GRE
The GRE is the main portal to a variety of Ph.D., M.B.A., and Masters programs. Because of the high-level vocabulary, rigorous writing standards, and vast range of advanced high school math content, this test can be challenging for students with an undergraduate degree who may not have had experience with some of the content since their high school days.
Our one-on-one tutoring targets all sections of the test using methods with an exceptionally high success rate. Our GRE students have been accepted to top graduate programs in the country at Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and other universities.
TUTORING PROCESS
Assessment
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First we get to know our students on a deep level, including their personalities, learning styles, knowledge base, and test prep history. This enables us to formulate a customized approach.
Test-Taking Basics
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After the initial assessment, a student meets with their tutor for a few sessions to gain basic test-taking skills and to learn the digital format of the GRE.
Diagnostic Test
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Once students have acquired basic test-taking skills and familiarity, we administer a practice test. We prefer to do this after introducing students to the test because it provides a clearer “diagnostic” score than if the student took this test with zero guardrails.
Curriculum Design
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Students then analyze their diagnostic test results with their tutor. Based on this analysis and the intial assessment, tutors and students co-design a curriculum best suited to their needs and progress.
Homework
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Independent practice is vital to success. Students are assigned homework after every session. The best results come from daily contact with test material, even in small chunks. Homework assignments vary depending on the student, but we establish a high standard of regular independent practice and have methods to hold students accountable.
Practice Tests
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Our goal is for students to begin their official GRE on test day with the relaxed yet focused feeling of “Oh, I’ve done this all before.” Toward that end, we administer frequent practice tests along the test curriculum. These tests simulate the testing experience and provide benchmarks for student progress.
Timing Strategies
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Time limits constitute one of the major challenges. The strategic approaches that tutors tailor toward each student’s specific learning styles are designed to improve time efficiency. Along the curriculum, tutors work with students to provide additional timing strategies that maximize scores.
Fine-Tuning
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Once students have finished their content curricula, which spans a vast range of math, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension topics, they continue to work on fine-tuning their strategies and deepening their knowledge of the content.
Official Test Analysis
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After each official test that a student takes, they consult with their tutors to analyze the results and all areas of improvement. Then we adjust the plan accordingly and guide the student to perfect their processes for the next test.
WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST
The GRE is offered year-round, most days of the year. Students should ideally begin taking the test 6 months before they plan to submit applications. We see the best results when students take at least two or three official tests.
WHEN TO START TUTORING
At least nine months before submitting applications is the ideal time to begin test prep for the GRE. Starting at this time ensures that students can achieve their desired score before (or well before) they devote themselves to the essay-writing process of the application.
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SCORING
The scoring system can seem cryptic, so we break it down in detail for our students. The Analytical Writing section scores on a 0-6 scale. Verbal Reasoning and Mathematical Reasoning sections each score on a 130-170 scale. Each of these subscores is also compiled into a “percentile” score, which is the main metric that universities use to determine eligibility.
A question we often hear: What’s a good score?
Our answer: A good score is one in the mid-to-high range of the specific programs that you wish to attend. All programs report their standardize test score ranges. Our tutors help you do that research.
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