5 best GRE preparation books and study materials

By Ben
Updated on Jul 9, 2024
5 best GRE preparation books and study materials

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The GRE is an essential part of the admissions process for many graduate programs.

Having a comprehensive study plan and access to quality GRE study materials is key to a successful score on the exam.

In this guide, we will list the different types of GRE study material and provide a comprehensive overview of the 5 best GRE preparation books available in the market today.

5 best GRE preparation books

The GRE is required for entry into a variety of graduate school programs, and it is important to approach the exam with the right study materials. To help you prepare for success on the GRE, here are five of the best GRE preparation books available. 

1. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition

The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the GRE General Test. It provides in-depth information on the format of the exam, the types of questions, and the scoring system. It also includes two full-length practice tests to help students prepare for the actual exam.

In addition to the practice tests, the guide includes a comprehensive math review, covering topics such as fractions, decimals, algebra, geometry, and statistics. The verbal review covers topics such as reading comprehension, sentence completion, analogies, and critical reasoning. The guide also includes a detailed overview of the analytical writing section of the exam.

It also includes helpful tips for test-takers, such as test-taking strategies, ways to manage test anxiety, and other resources that can help boost scores.

Also Read: Improve GRE Reading Comprehension

2. Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides

Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides is a comprehensive set of guides written by top Manhattan Prep instructors to help students prepare for the GRE. The set includes eight comprehensive strategy guides, each focusing on a different component of the GRE.

  • The first guide in the set is Introduction to the GRE, which provides an overview of the test, its scoring system, and tips for preparing for the exam.
  • The second guide, Math Strategies, provides strategies for mastering the Quantitative Reasoning and Math sections of the test.
  • The third guide, Verbal Strategies, focuses on the Verbal Reasoning and Writing sections.
  • The fourth guide, Analytical Writing Strategies, provides strategies for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE.
  • The fifth guide, Reading Comprehension Strategies, focuses on the Reading Comprehension section.
  • The sixth guide, Test-Taking Strategies, provides strategies to help students manage their time and approach the test strategically.
  • The seventh guide, Vocabulary Strategies, focuses on learning and using GRE-level vocabulary.
  • Finally, the eighth guide, Practice Sets, provides sample questions and practice tests to help students prepare for the exam.

3. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025

Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2023 is a comprehensive online prep program that covers all aspects of the exam, including math, verbal, and writing, as well as test-taking strategies and practice questions. The program is designed to help students understand the exam, develop their skills, and boost their confidence.

The program begins with a comprehensive diagnostic test, which helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses. From there, students can customize their study plan by choosing from various topics and practice tests. There is also a personalized study schedule that helps students manage their time and focus on specific areas that need improvement.

Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2023 also includes a number of additional features, such as on-demand video lessons, practice questions, and practice tests. The program also includes a variety of online resources, such as study guides, flashcards, and more that can be accessed anytime and help students review key concepts and practice their skills.

4. GRE Prep by Magoosh

The Magoosh GRE prep course covers all the topics you need to know to do well on the exam. These include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Research. The course is broken down into four main components:

  • Video Lessons: The course includes over 200 video lessons, covering all the topics you need to know for the exam. The videos are organized into chapters, each broken down into smaller lessons.
  • Practice Questions: Magoosh offers thousands of practice questions, ranging from easy to difficult, to help you prepare for the exam. The questions are organized into difficulty levels and topics, so you can focus on the areas where you need the most help.
  • Practice Tests: Magoosh offers four full-length practice tests, each including an answer key and detailed explanations. This is a great way to get a sense of how you’ll do on the actual exam.
  • Flashcards: Magoosh also provides a set of over 500 flashcards, which are organized into different topics. This is a great way to review and reinforce the concepts you’ve learned in the video lessons.

5. Manhattan Prep's 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems

Manhattan Prep's 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is a comprehensive study resource created by Manhattan Prep, a popular test-prep company. The book includes over 1,800 real GRE questions from the official test maker, ETS, and thousands of additional practice problems written by Manhattan Prep’s GRE experts.

The book is organized into nine chapters, each dedicated to an area of the exam. Each chapter includes a diagnostic quiz to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a variety of practice questions covering topics like algebra, geometry, data analysis, and text completion.

The book also features a variety of bonus materials, including a math formula sheet, a glossary of GRE terms, and a section on common GRE test-taking strategies. The bonus materials are designed to help you better prepare for the exam.

Also Read: Comparison between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test

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Other GRE study materials

GRE study materials include a variety of resources designed to help students prepare for the exam. These materials include official study guides, practice tests, online resources, and more.

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1. Official study guides

The most comprehensive study material for the GRE is the official study guide. This guide is published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization responsible for administering the GRE. It includes practice questions, test-taking tips, and other study advice. 

2. Practice tests

Practice tests provide a great way for students to become familiar with the types of questions they will face on the GRE. These tests provide a realistic simulation of the actual exam, allowing students to see how they would perform if they were taking the actual exam.

3. Books

There are a variety of books available to help students prepare for the GRE. These books contain practice questions, detailed explanations of topics, and strategies for success on the exam.

Also Read: GRE Quantitative Books

4. Online resources

There are a variety of online resources available for GRE preparation. Students can find practice questions, study tips, and other helpful information. Many websites also offer online classes, which provide an interactive, personalized way to prepare for the test.

5. Flashcards

Flashcards are an effective tool for studying for the GRE. Students can use flashcards to review key concepts and test their knowledge quickly. They can be used to review difficult vocabulary words, math equations, and other topics covered on the exam.

6. Online courses

Online courses are a great way to get an overview of the GRE, including tips and strategies for taking the test. These courses offer practice tests, video lessons, and personalized feedback. They also provide detailed explanations of specific types of questions and how to approach them.

7. Mobile apps

There are several apps available for students to use to prepare for the GRE. These apps typically include practice tests, tutorials, and flashcards.

Also read: Apps for GRE Preparation

8. Tutoring services

Tutoring services are an excellent way to prepare for the GRE. They provide personalized attention and guidance from a professional knowledgeable about the exam and can help you identify areas of weakness and develop strategies for success.

These are just a few of the resources available for GRE preparation. By utilizing the different GRE study materials available, those taking the GRE can better prepare themselves for the exam.

The GRE is a challenging test that requires a lot of dedication and hard work to do well on. With the right study materials and a commitment to studying and preparing, you can confidently approach the exam. The wide variety of GRE study materials available ensures that you can find something that is tailored to your needs and that will help you be successful on the test.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the 5 best books for GRE preparation books?

The five best GRE preparation books available are The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition, Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides, Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2023, GRE Prep by Magoosh, and Manhattan Prep's 5 lb.

2. What do the eight comprehensive strategy guides in Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides focus on?

The eight comprehensive strategy guides in Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides focus on a different component of the GRE. For example, the first guide provides an overview of the test and its scoring system, the second guide provides strategies for mastering the Quantitative Reasoning and Math sections of the test, and the third guide, Verbal Strategies, focuses on Verbal Reasoning and Writing sections.

3. What does the GRE Prep by Magoosh cover?

The Magoosh GRE prep course covers all of the topics (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Research) that you need to know to do well on the exam. The course is broken down into four main components: video lessons, practice questions, practice tests, and flashcards.

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