The 10 Best GRE Prep Books
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Everyone looking into graduate school must eventually confront the GRE, the highly demanding, standardized test that has struck fear in applicants' hearts since its inception in 1949. The best way to combat the anxiety the exam causes is to ensure you are well prepared. These books offer a smorgasbord of advice, tips and tricks, and, of course, plenty of practice questions with answers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8
2. The Princeton Review Cracking the GRE
3. Official GRE Super Power Pack
Editor's Notes
June 19, 2020:
Just like with our selection of business-oriented GMAT prep books, we prioritized choices that are comprehensive, written by authorities in the field, full of study strategies, and designed to help you not only become comfortable with the material as it is presented on the exam specifically, but also capable of helping you boost your score.
The last big change the exam saw was in 2011, but that being said, we still feel it's paramount to have the most up to date information possible, and so we ensured all editions are in their most current iteration, which meant updating Kaplan GRE Prep Plus, The Princeton Review Cracking the GRE and the 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems.
We brought four new additions into the ranks today and had striking a better balance between all-in-one solutions and supplemental resources in mind when doing so. That's why you'll find 500 Essential Words, which can provide vital practice for those who have trouble with vocabulary and works really well in conjunction with nearly any prep book. It's also helpful for breaking up the monotony of studying out of a book.
We added GRE Prep by Magoosh, which takes the company's popular online prep plan and distills much of it into an easy-to-digest book with an upbeat, supportive tone. The downfall to this text is that Magoosh tends to downplay the other resources available, hoping users will rely on them alone, but any serious student should be using multiple tools when studying for the GRE.
And while the Official GRE Super Power Pack is a great all-inclusive resource, those who don't need something so intensive will still benefit from The Official Guide to the GRE, which can help orient you for the big day and provide authentic questions for practice. Finally, we added the GRE Prep Study Book, a short but sweet option that's ideal for beginners who need help getting their footing and to see where they shine for a reasonable price.
Special Honors
ETS ETS is a nonprofit group that incorporates a team of education experts, researchers, and assessment developers. They work with education institutions, businesses, and governments to conduct research and develop assessment programs, and they are the ones who set the GRE. Their website provides helpful information about the exam, including test centers and dates, ID requirements, registration, how to access official prep materials, and more. ets.org
Magoosh Magoosh is a company that offers rigorous GRE prep tailored for those who require targeted study assistance. They offer digital materials that can be accessed on a range of devices, video lessons, 1,200 practice questions, full-length practice tests, study schedules, and more. The aim is to make noticeable improvements quickly, and students score an average of 6 points higher in each section than other GRE takers. magoosh.com
4. 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
5. GRE Prep by Magoosh
6. The Official Guide to the GRE
7. 500 Essential Words
8. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus
9. GRE Prep Study Book
10. Barron's GRE 22nd Edition
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