If you’re gearing up for the GRE, you’ve probably come across The Princeton Review more than once during your research. Founded in 1981, this test prep company has built a reputation over four decades of helping students tackle standardized exams—and their GRE program is no exception.
But is it the right choice for you? That depends on your learning style, budget, and score goals. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Princeton Review’s GRE prep offerings so you can make an informed decision about your graduate school journey.
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Understanding the New Shorter GRE Format
Before diving into Princeton Review’s offerings, it helps to understand what you’re actually preparing for. The GRE underwent significant changes in September 2023, which affect how you should approach your prep.
The current GRE clocks in at just under two hours—about half the length of the previous version, which ran close to four hours. ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization behind the GRE, made these changes to reduce test-taker fatigue while maintaining the exam’s rigor.
Here’s what the new format looks like:
- Total duration: 1 hour and 58 minutes
- Analytical Writing: One essay (the Argument essay was eliminated)
- Verbal Reasoning: 27 questions across two sections
- Quantitative Reasoning: 27 questions across two sections
- No unscored experimental section
- No 10-minute break
The scoring scale hasn’t changed—you’ll still receive scores from 130-170 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing. However, with fewer questions, each one carries more weight toward your final score. This means accuracy matters more than ever.
Princeton Review has fully updated its curriculum to address these changes, focusing heavily on time management and strategic approaches that work well in the condensed format.
What Princeton Review GRE Offers
The Princeton Review offers several GRE prep options designed to suit different learning preferences, schedules, and budgets. Their approach emphasizes what they call “cracking the test”—identifying patterns, shortcuts, and common traps that appear on the GRE.
Self-Paced Course
This is Princeton Review’s most affordable online option, typically priced around $500 (though discounts frequently bring it closer to $400). The self-paced course includes:
- 24+ hours of video instruction
- 470+ adaptive drills
- 3,500+ practice questions
- 8 full-length, computer-adaptive practice tests
- 120 days of access to the online student portal
- DrillSmart adaptive technology
The self-paced option works well for motivated students who prefer to set their own schedules and don’t necessarily need live interaction with instructors.
GRE 10 Points+ Course
Priced at around $899 (often available for around $600 with promotions), this course includes everything in the self-paced option, plus a score improvement guarantee. Princeton Review promises your score will increase by at least 10 points—or you get your money back.
The 10 Points+ course offers structured learning paths based on 30, 60, or 90-day syllabi, helping students stay on track with their preparation. To qualify for the guarantee, you’ll need to complete 30+ hours of video lessons, 470+ drills, and five practice tests.
GRE Fundamentals Course
At roughly $1,199, this course adds live instruction to the mix. You’ll get 24 hours of structured live classes, split into 8 3-hour sessions. The Fundamentals course includes a score improvement guarantee (though it doesn’t specify a point increase like the 10 Points+ option).
This format suits students who thrive with scheduled accountability and benefit from real-time interaction with instructors.
GRE 162+ Course
This is Princeton Review’s premium offering at approximately $2,399. The 162+ course is designed for students aiming for top-tier scores—specifically, 162 or higher on both Verbal and Quantitative sections.
What sets this course apart:
- Physical prep books included (162+ Quant Manual and 162+ Verbal Manual)
- Extensive live class hours
- Score guarantee: If your starting score is 156+ on both sections, Princeton Review guarantees you’ll hit 162. If you’re starting below 156, they guarantee at least a 6-point improvement.
The 162+ course is ideal for students targeting highly competitive graduate programs where top scores can make a meaningful difference in admissions decisions.
Key Features That Set Princeton Review Apart
DrillSmart Adaptive Technology
One of Princeton Review’s standout features is their DrillSmart system—an adaptive practice engine that adjusts question difficulty based on your performance. As you answer questions, the system serves up problems slightly more challenging or easier than the last, keeping you in what educators call the “zone of proximal development.”
This approach mimics the actual adaptive nature of the GRE, where the difficulty of your second section depends on how you performed on the first. Training with adaptive technology helps your brain adjust to increasing difficulty under test conditions.
Practice Tests
Princeton Review offers eight full-length, computer-adaptive practice tests—more than most competitors provide. These tests replicate the look, feel, and adaptive behavior of the actual GRE, giving you a realistic preparation experience.
After each practice test, you receive detailed score reports that break down your performance by topic, question type, and time spent. This level of analytics helps you identify precisely where to focus your remaining study time.
Video Instruction Quality
Princeton Review’s video lessons feature on-camera instructors using digital whiteboards that dynamically update with text, notes, and graphics. Instructors frequently draw on what appears to be a transparent glass surface between themselves and the viewer, making problem-solving feel more engaging and interactive.
Many of these video lessons include embedded quiz questions, so you’re actively participating rather than passively watching.
Score Guarantees
All Princeton Review GRE courses come with some form of score guarantee. If your score doesn’t improve after completing the course and meeting all requirements, you can either get your money back or repeat the course for free.
The requirements typically include completing all assigned practice tests, attending all live sessions (if applicable), and taking the official GRE within a specified timeframe. Always read the fine print to understand exactly what you need to do to qualify.
What Makes a Good GRE Score?
Understanding score benchmarks helps you set realistic goals and choose the right prep intensity. According to ETS data from 2023-2024, average GRE scores fall around:
- Verbal Reasoning: 151-152
- Quantitative Reasoning: 157-158
- Analytical Writing: 3.5-3.65
However, “average” isn’t necessarily your target. Graduate programs have vastly different expectations depending on the field and the competitiveness of the school.
For context:
- Top-tier programs (highly competitive schools in any field): Generally expect scores of 320+ combined, with many admitted students scoring 325+
- Competitive programs: Typically look for combined scores in the 315-320 range
- Less competitive programs: Combined scores around 310 may be sufficient
Your target should also account for your intended field. STEM programs tend to weight Quantitative scores more heavily, while humanities and social science programs often prioritize Verbal scores.If you’re pursuing a master’s degree in a competitive field, researching the average GRE scores of admitted students at your target schools gives you the most accurate picture of where you need to land.
Pros and Cons of Princeton Review GRE Prep
What Works Well
Comprehensive content: Princeton Review covers all GRE topics thoroughly, with clear explanations of both fundamental concepts and advanced strategies.
Adaptive technology: The DrillSmart system and adaptive practice tests provide realistic preparation that other courses don’t always match.
Strong score guarantees: The 10 Points+ and 162+ guarantees are among the most aggressive in the industry, offering real accountability.
Multiple format options: Whether you prefer self-paced study, live classes, or private tutoring, there’s an option that fits your learning style.
Shorter GRE optimization: The Princeton Review has updated all materials to reflect the new test format, with a particular emphasis on accuracy and time-management strategies.
Potential Drawbacks
Higher price point: Princeton Review courses cost more than budget alternatives like Magoosh or Achievable. The self-paced course starts around $500, while premium options run into the thousands.
No physical books with self-paced courses: Unlike the 162+ course, the self-paced and 10 Points+ options don’t include printed prep materials. If you learn better with physical books, you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Guarantee requirements: The score guarantees come with specific requirements—you must complete all assigned work and take the official test within certain timeframes. Missing any requirement voids the guarantee.
Quality control concerns: Some reviews note occasional typos or mismatched answers in practice materials, though these instances appear to be relatively rare.
Who Should Consider Princeton Review?
Princeton Review’s GRE prep tends to work best for students who:
- Need structure and accountability: The live courses and scheduled syllabi keep you on track.
- Are aiming for top scores: The 162+ course specifically targets competitive program requirements.
- Prefer video-based learning: The high-quality video instruction suits visual and auditory learners.
- Want a score guarantee: The money-back promises provide peace of mind.
- Have a realistic budget: These courses represent a significant investment, but one that may pay off through graduate school scholarships and admissions to competitive programs.
Students on tighter budgets might consider more affordable alternatives, though they may sacrifice some features and support.
Comparing Princeton Review to Alternatives
The GRE prep market includes several well-known competitors, each with different strengths:
Kaplan: Similar price range to Princeton Review, with strong video lessons and daily live streaming sessions through their GRE Channel. Kaplan tends to be $50-$200 cheaper than comparable Princeton Review courses.
Manhattan Prep: Known for rigorous content, particularly for Quantitative sections. No score guarantee offered.
Magoosh: Budget-friendly option with solid content at a fraction of the cost (typically under $200). Fewer practice tests and no live instruction.
Achievable: Another affordable alternative with strong adaptive technology and a high number of practice tests.
Your choice ultimately depends on how you learn best, what you can afford, and how much score improvement you need.
Tips for Making the Most of Princeton Review
If you decide Princeton Review is right for you, here’s how to maximize your investment:
- Take the initial diagnostic seriously: Your baseline score determines which study path the system recommends and establishes the starting point for any score guarantee.
- Follow the suggested syllabus: whether you’re on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan, stick to the schedule. Cramming undermines the spaced repetition that builds lasting knowledge.
- Review every wrong answer: The detailed explanations are one of Princeton Review’s strengths. Don’t just note that you got a question wrong—understand why.
- Simulate test conditions: Take practice tests in one sitting, without distractions, at the same time of day you’ll take the actual GRE.
- Use the adaptive drills regularly: DrillSmart works best when you engage with it consistently, not just in occasional marathon sessions.
- Don’t neglect Analytical Writing: While many students focus on the multiple-choice sections, the essay score matters for many graduate programs—especially in humanities and social sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for the GRE with Princeton Review?
Most students need 2-3 months of consistent preparation to see meaningful score improvements. The Princeton Review offers 30-, 60-, and 90-day study plans. The right timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and the amount of time you can dedicate daily.
Is Princeton Review better than Kaplan for GRE prep?
Can Princeton Review really improve my GRE score by 10 points?
Does Princeton Review work for the shorter GRE format?
Are Princeton Review’s practice tests realistic?
Is Princeton Review worth it for a 320+ target score?
Final Thoughts
The Princeton Review has spent over 40 years refining its approach to standardized test preparation, and its GRE program reflects that experience. The combination of adaptive technology, comprehensive content, quality video instruction, and meaningful score guarantees makes them a strong contender for serious GRE prep.
That said, the higher price point means this isn’t the right choice for everyone. Budget-conscious students may find comparable results with less expensive alternatives, especially if they’re highly self-motivated.
Before committing, consider taking Princeton Review’s free practice test or attending a free strategy session. These give you a feel for their teaching style and help you assess whether their approach matches how you learn best.
Whatever you choose, remember that the GRE is just one component of your graduate school application. A strong GRE score opens doors, but so do compelling personal statements, relevant experience, and solid recommendation letters. Invest appropriately in each element, and you’ll be well-positioned for the programs that matter most to you.
This article was last updated in December 2025 to reflect the most current course offerings and the shorter GRE format. Pricing and features may change; always verify current details on Princeton Review’s official website.