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Tuesday, March 18th
Specializing primarily in tutoring of all stripes, Varsity Tutors offers self-led and live-online classes specifically for their GRE materials. So, with their expertise primarily in tutoring, how do Varsity Tutors' general offerings compare?
Mid-price tutoring and classes offered
While Varsity Tutors is first and foremost a tutoring program, they offer a range of self-led and live-online study materials/classes.
While Varsity Tutors also offers tutoring, they gate their tutoring prices behind a "consultation” with a sales rep; even so, you can expect to pay between $50-$100 dollars per hour for a tutor here.
Small class sizes offered
One definite plus of Varsity Tutors is that they are the only company on our list to specifically advertise small class sizes. So, if you are worried about being drowned out in a large, mostly anonymous online class, then Varsity Tutors' live-online classes are well worth your consideration.
Good customer reviews, mixed employee reviews
Customer reviews of Varsity Tutors trend positive; however, they are often skewed, as they range from K-12 to undergrad tutoring, and are not explicitly focused on their GRE products. Additionally, employee reviews of Varsity Tutors tend to be mixed, and employees complain of low pay compared to their charged rates: for example, a tutor may expect to earn $15-$20 per hour, even as Varsity Tutors charges $50-$100 for their services.
Good for small class sizes, but overall outclassed
If you like the idea of small class sizes and personalized attention (but don't want to pay for a personal tutor) then Varsity Tutors' live-online class could be an excellent choice. However, we do not appreciate the fact that Varsity Tutors hides their pricing behind a phone call with a sales-rep, and we find that other self-led test-prep courses offer more robust materials for a similar price. As such, while Varsity Tutors may be an option for some GRE test-takers, we do not necessarily recommend them as a good choice for most.
It's a critical question, because if you're headed to graduate school, then the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an infamous hurdle that you'll have to deal with one way or another. The GRE test plays a significant role in the admissions process for many graduate programs. It serves as a standardized measure that allows universities to assess applicants' academic readiness and potential to succeed in advanced studies.
For institutions, the GRE provides an objective tool to differentiate among applicants, especially when faced with a large pool of candidates. It helps in predicting how well students might perform in their initial year of graduate school, offering insight into their cognitive abilities and analytical thinking. Moreover, the GRE can assist in awarding merit-based scholarships, helping to allocate financial aid to deserving students.
The GRE consists of three key components: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These components collectively evaluate an applicant's cognitive abilities, communication skills, and analytical prowess. Such a comprehensive assessment is crucial in identifying candidates who possess the skills necessary for advanced academic work. By incorporating both quantitative and qualitative aspects, the GRE offers a well-rounded perspective on an applicant's intellectual capabilities, and offers a common benchmark for comparing candidates from various academic backgrounds and cultures.
Many institutions allocate scholarships to outstanding students as a way to incentivize excellence and attract top talent. GRE scores can play a pivotal role in awarding these scholarships, as they offer a quantifiable measure of an applicant's potential contribution to the academic community. High GRE scores can bolster an applicant's eligibility for financial assistance, making higher education more accessible to deserving individuals.
As it stands, the GRE continues to play a pivotal role in many graduate school admissions. With that in mind, the following factors can help you evaluate GRE preparation plans to achieve the highest score possible:
Top Consumer Reviews has done the preliminary research for you, so if you're going to be taking the GRE, and are overwhelmed by the high price and bold claims of most test-prep options, don't worry. We've found the best, most highly rated, and most economical GRE test prep options for your consideration. Before you begin studying, take a moment to browse our curated list, and find the GRE prep that best suits your budget and your needs.
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