7 Most Effective GRE Study Courses That’ll Boost Your Score Fast

Getting ready for the GRE can feel like a big task.

You might wonder where to start and how to make the most of your study time.

Don’t worry – there are lots of great courses out there to help you get on track.

A desk with open books, a laptop, and study materials.</p><p>Flashcards and notes scattered around.</p><p>Bright light illuminates the organized chaos

The right GRE prep course can boost your scores and help you feel more confident on test day. In this article, we’ll look at seven of the best GRE study courses.

These options can fit different budgets, schedules, and learning styles.

Whether you like self-paced learning or live classes, there’s something here for you.

1) Manhattan Prep GRE Course

A stack of seven GRE study books with the Manhattan Prep logo on the cover, surrounded by study materials and a laptop

Looking to ace the GRE? The Manhattan Prep GRE course might be just what you need.

It’s a top pick for many students aiming for high scores.

This course offers both live and on-demand options.

You can choose what fits your schedule best.

The live classes cost around $1,399 to $1,599, while the on-demand courses range from $299 to $499.

What makes Manhattan Prep stand out? They focus on quality teaching and materials.

Their instructors know their stuff and can help you tackle tough GRE questions.

The course includes lots of practice problems.

You’ll spend most of your time solving questions, not just reading about them.

This hands-on approach helps you learn faster.

Manhattan Prep also gives you tools to track your progress.

You can see where you’re improving and where you need more work.

This helps you study smarter, not just harder.

2) Kaplan GRE Prep

Looking for a solid GRE prep option? Kaplan’s GRE courses might be just what you need.

They offer a variety of study packages to fit different learning styles and budgets.

Kaplan’s online GRE prep course is packed with features.

You’ll get access to live online classes, tons of practice questions, and full-length practice tests.

These tests mimic the real GRE, helping you get comfortable with the format.

One cool thing about Kaplan is their GRE Channel.

It’s like having a personal tutor at your fingertips.

You can watch live or on-demand lessons on specific topics you’re struggling with.

Need more personalized help? Kaplan offers one-on-one tutoring too.

You can choose how many hours you want, from 10 to 40.

Your tutor will tailor the lessons to your needs.

Kaplan’s prep materials are known for being comprehensive.

Their lessons cover all the bases, from math skills to verbal reasoning.

Plus, you’ll learn test-taking strategies to boost your score.

3) Magoosh GRE Study Program

Want a budget-friendly GRE prep option? Check out the Magoosh GRE Study Program.

It’s known for being easy on your wallet and packed with helpful stuff.

You get tons of practice questions and video lessons.

These cover all the main GRE topics.

The videos are short and to the point, making them easy to follow.

Magoosh offers a mobile app too.

This lets you study on the go.

You can squeeze in quick practice sessions whenever you have a few free minutes.

One cool thing about Magoosh is their score prediction.

As you practice, they guess what you might get on the real test.

This can help you track your progress.

They also give you 6 months of access.

That’s plenty of time to prepare at your own pace.

Plus, they offer a score improvement guarantee.

If you don’t boost your score, you can get your money back.

Magoosh might not be as fancy as some other options.

But it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Many students have found success with it.

4) Princeton Review GRE Prep

Princeton Review offers solid GRE prep options.

Their GRE Fundamentals course is a popular choice for many students.

You’ll get access to practice questions that mirror the real GRE.

This helps you feel ready for test day.

The course uses smart tech to adapt to your needs.

If you’re aiming for a top score, check out their GRE 162+ course.

It’s designed for those who want to ace the exam.

Princeton Review’s courses come with expert instructors.

They can help explain tricky concepts and share test-taking tips.

You can choose between online classes or self-paced study.

This flexibility lets you pick what works best for your schedule.

While not the cheapest option, many students find the investment worth it.

The courses often come with score improvement guarantees.

5) ETS GRE PowerPrep

A desk with open books, a laptop, and study materials for GRE preparation

Want to practice with the real deal? ETS PowerPrep is your go-to for authentic GRE experience.

It’s made by the same folks who create the actual test.

You get two free practice tests that mirror the real GRE.

These tests adapt to your performance, just like the real thing.

You’ll see how the computer-based format works and get familiar with the types of questions.

For a few bucks more, you can grab PowerPrep Plus.

It gives you three extra full-length tests with more features.

You’ll get detailed explanations for each question and a breakdown of your performance.

The downside? PowerPrep doesn’t offer much in terms of study strategies or content review.

It’s mostly about practice tests.

But hey, practice makes perfect, right?

If you want more guidance, check out the Official GRE Mentor Course.

It’s pricier but includes tons of practice questions and skill-building content.

6) Target Test Prep GRE

A desk with open books, a laptop, and study materials scattered around.</p><p>A clock on the wall shows the time

Target Test Prep GRE is a solid choice for boosting your quant skills.

This online course focuses heavily on math, which is great if numbers aren’t your strong suit.

The program uses a step-by-step approach.

You’ll start with the basics and work your way up to tougher concepts.

This makes it easier to grasp tricky math topics.

One cool thing about Target Test Prep is their score guarantee.

If your GRE score doesn’t go up after finishing the course, you can keep using it for free.

The course is 100% online, so you can study whenever and wherever you want.

It’s flexible for busy schedules.

Target Test Prep offers different packages to fit your needs.

You can choose from monthly subscriptions or longer plans.

The prices range from $149 per month to $399 for six months.

If you want extra help, they also have a course with live classes for $999.

This could be good if you learn better with teacher support.

7) GREedge Course

A stack of GREedge Course 7 study materials with a laptop open to the website, surrounded by pencils and highlighters on a desk

GREedge offers a unique approach to GRE prep.

You get two trainers who analyze your performance and help you improve.

The course includes lots of practice tests.

This can help you get used to the GRE format and timing.

If you’re struggling with math, GREedge might be a good fit.

They focus on finding where you’re losing marks and helping you improve those areas.

Some students find the math material a bit basic.

If you’re already good at quant, you might want a more advanced course.

GREedge costs more than some other options.

But the personalized help could be worth it if you need extra support.

Before you sign up, check out some reviews.

Some students love the course, while others prefer different options.

Understanding GRE Study Courses

A desk with open books, notes, and a laptop.</p><p>Highlighters and pens scattered around.</p><p>A stack of GRE study guides and flashcards

GRE prep courses help you get ready for the big test.

They give you tools and tricks to do better on each part of the exam.

What to Expect from GRE Prep Courses

Most GRE courses cover the same basic stuff.

You’ll get practice tests, study guides, and video lessons.

Some even have live online classes.

Magoosh offers video lessons and practice tests.

You can watch tutorials for tricky questions and see how you’re doing.

Kaplan is another popular choice.

They have lots of practice questions and full-length tests.

Many courses also give you tips on time management.

This is super helpful since the GRE is timed.

The Importance of a Structured Study Plan

Having a plan is key to doing well on the GRE.

A good study course will help you make one.

Achievable is known for its well-organized study plans.

They break down the material into bite-sized chunks.

Your plan should cover all parts of the test: verbal, math, and writing.

It’s smart to focus more on areas where you need extra help.

Set aside regular study times.

Even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

Try to study at the same time each day to build a habit.

How to Choose the Right Course

A desk with 7 different GRE study course materials laid out, each with distinct covers and study materials

Picking the best GRE prep course for you takes some careful thought.

You’ll want to look at what each course offers and how much it costs.

Let’s break down the key things to think about.

Evaluating Course Content and Features

When checking out GRE courses, look at what they include.

Do they have practice tests that feel like the real thing? Magoosh gives you lots of practice questions to work on.

See if the course explains answers clearly.

Look for video lessons too.

Some courses, like Kaplan, have teachers who scored really high on the GRE.

This can be super helpful.

Check if the course fits how you like to learn.

Do you want live classes or recorded ones you can watch anytime? The Princeton Review offers both options.

Comparing Price and Flexibility

GRE courses can cost different amounts.

In-person classes are usually more expensive than online courses.

Some online courses start at $200, while classroom courses can go up to $2000.

Think about how long you get access to the course.

Some let you study for months, others for just a few weeks. Achievable is known for giving good value for money.

Look for courses that fit your schedule.

Can you pause your subscription if you need a break? Some courses even let you retake classes if you need to.

This can be super helpful if you’re busy with work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions

A stack of 7 GRE study course books with a "Frequently Asked Questions" header

Many students have questions about GRE prep courses.

Let’s look at some common ones to help you find the best study materials.

What are the top-rated GRE prep courses available right now?

Manhattan Prep and Kaplan are often at the top of the list.

These courses offer comprehensive study plans and lots of practice materials.

Princeton Review is another popular choice.

They’re known for their detailed explanations and score improvement guarantee.

Which online GRE prep platform offers the best practice materials?

Magoosh is a fan favorite for practice questions.

They have over 1,000 practice problems with video explanations for each one.

The ETS PowerPrep is also great.

It’s made by the same folks who create the real GRE, so the practice feels very authentic.

Where can I find a comprehensive GRE study course that’s totally free?

Totally free and comprehensive don’t usually go together for GRE prep.

But Khan Academy offers free math lessons that cover many GRE topics.

ETS also provides some free practice materials on their website.

While not a full course, it’s a good starting point.

Are there any GRE prep books that most high scorers recommend?

The Official GRE Super Power Pack is a top pick.

It’s published by ETS and includes real test questions.

Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb.

Book of GRE Practice Problems is another favorite.

It’s packed with practice questions across all GRE topics.

How do people typically rate Magoosh for GRE prep compared to others?

Magoosh gets high marks for its affordability and flexibility.

Users love the mobile app and video lessons.

Compared to pricier options like Kaplan or Manhattan Prep, Magoosh is seen as great value for money.

Can you suggest any GRE courses that have helped students nail a high score?

Manhattan Prep has a strong track record of helping students achieve high scores.

Their instructors themselves score in the 99th percentile.

Princeton Review also boasts impressive score improvements.

They offer a 162+ score guarantee on their GRE 162+ course.