San Diego’s Best Private GRE Tutor, In Person & Online
One-on-one GRE tutoring with Dr. Stuart Donnelly, Oxford Ph.D. San Diego's top-rated GRE prep — in-person or online nationwide via Zoom.
Private GRE Tutoring — Expert Prep Personalized to You
Dr. Stuart Donnelly is an Oxford-educated scientist with over two decades of private test prep tutoring experience. Every GRE lesson is tailored to your strengths, weaknesses, learning style, and score goals.
Whether you need help with GRE math, verbal reasoning, or the analytical writing section, Dr. Donnelly builds a personalized study plan focused on the areas that will have the biggest impact on your score. His students achieve an average score increase of 12–16 points and gain admission to top programs including Harvard, Georgetown, Columbia, and UCSD.
GRE prep sessions are available in-person at our San Diego office or online via Zoom. Online GRE tutoring is just as effective as in-person — most of Dr. Donnelly's students now study remotely and achieve the same outstanding results.
Master Every Section of the GRE
The current GRE takes 1 hour 58 minutes: one essay, then 27 Verbal and 27 Quant questions. Dr. Donnelly provides expert tutoring for every section, with proven strategies for every question type. See the full GRE format.
Verbal Reasoning
Text completion, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension. Learn Stuart's proven strategies for tackling the GRE's most demanding verbal questions.
Quantitative Reasoning
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Dr. Donnelly's systematic approach makes even the toughest GRE math problems manageable.
Analytical Writing
One 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” essay, scored 0–6. Master the framework and writing techniques that earn top scores on the GRE essay.
Private GRE Tutoring vs. GRE Prep Classes in San Diego
Many students in San Diego start their GRE preparation with group classes or self-study courses. While these options can provide a foundation, they often fall short when it comes to addressing individual weaknesses and maximizing score potential. Here is why private GRE tutoring with Dr. Donnelly delivers better results:
Personalized Attention
In a GRE prep class, instructors teach to the middle of the room. If you already understand a concept, you sit through unnecessary review. If you are struggling, the class moves on before you have fully grasped the material. Private tutoring eliminates both problems. Every minute is spent on what you need most.
Flexible Scheduling
Group GRE classes in San Diego run on fixed schedules that may not fit your life. Private lessons work around your calendar — mornings, evenings, weekends. Sessions can be in-person at our San Diego office or online via Zoom from anywhere.
Expert GRE Math Tutor
The GRE Quantitative section is where most students lose points. Dr. Donnelly holds an Oxford Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences and has spent 20+ years teaching GRE math strategies. He is not a generalist — he is one of the most qualified GRE math tutors in the country.
Proven Results
Dr. Donnelly's students achieve an average score increase of 12–16 points. His 5-star rating and decades of experience speak for themselves. Unlike large test prep companies, you work directly with the expert — not a teaching assistant reading from a script.
If you have been searching for a GRE tutor in San Diego or a private GRE math tutor, a free consultation with Dr. Donnelly is the best place to start. He will assess your current level, discuss your target scores, and recommend the most efficient path to get there.
Meet Dr. Stuart Donnelly — San Diego's Best Private GRE Tutor
Dr. Donnelly holds a Ph.D. from Oxford University and has dedicated over twenty years to helping students master standardized tests. His academic career spans George Washington University, top international schools, and the founding of multiple successful tutoring companies. He is now based in San Diego, where he offers both in-person and online GRE tutoring.
Stuart is also the author of several best-selling test prep titles in Wiley's acclaimed "For Dummies" series. His combination of elite academic credentials, deep subject knowledge, and thousands of hours of one-on-one teaching makes him one of the most qualified private GRE tutors practicing today.
Full Tutor ProfileReal Results from Real GRE Students
Don't just take our word for it — see what students across the country have to say about working with Dr. Donnelly.
"Professor! I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted into some amazing programs for grad school! Particularly Georgetown's school of foreign service, which is among the top schools in the world for that area of study. I just wanted to say thank you and that you really are amazing!"
"I aced the math section of the GRE today — score 166 (93rd percentile). Thank you again for all your help!"
"Thanks for all the tutoring help. I earned a 169 (99th percentile) on the Verbal section of the GRE."
GRE Tutoring FAQs
How much does private GRE tutoring cost in San Diego?
Tutoring rates depend on the number of hours and the format (in person or online). Dr. Donnelly offers several package options to suit different budgets and timelines. Contact us for a free consultation.
How far in advance should I start preparing for the GRE?
Most students benefit from 2–4 months of structured preparation. Dr. Donnelly also runs intensive programs for students with shorter timelines.
Can online GRE tutoring be as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes. Most of Doctor GRE Prep’s students now study online via Zoom, and they achieve the same results as in-person students. Sessions can be recorded if students wish.
What GRE score improvement can I realistically expect?
Students who complete a full tutoring program with Dr. Donnelly typically see significant score improvements across Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing. Results depend on your starting point, study commitment and the number of tutoring hours.
What is on the GRE now?
Since September 2023 the GRE General Test takes 1 hour 58 minutes: one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” essay, then two Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions) and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions). Verbal and Quant are scored 130–170 and the essay 0–6.
Is the initial consultation really free?
Yes. The 30-minute consultation is completely free, with no obligation to continue.
Send Us a Message
Fill in the form and Dr. Donnelly will be in touch within a few hours to arrange your free 30-minute session — no obligation to continue.