As someone who’s spent years in MBA admissions consulting and GMAT preparation, I’ve worked with almost every test prep service. I’ve seen what helps students boost their scores and what doesn’t.
Recently, I had the chance to try out Varsity Tutors, so I wanted to give you my honest take. If you’re considering them, this Varsity Tutors GMAT review will walk you through what you can really expect.
Pros & Cons of Varsity Tutors
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| Their one-on-one tutoring meets the needs of each student, allowing them to focus on their weak spots. | Personalized tutoring is expensive, and the overall cost of extensive GMAT prep packages might be prohibitive for some students |
| Varsity Tutors offers a variety of study formats, including private tutoring, group classes, and online resources. | In-person tutoring may not be available in all locations, which could be a drawback for students who prefer face-to-face interaction. |
| Varsity Tutors provides many study materials, including practice tests, flashcards, and diagnostic exams. | The sheer number of accessible tools (practice exams, flashcards, etc.) may overwhelm students who prefer a more planned, supervised approach to learning. |
Varsity Tutors isn’t without flaws, but it does provide some good features, such as private tutoring and a respectable collection of online resources. In addition to the fact that the quality of the tutors varies greatly, I feel that their prices are too exorbitant. This service might work for you if you’re self-disciplined and have the budget to splurge on tutoring. But I’d recommend first considering the best MBA consulting services for students looking for more affordable, structured, or guaranteed services.
In short, VarsityTutors is not a bad choice, but it’s certainly not the best. Do your research to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
What Are the Main GMAT Test Prep Services of Varsity Tutors?
Varsity Tutors offers various GMAT prep services, from one-on-one tutoring to online resources. If you need structure in your study plan, you have options like group classes and diagnostic exams to help identify your strengths and weaknesses.
This service also provides resources such as sample exams, flashcards, and progress trackers to help you monitor your progress. They cover much ground in this area, but I’ll point out where I believe they fall short.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
If you choose Varsity Tutors, you have a few options, starting with one-on-one tutoring. The tutoring sessions target specific GMAT sections — quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, or analytical writing. It could be a solid choice if you struggle with one area. Here’s what you can expect:
- Focused lessons on your weak spots.
- Practice problems tailored to your level.
- Time management strategies specific to each section.
- Personalized study plans that adapt as you progress.
But here’s the thing: if you struggle with self-discipline or don’t know how to keep track of all the resources they provide, you might get overwhelmed quickly. The sessions can help you build up your skills from the ground up, but it sometimes feels a little basic for those who already understand the material.
Another option is their group classes. These are structured and can provide a sense of community with other test-takers.
Who’s on the Varsity Tutors’ Team?
Regarding who teaches you, Varsity Tutors does a decent job. They claim to hire experienced tutors, many with top scorers on the GMAT.
I’ve seen some reviews from students praising the tutors’ expertise. But here’s the catch — if you get paired with someone who’s less experienced or doesn’t specialize in your weak areas, it can feel like you’re not getting the value you deserve.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Varsity Tutors offers some nice extras, like diagnostic exams and study materials. I’ll give them credit — these practice tests are pretty solid. You can see where you stand in real-time and get feedback, which is often lacking in other services. But let’s not get too excited.
You’re paying for these things, and the sheer volume of material could overwhelm someone who’s not organized or disciplined enough. When you compare it to the filing in Kaplan, this becomes even more obvious.
Do Varsity Tutors Have Any FREE Services?
Yes, they offer free resources, such as practice tests, flashcards, and short video lessons. But these are basic. The free stuff won’t get you to a 700+ score — it’s just there to give you a taste of their services.
I’ve seen students try to use these free materials as their only study tool and end up underprepared for the actual exam. Free resources are an excellent starting point, but don’t expect miracles if you rely on them alone.
Pricing and Guarantees of VarsityTutors.com
Depending on the tutor, you’re looking at anywhere from $60 to $150 per hour. You might get a discount for group classes, but it’s still not cheap. If you’re serious about getting into a top business school, you’ll need to spend quite a bit, and Varsity Tutors doesn’t come cheap.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer guarantees like Manhattan Prep (score improvement or refund options if you’re unsatisfied). This is a bit of a letdown.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Reviews of Varsity Tutors on sites like Trustpilot and Reddit have been mixed. On the one hand, students are raving about their teachers and the course materials. However, several reviews point out issues with the price, inconsistent tutor quality, and sometimes lack of response.
One Trustpilot review mentioned: “The tutor was great, but the price was way higher than expected for the value provided.” Another review on Reddit stated: “I paid for 10 hours of tutoring, and honestly, I didn’t feel like I got my money’s worth.” So, while they have some positive feedback, it’s not overwhelming.
Areas of Varsity Tutors That They Should Work On
While they offer a lot of valuable services, you should keep in mind a few drawbacks:
- As I’ve already mentioned, Varsity Tutors can be expensive. It’s hard to justify the cost for those on a budget, especially if you’re unsure whether the tutor will be the right fit.
- While many tutors are top-notch, others seem to lack the deep, specialized knowledge you’d expect for the price. This inconsistency can lead to uneven experiences.
- The abundance of resources can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of materials and lose track of what’s helping you improve.
- They don’t offer a money-back guarantee or any assurance of score improvement, which could be a deal-breaker for some students.
- If you need individual attention, group classes can be more of a hassle than a help.
These weaknesses of Varsity Tutors might outweigh the benefits depending on your study style and goals.
❓ FAQs
How Much Do Varsity Tutors Services Cost?
The cost of Varsity Tutors’ services varies depending on your chosen package. Private tutoring can range from $60 to $150 per hour depending on the tutor’s expertise. Group classes are typically more affordable but still on the higher end.
Is Varsity Tutors a Reputable Company?
Yes, Varsity Tutors is a well-known company with a solid reputation. They offer a wide range of tutoring services, including GMAT prep.
Can Varsity Tutors Guarantee Acceptance?
No, Varsity Tutors cannot guarantee acceptance into an MBA program or a specific GMAT score. While they offer helpful prep tools and tutoring, your acceptance will ultimately depend on the strength of your application.
Is Varsity Tutors a Legit Company?
Yes, Varsity Tutors is a legitimate company that has been in business for several years. They provide professional tutoring services. Although experiences can vary based on the tutor you’re paired with.