GRE Test Prep in NYC

The GRE: Everything NYC Students Need To Know To Succeed

For those looking to further their education in graduate programs in the NYC area, the GRE is an elemental step in your application process. This exam may be unavoidable for top colleges and universities and is a necessary supplement to your application. To do well on the GRE, you will need to become familiarized with the structure and essential test-taking skills to secure your spot in your first-choice graduate program. CATES Tutoring will prepare you for everything that comes your way during the exam so you can feel confident during test-day.

What Is The GRE?

The GRE is administered for students wishing to continue their education in masters and Ph.D. programs. This standardized exam helps admissions at colleges and universities determine your readiness for graduate-level studies and courses. The GRE is broken up into three portions that cover analytical writing skills, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Graduate programs at colleges and universities in NYC and across the nation consider GRE scores when looking through your application. Your application will also consist of your undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation.

For all students, especially in the nearby NYC area, it is important to do your research on the specific program you are applying to. Some graduate programs may want to see specific GRE scores or may not require you to take the GRE at all. For prospective graduate school students, getting a good score on the GRE will set you apart in the applicant pool and CATES Tutoring is here to support and ensure that you gain acceptance into the program of your dreams.

GRE Registration & Cost For NYC-Based Students

You can register online for the GRE by visiting the ETS website. There, you will see testing center locations, times, and dates in your area. The worldwide fee for taking the GRE is $150 and can vary in locations outside of the US. A computer-delivered exam is the most common format used by students taking the GRE, but a paper-delivered exam is also an option for those wanting to take a traditional approach.

Retaking The GRE Exam

If your first computer-based GRE scores don’t accurately represent your ability, you can retake it once every 21 days and up to five times within a rolling 12-month time span. To improve your scores and limit retaking the GRE multiple times, contact a specialized tutor. Our holistic approach to tutoring will provide you with the necessary skills to earn your desired score and stand out amongst the competition.

How Difficult Is The GRE?

The GRE encompasses intricate questions and time-pressured essay and writing sections. Since the exam is used by top universities, it will challenge your test-taking, critical thinking, and analytical skills. As opposed to undergraduate entry exams such as the SAT, the GRE gives more time per question but takes a more in-depth and analytical approach to each portion. The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning portions of the GRE are adaptive. This means that the questions in each section will change based on how you perform in the prior section. For example, if you do well in the first section of the quantitative reasoning portion, the second section may pose more difficult questions and vice versa.

For even the most noteworthy students in the renowned NYC area, the GRE requires ample preparation time and laser-focus on your unique strengths and weaknesses. At CATES Tutoring, our highly trained team of private tutors will focus on your specific needs as we help you prepare for the GRE. With different learning environment options to choose from, you will find a program that works best for you.

GRE Structure & Format

The GRE is made up of three portions: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Each section will pose different challenges and build upon each other based on your performance in previous sections. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes, and below we have outlined how each part is broken up.

• Analytical Writing (30 minutes): Also known as the essay portion of the exam, the analytical writing section lasts 30 minutes and requires you to write two essays. This portion will require you to master skills in writing, critical thinking, analytics, and will depend on your ability to process fundamental points and reiterate them in your writing.
• Verbal Reasoning (60 minutes, 40 questions): This portion will challenge your analytical skills in regards to understanding and synthesizing reading passages. This part of the GRE also includes complex vocabulary that challenges your ability to interpret information at a scholarly level.
• Quantitative Reasoning (70 minutes, 40 questions): The math portion of the exam will require you to interpret numerical data and graphs. It is essential to understand and be able to apply basic math skills across different levels. This section may tackle subjects that prospective students may have not visited in a while.

How Are GRE Scores Calculated?

Both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections are scored on one-point increments with scores ranging from 130 to 170. Scores are scaled as these portions of the exam are adaptive and questions will vary for each student. Your score for each portion is then translated into a percentile rank to give you a better understanding of where you stand. A percentile rank gives universities information about your scaled score and how you compare to other GRE test takers.

The analytical writing portion of the exam is scored on a 0 to 6 scale and is graded with half-point increments. This score will also be translated into a percentile rank for you and your universities to see.

What Is A Good GRE Score For NYC Students?

According to the ETS website, test-takers taking the GRE between 2015 and 2018 averaged scores of 150.24 for verbal reasoning, 153.07 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.55 for the analytical writing portion. CATES Tutoring’s personalized GRE test prep program will help you develop the necessary skills you need for those tricky test questions. We will also focus on guiding you through taking an adaptive exam so you will walk in prepared and confident on test day.

Custom GRE Test Prep For NYC Students At CATES Tutoring

CATES Tutoring has worked with students since 2002 and we understand that each student has multiple responsibilities outside of test preparation. Our private tutors will cater to your hectic schedule and create a study plan that specifically for you. You will develop basic test-taking skills in each subject and our tutors will also focus on factors such as anxiety and time management. Our holistic and personal approach will ensure that you leave CATES Tutoring with a well-rounded set of skills that will benefit you throughout your graduate studies and beyond.

GRE Mock Exams & Learning Environments

At CATES Tutoring, we believe that test-taking is a learnable skill. Through rigorous programs, our tutors will administer mock tests that mimic the real GRE. After taking a mock exam, students will be able to see the elements they can improve on to earn the highest possible score.

We take an individualized approach to learning and test prep and offer different study environment options so each student living in or around the NYC area can excel at the school of their dreams. With private one-on-one tutoring, collaborative and classroom settings, and a selection of all-in and à la carte plans, you are guaranteed to find a service that is right for you.

NYC-Based GRE Test Prep Services That Work

Taking the GRE is one of the most important steps you will take on your path to graduate school. To ensure the best possible score and acceptance into the program of your dreams, trust the experts at CATES Tutoring. Our tutors are here to support you along the way so that you can make your graduate school dreams a reality.

For more information about our GRE prep services and personalized study plans for NYC-based students, visit our website or call us at (212) 359-4208 today.