Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting task, but choosing the right prep course can make all the difference.
With so many options available, it’s crucial to find a course that aligns with your learning style, budget, and schedule.
How do you decide which GRE prep course is best for you? This article will guide you through eight top-rated GRE prep courses, highlighting their key features and benefits.
Whether you need structured lessons, flexible study plans, or plenty of practice tests, you’ll find a course that fits your needs.
1) Kaplan GRE Prep
Kaplan offers a range of GRE prep options designed to fit different learning styles and budgets.
You can choose from several packages, each providing access to quality materials and experienced instructors.
The Kaplan GRE Preparation Online course includes 180+ hours of online instruction and practice.
It also offers 21 hours of live, in-class instruction.
If you prefer one-on-one tutoring, Kaplan provides up to 40 hours of private GRE tutoring.
This comes with personalized homework assignments and continuous support.
Kaplan’s courses also come with access to the GRE Channel.
It includes 40+ hours of live and on-demand lessons, allowing you to customize your study plan according to your needs.
All Kaplan GRE prep options include practice tests.
You will have access to 7 full-length practice tests, which help you get a feel for the real exam.
Flexibility is a strong point of Kaplan.
Their On Demand GRE test prep course lets you study at your own pace.
This program covers all three main sections of the GRE: quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing.
Kaplan also offers financing options, making it easier to invest in your education.
Various payment plans, including starting at $71 per month with 0% APR through Affirm, are available.
2) Princeton Review GRE
The Princeton Review offers various GRE prep options to fit different learning styles.
Their GRE Fundamentals LiveOnline course provides live instruction and is ideal if you prefer a structured schedule and interactive classes.
If you like to study at your own pace, the GRE Self-Paced course might be a better fit.
This program includes video lessons and practice tests, allowing you to decide when and where to study.
For those who need a little extra help, the Princeton Review also offers one-on-one tutoring.
Tutors can help refine your skills and give you personalized feedback to improve your score.
Many students have found this option to be very effective.
If you are looking for a comprehensive approach, the GRE Workshop provides full-length practice tests, customized study plans, and on-demand lessons.
This course helps you prepare thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed.
To get started, they recommend taking a full-length practice test to find your baseline score.
This score will guide your study plan and focus your efforts on areas that need improvement.
You can learn more about this method here.
Princeton Review’s courses aim to cover all aspects of the GRE, including quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing sections.
Personalized study plans and multiple resources make their courses a strong option for GRE prep.
3) Manhattan Prep GRE
Manhattan Prep GRE offers a range of courses for different learning styles and schedules.
If you prefer live courses with direct interaction, they provide both online and in-person options.
For self-paced learners, their on-demand prep courses come with interactive video lessons.
Prices for these courses range from $299 to $499.
If math is a challenging area for you, consider taking their Foundations of Math GRE Course for around $200.
For students needing more personalized help, Manhattan Prep also offers private tutoring sessions.
These sessions can provide intensive, directed assistance tailored to your specific needs.
Free resources like practice tests and sample questions can also be accessed through their website.
These are useful for getting a sense of what to expect on test day.
One notable option is their comprehensive Complete Course.
It provides detailed instruction across all GRE sections and includes access to recordings of recent sessions for review.
Manhattan Prep frequently offers discounts, such as 15% off on the GRE for MBA Course and GRE Private Tutoring packages, using the code SCORE15 at checkout.
This could be a good opportunity to save on your prep courses if you enroll by July 15, 2024.
4) Magoosh GRE Prep
Magoosh GRE Prep is known for its flexibility and comprehensive resources.
It offers a wide range of study schedules tailored to different needs.
Whether you are prepping for one month or six months, Magoosh has a plan for you.
The platform provides over 1200 practice questions and numerous video lessons.
You can access these materials on any device, making it easy to study on the go.
Magoosh students typically score higher in both verbal and math sections compared to the median scores of all GRE takers.
The median scores reported by Magoosh students are 157 for verbal and 159 for math.
Some students even achieve top 10% scores or perfect scores.
The courses feature short, engaging video lessons and effective practice questions.
They are designed to fit into your busy schedule.
You can start with a free 7-day trial if you want to get a feel for the program before committing.
Magoosh also includes on-demand classes.
These pre-recorded sessions allow you to watch and re-watch at your own pace.
This is particularly useful if you need to revisit certain topics.
Their study schedules and adaptive plans can help you stay on track.
They offer 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month study plans, which can be adjusted according to your needs.
This makes it easier for you to manage your study time effectively.
For more information, you can visit their official website.
5) Barron’s GRE
Barron’s GRE is a popular choice for those preparing for the GRE.
It includes a review book and access to an online course.
The combination offers a comprehensive prep package.
The review book is currently in its 22nd edition.
It’s known for providing detailed explanations and practice questions.
This makes it suitable for those who prefer studying from a physical book.
You also get access to a free online GRE course.
This course complements the book, offering additional resources and practice materials.
The package is considered a good value for money.
Barron’s GRE uses an adaptive learning strategy.
This helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
You can then focus on areas that need improvement.
For many students, Barron’s GRE is a helpful tool.
The blend of book and online content provides flexibility.
You can study at your own pace and convenience.
The online course is designed for on-demand access.
You can study wherever you feel most comfortable.
This makes it a great choice for busy individuals.
Barron’s GRE has been praised for its comprehensive material.
It’s a solid option if you want an affordable and thorough prep course.
You can learn more about it from this Barron’s GRE Test Prep Course Review.
6) The Economist GRE Tutor
The Economist GRE Tutor offers a comprehensive preparation experience.
This tool uses AI technology to tailor the study plan to your needs.
You’ll get personalized recommendations based on your strengths and weaknesses.
The course includes five practice exams.
This is more than what Magoosh offers, but fewer than Kaplan’s seven.
You get access to over 5,000 questions.
These questions come with performance tracking to help you monitor your progress.
The system’s AI algorithms make sure you focus on areas where you need improvement.
Additionally, this prep course provides a virtual tutor.
The tutor customizes each session for you, which makes studying more effective.
There is also live chat support available around the clock.
While the price is on the higher end, many students have found it worthwhile.
The cost of the course reflects the quality and depth of the materials provided.
You can also find video lessons in this course.
They help to explain concepts clearly and make your studying more engaging.
This way, you can master the material more efficiently.
For those who need structure, weekly study plans are a great feature.
These plans are aligned with your growth areas, ensuring you stay on track with your preparation.
7) PrepScholar GRE
PrepScholar GRE is known for its scientifically designed, adaptive online prep courses.
The program adjusts to your personal strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on areas that need improvement.
Instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores have crafted the PrepScholar curriculum.
This ensures high-quality content and expert strategies for tackling various GRE question types.
PrepScholar offers a 5-day full access trial for free.
You can explore the program before making a commitment, allowing you to see if it fits your needs.
The course includes extensive video lessons to clarify complex concepts.
You also get test-taking strategies essential for GRE success.
PrepScholar provides two practice tests and 2,000 practice questions.
These resources help you get used to the exam format and identify any weak spots in your preparation.
One of the standout features is the score increase guarantee.
If you meet the terms of this guarantee, you can get a refund or an additional prep class if you don’t achieve the promised score increase.
There are different access periods for the prep course.
The GRE Adaptive Online Prep has a one-year access period.
For lifetime access, you can opt for a more expensive plan.
PrepScholar offers significant discounts.
As of the latest information, the one-year access plan can go as low as $38, while the lifetime plan can drop to $345.
The structured study plans can help you stay on track.
This disciplined approach can be particularly beneficial if you struggle with self-motivation.
To learn more about PrepScholar GRE, visit PrepScholar GRE.
8) Target Test Prep GRE
Target Test Prep GRE offers a comprehensive approach to GRE preparation.
It features in-depth lessons, thousands of realistic practice questions, video solutions, and challenging practice tests.
Each aspect of the course is designed to help you boost your GRE score.
The Target Test Prep GRE course is organized into 40 study units called “modules.” These modules are split into two phases.
Phase 1 contains the first 33 units, while Phase 2 covers the remaining units.
You can expect adaptive learning techniques with this course.
The course material is the same for every plan, ensuring consistency.
This adaptive approach helps personalize your learning experience.
One of the standout features is the guarantee of a score increase.
If your official GRE score does not improve after completing the course, you can continue using it for free.
This offers you peace of mind.
In addition to the structured modules, the course provides over 600 individualized math lessons and 800+ HD GRE content videos.
You will also benefit from live support, making it easier to get help when needed.
For precise tracking of your progress, the course includes detailed analytics.
This feature helps keep your preparation on track by identifying areas that need more focus.
Whether you are starting your prep or looking to improve your GRE score, Target Test Prep GRE offers a structured and supportive approach.
Understanding GRE Preparation
When preparing for the GRE, it’s crucial to know what features make a course effective and how to manage your study time efficiently.
These considerations can greatly impact your test performance.
What to Look for in a GRE Prep Course
Choosing the right GRE prep course involves evaluating different features.
Start by looking at the course content.
It should cover all sections of the GRE: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Check if the course offers practice tests that simulate the actual GRE.
This helps you get used to the test format and timing.
Additionally, consider courses that provide personalized feedback on your performance.
Adaptive learning tools, like those offered by Target Test Prep, can be particularly useful.
Cost is also a factor.
Some of the more affordable options, such as Magoosh GRE, offer comprehensive study materials without breaking the bank.
Lastly, look for flexibility in study schedules, especially if you have a busy life.
On-demand courses are a good option here.
Time Management During GRE Prep
Effective time management is key to a successful GRE prep.
Begin by creating a study schedule that slots in regular study times each week.
Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to studying.
Break your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks rather than long, marathon sessions.
This can help keep your mind fresh and improve retention.
Use a mix of study materials, like videos, practice problems, and reading passages, to keep your prep engaging.
Prioritize sections where you’re weakest.
For example, if math isn’t your strong suit, allocate more time to Quantitative Reasoning.
Regularly review your progress and adjust your schedule as needed.
This ensures you stay on track and cover all necessary material before test day.
Benefits of GRE Prep Courses
GRE prep courses offer structured study plans and access to a wide range of practice tests and materials.
These benefits can help you effectively prepare for the exam and boost your confidence.
Structured Study Plans
A structured study plan can guide you through the study process.
Prep courses break down the material into manageable sections, ensuring you cover all necessary topics.
Courses like Magoosh GRE provide clear timelines and daily study schedules.
This organization helps you use your time wisely and avoids last-minute cramming.
Another advantage is expert guidance.
Instructors with high GRE scores often design these courses.
They offer tips and strategies tailored to the test’s specific challenges.
Many courses, such as those from Manhattan Prep, also offer personalized feedback.
This helps you identify and focus on your weak areas, making your study time more effective.
Access to Practice Tests and Materials
Practice tests are essential for GRE preparation.
They simulate the actual test experience, helping you become familiar with the format and time constraints.
Courses like Princeton Review offer a variety of practice tests and questions.
These materials help you gauge your readiness and pinpoint areas needing improvement.
Realistic practice questions allow you to apply what you’ve learned.
For example, the tests and materials from PrepScholar are designed by experts to closely mimic the actual exam.
Access to these resources can reduce test anxiety.
Knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared and confident on test day.
Additionally, detailed explanations of answers help you understand your mistakes and learn effectively.
Choosing the Right GRE Prep Course
When selecting a GRE prep course, it’s essential to consider where you will take the course and how much it will cost.
Online vs. In-Person Courses
Online courses offer flexibility since you can study at your own pace and access materials from anywhere.
This option is great if you have a busy schedule or prefer learning from home.
Magoosh GRE is one of the most popular online courses, known for its comprehensive study materials and affordability.
In-person courses, such as those offered by Manhattan Prep, provide a structured environment with direct teacher interaction.
This can be helpful if you need more discipline or prefer face-to-face instruction.
In-person classes often offer more personalized feedback and real-time assistance with difficult topics.
Both formats have their own merits, so consider your learning preferences and lifestyle before making a decision.
Cost Considerations
Cost is a significant factor when choosing a GRE prep course.
Online courses tend to be cheaper.
For instance, Magoosh GRE offers affordable packages that provide excellent value.
These packages often include numerous practice questions, video lessons, and study schedules.
In-person courses are generally more expensive but can offer more intensive support.
Manhattan Prep’s courses, for example, are priced at $399 and are praised for their value and quality.
If you opt for one-on-one tutoring or specialized courses like The Princeton Review’s 162+ course, costs can increase further.
Evaluate what you’re willing to invest in your prep and what features are most important to you.