Tuesday, January 14th
2025 GRE Test Prep Company Reviews
Manhattan Prep
- On-demand course access at $299 for 1 month, $399 for 3 months, and $499 for 6 months
- GRE for MBA course at $1,599
- On-demand + 10 hours private tutoring for $2,450
- Highly-regarded test prep books and flashcards
- Free trial classes offered
Founded in 2000 as a boutique tutoring service for the Manhattan area, Manhattan Prep was purchased by Kaplan in 2009, and has been offering high-quality online, live-online, and one-on-one tutoring services since. With their main claim-to-fame being their highly qualified tutors and instructors, here's what you'll get with Manhattan Prep.
Pricey on-demand courses
Manhattan Prep's on-demand course is run through the proprietary "interact” system. In essence, the system amounts to a series of interactive video lessons. Your cost will depend on the time you need to prepare, and ranges from the following:
- $299 for 1 month
- $399 for 3 months
- and $499 for 6 months
These lessons are appended with flashcards and "GRE-like” quizzes. Manhattan Prep's on-demand course also includes 6 GRE practice tests, 77 interactive video lessons, and video explanations for difficult problems.
Video lessons may not be worth the extra $
While potentially high-quality, Manhattan prep's integration of video lessons and quizzes in a proprietary format does not seem to justify their higher price tag when compared to competitors. That being said, we appreciate the fact that they offer free trial classes for curious students.
MBA-focused and tutor-centered GRE prep offered
Manhattan Prep's live-online classes and tutoring services are quite competitive. As of this review, Manhattan Prep was offering a $1,599 MBA focused live-online GRE summer course that included 9 live sessions with a focus on the GRE, in addition to the previously detailed "interact” system, and all of Manhattan Prep's highly-regarded GRE prep books. Manhattan Prep's tutoring services start at $2,450, and include everything in the on-demand plan, in addition to 10 hours of one-on-one tutoring, and a personalized instruction plan built by your tutor.
Highly qualified instructors
Manhattan Prep's competitive edge lies primarily in the high quality of their instructors, with all instructors having scored in the 99th percentile of the GRE, and completing a rigorous selection process in order to be able to tutor: of the 205 candidates who passed Manhattan Prep's first screening, only 11 were hired. As these tutors/instructors are very well compensated (in the range of $100/hour), and with the ability to add to/modify the received Manhattan prep curriculum, you can be assured of being matched with a high-quality, motivated tutor, with both the freedom to lead and modify their curriculum, and the support of a large test prep company.
A difficult-to-use website
We should note here that Manhattan Prep's website is rather poorly designed, and as the navigation bar frequently pops up over whatever it is the viewer is trying to read, it makes the experience of navigating the website a frustrating experience overall. That being said, their poor website does not overshadow their genuinely high-quality tutoring and instructors.
Well-reviewed materials
Manhattan Prep has an "A” with the Better Business Bureau, though they are not BBB accredited. Customer reviews on GRE study forums tend to highly praise both Manhattan Prep's course offerings, and their independently offered subject-focused GRE study books. So if the online course itself is a bit out of budget, it could be well worth your time to investigate their prep book offerings, which cost $32 for their GRE practice problems, $89.99 for their math and verbal strategies set, and $21 for their vocabulary flashcards. While customer reviews trend positive, keep in mind that Manhattan Prep has no refund policy or score guarantee, meaning all purchases are final.
Excellent for classroom and tutoring, average self-led prep
Manhattan Prep's on-demand courses are not a good option for the independent learner, or the GRE student on a budget, as similar services offer a comparable product for significantly less. However, for those willing to pay a bit extra, their tutors are some of the highest quality offered through major test prep corporations. In addition, their independently-sold test preparation books and flashcards can be an excellent fit into any study plan, and are well worth your consideration even if you do not purchase their other online GRE prep plans.
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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.
GRE Test Prep Company FAQ
Continued from above...
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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