everyone involved.

If you would rather study at your own pace, a private instructor could be a better option for you. A private instructor can skim through anything you find easy to keep your sessions engaging. If you're having a harder time with a particular concept, your instructor can try new ways of explaining the information until it finally clicks. For instance, sometimes all it takes is one good example to make a challenging topic seem easy.

We also try to make all of our services as convenient for you as they can be. For example, we offer two and four-week class sessions to help you find one that fits your scheduling needs. We also launch new classes every week, so there's always a class starting up. Similarly, our proprietary Live Learning Platform allows students who would prefer to work with a private instructor to study online. You can also choose when to meet with a private instructor, leaving you in full control over your own schedule.

Can somebody help me sign up for San Diego GRE prep?

Of course. Just use the contact information provided on this page to reach out to an educational consultant who can help you get started. Varsity Tutors looks forward to playing our small role in your San Diego GRE prep journey!