GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations. This is a standardized test required by many graduate schools in the US and Canada. The scores that a student receives on their GRE test play a role in whether or not they are accepted into a potential graduate program. Sometimes the GRE is taken multiple times until a satisfactory score is received.

What subjects are included in the GRE test?

The GRE tests students on critical thinking, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. An individual score is given for verbal reasoning (130-170), quantitative reasoning (130-170), and analytical writing (0-6). The test questions consist of multiple choice, numeric entry, and essay writing.

How long is the GRE test?

There are six total sections on the GRE exam. It usually takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test from beginning to end. For verbal reasoning there are two 30-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. For quantitative reasoning there are two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. The third section is analytical writing with two separately-timed tasks. One asks you to analyze an issue and one asks you to analyze an argument. After the third section, there is an optional 10-minute break for test-takers to get refocused for the remainder of the exam. You may be asked to complete an unscored, research section at the end of the test.

How long should I study for the GRE?

Most people would agree that you can't cram for the GRE. If you do, you'll likely get an unsatisfactory score that reflects how little effort you put in. It is recommended that you heavily study for at least 4-12 weeks before attempting the GRE. Many test prep courses are designed to help you study over the course of a year, to make sure you are familiar with the material and are able to obtain a high score on your first try.

How much does it cost to take the GRE?

The cost for the GRE test can vary slightly year to year. Most recently, the fee was $213 for test-takers within the United States. If you are signed up to take the GRE and need to reschedule, you'll pay a fee of approximately $50 to have the exam administered at another time.

How much does it cost to use a GRE test prep service?

Many GRE test prep services offer some free resources to get you started with your studies. For tutoring services or monthly subscriptions to books, practice tests, flash cards and more, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $2,000. Some of the most expensive courses include access to materials for a year or more and usually guarantee a certain test score. They include everything you need to succeed and feel confident when you take the GRE.

What types of study resources do GRE test prep services provide?

Not all test prep services offer the same study materials for the GRE. You'll find a mix of resources like practice tests, one-on-one tutoring, practice essay questions, vocabulary flashcards, diagnostic tests, strategy sessions, and more. The tools that you need to get a good score on the GRE are readily available through many different GRE test prep services.

How often can I take the GRE?

If you are unhappy with your GRE score, you can retake it every 21 days. However, you are only allowed to take it 5 times within a period of 12 months. Taking the test multiple times will not hurt your chances of getting into graduate school, since you can choose to only submit your highest score.

Best GRE Test Prep Companies for November 2025

Item: The Best GRE Test Prep Companies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, November 10th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 GRE Test Prep Company Reviews

What's the Best GRE Prep Service Online? If grad school is on your radar, the GRE might be, too. The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test used by many graduate and business schools as part of their admissions process. And while more programs are going test-optional, a strong GRE score can still work in your favor - especially if you're trying to offset a lower GPA, win merit-based funding, or prove you're ready for an academically intense program. Whether you're eyeing a master's degree, a Ph.D., or even a specialized MBA, the GRE gives schools one more way to compare applicants - and offers you one more opportunity to stand out.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Magoosh

290+ instructional videos
1,600+ GRE-style practice problems
Up to six full-length practice exams with official GRE content

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Magoosh website

Magoosh is the smart, budget-friendly choice for self-driven GRE prep. It bundles official GRE content, expert video lessons, mobile access, and reliable analytics at a price a fraction of larger platforms. If you don't need tutoring or live classes, this is a top-tier option that delivers value well beyond its cost. Magoosh remains #1 on our list of GRE prep services.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Target Test Prep

Score Guarantee: free re-enrollment if you meet criteria and don't improve
5-day all-access free trial
Used by nearly 200,000 students

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GREAT

4.5

On the Target Test Prep website

Target Test Prep takes a smart, personalized approach to GRE prep, offering data-driven tools, AI-powered analytics, and thousands of practice questions to help you target exactly where you need to improve. Whether you want to go solo, join live classes, or work one-on-one with a tutor, TTP gives you a well-structured path toward your best GRE score. It's not the cheapest option, but it's one of the most thorough.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Greg MAT

10+ weekly live GRE classes + full archive of recorded sessions
1-month and 2-month structured study plans
Nearly 1,000 GRE practice problems

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GREAT

4.4

On the Greg MAT website

GregMAT is your best bet if you're prepping for the GRE on a budget. At just $7.99/month, it delivers more live lessons, drills, and tests than most low-cost rivals - and keeps the experience friendly, structured, and effective. And, at just $50/hour, you won't find less expensive tutoring anywhere else. GregMAT might not have the flashiest interface or official ETS PowerPrep tests built in, but for first-time GRE-takers looking for serious value and solid training, it's an almost unbeatable pick.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Kaplan

180+ hours of instruction and practice with most course options
4-13 full-length, computer-based GRE practice exams, depending on package
2,500+ question Qbank with detailed explanations and custom quizzes

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Kaplan website

Kaplan's GRE prep is a polished, all-in-one platform loaded with practice tests and questions, structured tools to help you stay on track, and live classes plus tutoring if you need them (and can afford it). It's ideal if you want expert guidance and don't mind paying more for premium features. Just be aware that Kaplan's score guarantees only come with the highest-tier package.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Prep Scholar

2,100+ adaptive GRE practice questions
72 interactive lessons based on your diagnostic
300-question GRE vocab course

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GOOD

3.5

On the Prep Scholar website

PrepScholar's GRE course is a budget-friendly option that gives you structure, personalized study plans, and over 2,100 adaptive practice questions - all for just $38 a year. It's a great fit if you're self-motivated and don't need much hands-on support. You'll get a score improvement guarantee and access to official ETS practice tests, but the platform doesn't offer tutoring or a way to ask questions, which makes it feel a little light compared to their other test prep programs. Check out competitor GRE prep services first, but don't hesitate to use PrepScholar if the price is right for what you need.

3.4

GOOD

Good

The Princeton Review

8 full-length practice tests with adaptive scoring
3,000+ practice questions
DrillSmart technology for personalized practice

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GOOD

3.4

On the The Princeton Review website

The Princeton Review offers reliable, structured GRE prep with a big-name reputation and plenty of practice tools. You can choose from flexible self-paced options or intensive live classes, all backed by money-back guarantees - as long as you meet the fine-print requirements. While it's not the most high-tech platform out there, The Princeton Review is a solid choice if you want a traditional prep experience with proven results.

3.3

GOOD

Good

Achievable

Adaptive learning: proprietary spaced-repetition system to optimize review timing
Online textbook of clear, well-organized GRE content with no fluff
Practice questions are randomized and unlimited, with 200+ quant templates and 30+ verbal sections

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GOOD

3.3

On the Achievable website

Achievable is a quiz-based GRE prep platform that's best for fast-paced, independent learners. You get adaptive learning, unlimited practice, and instant AI essay feedback - but no full-length tests, expert support, or tutoring. It's an efficient tool, but a bit light if you need anything beyond the basics. Still, at $199 for a full year of access, Achievable earns its better-than-average rating from us on affordability alone.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Varsity Tutors

Custom-built GRE study plans based on your timeline and goals
One-on-one tutoring with top-tier instructors (only 10% make the cut)
Free mobile app ("Ace") that recommends daily study tasks

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Varsity Tutors website

Varsity Tutors has some great instructors and a flexible tutoring model for GRE prep, but it's weighed down by unclear pricing, broken tools, and fine-print policies. You'll get solid one-on-one instruction, but only if you're willing to call in, ask the right questions, and monitor your subscription closely. At the end of the day, Varsity Tutors is a just-okay option in a market full of much more transparent GRE prep alternatives.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Peterson's

3 full-length GRE practice tests
1 diagnostic test
55 practice questions with detailed answer explanations

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WEAK

1.5

On the Peterson's website

Peterson's GRE prep might look like a budget-friendly option, but it doesn't offer much beyond the low price. You get a few full-length tests, just 55 practice questions, and some live tutoring time if you commit to a longer plan - but the content feels generic and limited. There's no guarantee your tutor knows the GRE inside and out, and the company has a poor reputation for customer service. If you're serious about improving your score on the GRE, there are much better options out there than Peterson's.

1.0

POOR

Poor

GRE Max

One-on-one GRE tutoring via phone or video
Flexible scheduling and the option to switch tutors
Tutoring sessions integrated with the GREMax mobile app

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the GRE Max website

GREMax is a tutoring-only platform with sky-high prices and almost no supporting materials. You won't get practice questions, full-length exams, or any kind of study tools - just video or phone calls with a tutor whose credentials still aren't clearly listed. The company doesn't share in detail how sessions are structured or what makes their approach unique, and there's very little customer feedback to go on. For thousands of dollars, you should expect a lot more than this. Pass on GREMax and go with one of the prep platforms higher on our list.

Continued from above...

What's the Best GRE Prep Service Online?

If grad school is on your radar, the GRE might be, too. The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test used by many graduate and business schools as part of their admissions process. And while more programs are going test-optional, a strong GRE score can still work in your favor - especially if you're trying to offset a lower GPA, win merit-based funding, or prove you're ready for an academically intense program. Whether you're eyeing a master's degree, a Ph.D., or even a specialized MBA, the GRE gives schools one more way to compare applicants - and offers you one more opportunity to stand out.

The GRE is divided into three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. You'll also see an unscored or research section, which doesn't count toward your score but is used by ETS (the test-maker) to try out future questions. While that part is unpredictable, the rest of the test is very structured, and that's where GRE prep services can make a big difference. If it's been a while since you tackled geometry proofs or vocabulary in context, you're not the only one - and you don't have to go it alone, either.

GRE prep courses, tutoring, and study platforms come in all shapes and sizes. You'll find intensive programs that run like college classes, apps that help you build skills on the go, and self-paced courses with video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice exams. Some platforms use adaptive learning technology to target your weak spots, while others give you a weekly schedule to follow. No matter what your learning style or timeline looks like, there's likely a GRE prep service that fits.

If you're someone who learns best with structure and accountability, a live or instructor-led course might be the right move. These kinds of GRE prep platforms offer both in-person and online classes with expert instructors, homework assignments, and regular check-ins to keep you on track. Prefer to study on your own time? Look for self-paced programs that you can access anytime, anywhere. Most of the time, you'll still get video lessons, practice questions, and score analytics - you just don't have to show up to class. And if you're aiming for a top-tier score or trying to overcome a particular weak area, private tutoring may be worth the investment. Some companies offer one-on-one sessions either as a standalone service or as part of a course bundle. It costs more, but it's often the fastest way to see improvement.

Not sure where to start? When comparing GRE prep services, consider these criteria:

Format and flexibility. Do you want live classes, on-demand lessons, or a mix of both?
Practice resources. How many full-length tests, question banks, and review tools are included?
Personalization. Does the course adapt to your strengths and weaknesses or offer a custom study plan?
Instructor access. Can you get help from real teachers or tutors when you're stuck?
Cost and guarantees. What's the price point, and is there a score improvement guarantee or refund policy?

To help you build confidence and improve your skills on the GRE, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular prep platforms. And while no course can guarantee a perfect score, the right one can absolutely help you walk into test day feeling ready to do your absolute best. Good luck on your grad school goals!