GRE Prep Classes

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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 tests.

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 conveniently held on the Monroe Park Campus at VCU in Richmond, Virginia. 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.

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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 GRE® student testimonials, and to stay informed about classes.

Choose the format that works for you!

GRE® Prep Classes are 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. Our classroom programs combine the familiar experience of an in-person classroom with convenient online support resources. 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 up to 30 days after the course ends.

System Requirements:

The live-online GRE® Prep Class is offered online using Adobe Connect, a free browser plug-in. All you need are a high-speed internet connection and speakers or head phones.

Course materials will be delivered directly to your home, or arrangements can be made for you to pick them up at the VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education. We recommend registering at least four (4) business days in advance of the class start date to ensure timely delivery of your student package.

Check your system for Compatibility

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.

Course plan

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

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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 at major colleges and universities across the United States prepare for standardized testing.  Educational Testing Consultants provides a proven program with a record of success and highly trained, top-quality instructors.  Learn more about Educational Testing Consultants at www.etctestprep.com.

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. f 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.

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.”