Deciding on which Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation course to take is a vital decision to make. The chosen prep course must help an examinee score high on the test and help them be accepted to graduate school selected. Since many hours are spent studying, it is pivotal to find the study materials that best fit one’s learning style, budget, personal situation, and other important factors.
Before preparing for the GRE, check the reviews below and the comparison table at the end of this article to help make a decision on which preparation course is the best for you and your needs.
The 8 Best GRE Prep Courses
The top GRE prep courses are discussed below.
1. Magoosh GRE
Magoosh GRE Prep is one of the most popular preparation courses available in the market. Magoosh offers a wide range of GRE study materials that are very helpful and affordable. This GRE course is delivered entirely online, making it accessible anywhere and anytime, on an iOS or Android mobile device or a PC. The Magoosh GRE course was founded in 2009 at Berkley, California. Magoosh offers a variety of test preparation courses thats served millions of students.
Course Features:
The Magoosh GRE Prep course features are as follows.
- Price: $149–$179
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: One month or six months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Plus 5-point improvement
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 1,200+
- Practice Exams: 3 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online, self-paced
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: No
- Score Predictor: Yes
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Online Books, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Chat, Email, Forum
The features offered by Magoosh GRE Prep are listed above.
Pros:
- It has the best value for its affordable price
- Has a +5 point score increase guarantee
- Responsive customer service & support, available 24/7
- The web interface is user-friendly
- Has a test score predictor
- Study plans are customizable for a flexible learning schedule.
- Has free online learning
- Provides answers and explanations to practice problems in text and video formats
- Provides test-taking strategies
- Has a free trial subscription
Cons:
- No in-person or live tutoring is available
- No essay feedback or evaluation given
- The low number of questions
- Completely self-guided
- Video lessons lack production quality
The Magoosh GRE preparation course is known for its affordable price, score increase guarantee, 24/7 email support, custom study schedules, and study checklists.
2. Achievable Inc. GRE
Achievable GRE prep course gained popularity for enhance students’ test preparation with the help of technology and exceptional customer service. Achievable focuses on developing test takers’ scores and aid in passing the GRE with minimum time investment. In research done by the Achievable Inc., results showed that allotting at least 20 minutes a day increases GRE scores to 15%. This is aligned with Achievable Inc. goal of applicants having a small commitment but getting a big impact.
Course Features:
The Achievable GRE Prep course features are as follows.
- Price: $199
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: 12 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Plus 7-point improvement
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 9999+
- Practice Exams: 10 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online, self-paced
- Video Instruction: No
- Essay Feedback: Yes
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Online Books, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Email, Live Chat, Phone, Forum
The features offered by Achievable GRE are presented in the list above.
The pros and cons of the Achievable GRE prep course are as follows:
Pros:
- User and mobile-friendly
- Has a free trial subscription
- Has a free trial subscription
- Offers adaptive learning – personalized study plan for better focus
- A wide range of practice exams and questions are available.
- A wide range of practice exams and questions are available.
- Lessons are broken down for easy understanding.
- Great customer service and online student community
Cons:
- No video lessons and live classes/tutorials
- Self-guided instructor assistance is limited
- No score predictor
Achievable Inc. GRE is a prep course known for its affordable price, smooth mobile application interface, and helpful online student community.
3. Kaplan, Inc. GRE
Kaplan GRE Prep offers a wide range of GRE preparation courses depending on students’ specific needs. Kaplan, Inc. believes that one’s performance in a standardized test is not influenced by genetics or socioeconomic class. GRE test performance is based on one’s preparation. For 80 years, Kaplan, Inc. has been helping students in over 36 countries to review for their GRE tests.
Course Features:
The Kaplan GRE Prep course features are as follows.
- Price: $69 to $2299, depending on the preferred course plan
- Free Trial: No
- Course Subscription Length: 6 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Higher score guarantee
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 5000+
- Practice Exams: 7 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online – self-paced or live, In-Person
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: Yes
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Online Books, Workbooks, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Email
The features offered by Kaplan GRE Prep are presented in the list above.
The pros and cons of the Kaplan GRE prep course are as follows:
Pros:
- 21 hours of live classes and lessons
- Offers a wide range of practice exams and question
- Has a flashcard study mobile application
- Tracks a student’s progress
- Has the option to take a practice exam in a test facility
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other providers
- No free trial subscription
- No score predictor
Kaplan GRE prep has been known for its wide range of delivery options. Kaplan, Inc. offer self-paced online, live online, and in-person GRE prep classes.
4. PrepScholar
PrepScholar GRE Prep Course is a preparatory course that features a customized test preparation program for each student at an affordable price. Another unique feature PrepScholar GRE prep course is game-based learning, wherein students start with easy questions, and as they get the questions right, level up to a more difficult level. PrepScholar GRE prep is modeled on mobile games where people get easily addicted. PrepScholar’s claim GRE prep students not only learn but have fun.
Course Features:
The PrepScholar GRE prep course features are as follows:
- Price: $398 to $848, depending on the course plan
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: Unlimited
- Score Increase Guarantee: Plus 7-point improvement
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 2000+
- Practice Exams: 2 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online, interactive lessons
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: Yes
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: No
- Mobile App: No
- Support Options: Email
The features offered by PrepScholar GRE Prep Course are presented in the list above. PrepScholar is known for its GRE score increase and money-back guarantee. PrepScholar offers a plus 7-point improvement on the GRE score, one of the best among the prep course providers.
Pros:
- Seven-point higher score guarantee
- Customized interactive classes that adapt to learner’s strengths and weaknesses
- High-quality practice materials
- Offers a five-day all-access free trial and paid access for up to 12 months
- Provides essay feedbacks
Cons:
- No live lessons and tutoring
- 2 practice tests only
- Lacks resources like textbooks and flashcards
5. TTP™ / Target Test Prep
TTP™ GRE test prep is a prep course perfect for students who want to be better in mathematics and improve their GRE quantitative score. This course is designed specifically for this section for its main aim is to improve their students’ GRE quant scores.
Course Features:
The Target Test Prep GRE Prep course features are as follows:
- Price: $99/month
- Free Trial: No
- Course Subscription Length: 1 month, 4 months, 6 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Quantitative Reasoning Section Improvement Guarantee
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 3000+
- Practice Exams: No
- Delivery Options/Format: Online, self-paced
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: No
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Online Books
- Mobile App: No
- Support Options: Email, Live Chat
The features offered by Target Test Prep GRE are presented in the list above. TTP™ GRE Test Prep is known for its powerful quantitative reasoning course. The TTP™ GRE course has helped students increase their GRE math scores.
Pros:
- Offers an optional online live tutoring with a GRE teacher
- Video lessons and tutorials are in HD resolution
- Good quantitative reasoning questions
Cons:
- No practice tests
- No essay feedback
- Focus is more on the quantitative section only
6. The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has been helping students reach their target GRE scores for over 35 years. The Princeton Review claims to have assisted 96% of its students in improving their GRE scores and placed 80% of its students in top universities. The Princeton Review GRE prep course helps students address problems through its comprehensive and self-paced course package. One advantage to The Princeton Review prep course is that GRE prep students choose which inclusions to avail themselves of according to budget.
Course Features:
The Princeton Review GRE prep course features are as follows:
- Price: $499
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: 4 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Higher score guarantee
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes, repeat the course for free
- Practice Questions: 2500+
- Practice Exams: 8 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online – self-paced or live, In-Person
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: Yes
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: No
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Online Books, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Email, Phone
The features offered by The Princeton Review GRE prep are presented in the above list.
Pros:
- Higher score guarantee (162+)
- Has a free trial subscription
- Provides essay feedbacks
- Offers a wide range of full-length practice exams that are similar to the GRE
- Live online tutorials that instructors lead are available
- Feedback on strengths and weaknesses is provided
Cons:
- No score predictor
- No progress tracking
- Access to content is only for 4 months
- A bit more expensive than other providers
The Princeton Review is known for its unique GRE score increase guarantee. The Princeton Review course guarantees students a 162 GRE score or higher.
7. Manhattan Review
Manhattan Review, a GRE test prep company, has been delivering dependable and competent services for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) since 1999. Manhattan Review provides a comprehensive range of services to assist students in achieving the highest possible GRE scores, including on-site GRE prep classes, GRE virtual classroom instruction, private GRE tutoring, and GRE practice tests. Manhattan Review’s GRE prep courses and private tutoring have assisted students in gaining admission to graduate programs at some of the world’s top universities like Harvard, Oxford, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford.
Course Features:
The Manhattan Review GRE prep course features are as follows:
- Price: $1399
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: 6 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: No
- Money-Back Guarantee: No
- Practice Questions: 100,000+
- Practice Exams: 6 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online – self-paced or live, Private Tutoring
- Video Instruction: Yes
- Essay Feedback: No
- Score Predictor: No
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: Yes
- Study Materials: Books, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Email, Forum
The features offered by Manhattan Review GRE prep are presented in the list above.
Pros:
- Has a mobile app
- Has a free trial subscription
- Offers live in-person and online classes
- Wide range of study materials such as practice tests, videos, textbooks, practice questions, and online resources
Cons:
- No study plan
- No essay feedback
- No score predictor
- No score increase guarantee
- Non-refundable course
Manhattan Review has been known for its wide course selection. Manhattan Review GRE students have an opportunity to choose an instructor-led class or a self-guided one. Manhattan Review prep is known for its personalized GRE study experience.
8. Economist Education GRE Tutor
Economist Education GRE Tutor is a GRE prep course that provides everything you need to prepare for the GRE, including a virtual tutor who customizes each session to your strengths and weaknesses, as well as live chat support that is accessible at any time. Economist Education online learning platform employs examPAL’s award-winning education technology to teach you the key strategies for answering any GRE question. The PAL method improve your cognitive flexibility, allowing you to find the shortest path to the correct solution.
Course Features:
The Economist Education GRE Tutor Prep course features are as follows:
- Price: $699
- Free Trial: Yes
- Course Subscription Length: 6 months
- Score Increase Guarantee: Plus 7-point improvement
- Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
- Practice Questions: 5000+
- Practice Exams: 5 full-length practice tests
- Delivery Options/Format: Online – self-paced, One-on-one Tutoring
- Video Instruction: No
- Essay Feedback: Yes
- Score Predictor: Yes
- Progress Tracking: Yes
- Study Plan: No
- Study Materials: Online Books, Flashcards
- Mobile App: Yes
- Support Options: Live Chat
The features offered by Economist GRE Tutor are presented in the list above. Economist GRE Tutor is known for the amount of support the tutors provide. Students get one-on-one support access from GRE tutors.
Pros:
- Has a free trial subscription
- Has a +5 point score increase guarantee
- Provides essay feedbacks
- Has a feature of asking real tutors for help
- Has a wide range of practice tests and questions
- Adaptive learning and AI technology
Cons:
- No study plan
- No video instructions
- The basic plan lacks features
Comparison of GRE Prep Courses
The comparison of GRE course providers is presented below:
The GRE Prep Courses providers are compared in the table below. These courses are compared based on price, score increase guarantee, number of practice questions and exams, format, course content and features, score predictor, study plan, study materials and resources, and support options.
GRE Webinars for Test Takers by ETS
The GRE Webinar is a monthly virtual event prepared by ETS where test takers learn more about the GRE General Test. The GRE Webinar includes question types, sample questions, and test-taking strategies. Students get a chance to grab resources that are helpful in GRE test preparation.
GRE Flashcards
GRE Flashcards help study test sections of the GRE test. This method ensures that you practice every day and anywhere you want. Flashcards encourage active recall, which is helpful in knowledge retention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions frequently asked about GRE prep courses by test-takers are listed below:
What are GRE prep courses inclusive of?
Every prep GRE review differs. Prep companies endeavor to serve the needs of each type of student. Hence, having different course plans. Listed below are the features that are included in GRE prep courses:
- Video lessons: For online classes, there are recorded lessons and video tutorials. Since a video explanation is recorded, students pause it whenever they like and watch it again if there are concepts that they do not quite understand. Meanwhile, there are live interactive videos and interactive lessons. In every video, a detailed explanation is provided.
- Score guarantee: Because prep companies are confident in their services, a score improvement guarantee is usually one of the main features in most course plans. This means that if a student takes a certain course plan, it is guaranteed that he/she increases his/her diagnostic score by a certain number of points.
- Money-back Guarantee: In relation to the score guarantee, companies offer a money-back guarantee. For example, a company assures students of a 5-point score improvement guarantee in their chosen plan. The company refund the student’s review fee if the student does not achieve this score.
- Sample questions: To make sure that students are familiar with the types of questions, quiz questions are presented most of the time. Some prep courses even offer thousands of questions. Similar to the actual exam, multiple-choice questions are used.
- Practice Exams: Full-length practice exams are administered to students so they get the feel and experience of the actual exam. Sometimes they are timed, similar to the test, which lasts almost 4 hours. There are adaptive practice exams for the computer-delivered GRE test. Nearly all, if not all, programs administer a diagnostic test before starting any class. Anyhow, practice drills are vital in a prep course, whether it is for paper-based or computer-adaptive tests. For some, it is a non-negotiable feature.
- Practice materials: Study material be obtained only if the selected course includes it. When companies do, they try to offer the best at a great price. This consist of prep books, flashcards, and workbooks. There are online resources like an online textbook curated by in-house GRE experts. Sometimes there are instructional materials provided.
- Tutoring options: There are different modes of instruction available. Tutoring is one-on-one tutoring/private tutoring, in-person classes, or self-paced course/self-guided course.
- Test-taking strategies: More than just knowledge, test-taking strategies are enhanced in preparation courses. Not everyone is gifted with test-taking skills. That is why it is essential for them to be developed by taking numerous tests and through expert advice.
- Study Guide: A personalized study plan for every student is a feature offered by some programs. This provides a comprehensive guide of what each student study. This is based on their strengths and weaknesses, which is a huge help in focusing on the areas that need improvement.
- Expert Assessments: This is especially applicable to the analytical writing section. Here, students receive expert essay reviews on the passages they have written.
- 7-day free trial: These are the features offered by preparation programs. Because of the wide range of options, students choose whichever meets their needs. There are a lot of affordable options now for less fortunate students. A 7-day free trial is available for some, which is helpful if a student is uncertain whether a course is the right one for them or not.
Who needs a GRE prep course?
Students who like a structured study environment need a GRE prep course. This helps them have a study plan for the test and stick to it. Some students prefer to have resources crafted by GRE experts to guide them through the preparation process. Students enroll in a course that fits their learning style and study schedule. This way, study resources won’t waste, and study progress be observed. Students’ academic strengths must be considered, as well as the practical strategies that help them prepare.
What is the best GRE prep course?
The best GRE prep course is Magoosh. The Magoosh prep course offers a score increase guarantee, 24/7 email support, and vital customer service at a very affordable price. Magoosh provides different test GRE prep courses and comprehensive study resources, including video lessons, practice questions, and practice tests. Magoosh GRE preparation course plans range between $149 to $179.
How much does the GRE prep course cost?
GRE prep course cost between $179 to $449.
Are there online GRE prep courses?
Yes, there are GRE preparation courses that are only available online. Online prep courses’ availability means students do not need to go to a school or review center to attend classes. Through online courses, students review in the comfort of their homes or other places they focus.
How practical are online GRE preparation courses?
Truth be told, online classes are not for everyone. Some students still prefer offline courses where one gets personal attention. In offline coaching, the opportunity to ask about misunderstood topics are quickly clarified with the mentor. But for some, online classes work for them as long as discipline and hard work are present.
Are there affordable GRE prep courses?
Yes, there are affordable GRE preparation courses. Students now choose the perfect GRE preparation course that suits their budget and needs since there is a wide range of GRE preparation programs available on the market.
What is the most affordable GRE prep course?
Achievable GRE Prep is the most affordable preparation course. For only $199, the plan is inclusive textbooks, 10 full-length practice tests, and 9999+ practice questions. These are accessed online for 12 months.
Are there free GRE prep courses?
Yes, Great Learning Academy offers a free GRE preparation course, with study materials available online.
What are some GRE prep courses?
Some of the current GRE preparation courses are listed below:
- Achievable GRE
- Economist GRE Tutor (No longer offers as of March 2022)
- EMPOWER Test Prep
- examPAL GRE
- GREedge GRE Preparation Courses Online
- Kaplan GRE Prep
- Magoosh GRE Prep
- Manhattan Review GRE Prep Course
- PowerScore GRE Prep
- PrepScholar GRE Prep Courses
- Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep
- Testmasters GRE Prep Course
- The Princeton Review
- Veritas Prep Classes
Listed above are GRE prep courses that are helpful in preparation for the examination.
To obtain the most significant benefit from these courses, prepare for the longest period possible. Be persistent, hardworking, and focused on areas where improvement is needed.
What is the best GRE prep course for Math?
The best GRE prep course for for maths in the Target Test GRE Prep Course for Mathematics. The Target Test Prep course is known for its powerful quantitative reasoning course. This particular course has helped students increase their GRE math scores.
The best GRE prep courses for math are as follows:
- Target Test Prep
- Princeton Review
- Kaplan
- Achievable
- Magoosh
- Manhattan Prep
- PrepScholar
The above in a list of the best GRE prep courses for mathematics.
What is the best GRE prep course for one month?
The best GRE prep course for one month is the Magoosh Online GRE Prep & Practice course. This month-long course costs $149 and provide 1400+ practice questions, three full-length practice tests, video lessons, live classes and a five-point score increase guarantee.
What is the best self-paced GRE prep course?
The best self-paced GRE prep course is The Princeton Review. This course costs $499 and offers 61 drills, eight full-length practice tests, 2570 practice questions, video lessons and interactive scoring.
What are the factors to consider in choosing a GRE prep course?
Factors to consider when choosing a GRE prep course are as follows:
- Price
- Score Increase Guarantee
- Number of Practice Questions and Exams
- Format
- Course Content and Features
- Score Predictor
- Study Plan
- Study Materials and Resources
- Support Options
Above are the factors one must consider when choosing a GRE prep course.
What are the benefits of a GRE prep course?
The benefits of taking a GRE prep course are as follows:
- It provides structured study plans.
- It helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- It demonstrates tried-and-true learning strategies.
- Provides comprehensive explanations and analysis
- External motivation from other prospective test-takers
What are the best GRE prep book and guides?
The best GRE prep book is the Manhattan Prep’s 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems. The 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems by Manhattan Prep contains 1800 practice problems for each test section of the GRE. These practice questions increase in difficulty level, which help test your strengths and weaknesses. Along with these questions are comprehensive explanations and analyses written by GRE experts.
How do GRE prep courses help you prepare for the test?
Providing structured study plans, a wide range of practice questions, and full-length practice tests, are ways GRE prep courses help you prepare for the test. It supports an examinee in identifying and focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.
How long does it take to prepare for the GRE?
4 to 12 weeks is enough to prepare for the GRE Test.
How long are most GRE prep courses?
The average length of GRE preparation courses range from one-month, one-to-three-month, and three-month. This varies depending on how long an examinee is willing to devote on increasing their GRE test goal score.
How do GRE prep courses help you prepare for the test?
GRE prep courses help by providing structured study plans, a wide range of practice questions, and full-length practice tests, as a ways GRE prep courses help you prepare for the test. GRE preparation courses supports an examinee in identifying and focusing on their strengths and weaknesses prior to taking the GRE test.
Which online GRE prep course is the best?
The best online GRE pre course is the Kaplan GRE Prep course. This preparation course cost $999 and offers structured live classes and recorded lessons. In addition the Kaplan GRE preparation course offers an interactive feature where students ask private tutors while the class is in session.
How do GRE prep courses differ?
GRE prep courses differ in features, including a free trial, months of access, price, score guarantee, prep books, number of practice questions, hours of video lessons, and hours of instruction. These differ in teaching mode: online instruction, one-on-one tutoring, and in-person classes. But all of GRE prep courses claim to have expert instructors who lead their classes. GRE prep courses explain the difficult concepts simply through an expert instructor. Basically, every GRE prep courses provider offers something unique that others do not provide.
Which GRE prep course is better: Magoosh vs. Kaplan?
The Kaplan GRE Prep Course is better than the Magoosh GRE Prep Course. The Kaplan course offers 5000+ practice questions and seven full-length practice tests, while the Magoosh course only offers 1200+ practice questions and three full-length tests.
Which course is better: Kaplan vs. Princeton Review?
The Kaplan GRE Prep Course is better than the Princeton Review GRE Prep Course in terms of the number of practice questions and progress tracking. On the other hand, the Princeton Review GRE Prep Course wins in terms of practice exams and mobile app availability.
Will a GRE prep course raise my score?
Yes, GRE prep courses raise your test score. Significant improvements to GRE scores happen when you take a preparation course versus not using one. This is because prep courses help you understand your mistakes to teach you how to avoid committing the same error in the future. It helps you become familiar with the question types and testing environment.
List of GRE Prep Courses
The GRE Preparation Courses are listed below:
- Magoosh GRE Prep
- Achievable GRE
- Economist GRE Tutor
- EMPOWER Test Prep
- examPAL GRE
- GREedge GRE Preparation Courses Online
- Kaplan GRE Prep
- Manhattan GRE Prep Courses
- PowerScore GRE Prep
- PrepScholar GRE Prep Courses
- Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep
- Testmasters GRE Prep Course
- The Princeton Review
- Veritas GRE Prep Classes
Listed above are GRE Prep Courses that are helpful in preparation for the examination. To obtain the highest benefit from these courses, prepare for the longest period possible. Make sure to be persistent and hardworking to focus on areas where improvement is needed.
References:
- https://gre.magoosh.com/
- https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/
- https://www.kaptest.com/gre
- https://gre.prepscholar.com/
- https://gre.targettestprep.com/
- https://www.princetonreview.com/grad/gre-test-prep
- https://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/
- https://gre.economist.com/
- https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/tools/webinars/
