Your Guide to GRE Prep in
VIRGINIA BEACH
Navigating the GRE in the Coastal City
Virginia Beach, VA, known for its strong military presence, growing economy, and beautiful coastal setting, is a great place to prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Whether looking for GRE prep courses, personalized tutoring, or practice materials, Virginia Beach provides everything you need to excel on this crucial exam.
About the GRE: Your Gateway to Graduate School
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a vital component of the graduate school application process. This standardized test is often required for admission to graduate programs, including business schools (MBA), and many grad schools in the United States now accept GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT.
Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is designed to provide schools with a common measure to evaluate applicants’ qualifications and readiness for advanced academic work. Admissions committees assess your GRE score alongside your academic records and other materials to gauge your preparedness for graduate studies.
Takeaway: Achieving a high score on the GRE can significantly enhance your graduate or business school application, increasing your chances of admission to your desired program.
What to Expect on the GRE
The GRE evaluates your skills in basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and your command of college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve complex problems.
GRE Sections Overview
The GRE consists of three main sections:
- Analytical Writing: One section that requires you to write two essays, scored from 0 to 6.
- Verbal Reasoning: There are two sections, each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with an average score of around 152.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections also scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with a mean score of approximately 156.
Additionally, you may encounter one of these sections:
- Unscored Section: This could be either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning.
- Research Section: Used for ETS research purposes and not scored.
The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with mean scores of 152 (Verbal) and 156 (Quantitative). The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, with a mean score of 4.0.
GRE Requirements and Scoring Insights
There are no specific prerequisites for taking the GRE, making it accessible to students from various academic backgrounds. However, most graduate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent for admission.
The GRE is offered throughout the year, with flexible scheduling options available at numerous testing locations in Virginia Beach. Registration deadlines generally occur a few weeks before the test date.
Your GRE scores remain valid for five years, and if you retake the exam, graduate schools typically consider all scores from the last five years. Most institutions will look at your highest score, while some may average your scores or focus on your most recent attempt based on their admissions policies.
Best Graduate Programs in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is near several top-ranked universities, making it an excellent location for graduate school applicants:
- Old Dominion University (ODU) – Offers strong graduate programs in engineering, business, education, and health sciences.
- Regent University – Known for its graduate programs in law, business, psychology, and communication.
- Norfolk State University (NSU) – Provides competitive graduate programs in social work, cybersecurity, and education.
- William & Mary (nearby in Williamsburg) – A top-tier university offering prestigious graduate programs in law, business, and public policy.
For students planning to attend graduate school in Virginia, Virginia Beach provides outstanding academic and career opportunities.
Why Virginia Beach is Great for GRE Prep
With top-tier universities, quiet study spaces, and GRE prep centers, Virginia Beach provides an ideal environment for test preparation. Whether you prefer in-person GRE classes, private tutoring, or online GRE prep, Virginia Beach offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.
Best Study Locations for GRE Prep in Virginia Beach
For students seeking productive study spaces, Virginia Beach offers excellent options:
- Virginia Beach Public Library – A quiet and resourceful environment for focused GRE preparation.
- Old Dominion University Libraries – A great study spot with access to academic resources and study rooms.
- First Landing State Park – A peaceful outdoor setting, perfect for reviewing notes and taking study breaks.
Virginia Beach also has plenty of coffee shops and coworking spaces for students who prefer a relaxed study environment.
Find the Best GRE Prep Courses & Tutors in Virginia Beach
Scoring high on the GRE requires strategic preparation. Consider enrolling in a Virginia Beach-based GRE prep course or working with an experienced local tutor to strengthen your test-taking skills and boost your performance.
Start Your GRE Prep in Virginia Beach Today
With the right GRE prep courses, tutoring, and study resources, students in Virginia Beach can approach the GRE with confidence and secure admission to their top-choice graduate programs. Start preparing today and take the first step toward a successful graduate school journey!