Dr. Stuart Donnelly, Ph.D.
Dr. Stuart Donnelly is the founder of Doctor GRE Prep NYC and one of the most experienced and highly qualified private GRE tutors in the country. With a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and over 20 years of dedicated teaching and tutoring experience, Dr. Donnelly has helped hundreds of students significantly improve their GRE scores and gain acceptance into top graduate programs worldwide.
Many leading educators consider Dr. Donnelly to be "one of the most experienced and qualified private GRE tutors in the country." His unique combination of world-class academic credentials, deep subject-matter expertise, and a genuine passion for teaching sets him apart from every other tutoring service.
Book a Free ConsultationAcademic Qualifications & Experience
Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Oxford
Throughout his academic studies, Dr. Donnelly consistently scored within the top 99th percentile on his standardized tests. On completion of his honors degree in mathematics and physics, he was awarded a full scholarship from the Science and Engineering Research Council to study for his Ph.D. at England's prestigious University of Oxford.
Under the guidance of world-renowned scientist Professor W. K. Morton, Dr. Donnelly received several research grants from Rolls-Royce to continue his groundbreaking research on their supersonic jet engines. He was awarded his Ph.D. from Oxford University at the age of 25.
20+ Years of Teaching Experience
After receiving his Ph.D. from Oxford, Dr. Donnelly followed his love of teaching and embarked upon a full-time career in education. He lectured briefly at George Washington University, D.C., before accepting a four-year teaching position at the French International School, one of Hong Kong's most prestigious private high schools.
Upon his return to the United States, Dr. Donnelly accepted a lecturing position at Western Connecticut State University before moving to New York City to found Doctor GRE Prep NYC, Manhattan's leading private GRE tutoring and test prep service.
Published Author
Based on his test prep expertise, Dr. Donnelly was recruited by Wiley Publishing to write several test prep books for their top-rated "For Dummies" series. These critically acclaimed books are written in plain English and packed with practical, easy-to-follow explanations. Both books have sold tens of thousands of copies and are considered go-to resources for students preparing for standardized tests.
Dedicated GRE Specialist
As a dedicated full-time private GRE tutor and test prep specialist, Dr. Donnelly has developed many unique problem-solving techniques that help his students master even the most challenging topics. These proprietary methods — unavailable elsewhere — show students the most efficient approach for tackling each question type that appears on the exam.
A Personalized Teaching Approach
Dr. Donnelly's tutoring methodology focuses on quality over quantity. After an initial diagnostic assessment, each lesson becomes increasingly individualized as he adapts the curriculum to your particular test-prep needs. Any weaknesses are quickly identified and addressed to solidify your conceptual and methodological foundations.
His patient, step-by-step teaching style builds confidence in each topic and improves your overall test-taking skills. Rather than relying on rote memorization, Dr. Donnelly teaches you how to think critically and approach problems strategically — skills that translate directly to higher scores on test day.
Private lessons are available online via Zoom or in person at the San Diego office (and seasonally at the Manhattan office in New York City). Whether you need targeted help with Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, or comprehensive preparation across all sections, Dr. Donnelly will craft a study plan tailored to your goals and timeline.
What Students Say About Dr. Donnelly
"Hiring Dr. Donnelly was the best decision I had made. I took the GRE after several sessions with Dr. Donnelly and received a great score and was accepted into the graduate program I had applied to. He is very patient and explains things in a manner that makes sense. I highly recommend him!"
"My daughter has worked with Dr. Donnelly for the last three months and it has been wonderful. Within 3 months her scores improved significantly. In addition to all his talents ... he is just one of those really smart people that can teach."
"Dr. Donnelly is a wonderful teacher. He is quick to pinpoint weaknesses and, in many cases, turn them into strengths. His patience, humor, and kindheartedness makes an otherwise uncomfortable standardized test almost enjoyable."