Smarter GRE test
prep starts here.
Are you making the most of your study time? Whether it’s been years since you last took an exam, or you’ve basically lived in the library for the better part of a decade, we’ll meet you where you’re at.
Results-Oriented Test Prep Support
Preparing for graduate school admission is no small task. Through 1:1 support with a GRE-specialized tutor, you’ll learn tactics for staying motivated and focused, address weaknesses, and develop a personalized, strategic plan to conquer all test material with confidence.
Test Prep
Our GRE Approach
The GRE tests a lifetime of knowledge. Whether you need to revisit high school math, develop a strategy for memorizing obscure vocabulary, or refine your analytical and persuasive writing skills, our highly accomplished private tutors have dedicated their lives to guiding students through this test prep process.
Your tutor will develop a tailored program that is specifically designed to address your needs and concerns. Layered into this individualized approach is our holistic pedagogy, which encompasses:
Mastery of Content
Test-Taking Strategies
Applied Psychology
Our proven methodology ensures every student develops a firm foundation for test success.
Learn more about our approach and values.
Personal Statement Coaching
Joining the North Avenue community gives you access to a network of professionals who have been where you are and understand the nuances of graduate admissions. Their intimate knowledge of the application process and insight into what a competitive candidate looks like helps students smoothly navigate each step.
For many, the personal statement is a major hurdle. Our writing coaches are proficient in guiding students through the process of developing a distinctive narrative that is a unique and compelling addition to their application. A convincing personal statement will help you stand out and demonstrate why you’re a worthwhile investment.
Sample Session
Watch Our GRE Prep in Action
In this session, our GRE tutor assists a student with a quantitative comparison problem from the GRE Quantitative test. The tutor jumps right into the problem, using live annotation tools to help the student visualize their strategies and arrive at a solution.
GRE Test Sections & Scoring
The GRE consists of four multiple-choice sections, plus two essay tasks. The essay tasks always occur first, but the multiple-choice sections can appear in any order: Verbal Reasoning (two sections) and Quantitative Reasoning (two sections).
Analytical Writing
Measures students’ ability to articulate ideas clearly, support claims with reasoning and evidence, examine propositions, and display mastery of standard written English
30 minutes / 1 “Analyze an Issue” task
Verbal Reasoning
Measures students’ ability to analyze and draw conclusions from text, reason with data, identify an author’s proposition, and interpret the various levels of meaning within a text
Also assesses the meaning of words in context and requires students to understand the relationship among words and concepts
41 minutes / 27 questions
Quantitative Reasoning
Measures students’ ability to apply basic math skills to solve problems using mathematical models and interpret and analyze quantitative information
Content ranges from pre-Algebra and number theory through Algebra and Statistics (no trigonometry, Calculus, or other higher-level math)
47 minutes / 27 questions
Scoring
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are on a 130–170 scale in 1-point increments
Analytical Writing scores are on a 0–6 scale in ½ point increments
The computer-based GRE is section-level adaptive: the second section of either Verbal or Quantitative is compiled by an algorithm, based on a student’s performance on the first section
Ready? Let’s connect you with an expert tutor.
GRE or GMAT?
Make the right choice.
The GRE is the gold standard for humanities, social science, and STEM programs, whereas the GMAT has traditionally been preferred for admission to business schools and MBA programs. That said, a majority of business schools now allow applicants to submit GRE scores, and give the two tests equal weight.
If your target schools welcome both GRE and GMAT scores, knowing the differences can help. The GRE allows test takers to return to skipped questions, emphasizes obscure vocabulary, and includes an essay section. In contrast, the GMAT does not allow you to return to skipped questions, places more emphasis on logic in its quantitative section, and tests grammar.
Still deciding which test is right for you? Contact us for additional insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends entirely on the programs you have in mind. All GRE scores fall within a range from 130 to 170, but different programs have different expectations. A wise place to start is by looking at the data: some provide the 25th-75th percentile range of GRE scores for admitted applicants, while others provide only the mean scores. Still others require a minimum score, often expressed as a combined Verbal and Quantitative total (e.g., 330).
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ETS permits test-takers to sit for the test once every 21 days, and up to five times within a year. Programs are typically interested only in your highest score, and some are willing to "superscore" test sections, considering only the highest scores. So if you've taken the GRE but fallen short of your goal, it's a good idea to regroup, make a plan, and retest. Finally, remember that a GRE score is just one of several application components. Pursuing a specific score at the expense of other components (e.g., personal statement, writing sample, etc.) could hurt you in the long run.
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The sooner the better. A major component of the GRE Verbal is vocabulary. Most students will need to spend considerable time learning and reinforcing new words, a process that requires long-term commitment. The same applies to the GRE Quantitative, especially for students who graduated high school long ago.
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The GRE at Home is identical in format and content to the conventional GRE General Test offered at testing centers. So most of your preparation for the GRE at Home will be no different from preparing for the ordinary GRE.
However, given that the at-home option allows you to control most aspects of your environment, there are a few precautions to take. First, check your equipment: know the requirements for software, testing space, and scratch paper. (N.B.: Only a whiteboard, not actual paper and pen, is permitted.) Also, anticipate testing conditions by taking a few full-length practice GREs in the same room, using the same equipment, strictly following all rules. And on test day, be sure your computer is plugged into a power source. Connect to the internet via ethernet, if possible, rather than WiFi, which is slower and more prone to disruptions.
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Hourly 1:1 GRE tutoring starts at $225/session. Read more about pricing and packages.
