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 also help be accepted to chosen graduate school. Since many hours will be spent studying, it is pivotal to find the study materials that will 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 of which preparation course is the best for you and your needs.
Contents
List of GRE Prep Courses
The GRE Preparation Courses are listed below:
- Achievable GRE
- Economist GRE Tutor
- EMPOWER Test Prep
- examPAL GRE
- GREedge GRE Preparation Courses Online
- Kaplan GRE Prep
- Magoosh 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 of time possible. Also, make sure to be persistent, hardworking and to focus on areas where improvement is needed.
Read more: GRE Practice Test
The Best GRE Preparation Courses
The top GRE prep courses are discussed below along with factors that could help in making a decision on which course to take.
Magoosh GRE Prep
Magoosh GRE Prep is one of the most popular preparation courses available in the market. It offers a wide range of study materials that are very helpful and affordable. This course is delivered completely online making it accessible anywhere and anytime may it be on an iOS or Android mobile device or a PC. This course was founded in 2009 at Berkley, California. Today, Magoosh offers a variety of test preparation courses and has served millions of students.
|
Pros and Cons of Magoosh GRE Prep | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Has the best value for its affordable price |
No in-person or live tutoring available |
|
Has a +5 point score increase guarantee |
No essay feedback or evaluation given |
|
Responsive customer service & support, available 24/7 |
Low number of questions |
|
Web interface is user-friendly |
Completely self-guided |
|
Has a test score predictor |
Video lessons lack production quality |
|
Study plans are customizable for 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 |
Price: $149–$179
Free Trial: Yes
Course Subscription Length: 1 month or 6 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 presented in the list above. Magoosh has been known for its affordable price, score increase guarantee, 24/7 email support, custom study schedules and study checklists [1].
Read more: Magoosh GRE Review
Achievable GRE
Achievable GRE is a prep course that gained popularity for its mission to enhance students’ test preparation with the help of technology and exceptional customer service. It also focuses on developing test takers’ scores and aid in passing the GRE with a minimum time investment. In research done by the company, results showed that allotting at least 20 minutes a day can increase GRE scores to 15%. This is aligned with their goal of applicants having small commitment but getting a big impact.
|
Pros and Cons of Achievable GRE Prep Course | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
User and mobile friendly |
No video lessons and live classes/tutorials |
|
Has a free trial subscription |
Self-guided, instructor assistance is limited |
|
Provides study plan |
No score predictor |
|
Offers adaptive learning – personalized study plan for better focus | |
|
Wide range of practice exams and questions available | |
|
Lessons are broken down for easy understanding | |
|
Great customer service and online student community |
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. Achievable is a prep course known for its affordable price, smooth mobile application interface, and helpful online student community [2].
Read More: Achievable GRE Prep Course Review
Kaplan GRE Prep
Kaplan GRE Prep offers a wide range of GRE preparation courses depending on students’ specific needs. This company believes that one’s performance in a standardized test is not influenced by genetics, socioeconomic class, or even magic. Rather, it is based on one’s preparation. That is why, for 80 years, it has been helping students in over 36 countries to review for their GRE tests.
|
Pros and Cons of Kaplan GRE Prep | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
21 hours live classes and lessons |
Expensive compared to other providers |
|
Offers a wide range of practice exams and question |
No free trial subscription |
|
Has a flashcard study mobile application |
No score predictor |
|
Tracks a student’s progress | |
|
Has an option to take practice exam in a test facility |
Price: $69 to $2299, depends on 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. Kaplan has been known for its wide range of delivery options. They offer self-paced online classes, live online classes, and in-person classes [3].
Read More: Kaplan GRE Prep Course Review
PrepScholar GRE Prep Course
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 it offers is their game-based learning wherein students start with easy questions and as they get the questions right, they level up to a more difficult level. This is modeled to mobile games where people get easily addicted. True to its claim, students not only learn but also have fun.
|
Pros and Cons of PrepScholar GRE Prep Course | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Seven-point higher score guarantee |
No live lessons and tutoring |
|
Customized interactive classes that adapt to learner’s strengths and weaknesses |
2 practice tests only |
|
High-quality practice materials |
Lacks resources like textbooks and flashcards |
|
Offers a five-day all-access free trial and paid access for up to 12 months | |
|
Provides essay feedbacks |
Price: $398 to $848, depends 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 score increase and money back guarantee. It offers a plus 7-point improvement on the GRE score, one of the best among the course providers [4].
Read More: PrepScholar GRE Prep Course Review
Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep
Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep is a prep course perfect for students who would like 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.
|
Pros and Cons of Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Offers an optional online live tutoring with a GRE teacher |
No practice tests |
|
Video lessons and tutorials are in HD resolution |
No essay feedback |
|
Good quantitative reasoning questions |
Focus is more on the quantitative section only |
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 Test Prep are presented in the list above. Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep is known for its powerful quantitative reasoning course. This particular course has helped students increase their GRE math scores [5].
Read more: Target Test GRE Prep Course Review
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has been helping students reach their target GRE score for over 35 years. It claims to have assisted 96 percent of its students in improving their scores and to have placed 80 percent of its students in top universities. The Princeton GRE Prep course helps students in addressing problems through its comprehensive and self-paced course package. One advantage to this prep course is that students have the freedom to choose which inclusions to avail according to their set budget.
|
Pros and Cons of The Princeton Review | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Higher score guarantee (162+) |
No score predictor |
|
Has free trial subscription |
No progress tracking |
|
Provides essay feedbacks |
Access to content is only for 4 months |
|
Offers a wide range of full-length practice exams that are similar to the GRE |
A bit expensive than other providers |
|
Live online tutorials that are led by instructors is available | |
|
Feedback on strengths and weaknesses are provided |
Price: $499
Free Trial: Yes
Course Subscription Length: 4 months
Score Increase Guarantee: Higher score guarantee
Money Back Guarantee: Yes, repeat 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 are presented in the list above. The Princeton Review is known for its unique score increase guarantee. The course provider guarantees students a 162 GRE score or even higher [6].
Read More: The Princeton Review
Manhattan Review
Manhattan Review, a GRE test prep company, has been delivering dependable and competent services for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It 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, to name a few.
|
Pros and Cons of Manhattan Review | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Has a mobile app |
No study plan |
|
Has a free trial subscription |
No essay feedback |
|
Offers live in-person and online classes |
No score predictor |
|
Wide range of study materials such as practice tests, videos, textbooks, practice questions, and online resources |
No score increase guarantee |
|
Non-refundable course |
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 are presented in the list above. Manhattan Review has been known for its wide course selection. Students have an opportunity to choose whether they like an instructor-led class or a self-guided one. Manhattan Prep is also known for its personalized GRE study experience [7].
Read More: Manhattan Review
Economist GRE Tutor
Economist 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.The online learning platform of The Economist GRE Tutor employs examPAL’s award-winning education technology to teach you the key strategies for answering any GRE question. The PAL method will improve your cognitive flexibility, allowing you to find the shortest path to the correct solution.
|
Pros and Cons of Economist GRE Tutor | |
|---|---|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Has a free trial subscription |
No study plan |
|
Has a +5 point score increase guarantee |
No video instructions |
|
Provides essay feedbacks |
Basic plan lacks features |
|
Has a feature of asking real tutors for help | |
|
Has a wide range of practice test and questions | |
|
Adaptive learning and AI technology |
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 [8].
Read More: Economist GRE Tutor
Review of GRE Prep Courses
The comparison of GRE course providers is presented below:
|
Comparison of GRE Prep Courses | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Magoosh GRE Prep |
Achievable GRE |
Kaplan GRE Prep |
PrepScholar GRE Prep Course |
Target Test Prep: GRE Test Prep |
The Princeton Review |
ManhattanGRE Prep Course |
Economist GRE Tutor | |
|
Price |
$149 – $179 |
$199 |
$69 to $2299 |
$398 to $848 |
$99/month |
$499 |
$1399 |
$699 |
|
Free Trial |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Course Subscription Length |
1 month or 6 months |
12 months |
6 months |
Unlimited |
1 month, 4 months, 6 months |
4 months |
6 months |
6 months |
|
Score Increase Guarantee |
Plus 5-point improvement |
Plus 7-point improvement |
Higher Score Guarantee |
Plus 7-point improvement |
Quantitative Reasoning Section Improvement Guarantee |
Higher Score Guarantee |
No |
Plus 7-point improvement |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Practice Questions |
1200+ |
9999+ |
5000+ |
2000+ |
3000+ |
2500+ |
100,000+ |
5000+ |
|
Practice Exams |
3 full length practice tests |
10 full length practice tests |
7 full length practice tests |
2 full length practice tests |
No |
8 full length practice tests |
6 full length practice tests |
5 full length practice tests |
|
Delivery Options/Format |
Online, self-paced |
Online, self-paced |
Online, self-paced or live, In-Person |
Online, interactive lessons |
Online, self-paced |
Online, self-paced or live, In-Person |
Online – self-paced or live, private tutoring |
Online – self-paced, one-on-one tutoring |
|
Video Instruction |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Essay Feedback |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Score Predictor |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Progress Tracking |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Study Plan |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Study Materials |
Online Books, Flashcards |
Online Books, Flashcards |
Online Books, Workbooks, Flashcards |
No |
Online Books |
Online Books, Flashcards |
Books, Flashcards |
Online Books, Flashcards |
|
Mobile App |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Support Options |
Chat, Email, Forum |
Email, Live Chat, Phone, Forum |
|
|
Email, Live Chat |
Email, Phone |
Email, Forum |
Live Chat |
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.
The information above is subject to change so be sure to check their individual websites to get the most up-to-date and accurate data.
GRE Webinars for Test Takers by ETS
The GRE Webinars is a virtual monthly event prepared by ETS for test takers where they learn more about the GRE General Test. This includes question types, sample questions, and test taking strategies. They also get a chance to grab resources that would be helpful in their test preparation [9].
Read More: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
GRE Flashcards
GRE Flashcards are helpful in studying test sections of the GRE test. This method ensures that you are able to practice every day and anywhere you want. Also, flashcards encourage active recall which is helpful in knowledge retention.
Read More: Best GRE Flashcards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions frequently asked about GRE prep courses by test-takers are listed below:
Who needs the GRE Prep Course?
Students who like a structured study environment need a GRE prep course. This will help them have a study plan for the test and stick to it. Some students also prefer having resources crafted by GRE experts to guide them through the preparation process.
What is the best GRE prep course?
Magoosh is the best GRE prep course. It offers score increase guarantee, 24/7 email support, and strong customer service at a very affordable price. It also offers different test prep courses and comprehensive study resources including video lessons, practice questions, and practice tests. Their preparation course plans range from $149 to $179 [1].
What is the best GRE prep course for Math?
Target Test GRE Prep Course is the best GRE prep course for Mathematics. It is known for its powerful quantitative reasoning course. This particular course has helped students increase their GRE math scores.
What is the best GRE prep course for 1 month?
Magoosh Online GRE Prep & Practice is the best course if you only have 1 month to review. This month-long course costs $149 and will provide 1400+ practice questions and 3 full length practice tests along with video lessons and live classes. Another feature of this course is its five-point score increase guarantee [1].
What is the best self-paced GRE prep course?
The Princeton Review is the best self-paced GRE preparation course. This course costs $499 and offers 61 drills, 8 full length practice tests, and 2570 practice questions. Along with these are video lessons and interactive scoring [6].
What is the most affordable GRE prep course?
Achievable GRE Prep is the most affordable preparation course. For only $199, the plan is inclusive of textbooks, 10 full-length practice tests, and 9999+ practice questions. These may be accessed online for 12 months [2].
What are the factors to consider in choosing a GRE prep course?
The factors to consider in choosing a GRE prep course are the following:
- 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
The list above shows the factors one must consider in choosing a GRE prep course. But of course, it is also important to look for a GRE course that helps a test taker stay motivated and on schedule.
What are the benefits of a GRE prep course?
The benefits in taking a GRE prep course are listed below:
- Provides structured study plans
- Helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Shows proven learning strategies
- Provides comprehensive explanations and analysis
- External motivation from other prospective test takers
What is the best GRE prep book and guide?
Manhattan Prep’s 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is the best GRE prep book. This book contains 1800 practice problems for each test section of the GRE. These practice questions increase in difficulty level which will be helpful in testing your strengths and weaknesses. Along with these questions are comprehensive explanations and analysis written by GRE experts.
Read More: Best GRE Prep Books
How much does the GRE prep course cost?
$179 to $449 is the price range of GRE prep courses.
How long does it take to prepare for the GRE?
4 to 12 weeks is enough to prepare for the GRE Test.
How do GRE Prep Courses help you prepare for the test?
By providing structured study plans, a wide range of practice questions, and full-length practice tests – these are ways GRE prep courses help you prepare for the test. It also helps an examinee identify and focus on your strengths and weaknesses.
Read More: GRE Test Preparation
Which online GRE prep course is the best?
Kaplan GRE Prep is the best online GRE prep course. This $999 course offers structured live classes and recorded lessons. It also offers an interactive feature where students can ask private tutors while class is in session.
Which course is better: Magoosh vs Kaplan?
Kaplan GRE Prep Course is better than Magoosh GRE Prep Course. Kaplan offers 5000+ practice questions and 7 full length practice tests while Magoosh offers only 1200+ practice questions and 3 full length practice tests.
Read More: Magoosh vs. Kaplan
Read More: Kaplan GRE Prep Course
Read More: Magoosh GRE Prep Course
Which course is better: Kaplan or Princeton Review?
Kaplan GRE Prep Course is better than Princeton Review GRE Prep Course in terms of the number of practice questions and progress tracking. On the other hand, Princeton Review GRE Prep Course wins in terms of practice exams and mobile app availability.
Read More: Kaplan vs. Princeton Review
Read More: Kaplan GRE Prep Course
Read More: Princeton Review GRE Prep Course
Are GRE prep courses worth it?
Yes, GRE Prep Courses are worth it. Test preparation courses are advantageous for students especially to those who prefer an organized study environment.
Will a GRE prep course raise my score?
Yes, GRE prep courses can raise your test score. Significant improvements to GRE score can happen when you take a preparation course versus not using one. This is because prep courses help you understand your mistakes and teach you how to avoid committing the same error in the future. It also helps you become familiar with the question types and testing environment.
Read More: GRE Scores
Should I take a GRE prep course?
Yes, taking a GRE prep course is helpful. GRE test prep courses can contribute to knowing how and where to spend time wisely. It also showed significant gains in a test taker’s GRE scores.
References:
- [1] https://gre.magoosh.com/
- [2] https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/
- [3] https://www.kaptest.com/gre
- [4] https://gre.prepscholar.com/
- [5] https://gre.targettestprep.com/
- [6] https://www.princetonreview.com/grad/gre-test-prep
- [7] https://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/
- [8] https://gre.economist.com/
- [9] https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/tools/webinars/
