GRE Prep Classes
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- Ready to take a Test Prep class?
Explore our GRE® classes. - Interested in a FREE intro session? Join us live-online on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 9-10 p.m. Register here.
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Upcoming classes
January 27-February 22, 2021
Wednesdays and Mondays, 9 p.m.-Midnight
Registration Fee: $749
Where: Live-Online
February 4-March 2, 2021
Thursdays and Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.
Registration Fee: $749
Where: Live-Online
March 3-March 29, 2021
Wednesdays and Mondays, 7-10 p.m.
Registration Fee: $749
Where: Live-Online
“It’s helping me to improve critical thinking and looking at things more closely, particularly with comprehensive reading; just going through the math and being more meticulous. I’m starting to do that a lot more as the class moves along to make sure I’m following the steps and the rules and being more critical in terms of how I look at narratives.”
Derick V., GRE Student
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Important COVID-19 Updates For Test-Takers:
ETS has launched the GRE® General Test at home option for test-takers. Learn more about this option>
View all ETS Testing Updates Due to COVID-19>
You are ready for graduate school. Let us help you take the first step to an advanced degree! The GRE® Test Prep course from VCU will give you the skills and confidence you need to maximize your performance on the GRE®. Sharpen your skills on actual GRE® test questions and follow our proven study plan to start on your path to success.
VCU Test Prep is here to help you learn about the GRE® General Test and to give you the skills and tools you need to maximize your potential. Our updated, comprehensive program covers each of the three main sections of the GRE® General Test—Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. We will walk you through each section and prepare you for all of the question types you are likely to encounter on test day.
VCU's GRE® Prep classes offer:
Expert Instructors: Our highly trained instructors are here for you! Our experienced instructors understand the GRE® and care about helping you achieve your goals.
Proven strategies: Our revised GRE® program was developed by test-preparation experts, who have years of experience writing test questions and preparing students for success on standardized exams.
Superior Materials: The GRE® Prep Class includes a course workbook and the official textbook from ETS containing previously released test questions.
Online Support: Our online support package for both in-person and live-online GRE® classes includes access to recordings of all class modules, an instructor-monitored question forum, and online office hours. Access to online resources continues for 30 days after your last day of class, so you will still have support for your independent practice after class is over.
Convenient Schedule Options: In-person Test Prep programs are generally held on the VCU Monroe Park Campus in Richmond, Virginia. In light of the latest COVID-19 developments, classes scheduled for the remaining of 2020 will be offered in an online format. Our live-online class offers you the opportunity to take the class from anywhere at any time.
Value: The course fee includes all course materials, access to online resources, and instruction from a trained professional who cares about your success.
Ask about our VCU Alumni, employee, or military discount. Coupon code must be used/applied at the time of enrollment, cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons or waivers, and will not be retroactively applied.
Why should you take the VCU GRE® Prep class?
The VCU GRE® Prep Class is ideal for those seeking to begin an advanced degree from a wide range of fields. Our GRE® preparation curriculum is a program developed by test-preparation experts. You’ll receive 24 hours of targeted instruction to help you fully prepare for the GRE®. In addition, the GRE® Prep Class course materials include GRE® practice tests, so you can practice the skills and strategies you are learning in class on real test questions. In the VCU GRE® Prep Class, you’ll master strategies to improve your GRE® score with the help of experienced GRE® instructors who care about your success. Not convinced? Click here to receive a list of GRE® student testimonials, and to stay informed about classes.
Choose the format that works for you!
GRE® Prep Classes are generally offered on campus in Richmond, Virginia and also live-online, giving you the option to choose the format and schedule that works best for you. While our classroom programs combine the familiar experience of an in-person classroom with convenient online support resources, in light of the latest COVID-19 developments, classes scheduled for the remaining of 2020 will be offered in an online format. Live-online classes offer the same great program as the in-person GRE® Prep Class with the added flexibility of attending class from anywhere or at any time. Our virtual classroom provides you with the opportunity to interact in real-time with our expert instructors and to re-watch the recordings of your class sessions at your convenience for at least 30 days after the course ends.
System Requirements:
Our live online class sessions use the Adobe Connect meeting platform. In order to minimize technical issues, we recommend students download the free Adobe Connect desktop application before their first live-online class session. Instructions for downloading the application and using it to access live class sessions and class recordings will be emailed to students after they register for a live-online course. If you have questions about the technical requirements for live-online courses, please email tech@etctestprep.com
Check your system for Compatibility
***Course materials***
In light of the latest COVID-19 developments, the VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education is closed to walk-ins, and pick up of course materials is not available. Course materials will be delivered directly to the permanent address attached to your registration record. We recommend registering at least four (4) business days in advance of the class start date to ensure timely delivery of your student package. If your shipping address differs from the permanent address on your registration record, please contact our office immediately via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
GRE® Prep Class session information
Quantitative Test topics include:
- Solution strategies, both for quantitative comparison and for multiple choice problems
- Tips for breaking complex word problems into small, manageable parts
- Tips for turning geometry diagrams into solvable equations
- Review of the math concepts frequently tested on the exam
Verbal Test topics include:
- Solving problems when you don’t know the vocabulary
- Answering reading comprehension questions quickly, without reading the entire passage
- Using comparison and contrast clues to solve sentence completion problems
General Topics include:
- Solving “Multiple Right Answer” questions
- Utilizing the process of elimination
- Mastering time management skills
- Minimizing test anxiety
- Identifying common distracters
- Additionally, strategies for the analytical writing section are outlined, and sample prompts with accompanying essays are discussed.
GRE® Prep Class syllabus
| Session 1: | General Information; Quantitative Comparison |
| Session 2: | Equations and Inequalities; Reading Comprehension |
| Session 3: | Picking Numbers for Multiple Choice Items; Reading Comprehension |
| Session 4: | Number Properties; Exponents; Reading Comprehension |
| Session 5: | Fractions; Text Completion |
| Session 6: | Geometry: Lines, Angles, and Triangles; Geometry: Circles and Polygons; Text Completion |
| Session 7: | Geometry: Three-Dimensional Figures and the Coordinate Plane; Sentence Equivalence |
| Session 8: | Probability and Statistics; Data Interpretation; Analytical Writing; Sentence Equivalence |
Hear what others have to say about our program:
"...Upon taking the class, doing the work, and using the techniques provided in the class my score went up 100 points on the verbal and 50 points on the quantitative areas. This class was concise, educational, and very beneficial." - Gretchen
"I truly don't think I would have passed the exam without your class. You were very supportive and provided many insightful tips for strategies on taking the exam. I am extremely satisfied with my results and I know the course was worth every penny." - Sandy
Request a custom GRE® Prep class or presentation
VCU Test Prep also offers customized GRE® Prep programs for schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. If you are an academic advisor, program director, admissions department, or community leader and would like details about our custom programs or would like to request a presentation, please call our professional staff at (804) 828-1322 or email us at ocpe@vcu.edu.
About our program:
VCU's Test Prep program is partnered with Educational Testing Consultants, a leader in higher education test preparation. Each year, Educational Testing Consultants helps thousands of students prepare for the important pre-college standardized tests at major colleges and universities across the United States. Educational Testing Consultants provides a proven program with a record of success and highly trained, top-quality instructors.
Some VCU OCPE offerings are ineligible for waiver use due to partnership agreements. The following text will appear on the registration page: “*exempt—this offering is ineligible for waiver use.”