Planning to take the Graduate Record Examination? You’re joining roughly 256,000 test-takers who sat for the GRE in the 2023-2024 testing year. The right GRE study materials can make the difference between a mediocre score and one that opens doors to your dream graduate program. This guide breaks down everything you need—from official resources to budget-friendly apps—so you can build a prep strategy that actually works.
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Understanding the GRE Before You Start Studying
Before diving into GRE study materials, it helps to know what you’re up against. ETS (Educational Testing Service) overhauled the GRE in September 2023, shortening the test from nearly four hours to about 1 hour and 58 minutes. The exam now consists of three sections: Analytical Writing (one essay), Verbal Reasoning (two sections with 12 questions each), and Quantitative Reasoning (two sections with 14 questions each).
The scoring structure remains the same—Verbal and Quantitative scores range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, while Analytical Writing scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. According to ETS data from the 2023-2024 testing year, the average Verbal Reasoning score sits around 151, while the average Quantitative Reasoning score hovers near 158. The average Analytical Writing score is 3.5.
Quick Stats from Recent ETS Reports:
- 256,215 test-takers worldwide in the 2023-2024 testing year
- India leads in test-taker volume, followed by the United States and China
- 78% of all GRE test-takers are under age 25
- Top 1% scores typically fall between 330-340
Official ETS Study Materials: The Gold Standard
Here’s something most test-prep veterans agree on: nothing beats official materials. ETS employs trained psychometricians who spend considerable time crafting questions that accurately measure verbal and quantitative reasoning abilities. Third-party publishers simply cannot replicate this level of precision, no matter how hard they try.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test (4th Edition)
This is the cornerstone of any serious GRE prep plan. Written by ETS, it includes hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations, two full-length paper practice tests, and access to two additional online practice tests. The tone isn’t particularly friendly—it reads like what it is, a test prep manual—but the quality of the questions makes it invaluable.
Official GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Practice Books
ETS publishes separate volumes for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, each containing 150 practice questions not found in the main guide. If you’re targeting a specific weakness, these offer targeted practice straight from the source.
The Official GRE Super Power Pack
This bundle combines the main guide with both Verbal and Quantitative practice volumes at a discounted price. It’s essentially everything official in one package.
Free POWERPREP Practice Tests
ETS provides two free POWERPREP Online practice tests that simulate the actual GRE experience, including the adaptive testing format, on-screen calculator, and exact timing. These are gold—save them for later in your prep when you’re ready to assess where you stand. There’s also an untimed version if you want to focus purely on accuracy without time pressure.
Beyond the free tests, ETS offers three paid POWERPREP PLUS practice tests ($39.95 each) that include score reports, answer explanations, and essay scoring. Many test-takers consider these worth the investment since they provide the most accurate score predictions available.
Top Third-Party Prep Books Worth Your Time
While official materials should form your foundation, several third-party publishers offer solid supplementary resources. The key is being strategic—use them to reinforce weak areas, not as primary study tools.
Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
This beast of a book contains over 1,500 practice problems organized by topic and difficulty level. What makes it stand out is the sheer volume of practice available in print form. The explanations are somewhat lighter than competitors’, but the question quality is consistently high. It now includes online access to additional drills and mixed timed sets for pacing practice.
Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025
Kaplan’s offering includes more than 1,500 practice questions, five full-length online practice tests in a computer-based format, and access to their online platform with video lessons and customizable study plans. The quantity is impressive for the price point (around $23), though some experts note that Kaplan questions don’t always match ETS-level precision.
Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep
The Princeton Review provides a good balance of content review and test-taking strategies. Their latest edition includes seven practice tests, detailed subject reviews, and tips that go beyond just answering questions. The book also touches broadly on graduate school admissions, which some applicants find helpful.
Barron’s GRE (21st Edition)
Now in its 21st edition, Barron’s GRE offers comprehensive coverage of all test sections with model tests and answer keys. Buyers get free access to online courses, practice questions, and video tutorials. It’s a solid all-around resource, though some find the difficulty level slightly easier than the actual exam.
Online GRE Prep Courses: Structured Learning Options
If you prefer guided instruction over self-study, online courses provide structure, accountability, and expert guidance. Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, and the right choice depends on your learning style and target score.
Magoosh
Magoosh has carved out a reputation as the affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. For around $179 (6-month access), you get 290+ video lessons, over 1,600 practice questions with detailed explanations, three full-length practice tests, and a score predictor. They also offer official ETS questions licensed directly from the test maker—a rarity among third-party providers.
What sets Magoosh apart is accessibility. The entire course works on any device, and their mobile apps let you squeeze in studying during commutes or lunch breaks. They also offer a +5 point score improvement guarantee—if your score doesn’t increase by at least 5 points after completing the course, you get your money back.
Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep sits at the premium end of the spectrum, with self-paced courses priced from $299 to $499 and live classes priced up to $1,850. Their GRE Interact course uses an adaptive approach built around difficulty levels—you tackle modules in increasing difficulty until you’ve mastered each topic.
The quality is undeniably high. Video lessons are well-produced, and the curriculum is rigorous. For students who need live instruction and accountability, their GRE for MBA course includes 27 hours of live class time. The downside? No score guarantee, and the price tag puts it out of reach for many test-takers.
GregMat
GregMat has become something of a cult favorite among GRE prep communities. For a remarkably low monthly subscription, you get access to practice materials plus at least 10 interactive live classes each week. The model combines self-study flexibility with live instruction guidance, making it arguably the best value available.
The instructor, Greg, is focused primarily on GRE prep rather than covering multiple exams, which means highly specialized content. The trade-off is that practice questions are self-produced rather than official, so they carry the same accuracy risks as other third-party materials.
Target Test Prep
Target Test Prep offers a self-study package similar to Magoosh at comparable prices. They’ve also added “TTP LiveTeach” with 40 hours of seminar-style video instruction for those wanting more guidance. Their adaptive learning platform adjusts to your performance, focusing your practice where it’s needed most.
Vocabulary Resources: Building Your Word Power
Strong vocabulary remains crucial for GRE Verbal success. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions frequently test words that many native English speakers don’t encounter in everyday life. The good news? Vocabulary is highly learnable with consistent effort.
Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards (Free)
This free app contains 1,500 vocabulary words selected by GRE expert Chris Lele, who has been teaching the test for over a decade. Words are organized by difficulty level, and a spaced repetition algorithm ensures you review challenging words more frequently. The app works offline and syncs across devices.
Manhattan Prep 500 Essential Words
Available in physical flashcard form or as a digital set, this set focuses on high-frequency GRE words with definitions, usage notes, and related words. The etymology information helps many learners remember words more effectively.
Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards + App
Kaplan’s set includes 500 flashcards with synonyms, pronunciation keys, and example sentences. The accompanying app lets you study digitally when carrying physical cards isn’t practical.
ETS/Brainscape Digital Flashcards
ETS partners with Brainscape to offer 1,600+ vocabulary practice questions using a scientifically optimized study algorithm. The 6-month access runs $50, which is discounted from Brainscape’s regular pricing.
Vince Kotchian’s GRE Vocab Cartoons App
This app takes a different approach—each of the 1,300+ vocabulary words comes with an illustrated cartoon and mnemonic story. For visual learners, these quirky images can make words stick far better than rote memorization. Reviews consistently praise the app for making vocabulary study actually enjoyable.
Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Studying
Your phone can become a powerful study tool with the right apps. These work best for vocabulary building, quick practice sessions, and reinforcing concepts during downtime.
- Magoosh GRE Prep: Full course access, including video lessons on mobile
- Manhattan Prep GRE: Practice problems and drills from their comprehensive course
- Kaplan GRE Prep: 1,500+ practice questions, flashcards, and 300+ video lessons
- GRE Daily Vocabulary: 1,000+ words with audio pronunciations, works offline
- Ready4GRE: Adaptive practice that adjusts to your skill level
- GRE Vocab Flashcards 2025: 2,500+ words across three difficulty levels with quizzes
Pro tip: Use vocabulary apps during micro-moments—waiting in line, on public transit, or during commercial breaks. Even five minutes of daily practice adds up significantly over weeks of preparation.
Free Resources You Shouldn’t Overlook
Budget constraints shouldn’t prevent quality GRE preparation. Several excellent resources cost nothing:
- ETS POWERPREP Preview Tool: Free overview of question types and test structure
- Two free POWERPREP Online practice tests: Most accurate practice available
- ETS GRE Mini Quiz: Quick 10-question assessment to see what you’re facing
- Magoosh GRE Blog: Extensive free articles on strategies, question types, and study plans
- Magoosh Free Study Schedules: Detailed 1-month to 6-month plans available without purchase
- Khan Academy: While not GRE-specific, excellent for math concept review
Prep Club for GRE (formerly GRE Prep Club): Active forum with free practice questions and community support
Creating Your Study Timeline
How long should you study for the GRE? According to ETS research, most test-takers prepare for 1 to 3 months. However, your ideal timeline depends on several factors: your baseline score, target score, available study time, and how long it’s been since you last did academic math or extensive reading.
Quick Guidelines:
- 1-2 months: Appropriate if you’re close to your target score or have strong foundational skills. Requires intensive daily study—expect 2-3 hours per day.
- 2-3 months: The sweet spot for most test-takers. Allows time to learn content, practice strategies, and take multiple practice tests. Around 1-2 hours daily.
- 3-6 months: Recommended if you need significant score improvement, haven’t studied math in years, or can only dedicate weekend time to prep.
As Kaplan notes, hitting your target score typically takes somewhere between 50 and 200 hours total, depending on your starting point and how efficiently you study. The key is consistency—studying five days per week for 90 minutes beats cramming all weekend.
Sample Study Plan Structure:
- Week 1: Take a diagnostic practice test to establish your baseline. Identify weak areas.
- Weeks 2-4 (Content Phase): Focus 70% on learning concepts and strategies, 30% on practice questions. Start vocabulary daily.
- Weeks 5-8 (Practice Phase): Flip to 70% practice questions, 30% concept review. Take timed section practice.
- Final 2 weeks: Full-length practice tests, review mistakes, light practice. Save official POWERPREP tests for this phase.
Putting It All Together: A Recommended Approach
With so many options available, here’s a practical framework for choosing materials:
Essential (everyone should have):
- The Official Guide to the GRE General Test
- Free ETS POWERPREP practice tests
- A vocabulary app (Magoosh flashcards are free and excellent)
Recommended additions:
- Official GRE Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning books (based on weak areas)
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book for additional practice volume
- One paid POWERPREP PLUS test for an accurate score prediction
If you need structured guidance:
- Magoosh course (best value for most students)
- Manhattan Prep (if budget allows and you want premium quality)
- GregMat (best value with live instruction)
Remember: the best materials are the ones you’ll actually use consistently. An expensive course gathering digital dust helps no one. Choose resources that match your learning style, budget, and schedule—then commit to using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I study for the GRE?
Most test-takers prepare for 1 to 3 months, with total study time ranging from 50 to 200 hours depending on starting point and target score. ETS research confirms this timeframe works for the majority of students. Plan to study consistently—daily or near-daily sessions are more effective than weekend cramming.
Q: Are third-party practice tests as good as official ones?
Q: What’s a good GRE score for graduate school?
Q: Can I prepare for the GRE for free?
Q: Should I take a prep course or self-study?
Q: How many vocabulary words do I need to learn?
Q: When should I take my first practice test?
Q: Is the new, shorter GRE easier than the old version?
Sources: ETS GRE Score Interpretation Resources; A Snapshot of the Individuals Who Took the GRE® General Test July 2019–June 2024; Magoosh GRE Blog; Kaplan Test Prep; Manhattan Prep; Princeton Review; Menlo Coaching GRE Resources.