The 10 Best GRE Test Prep Companies
What's the Best GRE Prep Service Online?
It's a critical question, because if you're headed to graduate school, then the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an infamous hurdle that you'll have to deal with one way or another. The GRE test plays a significant role in the admissions process for many graduate programs. It serves as a standardized measure that allows universities to assess applicants' academic readiness and potential to succeed in advanced studies.
For institutions, the GRE provides an objective tool to differentiate among applicants, especially when faced with a large pool of candidates. It helps in predicting how well students might perform in their initial year of graduate school, offering insight into their cognitive abilities and analytical thinking. Moreover, the GRE can assist in awarding merit-based scholarships, helping to allocate financial aid to deserving students.
Wednesday, September 11th
2024 GRE Test Prep Company Reviews
Magoosh
Where other online-test prep costs many hundreds of dollars for time-consuming courses covering a huge amount of materials, Magoosh offers a balanced, reasonably priced, and high-quality GRE test prep product. As the only GRE prep on our list with official GRE content, and with an encouraging +5 score guarantee, Magoosh has earned high marks and the top spot on our list for its economically-priced, high-quality materials.
Target Test Prep
Target Test Prep is one of the best GRE test prep values on our list. With robust study materials combined with data-driven analysis and customizable study plans, there really is something for everyone here. While their tutors cost more than the average, their self-led and live-online offerings are comparably priced to competitors. Target Test Prep is extremely well-rounded and could be the perfect choice if you want an all-in-one site for GRE test prep.
Achievable
Founded by Silicon Valley investors experienced with Google and video game marketing, Achievable sought to fill a gap in the market by applying adaptive learning techniques from language-learning apps to test preparation services. While primarily marketed towards test prep in the financial and business sectors, Achievable's intuitive tools have some excellent GRE prep, whose science-based, AI-customized learning and review schedules have earned them a second-place finish on our list.
Manhattan Prep
With its roots in high-end Manhattan-based tutoring, Manhattan Prep was purchased by Kaplan in 2009, and since then has acted as a high-quality tutoring-focused subsidiary of Kaplan. While undeniably expensive, if you have the budget allocated for premier test prep, then Manhattan Prep's highly-rated (and competitively paid) tutors could be an excellent choice for your GRE studies.
Kaplan
As one of the largest test prep companies out there, Kaplan is well known for their increasingly-expensive tiers of test prep plans. While Kaplan is certainly pricey, and has a respectable volume of GRE test prep material, they are not necessarily the best option for every student. If you need a heavily-structured online experience, or feel you could benefit from a classroom or tutor, then Kaplan is well worth your consideration. Otherwise, we think you would likely be better served through a combination of free materials, high-rated self-led GRE test prep, and individual study aids.
Prep Scholar
Prep Scholar is one of the cheapest offerings on our list, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best. Though the amount of GRE test prep resources they provide for the price is respectable, they ultimately provide fewer practice tests and less support than competitors. If that doesn't bother you, and you just need some structured strategies and lessons for cheap, then Prep Scholar could very well be a good pick.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is infamous for their advertisements that seem to follow you everywhere (and we think they should be infamous for their terribly-designed website as well). That being said, The Princeton Review's offerings are par-for-the-course for GRE test prep, and are slightly overpriced for the live-online classes you receive. While there is certainly nothing wrong with their tutoring, live-online, and self lead classes, this company is slightly outclassed on most metrics by competitors on our list.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a well-regarded tutoring service known for reasonably priced one-on-one tutoring. When it comes to the GRE however, their offerings range far beyond tutoring alone. Keep in mind that - according to employee reviews - Varsity Tutors tends to rely on tutors paid in the $15-$20/hour range, even as they charge $50-$100 for tutoring. In addition to hiding their tutoring prices behind a "consultation" (read: call with a sales rep trained to pressure you into a purchase), their self-study and live-online courses are rather average, and as such we generally do not recommend Varsity Tutors for the GRE.
GRE Max
GREmax is a subsidiary arm of Testmax, and offers GRE test prep tutoring integrated with their proprietary app. However, GREmax offers almost no information as to the qualifications of their tutors, their general GRE prep philosophies, or anything on the preparatory material they integrate into their tutoring services. As GREmax charges a premium for poorly-detailed services, we cannot recommend them for your GRE test prep.
Peterson's
Not necessarily specializing in any form of test prep, Peterson's earns most of its business through strategic partnerships with the U.S. military and ex-service members. For better or worse, their materials are not top-notch, and not the best value for their price. So unless you are receiving some form of military discount or referral, we don't recommend Peterson's for your GRE test prep.
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The GRE consists of three key components: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These components collectively evaluate an applicant's cognitive abilities, communication skills, and analytical prowess. Such a comprehensive assessment is crucial in identifying candidates who possess the skills necessary for advanced academic work. By incorporating both quantitative and qualitative aspects, the GRE offers a well-rounded perspective on an applicant's intellectual capabilities, and offers a common benchmark for comparing candidates from various academic backgrounds and cultures.
Many institutions allocate scholarships to outstanding students as a way to incentivize excellence and attract top talent. GRE scores can play a pivotal role in awarding these scholarships, as they offer a quantifiable measure of an applicant's potential contribution to the academic community. High GRE scores can bolster an applicant's eligibility for financial assistance, making higher education more accessible to deserving individuals.
As it stands, the GRE continues to play a pivotal role in many graduate school admissions. With that in mind, the following factors can help you evaluate GRE preparation plans to achieve the highest score possible:
- Cost: Paying for GRE test prep services can range from affordable to very expensive. Personalized instruction and tutoring can focus on specific problem areas that you've identified, but this tailored approach may cost more than you want to spend. Self-paced learning systems are more affordable, but are more generalized and rely on your dedication to study on your own.
- Score guarantees: Many GRE test prep companies offer score guarantees but place significant caveats around actually getting a refund through that guarantee. Usually it will include restrictions around setting a baseline score (you have to have already taken an official GRE or a proctored facsimile), and completion of all course materials (which is sometimes made artificially difficult). In short, be sure to read the fine print.
- Time: Be honest with yourself about how much time you have to study. Many students start out by purchasing pricey test-prep packages, and then find themselves overwhelmed with the amount of work. Take stock of your schedule, and choose a mixture of free resources, self-lead test-prep, or time-intensive live-online/tutored classes accordingly.
Top Consumer Reviews has done the preliminary research for you, so if you're going to be taking the GRE, and are overwhelmed by the high price and bold claims of most test-prep options, don't worry. We've found the best, most highly rated, and most economical GRE test prep options for your consideration. Before you begin studying, take a moment to browse our curated list, and find the GRE prep that best suits your budget and your needs.
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