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 them be accepted to graduate school selected. 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 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 as factors that could help decide which to take.
1. Magoosh
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 entirely 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 |
| It has the best value for its affordable price | No in-person or live tutoring is available |
| Has a +5 point score increase guarantee | No essay feedback or evaluation given |
| Responsive customer service & support, available 24/7 | The low number of questions |
| The web interface is user-friendly | Completely self-guided |
| Has a test score predictor | Video lessons lack production quality |
| 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 |
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 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.
Read more: Magoosh GRE Review
2. Achievable
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 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 a 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 | |
| A wide range of practice exams and questions are 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.
Read More: Achievable GRE Prep Course Review
3. Kaplan
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 of 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 the option to take a practice exam in a test facility |
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. Kaplan has been known for its wide range of delivery options. They offer self-paced online classes, live online classes, and in-person classes.
Read More: Kaplan GRE Prep Course Review
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 it offers is its 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 on 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, 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 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.
Read More: PrepScholar GRE Prep Course Review
5. Target 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.
Read more: Target Test GRE Prep Course Review
6. The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has been helping students reach their target GRE scores for over 35 years. It claims to have assisted 96% of its students in improving their scores and placed 80% of its students in top universities. The Princeton GRE Prep course helps students address problems through its comprehensive and self-paced course package. One advantage to this prep course is that students can choose which inclusions to avail themselves of according to their budget.
| Pros and Cons of The Princeton Review | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Higher score guarantee (162+) | No score predictor |
| Has a 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 more expensive than other providers |
| Live online tutorials that instructors lead are available | |
| Feedback on strengths and weaknesses is provided |
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 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.
Read More: The Princeton Review
7. 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.
Read More: Manhattan Review
8. 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 | The basic plan lacks features |
| Has a feature of asking real tutors for help | |
| Has a wide range of practice tests 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.
Read More: Economist GRE Tutor
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.
The information above is subject to change, so check their websites to get the most up-to-date and accurate data.
GRE Webinars for Test Takers by ETS
The GRE Webinar is a monthly virtual 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.
Read more: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
GRE Flashcards
GRE Flashcards help study test sections of the GRE test. This method ensures that you can 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:
Are there GRE prep courses?
Yes, there are GRE preparation courses available in the market. There are so many kinds that offer different features at different costs.
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 could be included in the GRE prep courses:
- Video lessons.
For online classes, there are recorded lessons and video tutorials. Since a video explanation is recorded, students can pause it whenever they like and watch it again if there are concepts that they do not quite understand. Meanwhile, there are also 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 will increase 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 will 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 also 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 also timed, similar to the test, which lasts almost 4 hours. There are also adaptive practice exams for the computer-delivered GRE test. Nearly all, if not all, programs also 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 can be obtained only if the selected course includes it. When companies do, they try to offer the best at a great price. This may consist of prep books, flashcards, and workbooks. There are also online resources like an online textbook curated by in-house GRE experts. Sometimes there are also instructional materials provided.
- Tutoring options
There are different modes of instruction available. It can be 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 to what each student should study. This is based on their strengths and weaknesses, which will be 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 can choose whichever meets their needs. There are also a lot of affordable options now for less fortunate students. A 7-day free trial is also 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 will help them have a study plan for the test and stick to it. Some students also prefer to have resources crafted by GRE experts to guide them through the preparation process. Students should enroll in a course that fits their learning style and study schedule. This way, study resources won’t waste, and study progress will be observed. Students’ academic strengths must also be considered, as well as the practical strategies that would help them prepare.
What is the best GRE prep course?
Magoosh is the best GRE prep course. It offers a score increase guarantee, 24/7 email support, and vital customer service at a very affordable price. It also provides 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.
How much does the GRE prep course cost?
$179 to $449 is the price range of GRE prep courses.
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 may review in the comfort of their homes or other places they can 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 can get personal attention. In offline coaching, the opportunity to ask about misunderstood topics could be 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 can now choose the perfect course that suits their budget and needs since there is a wide range of 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 may be accessed online for 12 months.
Are there free GRE prep courses?
Yes, there are free GRE preparation courses and study materials available online.
Related Article: Free GRE Prep Courses
What are some 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 Review GRE Prep
- 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. Also, be persistent, hardworking, and focused on areas where improvement is needed.
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 one month?
Magoosh Online GRE Prep & Practice is the best course if you only have one month to review. This month-long course costs $149 and will provide 1400+ practice questions and three full-length practice tests, video lessons, and live classes. Another feature of this course is its five-point score increase guarantee.
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, eight full-length practice tests, and 2570 practice questions. Along with these are video lessons and interactive scoring.
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 when choosing a GRE prep course. But, of course, it is also essential 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 of taking a GRE prep course are listed below:
- 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?
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 help test your strengths and weaknesses. Along with these questions are comprehensive explanations and analyses written by GRE experts.
Read More: Best GRE Prep Books
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 also supports an examinee in identifying and focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.
Read More: GRE Test Preparation
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?
1 to 2 months is the average duration of GRE preparation courses. This varies depending on the time an examinee is willing to devote and on the examinee’s goal score.
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 also supports an examinee in identifying and focusing on their 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 the class is in session.
How do GRE prep courses differ?
These prep programs 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 also differ in teaching mode: online instruction, one-on-one tutoring, and in-person classes. But all of them claim to have expert instructors who lead their classes. They explain the difficult concepts simply through an expert instructor. Basically, every course provider offers something unique that others do not provide. Each one has its pros and cons. Some may be more expensive than others. The perfect program depends on the needs of the examinee.
Which course is better: Magoosh vs. Kaplan?
Kaplan GRE Prep Course is better than Magoosh GRE Prep Course. Kaplan offers 5000+ practice questions and seven full-length practice tests, while Magoosh offers only 1200+ practice questions and three full-length tests.
Read More: Magoosh vs. Kaplan
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
Will a GRE prep course raise my score?
Yes, GRE prep courses can raise your test score. Significant improvements to GRE scores 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: How to improve a GRE score for higher chances of admission?, GRE Scores
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. Also, make sure to be persistent and hardworking and to focus on areas where improvement is needed.
Read more: GRE Practice Test
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/
