Choosing the right Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prep course is a very important decision that will help you score higher on the GRE and get into the graduate school of your dreams.
You will be spending many hours studying, so it’s crucial to find the study materials that best fit your learning style and background.
So here’s the good news – we have personally researched and reviewed every major GRE prep course on the market to make things easier for you! The comparison chart below will help you figure out which one is best for you.
Please note that several of the links included below are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a referral commission if you purchase one of the courses below. Please understand that I recommend these courses because I confidently believe they will help you succeed on your GRE exam, not because of the small commission. Only use the links if you have been helped by my review!
Intuitive Interface:Magoosh has a very user-friendly online platform. From the dashboard students can view progress charts, recommended lessons based on completed practice questions, and gain quick access to key course features. The course structure is easy to follow too; you can watch video lessons, take customizable practice quizzes, and review GRE course material all from the well-organized dashboard.
Price: The Magoosh GRE program is unmatched when it comes to providing quality study material at a discounted price. For just $149 (using this Coupon Code), students have 6 months of access to more than 200 video lessons, 1,000 practice questions, and up to 3 practice exams. With competitors charging hundreds of dollars more, this course is definitely a bargain!
Quality Instruction: Their test prep experts have extensive backgrounds in tutoring and GRE subject matter. Each practice problem is accompanied by both written and video explanations to ensure the concepts are fully and clearly explained.
Customer Support: Magoosh has a reputation for being prompt and thorough in all responses to students’ questions. A built-in help tab appears whenever students are logged in, making it easy to submit questions immediately as soon as they come up, rather than having to stop what you are doing and going to a different part of the site to send an email or a message.
Bottom Line: Magoosh provides the most flexibility and is easily the best overall value of any GRE course.
Practice Tests: With 8 full-length adaptive practice tests, The Princeton Review provides more simulated practice than any of the other self-paced GRE prep courses. After each test, students receive feedback and a one-on-one review of the test with their instructor to identify those sections on the GRE that could benefit from more focused study.
Course Guarantees: The Princeton Review offers a set of three different guarantees: the Readiness Guarantee, the Satisfaction Guarantee, and the Money Back-Guarantee. Don’t feel ready to take the test at the end of a course? Repeat the same course or take a refresher course. Not satisfied with your result? Continue to work with The Princeton Review for up to a year. Score didn’t improve? Ask for a refund.
Essay Feedback: The Princeton Review is the only self-paced GRE course we reviewed that offers feedback on your practice essays. You can submit your essays through the LiveGrader tool, and one of their experts will score your essay and provide you with constructive suggestions for improving your essays.
No Quiz Bank: Several competitors have question banks that allow you to create quizzes and focus on specific areas by filtering questions. The Princeton Review has numerous full-length exams (including one free practice test) that can help you identify areas of weakness, as well as more than 3,500 practice questions, but there is no question bank for quizzes to test yourself between full-length practice exams.
Bottom Line: Princeton Review is unmatched in terms of their course guarantees and providing feedback on your practice AWA essays. Their course is extremely comprehensive and will prepare you for the GRE as well as Kaplan does, but for significantly less.
Practice Material: Kaplan offers a lot of practice material, which can help you better recognize GRE question types and improve your test taking ability. Their quiz bank of more than 5,000 GRE practice questions allows you to take customized quizzes and filter which GRE areas you want to focus and improve on. 7 full-length practice exams give you ample opportunity to practice your strategies and prepare yourself for the exam.
Higher Score Guarantee: Kaplan is confident in their products and will give students an opportunity to retake the course or get a refund if their score does not improve. Make sure you are aware of the conditions of the guarantee, one of which is establishing a baseline GRE score before beginning the course.
Flashcard App: The course comes with a flashcard app (for both iOS and Android devices), which can be great for studying on the go. You will have access to 500 flashcards that include vocabulary words, synonyms, definitions, and sample sentences. Quiz yourself, track your own progress, and see performance statistics right from your smartphone.
Official Test Day Experience: Unique to Kaplan is the ability to take a practice GRE test in an actual Prometric testing facility. This can truly give you the edge you need to pass by giving you the familiarity and confidence you need to succeed.
Expensive Tutoring Options: Although private tutoring is never cheap, if you add tutoring onto a course or choose any of the three tutoring packages, your prep course costs will quickly exceed $1,000, and add up to more than $2,000 if you go with the private tutoring packages of 15, 25 or 35 hours.
Bottom Line: Kaplan provides the most comprehensive course offering on the market. If money isn’t an issue, go with them.
Communicate with Real Tutors: Some test prep courses charge huge additional fees for that service, but the Economist GRE program has time messaging with real tutors built into each of its plans. Messaging with tutors is done through their in-app messaging system, and this ability to reach out and contact a real live human is definitely a selling point for this GRE prep program. On top of messaging with tutors, you’ll get up to 6 live one-on-one video tutoring sessions.
Practice Material:The Economist GRE prep course offers up to 6 full-length tests, depending upon the plan that you choose. The course also offers 5,000 practice questions and uses adaptive learning technology to help you focus on areas where you may struggle. This personalized learning system is one of the best out there, and the more you use it – the more personalized it becomes.
Mobile Friendly: You’ll be able to study on the go with The Economists mobile/tablet friendly interface. It’s a great option for someone that’s always on the move and only has 20 minutes for a quick study session. Just know not all features are available on mobile – like taking practice exams.
New to Market: The Economist is the new kid on the block in the GRE test prep space. They’ve managed to create a solid all-around course with a variety of features, but it’s not as seamless of an experience of some of the higher rated courses above. I recommend the Premium plan for most students and the Ultimate plan for someone that will need more tutoring help.
Bottom Line: The Economist’s new GRE course is a great, affordable alternative to Kaplan. If you want built-in tutoring services, this is the course for you.
30+ Hours of HD Video by Expert Instructors: You will watch and learn from the masters when you sign up for this course. More than 800 video solutions cover all you ever wanted to know about the mathematical operations and strategies you will need to master in order to crush the quantitative section of the GRE. You can check out a selection of free videos and webinars on their website.
Live Tutoring Options: If you need additional, live help while studying you can connect with a personal tutor via Skype or WebEx. Pay for an hour or two individually, or choose a bundled option if you think you could use 10-20 hours of additional personalized tutoring.
Money-back Guarantee and $1 Trial: You can’t go wrong with a risk-free trial (for only $1), and Target Test Prep offers both a limited 5-day trial and your money back if you are not satisfied with the course. If your GRE quant score does not go up after you take Target Test Prep’s course, you can apply for a full refund.
Only Covers Quantitative Section of GRE: Target Test Prep is a great option for those looking to boost their quantitative scores, but as of now, there is no equivalent review course available for the Verbal sections of the GRE, although private tutors are available to help you with those sections at your request.
Bottom Line: If you need help specifically with the Quantitative Section, Target Test Prep is a solid option.
Video by Expert Instructors: You get amazing video content from GraduateX, as its instructors go through the lessons with amazing patience and clarity to give you the best possible experience. The visuals are perfectly synced with the audio, making for an online classroom session that mimics an in-person class.
Mobile Option: If you need to study on the run, this is the perfect option for you. The mobile applications have a number of great features, and you’re going to get the same access to content that a number of higher-priced companies offer.
Visual Experience: You’re going to get the best of what the web has to offer with this product, as the visual layout of the course is amazing. GraduateX does a great job in presenting information in a simple manner, but still using advanced design tools to give you exactly what you need to ace the test.
Simplicity: There aren’t any amazing features for this product. You’re not going to get any full practice exams, no direct tutoring, no score guarantee, and it’s somewhat lacking in terms of additional content.
Bottom Line: GraduateX is a solid, no-frills budget option for someone who studies on the go.
Comprehensive Course: Manhattan Prep’s course gives students a number of in-depth materials to study for each area of the exam. Access to more than 27 hours of video lessons, strategy guide books for each area of the exam, the Official Guide to the GRE book, and 6 practice exams make this a well-rounded course with an impressive amount of practice material.
Downloadable Video Lessons: Manhattan Prep gives students the ability to study virtually anywhere. Their on-demand video lectures can be streamed live or downloaded to your computer or iPad so that you can study on the go, even if you are in an area without internet access. The high definition videos are easy to follow and taught by expert instructors.
Quality Practice Tests: In addition to in-depth lessons and study material, Manhattan provides 6 quality practice tests. They are known for practice questions that are very close to those featured on the actual GRE exam, and some students report that the practice tests are more challenging than the actual test. Each practice test includes a detailed score report and breaks down your performance on areas of the exam.
Qualified Instructors:Manhattan Prep is meticulous in selecting their instructors and they are knowledgable in all areas of the GRE.
Qualified Instructors:Manhattan Prep clearly states on their website that all payments are nonrefundable and the company does not provide refunds to students for any reason.
Bottom Line: Manhattan Prep provides a comprehensive course that covers all the bases for you to score high. I don’t find it as efficient of a process as the Princeton Review or Kaplan, but if you want a large amount of practice problems, Manhattan Prep is a great option. Their materials are difficult, ensuring you’ll be prepared adequately for the GRE.
There are several viable options for the GRE including: Magoosh, Kaplan, and Princeton Review. But determining which one is best depends on a number of factors like your budget, your learning style, and your time frame. Check out my full reviews of each course and find the best course for you.
Kaplan vs. Princeton Review GRE
Many people narrow their choices down to either Kaplan’s vs. Princeton Review’s GRE courses, as both companies have been around for more than 35 years. Their GRE courses are refined, but the choice between these two depends on your specific needs and your learning style. Kaplan offers 7 practice tests and more practice questions than any other course. Princeton Review offers the most practice tests, which correlates closely with GRE success. They also have the best score guarantees and offer cheaper program options than Kaplan. So unless you need the extra practice problems from Kaplan, I’d recommend going with Princeton Review.
Magoosh GRE Prep is a great option for students hoping to ace the GRE. Their subscriptions are ranked highly for its first-rate study materials, stellar customer support, and affordability. All plan options are entirely online and can be accessed from computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Any questions you might have are easy to submit from within the plans dashboard and answered quickly by tutors. The streamlined dashboard and user-friendly features, along with the low cost of this product, make it stand out from the competition.
Please note Magoosh GRE Prep is one of our affiliate brands and as such we receive a small commission at no cost to you if you choose to purchase this prep course. We investigate each course to keep you informed on both the good and the bad of each course, and hope that it helps you find the right course for your needs. Only use the links if you find this review helpful, thanks!
PROS
1. Flexibility
Each Magoosh plan is 100% online. There are no class meetings, no textbooks, no DVDs, and no specific timeline. All you need is your computer, tablet or smartphone and the ability to focus on getting the job done.
The personalized dashboard is a breeze to navigate, it suggests video lessons based on your progress, and compares your results with other students so that you can get an idea of your abilities and can focus on those areas that need it most.
2. Broad Range of Study Schedules
One great feature Magoosh provides is a series of study plans that range from 1 week to 6 months, depending on how much time you have left before you take the GRE. Best of all, these plans are available to everyone for free on the website and GRE Blog, even if you don’t buy the course.
Although the study plans do include instructions to practice material from the Premium Magoosh GRE course material (which you have to purchase), they also encourage the use of free resources, such as the GRE flash cards as well as suggestions to read articles from major journals and newspapers to boost your vocabulary.
3. Price
You can get a 6 Month Premium subscription to Magoosh for only $149 (Get Discount) which covers all sections of the GRE. It is hard to find such good materials and a well-designed site at that price, so you should take advantage of it while it lasts!
This coupon will also get you their 30-day plan for just $129, which is exactly same as the Premium course except that your course access is limited to 30 days instead of 6 months.
4. iPhone/iPad/Android Access
That’s right, your Magoosh subscription is fully accessible from your computer, tablet, and smartphone (both iOS and Android). You can access all of the lessons from anywhere with Magoosh’s apps, and you can use your mobile browser to get full access to the site. Study whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you!
5. Authentic Materials
The practice questions in the Magoosh course are very close to those on the actual GRE. They are ranked in order of difficulty so that you can zero in on those questions you need the most practice with to achieve your target score.
As an added measure of reliability, the Score Predictor gives you a predicted range for your performance on the actual GRE. Magoosh does this by comparing your performance in the program with data from other Magoosh students, such as their official GRE scores and their performances in the prep program.
6. Money Back Guarantee & Risk-free Trial
Magoosh offers a Free Trial where you can access practice questions and lessons so you can see if you like the course before you buy anything.
If after completing the premium program, you do not see a 5 point increase over your old score, you get your money back. It’s that simple. See their website for the details to make sure you meet all the requirements.
If you want to give the course a test drive before you buy, you can pay for the course with the option of canceling and receiving a full refund within 7 days for any reason, no strings attached. The free Magoosh GRE blog also contains plenty of tips and strategies to score higher on the GRE, extra practice questions, and useful advice about the grad school application process.
7. Tutoring Packages Available
Magoosh understands that everyone has different tutoring needs and offers 4 GRE tutoring packages to help with this.
1. Each package is priced with an hourly rate, but the more hours you buy, the lower those rates go. Compared to other prep courses out there, Magoosh is much more flexible and cost-effective than other GRE tutoring plans.
Here are Magoosh’s GRE tutoring options:
Starter – You choose 2-3 areas for the tutor to focus on and it costs $100 for a one-hour tutoring session.
Verbal – Verbal focused lessons and 4 hours of tutoring for $350 ($87.50 an hour).
Math – Quantitative/Math focused lessons and 4 hours of tutoring for $350 ($87.50 an hour).
Premium – Covers both Verbal and Quantitative section PLUS essay grading and review. This option costs $600 for 8 hours of tutoring ($75 an hour).
CONS
1. Fewer Practice Tests
You can generate practice tests from your pool of unanswered questions, but Magoosh recommends creating no more than 3 practice tests so that you can save the rest of the questions for practice. Most competitors offer 6-8 practice tests, so that is a drawback.
Ideal User
As a strictly online, on-demand susbscription plan, Magoosh’s GRE prep courses work best for disciplined students who want to study at their own pace. Every single practice question (1,000+) has a video explanation, which is fantastic for those who like to see video demonstrations of how to approach and solve problems.
The usual advantages of on-demand courses apply: students and professionals juggling hectic schedules will appreciate not having to commute to a traditional classroom or attend scheduled online sessions. The ability to practice questions and watch video lessons from wherever you are, whenever you want, on your computer, tablet, or smartphone has a definite appeal.
Students who appreciate a streamlined interface will like the course dashboard, which is easy to navigate and includes many great features. You can customize your study experience by subject and difficulty, choose to time your quizzes or not, and view a summary of your past answers filtered by question type and difficulty.
Those who want to take charge of their learning and don’t need a more structured program to keep them on task will love the freedom and flexibility of Magoosh’s course.
Conclusion
Magoosh gets rave reviews from students, many of whom have improved their GRE score with this flexible and affordable on-demand subscription plan. Their money-back guarantee demonstrates how confident Magoosh is in their product, as they should be.
If your score doesn’t improve by 5 points, you’ll get a full refund – that is a great deal. If you are serious about scoring high on the GRE and getting accepted into the graduate school of your choice, Magoosh is definitely our first pick. Sign up for their 7-Day risk-free offer and try it for yourself.
Choose from 30-day or 6-month access to the Premium course
Score increase guarantee
Money-back guarantee
AWA tips and guidance
Email assistance from tutors
Magoosh GRE Plans & Pricing
How much does Magoosh’s GRE course cost? No matter which Magoosh option you choose, you end up paying a small fraction of what you’d pay for other comparable courses or tutors. Their premium plans start at only $129 and only go up to $149. At $149, Magoosh offers the best value of any GRE course out there.
Magoosh GRE Premium Course (1 Month) Price: $129 Includes: Math, Verbal and AWA preparation, more than 200 video lessons, more than 1,000 practice questions, up to 3 practice exams, study schedules, access for 1 months, guarantee that your total score will rise by at least 5 points or your money back, score predictor, and email assistance.
Magoosh GRE Premium Course (6 Month) Price: $149 Includes: Math, Verbal and AWA preparation, more than 200 video lessons, more than 1,000 practice questions, up to 3 practice exams, study schedules, access for 6 months, guarantee that your total score will rise by at least 5 points or your money back, score predictor, and email assistance.
The Princeton Review GRE course stacks up well against the competition with various in-person, live online and self-paced options. Students can customize the level of help they need by choosing from three different levels of tutors (private, master, and premier level) and prepare for the actual GRE by trying their hand at 8 full-length, computer adaptive practice exams. They offer A LOT, and honestly, I love their resources more than most.
The Princeton Review’s Adaptology teaching method makes sure that each program is tailored specifically to each student’s needs, and all live courses include one-on-one practice test reviews with your instructor.
PROS
1. Number of Full-length Practice Tests
With 8 full-length, section-adaptive computer practice tests, The Princeton Review is ahead of the game when it comes to simulated practice. After each test, students receive personalized feedback to identify areas of strength and weakness, so they can focus their study efforts to maximize their score.
2. Semi-Private Small Group Option
For those who can’t afford a private tutor, Princeton Review offers the Semi-Private Course, which is capped at a maximum of 4 students. This is a great way to get a lot of personal help from an instructor in an in-person or live online setting. The course takes place either once or twice a week for a total of 24 in-class hours in addition to all of the online materials.
3. Help With Essays
The Princeton Review is the only self-paced GRE course we reviewed that offers essay feedback. You can submit your essays through the LiveGrader tool, and one of their experts will score your essay and give you suggestions on how to hone your essay-writing skills for a higher score on the exam.
4. Satisfaction Guaranteed
Princeton Review offers three different types of guarantees, the Readiness Guarantee, the Satisfaction Guarantee, and the Money Back-Guarantee, to keep their clients happy. If you do not feel ready to take the test at the end of a course, you can repeat the same course or take a refresher course (if available).
If you are not satisfied with your result (regardless of the score you receive) you can continue to work with The Princeton Review for up to a year. Finally, if your score doesn’t improve after completing their program, you can ask for a tuition refund. Please see The Princeton Review website for additional details concerning their guarantees.
5. Accessible Instructors and Tutors
Students who sign up for the Ultimate course will also have access to their instructor outside of class hours, either in person, by phone, or by email. If you choose the private tutoring option, you can customize the price based on the expertise and experience of your tutor.
Private Level Tutors have more than 40 hours of intensive training and extensive instruction time, Master Level Tutors have more than 500 hours of tutoring or relevant work experience and have helped clients achieve superior score improvements, and Premier Level Tutors have at least 1,000 hours of tutoring or relevant work experience and have achieved exceptional results for their students.
CONS
1. No Quiz Bank
Several other GRE Prep courses have question banks that allow you to create quizzes and focus on specific areas by filtering questions. The Princeton Review has numerous full-length exams (including one free practice test) that can help you identify areas of weakness and 3,500+ practice questions, but there is no quiz bank of questions.
2. Lacking Free Trial
Although you do get access to one free practice test, an online sample class, and a free Princeton Review info session, there is no option to explore the online materials before you purchase a course.
3. No Mobile App
Custom-designed flashcards are available, but there is no mobile app. Students will have to look elsewhere if they want to get in some study time on their smartphones or tablets while they are commuting or have a few minutes to spare.
Ideal User
Students looking for a quick review for the exam can benefit from the inexpensive Quick Study course, priced at just $149. This streamlined online course is accessible for 120 days and includes 2 practice tests, a smaller selection of questions and drills, and a diagnostic test. Students who need a more comprehensive reviews can choose from live and self-paced options, depending on their preferred learning style.
One-on-one practice test reviews with an instructor are included in every live course option, and opportunities exist to connect with instructors outside of classroom time, which is ideal for students looking for more individual attention.
Likewise, the Adaptology™ teaching method automatically tailors classwork and homework to each student’s skill level to focus on the areas that need the most improvement. Finally, the LiveGrader feature gives students feedback on their GRE practice essays, which many GRE prep courses either do not address at all or treat as an afterthought.
Conclusion
The Princeton Review’s GRE prep courses deliver a number of personalized options. Students can choose from various levels of tutor expertise, enroll in a small-group learning experience, or take advantage of the flexible Self-Paced option, all at a reasonable price.
The 8 full-length, computer-adaptive practice exams are a bonus, as no other prep course offers this many practice exams. Although there is no free trial or mobile app, The Princeton Review has much to recommend it.
184 hours of online resources including drills, questions, and videos
3500+ practice questions
8 full-length, computer adaptive practice exams
Adaptology™ teaching method
Complete set of printed materials includes The Princeton Review Online Student Workbook for the GRE
LiveGrader feedback on your essay from a Princeton Review expert
Access to instructors outside of class hours
Custom-designed flashcards
Online Access for 120 days
Tech support provided via e-mail or phone
Pricing
Princeton Review Self-Paced GRE Course
Price: $199 On Sale $179
Includes: 120 days of online access, 24 hours of recorded video lessons by GRE content experts, more than 470 practice drills, 8 full-length and adaptive practice tests, 3500 practice questions, and access to The Princeton Review higher score guarantee – “you’ll score higher, or we’ll refund your tuition.”
The self-paced course is for the student that is highly self-motivated and knows how they want to study already. You won’t get the added benefit of live online classes, but you’ll get the basics to succeed on the GRE – assuming you are consistent and have a calculated personal study plan.
Princeton Review Ultimate LiveOnline GRE Course
Price:$999 $849 Save $150 with our exclusive discount! –Show Coupon
Includes: 24 hours of live instruction with expert Princeton Review instructors, 184 hours of online resources (includes 470+ drills, 3500+ practice questions, 24 hours of recorded videos lessons and 8 full-length, adaptive practice tests), one-on-one test reviews with your teacher, access to instructor outside of class hours (in person, by phone, or by email), Adaptology teaching method, and money-back guarantee.
I recommend this course for anyone that doesn’t need in-person instruction but would like the expertise of Princeton Review instructors for 24 hours. It’s a great value.
Princeton Review Ultimate In Person GRE Prep Course
Price: $1299
Princeton Review’s Ultimate In Person course is essentially the same as their Ultimate LiveOnline offering. The main difference is, with this course you’ll be in an actual classroom with the instructor, rather than an online, virtual classroom. Both courses are “live” with the instructors, but if you prefer to physically be at the classes, this is your best bet.
The Princeton Review’s Private Tutoring Program
Price: $1,800
The Princeton Review’s tutoring program is available in two formats: in person and online. They match each student with an expert tutor who will help you make a detailed study plan, set goals and guide you throughout your entire study process. The private tutoring program comes with The Princeton Review Guarantee and the assuarance that, if you’re not satisified with your tutor after your first session, they’ll find you a new one that fits your needs. This makes them a top-tier tutoring option, where other GRE prep companies fall short in this category.
Kaplan GRE continues to hold its own as a powerhouse in test prep, and for good reason. With live courses all over the country (currently available in 40+ states), several customizable online course options, free GRE study resources, and a money-back guarantee, Kaplan is a solid choice for GRE preparation. Take advantage of Kaplan’s 180+ hours of content, 7 full-length computer tests, and more than 5,000 practice items to CRUSH the GRE!
PROS
1. Wide Choice of Courses with “PLUS” Tutoring Option
Choose from in-person, live online, and self-paced courses and a variety of tutoring options, depending on your schedule and needs. Each course comes with the choice of adding on a “Plus” option that includes private coaching and additional resources for an extra $400 (an extra $200 for the self-paced course).
For example, if you choose the GRE Prep – Live Online course and add the “Plus” package, you’ll get 3 hours with a private tutor to review practice tests, set up a study plan and help with grad school applications, as well as access to both the GRE Math Foundations and GRE Advanced – Self-Paced courses, all in addition to the basic Live Online course.
2. Quantity of Study Materials
Kaplan brings a lot of practice material to the table, including a question bank of more than 5,000 GRE practice questions, 7 full-length practice tests, a video lesson library with more than 180 hours of content, 4 GRE Textbooks/workbooks, and a flashcard app to boost your vocabulary.
3. Large Number of Practice Exams & Customized Performance Analysis
Kaplan stands out from the competition by offering 7 full-length practice exams to give you every opportunity to simulate the actual GRE experience. Practice tests provide you with the kinds of questions you will face on the exam and help prepare you for the stamina you will need to complete this rigorous and lengthy test. Kaplan’s trademarked Smart Report is a great feature that tracks your performance on each test and your homework.
From the dashboard, you can go to Smart Reports to see exactly which areas are strengths and which areas are “opportunities” for improvement. A chart illustrates how your test score trends over time, and you can get overall information about your percentiles and scaled scores for each test, as well as more specific information on each section. After you have identified your 3 areas of strength and your 3 opportunities for improvement, you can follow the customized recommendations for future practice based on your performance.
4. Free GRE Resources
From the Kaplan website, get free information about the GRE and the graduate school application process, register to get free 20-minute workouts (try out GRE practice questions, get solutions and explanations), register to receive one free sample question a day for three months (i.e. “Question A Day”), gain access to live practice test options, an on-demand practice test, a sample class, and a pop quiz.
5. Higher Score and Money-back Guarantee
If your GRE score doesn’t improve after you have completed an entire Kaplan course, you can get a full refund (you must provide a previous official GRE score to meet this requirement). In addition, if you are unhappy with the course or your GRE test results for any reason, you may retake the same course at no additional charge. (Although retaking the basic course is free of charge, discounted rates apply if you added a tutoring option.) See Kaplan’s website for the full details.
6. Official Test Day Experience
Unique to Kaplan is the ability to take a practice GRE test in an actual Prometric testing facility. This can truly give you the edge you need to pass by giving you the familiarity and confidence you need to succeed.
7. Free Flashcard App (Compatible with iOS & Android)
The course comes with the GRE Flashcards by Kaplan app (for both iOS and Android devices), which is great for studying on the go. Get access to 500 flashcards that include high frequency GRE vocabulary words, synonyms, definitions, and sample sentences. Quiz yourself, create customized sets of cards, track your progress, and see performance statistics right from your smartphone.
CONS
1. Expensive Tutoring Options
Although private tutoring is never cheap, if you add tutoring onto a course or choose any of the three tutoring packages, your prep course costs will quickly exceed $1,000, and add up to more than $2,000 if you go with the private tutoring packages of 15, 25 or 35 hours.
Ideal User
Both traditional and online learners can benefit from Kaplan’s customizable GRE prep options. The self-paced option will suit self-motivated students who are looking for the flexibility of an online-program without classes to attend or homework assignments that are due on a particular day. The 7 full-length practice exams and the Smart Report performance analysis feature will help students identify strengths and weaknesses and customize their study plan to achieve a higher GRE score, all on their own schedule.
The In Person and Live Online options allow for more one-on-one opportunities to interact with instructors and ask questions. Tutoring is available at an additional cost for those students who need extra help.
Limited 3-month access means that this course is best for those students who will be taking the GRE within the next 4 months.
Conclusion
Kaplan has one of the most versatile GRE courses on the market. Choose from in-person sessions in many cities, live online course options, and the ultimate convenience of a self-study course. Or choose a personalized tutoring package that comes with online access and all the perks of a full course.
Try before you buy with Kaplan’s free resources. We also like the risk-free offer: retake a course for free if you are not happy with your test results; or get a full refund if your official GRE score from a previous exam does not go up. (Make sure to check the website for all requirements for their guarantee.) Try Kaplan today, you won’t be disappointed.
In person, live online, or on-demand instruction by expert GRE instructors
180+ hours of content
7 full-length computer-based practice tests and Smart Report analytics
5,000+ practice items
GRE Flashcard app
Coursebooks include: GRE Premier: Course Book Edition:, GRE Math Workbook, GRE Verbal Workbook, and GRE Pocket Reference, (Kindle Reader option available)
Email support
Tutoring options available
Pricing
Kaplan GRE Prep – Self-Paced
Price: $699
Includes: 8 recorded instructional video sessions, 5,000+ practice questions, Quiz Bank to create custom quizzes, 7 full-length computer-based practice tests, 180 hours of online instruction and practice, Email-based support, GRE textbooks: GRE Premier: Course Book Edition, GRE Math Workbook, GRE Verbal Workbook, and GRE Pocket Reference (Kindle option available), and flashcard app.
Recommended for: The self-starter who is highly familiar with the GRE format and disciplined enough to create and stick to their own study schedule. You won’t have access to live instructors like Kaplan’s self-paced and Live-Online courses, so this isn’t offering isn’t for everyone.
Kaplan GRE Prep – Self-Paced PLUS
Price:$899
Kaplan’s Self-Paced PLUS GRE course includes everything in their normal Self-Paced course offering plus:
3 hours of 1-on-coaching with a GRE expert
GRE Math Foundations – Self-Paced Access (400+ practice questions)
GRE Advanced Math – Self-Paced Access (200+ practice questions)
(NOTE: The plus package is available for both the In Person and Live Online courses as well, and includes the same features, as you’ll see below.)
Recommended for: The ambitious self-starter. For most, the regular self-paced course from Kaplan has more than enough resources to study from and learn the material. However, the Advanced Math questions can give you an extra lift on the Quantitative Reasoning section if you’re looking for a slight edge on the competition and the tutoring sessions can be invaluable to individuals struggling on specific sections.
Kaplan GRE Prep – Live Online
In Person Price: $1299 In Person PLUS Price: $1699
Includes: 8 live online class sessions, 5,000+ practice questions, Quiz Bank to create custom quizzes, 7 full-length computer-based practice tests, 180 hours of online instruction and practice, free make-up sessions (live online sessions or on-demand), GRE textbooks: GRE Premier: Course Book Edition, GRE Math Workbook, GRE Verbal Workbook, and GRE Pocket Reference (Kindle option available), and flashcard app.
Recommended for: Individuals who can hold themselves accountable and don’t struggle focusing in environments other than the classroom.
This is my top choice from Kaplan’s offerings and is as comprehensive of a course as you’ll find.
Kaplan GRE Prep – In Person
Live Online Price: $1,299 Live Online PLUS Price: $1,699
Kaplan’s In-Person GRE prep course offers the same resources as their Live Online course, so the best course comes down to what your optimal learning environment is.
Recommended for: Do you excel in an actual classroom more than attending classes online from home or a coffee shop? If your answer is yes, I recommend Kaplan’s Live Online course.
Private Tutoring
Price: $2,499-$4,699
Includes: in-person or online one-on-one tutoring, 15-, 25-, and 35-hour packages, full access to the Kaplan GRE course materials, plus enrollment in either an In Person or a Live Online course, GRE Premier: Course Book Edition, GRE Math Workbook, GRE Verbal Workbook, and GRE Pocket Reference, and GRE flashcard app.
The Economist GRE is newer to the test-prep market than some of the other companies that have been doing it for a while, but they offer a solid product with a substantial score guarantee all at a relatively affordable price- making them competitive in the growing field of test preparation programs.
PROS
1. Free 7-Day Trial
You never really know how well any test-prep course is going to work for your particular learning style until you have the opportunity to give it a try. But The Economist GRE course is not cheap, so investing that kind of money on something with an unknown effect can be kind of scary. This is why the 7-day trial is so important. Depending on how quickly you work through the lessons, you may be able to get through a few, and even test out the tutor feature before the trial is up, which can be very helpful in determining if this is the best GRE prep course for your needs.
2. Money-Back Score Guarantee
The Economist’s Premier and Ultimate Plan’s boast a score guarantee of 5 points, meaning that if your official GRE score doesn’t improve at least 5 points, you can get a full refund of your purchase price for the course. In order to qualify for this, you must stick with the program for at least 10 weeks, and complete a predetermined number of lessons, but this kind of guarantee is certainly helpful when choosing the GRE prep course that is best for you.
3. Flexible Options
The Economist GRE course offers three plans available to test-takers. The Economist’s budget plan is their Basic Plan, which is $199. In this you get 1 month of access to 3 practice exams, 3 live 1-on-1 sessions, 3 essay markings, 25 “ask-a-tutor” questions and 5000+ practice questions. This course doesn’t offer a score guarantee.
Their most popular plan is the Premium Plan which now costs $299. This plan provides 3 months of access to their lessons, including over 5000 test prep questions and 5 full-length practice exams (2 more than the Basic Plan). They also offer essay feedback, access to live instructors for help, and the ability to chat with tutors when you get stuck. Instead of the 25 “ask-a-tutor” questions that you get with the Basic Plan, you get 100 with the Premium Plan. You also get 6 essay markings to master the AWA section. Lastly, the Premium Plan includes a 5+ score guarantee.
The Economist’s most comprehensive review course comes in their Ultimate Plan, which provides access to test prep resources for a full year, with more access to instructors and tutors, as well as one additional full-length practice test. You also get UNLIMITED “ask-a-tutor” questions, more live one-on-one sessions, and an extra essay marking (7 total). This all comes in at an impressive $549 pricepoint.
Inevitably, when preparing for a test, we may get stuck, and sometimes it is nice to be able to speak to a real human being to help us work through those problems. Some test prep courses charge huge additional fees for that service, but the Economist GRE program has time messaging with real tutors built into each of its plans. Messaging with tutors is done through their in-app messaging system, and this ability to reach out and contact a real live human is definitely a selling point for this GRE prep program,
5. More than 5000 Practice Questions
Your success on the GRE exam depends almost entirely on how well prepared you are for the different types of questions that the test throws your way. In order to ensure that you are as prepared as possible, The Economist GRE test prep program has over 5000 questions built into its lessons so that you not only have an opportunity to experience them before you take the test, but you have help working through them so that you are prepared for anything. These 5,000 practice questions are available on all the Economist GRE prep course plans. This is the most questions available in nearly any test prep program on the market, making it a major selling point of The Economist GRE test prep software.
6. Mobile-Compatible Studying
Like many of the other test-prep options available, The Economist GRE prep is mobile-compatible, making it great for those who are busy or on the go. Mobile studying is especially useful when you’ve got twenty minutes to spare while at the doctor’s office, or riding the bus. You can’t necessarily take your computer with you wherever you go, but you can take your GRE study materials, thanks to the mobile-friendly interface.
7. Full-Length Practice Exams
The full-length practice exams may be one of the most invaluable tools in The Economist Gre prep toolkit. No matter how many lessons you go through, there is ultimately no better preparation for the GRE Test than actually taking a full-length test that mimics the conditions and timing of the real thing.
This program offers up to 6 full-length tests, depending upon the plan that you choose. The key to making these practice tests effective is taking them as seriously as you would the real GRE test and creating the conditions of the real test as closely as possible. This can increase your confidence, and even give you an unofficial idea of your score before you ever even arrive at your testing location.
CONS
1. Short-term Plan is Lacking Some Features
The downside of The Economist GRE Prep Course is that some of its best features, such as the score guarantee, and essay help from instructors, are only available to those who are subscribing well ahead of their test date, making it less a less than ideal course for procrastinators.
The score guarantee requires a minimum of ten weeks of working on lessons before it kicks in, which is understandable, and the essay help is only available with the 3-month Premium Plan or the 1-year Ultimate Plan. So, if you’re the type of person who might begin preparing for the GRE months in advance, then these features are helpful and useful. However, if you’re a busy person with a full-time job who may be able to only devote a few weeks to GRE prep, then you’ll be missing out on those great features with the weekly plan.
Ideal User
With no actual physical materials, The Economist Test Prep Program is best suited to those who are used to online learning and all that entails. The lessons are self-paced which make it work well for those with challenging schedules, and the live support from tutors and instructors will be especially helpful for those with more traditional learning styles.
The ideal user will be able to devote at least three months to test prep. The weekly subscription plan may be useful to those who don’t need much help, but it ultimately amounts to a very watered-down version of the longer-term Premium and Ultimate plans. Those with less time, or who need less help, might be better served by other products on the market, including the materials from ETS.
In order for students to take full advantage of all of the features of The Economist test prep software, it is recommended that they begin using it to study for the GRE at least three months prior to their test date.
Conclusion
The Economist is certainly not the first name that students are likely to think of when they think of GRE test prep materials. However, despite the somewhat odd branding decision and the fact that they are newer to the market, their pricing structure and the many features of their course have placed them in a competitive position with other test-prep programs that have been around longer.
Ultimately any decision about a test prep program is going to come down to your learning style, and whether the program fits your needs, which is why you should definitely give the no-risk 7-day trial a go to see if the program can provide you with the help that you need to improve your GRE score.
Recommendation: I recommend The Economist’s Premium Plan, since it offers nearly as much as their Ultimate plan, for just over half the cost. You can see the comparison of their course offerings below.
Target Test Prep GRE is a great choice for graduate school applicants who want to Crush the GRE. This course is new to the GRE prep industry but can compete with the top test prep course options on the market.
All components of the online course are accessible from your desktop computer, mobile devices, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Their course comes with a money back guarantee which shows just how confident Target Test Prep’s team is in their product.
PROS
1. Comprehensive
The course divides the quantitative section of the GRE into 30 modules. With its laser-like focus on GRE math immersion, no stone is left unturned in quantitative math, so students can take the GRE confident in their mastery of the knowledge they have gained. The element of surprise is removed from the GRE’s quantitative section, bolstering both their confidence and performance.
2. Mobile Access
The online course is designed to work on most smartphones, tablets, and home or laptop computers, so you can study the material wherever and whenever you want, with almost any device that has internet capabilities, at your convenience.
3. Money Back Guarantee & Risk-Free Trial
If you have completed the comprehensive study plan, and your official GRE score hasn’t improved, you’re entitled to a full refund of the purchase price of your access plan. Requirements to be eligible for the refund are straightforward and simple, but time sensitive.
Target Test Prep offers a 5-day risk unlimited-access trial for $1, to show you how and why so many students have chosen their course, and succeeded in increasing their quantitative scores! They also offer a number of other resources that are free, including video Webinars that display extra practice questions, on their blog.
4. Tutoring & Live Options
Unlike most online GRE prep courses, Target Test Prep offers live tutoring sessions via Skype and WebEx where you can choose to pay by the hour or in 10 or 20 hour bundles. This gives students the opportunity to have the one-on-one attention they need in order to best understand the material, which acknowledges the benefit of receiving help from a live expert, but at the convenience of a chosen time, and from anywhere in the world.
5. Time & Schedule Compliance
The course is entirely online. As long as you have access to the Internet via a desktop computer, a laptop, and most tablets and smartphones, you can access all that Target Test Prep GRE has to offer.
With a very organized and simple interface, anyone can efficiently navigate the website, easily picking up right where they left off. You can tailor a study plan from and for wherever you are, and suiting your particular schedule, without having to worry about any day-to-day conflict or obstacle.
CONS
1. Only Covers Quantitative Section of GRE
With decades of experience in GRE test prep and tutoring, experts have found that an “overwhelming majority” of students need to bolster their quantitative skills, so a verbal platform is not included, though one is currently being developed for future release.
IDEAL USER
As a “super comprehensive” online course for the quantitative section of the GRE, Target Test Preps is optimal for highly motivated, committed, and competitive students who want to master their quantitative skills.
Beginning from a customized study plan and based on the date of your GRE exam and your choice of target GRE scores, you can utilize the countless reading lessons, example & practice problems, prescribed practice tests, informative videos, equation guides, active reviews, and blog posts, in order to maximize your understanding of all 30 modules.
The dashboard interface is very organized and easily navigated. All of the content and features are organized into five sections on the dashboard, presenting you with a Home page for your learning analytics, a page to access the modules tailored for your chosen Study Plan, a Diagnostic page providing practice exams for your desired score range, and a Resources page that provides links to help you further prepare.
Their interactive course motivates you by tracking and presenting your progress and success in green and red colored charts and statistics. The same statistics are used to compare your effort and commitment to your study plan and desired score to that of other students, past and current, which helps to gauge your progress and projected GRE exam score.
Target Test Prep GRE’s quantitative course is for self-starters and self-motivators that want to achieve the highest possible score, and aren’t deterred by the unstructured, yet comprehensive approach that gives you the ultimate freedom.
CONCLUSION
Target Test Prep GRE has a large number of success stories in its short time on the market, where students honor the freedom and flexibility of accessing its online material and tutoring resources. Demanding the best effort of each student, their assurance and belief in the GRE prep course is established by both its risk-free 5 day trial, and its money-back guarantee, in which eligible students are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price of their access plan.
Target’s GRE course is a great deal for students who want to get the most bang for their buck and drastically improve their knowledge of the quantitative section. Backed by their guarantee of an improved quantitative score, Target Test Prep GRE is a solid choice for students who are serious about scoring high on the GRE.
GraduateX GRE Prepis an ideal option for test takers who are looking to gain acceptance into the graduate school of their choice. With a plethora of great options offered at an affordable price, you’re going to struggle to find a better value than this course.
With a unique path to success structure, this prep tool is designed to get you on the right track right away. A community aspect for this course really makes you feel like part of a larger group, which could be a great addition for people who like working with their peers.
PROS
1. Mobility
Many people who are preparing for the GRE aren’t able to attend classes in person. One step further, they often aren’t even able to use their laptops or desktops, as they are on the move. If you are one of these people, then the GraduateX platform is for you—the amazing mobile suite is one of the best in the industry.
If you’re taking the train to work or class and want to get in some quick studying, just open the mobile app and get going. While other courses may offer some sort of mobility and have basic smartphone applications, this option has a full offering of tools for studying on the run.
2. Collaboration
There are some people who prepare best for tests by working with other students and learning tricks and strategies through collaboration. Enter into an online classroom setting whenever you want to enjoy the best of what group study has to offer.
The community part of the test prep features a ton of user-generated questions that are answered by GraduateX experts. So, instead of waiting for hours or days for responses, which may happen with other courses, you’ll see queries answered quite quickly. Alliteration aside, this is a great feature for students who like the feel of a classroom.
3. Value
There aren’t too many expensive GRE classes, but this one really is a great value. You get a lot of functionality and tools with this course and you’re not going to be paying an arm and leg to access these benefits.
You can take this course at this own pace, wherever you need to, and you’ll have access for a year. It’s a small investment given the outstanding tools that will be at your disposal.
4. Pathway to Success
Students often like seeing their progress mapped out as they complete certain elements of a course. The GraduateX review prep is designed in a manner that takes you down a path that has different steps and progressions indicating how far along you are.
You have access to all steps at once, so you can plan out the different sections. Each individual part has a great video that comes with several explanations, as well as discussion questions from other members of your group. Visually speaking, having all of these videos compartmentalized in steps is a great way to track progress and make mental goalposts.
5. Video Content
Speaking of video content, This course has some top-notch lectures available to you for repeat watching and extensive note taking. The lectures are delivered in a manner akin to what you would see in a classroom, which is perfect for people who are in student mode.
A friendly voice delivers the lessons with great visual descriptions and everything is written out in a concise and deliberate way that is quite memorable for test takers. You can follow along easily because of the pace of the direction, as it’s designed to be as palatable as possible. Throughout the videos, you can post a discussion question to be address by your group/classmates.
6. Aesthetics
The visuals for this course are great, as it has a simple layout and nothing is too taxing on these eyes—this is very important, given the amount of time you’re going to be spending on the site. Everything is arranged with simplicity in mind, which helps you organize your thoughts and studying.
While some courses have extremely busy dashboards and front pages, GraduateX designed its prep tool to get you right to the action.
CONS
1. Simplicity
While some users may love the simplicity of the GraduateX site, others may want a little more out of their prep tool. There’s not a crazy amount of features available in this course, but that’s a plus for some people; it really depends what you want to get out of your studying.
2. No Tutoring
The group classrooms are great for people who enjoy the concept of studying in a group or in a manner that’s akin to being in school. If you’re the type who wants to get personalized direction and struggles with group settings, this isn’t the best option for you in terms of GRE studying.
Ideal User
There’s not really an ideal user for this course. It’s pretty flexible and its content allows students of all types to learn and receive the help that they need. If you’re fine with video content, this prep tool has some of the best of what’s available in this regard. The community aspect is great for other students who may want the feel of the classroom or a collaborative experience. And, the mobile content makes it great for people who are on the run and need a companion tool for times when they aren’t near a laptop or desktop.
The GraduateX review course isn’t going to wow you with any of its offerings, but it’s a solid overall choice that is perfect for many different types of students. It offers flexibility, great value, and a number of features that accommodate the wide range of people who take the GRE.
Conclusion
There are a lot of courses out there for future GRE test takers and this is one of the top options on the market. There are plenty of standard features and several unique components, making it a great value. It’s not going to set you back financially and it’s going to prepare you for success on the exam.
With a great mobile option and a unique studying path, it’s got some of the best modern design tools incorporated into the overall course. Set your sights on top graduate schools thanks to this review prep.
Includes: 1,500+ test prep questions, unique mobile applications, community course aspects, video instruction, expert strategies and test-taking tools, aesthetically pleasing design, more than 140 videos, user generated questions, and progress mapping.
Manhattan Prep GRE is one of the most comprehensive prep courses on the market. Their Strategy Guide textbooks, thousands of practice questions, and variety of course options will set students up for success on the GRE. Choose from in-person, live online, and on-demand courses, depending on you specific study requirements.
High definition videos, excellent study materials, accurate practice exams, expert instructors, and an large selection of free materials make this company a great choice for all your GRE needs.
PROS
1. Comprehensive Study Materials
Manhattan Prep’s courses give students a large number of in-depth materials for each section of the GRE. The on-demand, Guided Self-study Course gives students access to more than 27 hours of video lessons, strategy guide books for each area of the exam, ETS’ The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, and 6 excellent practice exams.
The Complete Course includes 27 hours of live classroom or live online instruction over 9 sessions in addition to all materials, books and practice exams mentioned above, giving students a well-rounded course with an impressive amount of practice material.
2. Free Resources
A number of free GRE study materials, including a full-length computer adaptive practice exam, challenge problems, flashcards, and twice-a-month online study sessions (“Mondays with Neil”), tips and study tools, are available on the Manhattan Prep GRE website. Sit in on any in-person or live online class for free to get a feel for how their instruction works and whether Manhattan Prep is right for you.
3. Variety and Flexibility
This is a great course for students who want to choose from various online and live options with the benefit of course material that comes both in print and online. Create a balanced study schedule that includes practice with the study guides, video lessons, practice exams that measure what you’ve learned, and then focus on areas that need the most improvement.
Manhattan Prep gives students the ability to study virtually anywhere. Their on-demand video lectures can be streamed live or downloaded to computers or an iPad so that you can study even if you are in an area without internet access. The high definition videos are easy to follow and taught by expert instructors.
4. Authentic Practice Tests
In addition to in-depth lessons and superior study material, Manhattan provides arguably the best practice tests on the market. The practice questions on the 6 included exams are very close to those featured on the actual GRE, and some students report that the practice tests are more challenging than the actual test, which gives students a lot of confidence on exam day.
The practice exams are section-adaptive, just like the actual GRE. This means that you are able to skip around within each section and your performance on that section determines how hard your next section will be. Each practice test includes a detailed score report that breaks down your performance on different areas of the exam. You can see the solutions and explanations for each question on the practice test to see where you went wrong – or what what you did right.
CONS
1. No Money-back Guarantee
Manhattan Prep clarifies on its site that all payments are nonrefundable and the company does not provide refunds to students for any reason.
2. No Free App
Although Manhattan Prep claims that students can study from anywhere with their versatile course, it would be better if this included being able to access the entire course from a smartphone. The only app that is available (GRE ToolKit) was designed by NKO Ventures in partnership with Manhattan Prep and includes Manhattan content (184 questions), flashcards, and games. Priced at $9.99, it would be nice if this were included in Manhattan’s course prices.
Ideal User
Manhattan Prep’s on-demand, Guided Self-Study course is ideal for students who want a flexible, self-paced program but may be short on time. Manhattan also caters to students who need the structure and accountability of a live option with their in-person or live online classes in the form of the Complete Course. Given the amount of material that is covered in the courses, official guide books, and online, this prep course is best for students who are committed to studying hard and doing their homework. Private tutoring is always an option as well, for those who need the customized support and are willing to pay the price.
Conclusion
Manhattan Prep’s wide selection of course options, authentic study materials, and incredibly accurate adaptive practice tests are the most compelling reasons to buy this program. With live and on-demand options, comprehensive materials, and specialized workshops, Manhattan has something for everyone. Most course options come with a set of study guides, access to online course material, and practice exams.
Try the free practice test and the free trial session on their website to see if this program is right for you. If you want a comprehensive prep course and quality materials, you can’t go wrong with Manhattan Prep.
1-on-1 tutoring options (in-person or online, depends on location)
27+ hours of video lessons
Daily vocabulary emails
6 full-length section-adaptive practice tests & assessment reports
Thousands of practice questions
Challenge problems
Complete set of Strategy Guides (8 books)
ETS publication: The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test
Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions
Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions
5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
Online forums for advice and support
Pricing
GRE Complete Course Price: $999 live online/$1,349 live in-person
Includes: 27 hours of live classroom or live online instruction over 9 sessions, daily vocabulary emails, unlimited advice from GRE Instructors through online forums and blogs, complete set of 8 Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides (Algebra, Fractions, Decimals & Percents, Geometry, Number Properties, Word Problems, Quantitative Comparisons & Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension & Essays, and Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence), The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, 6 full-length computer adaptive practice tests plus detailed assessment reports, on-demand class recordings for review, and challenge problems.
GRE Guided Self-Study Course Price: $499
Includes: 27+ hours of on-demand video lessons, complete set of 8 Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides (Algebra, Fractions, Decimals & Percents, Geometry, Number Properties, Word Problems, Quantitative Comparisons & Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension & Essays, and Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence), The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, 6 full-length computer adaptive practice tests plus detailed assessment reports, on-demand class recordings for review, and challenge problems.
Crunch Time Workshop Price: $79
Includes: 2 hours of live online instruction for a specific portion of the exam (e.g. Quant), question and answer session, post-workshop email support, timed and proctored set of GRE problems to simulate the real exam experience, guided review on the most effective ways to analyze your practice work, post-workshop assignments for practice on your own, and strategies for the day of the exam.
Hourly Tutoring Price: $255 per hour
Includes: Minimum of 2 hours of on-site or live online instruction with an expert tutor.
Tutoring Packages for 10-25 Hours Price: $2,450 – $5,525
Includes: In-person or online customized tutoring sessions with an expert instructor, 8 Strategy Guides, The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Official GRE Quantitative & Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems.
Barron’s GRE Prep course is a low-cost option for students looking for a more condensed online course. For one low price, Barron’s offers a diagnostic test, 25 hours of video lessons, 50 hours of video solutions, 4 full-length practice exams, and more than 3,000 practice questions. You can try the basic version of the course for free and upgrade at any time.
PROS
1. Price & Convenience
At $99, Barron’s GRE Prep course is very affordable. There is only one option, and it’s entirely online. As soon as you sign up, you can take a diagnostic test, watch video lessons and explanations, try your hand at thousands of practice questions, and take 4 full-length practice exams. A daily tracker on the course dashboard provides a countdown of how many days you have until the exam to keep you on task and motivated. You can access your study profile from your phone, computer and your tablet through the web, and Barron’s will email you personalized tips and test questions of the day if you want them.
2. Adaptive Technology
The company’s adaptive learning technology pinpoints each student’s skill level and provides a personalized road map to achieve a good score on the GRE. The learning algorithm adjusts as the software monitors your progress and current skill levels and recommends study lessons based on your performance. The software also calculates your projected GRE score as you progress through the course, while the personalized dashboard shows your most recent activity.
After you complete the diagnostic test, you can see your results broken down by section and watch solution videos for all test questions. The Skill Report features an analysis of your performance based on your diagnostic test and practice questions. Barron’s GRE recommends that students watch the ten lessons with the greatest potential for a score increase, but all lessons can be accessed at any time through the “All Topics” tab.
3. Large Number of Video Lessons, Solutions and Practice Questions
Every concept that is tested on the GRE is explained in at least one of Barron’s many video and text-based lessons. Detailed video solutions are available for all homework and test questions. Each video lesson is taught by an expert and recommended for you based on your skill profile. Videos last about 10 minutes and target a specific GRE skill. The Premium course includes 3,000 practice questions.
4. Free Trial
You can get a basic account for free for 12 months. It includes a diagnostic test, a personalized study plan, a GRE Skill Report, 6 video lessons, 1oo practice questions, and 100 video solutions. There are no full-length tests in the free course. Students can upgrade from the basic version to the premium course at any time without losing any of the data or practice work they’ve already completed, as the login and password remain the same.
CONS
1. App is only for iPad
The Barron’s GRE Prep app is only available for the iPad. User reviews are mixed in terms of its interface and functionality, and at $49.99 it is not cheap. (There is also an iPhone app called Barron’s Essential GRE Words that is not linked to the course. With that app, you can learn word lists and quiz yourself on high frequency vocabulary words.)
2. No In-Person, Live, or Tutoring Options
As we have noted, Barron’s GRE only comes in the form of an online course. There are no live, interactive sessions with tutors or instructors if you want a group experience, personalized instruction, or the structure of regular, live sessions. If you have additional questions or need a tutor to coach you, another course will probably be a better fit.
Ideal User
Given that this basic, no-frills course is only available online, it is best for self-motivated learners who are not interested in a comprehensive, time-consuming course with live options. The low cost makes it ideal for students who are relatively confident in their skills, but still want access to practice questions, video lessons and a few full-length exams while on a budget.
Conclusion
Students looking for a basic review in a self-paced online course at a great price should consider Barron’s GRE prep course. The video lessons and video explanations are dynamic and short, making it possible to fit studying for the GRE into a busy schedule.
Course diagnostics and the adaptable nature of the program provide a relatively customized approach to studying for the GRE. With more than 3,000 practice questions and 4 practice tests, this course is a bargain. Try their basic course option for free today and upgrade to the premium course if you like what you see. Their 3-day cancellation policy makes Barron’s GRE a risk-free proposition that works well as a stand-alone product or as a supplement to other prep courses on the market.
Barron’s GRE Premium Course Price: $99
Includes: 1 year of course access, Diagnostic Test, GRE Personalized Study Plan, GRE Skill Report, 4 full-length tests, 100+ video lessons, 1000+ video solutions, 3,000+ practice questions, 3-day Money Back Guarantee.
