Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about GRE tutoring, test preparation, and working with Dr. Donnelly.
Questions About Tutoring With Dr. Donnelly
Dr. Donnelly tailors every tutoring package to the student's needs, starting score, target score, and timeline. During your free consultation he will provide a transparent quote based on your personalized study plan. Packages range from $2,850 to $8,100 depending on the number of lessons.
Most students benefit from 8 to 12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. Students aiming for very competitive scores (325+) or those who need significant improvement may benefit from starting 3 to 4 months in advance. Dr. Donnelly will help you determine the ideal timeline during your free consultation.
Absolutely. Dr. Donnelly's online students consistently achieve the same significant score improvements as his in-person students. Using Zoom's screen-sharing and whiteboard tools, every session is fully interactive. Many students actually prefer the convenience of studying from home without a commute.
While results vary by student, Dr. Donnelly's students achieve an average score increase of 12 to 16 points on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections. Students who commit to the full study plan and complete all assigned homework tend to see the greatest gains. Your expected improvement will be discussed during the free consultation.
Yes, the 30-minute consultation is completely free with no obligation. Dr. Donnelly will review your current standing, discuss your goals, and outline a personalized study strategy. There is no sales pressure — the consultation is designed to help you determine whether private tutoring is the right fit for your needs.
Sessions cover all three sections of the GRE: Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence), Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis), and Analytical Writing (the “Analyze an Issue” essay). Dr. Donnelly also teaches test-taking strategies, time management, and how to approach each question type systematically.
Standard sessions are 90 minutes, which provides enough time for focused instruction, practice problems, and review. Some students opt for 2-hour sessions, especially when working through full-length practice sections. Session length can be adjusted based on your preferences and stamina.
Yes, Dr. Donnelly offers customized tutoring packages based on your goals and timeline. Packages typically range from 10 to 30 sessions and include a personalized study plan, homework assignments, practice tests, and email support between sessions. Individual sessions are also available for students who need targeted help in specific areas.
Dr. Donnelly provides all essential study materials and practice problems. He recommends that students also have access to the official ETS GRE practice tests (available free from ETS) and the Official Guide to the GRE. Additional resources may be recommended based on your specific needs, but you do not need to purchase expensive prep books or courses.
Questions About the GRE Exam
Since September 22, 2023 the GRE General Test takes 1 hour and 58 minutes with no scheduled break. It starts with one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” essay, followed by two Verbal Reasoning sections (12 and 15 questions) and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (12 and 15 questions). See our GRE format guide.
The GRE General Test costs $249 in the United States (effective August 1, 2026), plus a non-refundable 4% online service fee charged by ETS. Rescheduling costs $55, and if you cancel at least four days before your test date you receive half of the test fee back. Check ETS’s fee page before you register.
Yes. The GRE General Test at home is identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the test-center version and is offered around the clock, seven days a week. You need a desktop or laptop computer, a webcam, a microphone and speaker, and a quiet private room.
You see unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores on screen as soon as you finish. Official scores, including Analytical Writing, are posted to your ETS account and sent to the schools you chose about 8 to 10 days after the test.
The GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The total combined score for Verbal and Quantitative ranges from 260 to 340. The maximum score is 340 (170 + 170). The current average is about 309 (151.4 Verbal, 157.6 Quant), and competitive programs often look for 320 or above. For percentiles and more detail, see our GRE scores page.
GRE scores are reportable for five years after your test date. This gives you plenty of time to apply to graduate programs. If your scores expire before you apply, you will need to retake the exam.
Yes. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any continuous rolling 12-month (365-day) period, even if you canceled earlier scores. With ScoreSelect you choose which scores schools see. Dr. Donnelly can help you decide whether a retake is likely to benefit your application.