Top 7 GRE Prep Resources for a High Score (Books and Online Tools)

Introduction

Unlock your potential with The GRE Grip! Studying for the GRE is hard work, and it always helps to have the best study materials at your disposal. Whether you’re looking for a high score GRE plan, or seeking out the best GRE prep books and best GRE online resources, this guide gives you a list of the top GRE prep resources to help prepare you for the test as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Why Choosing the Right GRE Prep Resources Matters

The GRE test, as it is more commonly known, is a test used in admissions decisions, and many graduate schools require it as a part of their admission process. And with components for testing Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, this prep guide is critical. Studying with reputable GRE prep resources does more than increase confidence; it implies complete control of the test content, question types, and test-taking strategies.

Statistics to support this.

Here are the stats and case studies backing up why it’s important to pick the best GRE prep books:

• More On Score Improvement: Those who purchase the official ETS materials and test prep books score 7-10 points higher on their GRE vs. those who relied solely on free or random GRE prep resources, according to 2024 GRE test data.(Source: ETS Official Report 2024)
• Students who use adaptive GRE prep online courses with custom lessons report six times more score improvement above their significantly higher percent improvement when compared to students who use just books to prepare for the GRE.
• The statistics from ETS and GMAC state that GRE takers, who use a combination of Official ETS Guides, quality prep books, and online systems are 30% more hopeful to achieve a competitive score (320+) than those who rely on a single type of resource. (source: magoosh.com )

Top 7 GRE Prep Resources for a High Score

1. Official Guide to the GRE General Test (4th Edition) by ETS

The most official prep book is the Official Guide to the GRE General Test built by the ETS — the organization that actually administers the GRE. Featuring real GRE questions in the book and on the CD, this edition of Endorsed by ETS contains real GRE tests sourced directly from the maker of the test!

• Includes hundreds of actual test questions.
• Detailed answers and explanations in the same format as the official GRE.
• Familiarizes students with the format and timing of the exam.

It is a must-have GRE test prep tool for success in the GRE examination.

2. Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems

For more challenging practice, the Manhattan Prep 5 lb. The Book of GRE Practice Problems is an essential GRE prep resources for students of any level who are preparing for the GRE revised General Exam. With 2,000 practice questions and 1,400 test questions you will get plenty to practice with! Perfect for students aiming to study concepts extensively and improve their analytical skills.

• Extensive practice with detailed explanations.
• Everything is covered from question types to difficulty level.
• May sound weak, and sub-par.

This book is highly recommended for students who want a top score in their GRE based on mastering their quant and verbal challenges.

3. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025

Kaplan has an integrated prep book that combines content review with online resources such as practice tests and flashcards.

• Merges strategy with review, practice, and drills.
• Online adaptive tools follow students’ progress.
• Provides vocabulary building with Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards.

Kaplan’s resources are great for on-the-go students, or those who want options when it comes to studying materials in the best GRE Books and GRE Online tools.

4. Magoosh Online GRE Prep Platform

Magoosh GRE Magoosh is an online service that offers video lessons and practice questions with step-by-step solutions.

• Extensive SCORE Analysis And Full-length Practice Tests.
• Flashcards for more than 1000 words in the GRE Vocabulary.
• Desktop and Mobile devices study friendly interfaces.

Magoosh is great for students who want a quality digital only prep solution with supportive statistics for high score GRE prep.

5. Target Test Prep Online Course

On top of this, TTP is well known for providing superior strategy lessons, an endless number of practice problems, and cutting-edge, AI-driven personal tutoring.

• Your score is guaranteed to improve with our comprehensive Q&V mastery.
• AI Tutor with lesson summaries, custom recommendations and test-taking tips.
• Tens of thousands of realistic practice questions with detailed explanations.

TTP is the top rated GMAT course for serious students that want to take the fast path to a 700+ score through tailored study and 1-on-1 coaching.

6. ETS Powerprep Online Practice Tests

ETS offers the official, free online GRE tools known as Powerprep Tests — official full-length, timed, computer-based practice test that includes the real test experience.

• Provides hands-on experience interacting with the GRE.
• Features calculator and flagging functions as on the test day.
• Good for practicing test stamina and time management skills.

These are a must for anyone who is serious about high score GRE prep and mastering the GRE exam format.

7. Khan Academy GRE Math and Verbal Preparation

Khan Academy Not geared specifically at the GRE, but Khan Academy still features very strong content for math and verbal reasoning in the GRE overall.

• High quality videos and practice exercises available for free.
• Personalized advice using ETS topic mapping.
• Great tool for practicing core math and reading skills.

GRE Test Prep with Khan Academy Khan Academy helps prepare for the GRE by reinforcing foundational skills, especially for individuals seeking to build their math or verbal foundation.

How to Use These GRE Prep Resources Effectively

• Begin with a diagnostic test such as the ETS Powerprep or Manhattan GRE Practice Test to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses.
• Practice with official ETS GRE prep resources for real test conditions and real test practice.
• Drill concepts using Manhattan Prep and Kaplan books.
• Use Magoosh or Target Test Prep online software for interactivity, analytics and a customized study plan.
• Supplement with a little Khan Academy practice to brush up on foundational skills.
• Adding daily vocab practice with flash cards from Kaplan or Magoosh.
• Take at least several full length practice exams – I would encourage you to take another three or four.

How should I adapt my study plan in the final two weeks before the GRE

For the last 2 weeks Leading up to the GRE, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re customizing the way that you study in a very targeted and deliberate way, in order to extract the maximum points possible:

1. Shift to Full-Length Practice Tests

It’s best to focus on taking at least two to three full-length, timed practice tests under test day like experience. This will aid you to develop the stamina required, work on your pacing, and relieve test-day anxiety by making you comfortable with the format and timing of the exam.

2. Analyze and Review Mistakes Thoroughly

After each practice test, go over each mistake and misunderstanding. Check some explanations and make a list of weak areas that keep coming up. “Focus on the how and why mistakes were made so you don’t make them again.

3. Focus on High-Yield Topics & Strategies

Focus on GRE testing areas that come up often and where you have made mistakes before. Focus on strategic test-taking skills like educated guessing, time management and question triage—knowing when to abandon a challenging question to score better, overall.

4. Limit Learning New Content

Do not teach them completely new and tricky concepts during this time, as last minute learning can lead to confusion. Instead, strengthen and hone what you already know by focused practice and review.

5. Practice Relaxation and Mental Readiness

Include stress-relief methods, such as meditation, slow breathing, or gentle movement (like walking) to remain calm and centered. Now more than ever, proper sleep and a good meal are crucial to trying to perform at one’s best on test morning.

6. Simulate Test Day Conditions

Simulate your GRE day schedule when taking practice tests, including breaks and timing of the test. This familiarizes you with the test taking experience and builds trust and confidence in the test format, thus easing the stress during the real examination. By adjusting your study schedule to emphasize full practice, error review, scoring strategy, and psychological readiness during these final two weeks, you can walk into the GRE testing center poised to score at your best.

Additional Tips for High Score GRE Preparation

1. Create a Personalized Study Plan

A well thought but practical study plan which is in tune with your target GRE score must be outlined. Breaking preparation into stages — foundation building, skill-building, refinement — is something experts recommend, too. A typical study period is 2-4 months, with studies scheduled each day for 1-3 hours (varies depending on baseline score and schedule).

2. Start with a Diagnostic Test

“Sending all students to take an official practice test early reveals strengths and weaknesses immediately. This baseline drives efficient studying, focusing more time and energy on the most challenging material, rather than wasting study hours on topics already mastered. Frequent revision and re-evaluation in the next mocks will help to monitor progress and modify the study as per one’s needs.

3. Leverage Quality GRE Prep Resources

Practice with an assortment of official ETS guides, the best prep books, and adaptive online resources, complete with personalized feedback and analytics. These materials simulate the official test environment, provide explanations for difficult questions, and allow tracking of progress to ensure that study time is used most effectively.

4. Build Vocabulary Contextually

Replace rote memorization with learning new words by reading difficult materials — think of academic journals, newspapers like The Economist or GRE-specific vocab apps. Contextual vocabulary comprehension leads to better retention and application on text-based questions, such as sentence equivalence and text completion. So in short, to get a high GRE score, you need to follow a smart, individualized, disciplined approach to manage both your stock of skills and your state of mind. By following these expert-approved tips, you can not only boost your preparedness but also build your confidence to dominate test day.  

Challenges and Benefits of GRE Preparation: A Balanced View

Preparing for the GRE comes with its own unique set of challenges and benefits. Understanding both aspects can help test-takers approach the exam more strategically and stay motivated throughout their study journey.

Challenges of GRE Preparation

1. Wide Range of Skills Tested: The GRE requires a wide mix of skills, from a large and varied vocabulary needed to take on its Verbal Reasoning section to quantitative problem solving and analytical writing. This variety results in a lack of clear-cut preparation that most students can easily do across all sections, particularly if they have a feeling that they are weak in math or reading.
2. Time Management and Duration: The GRE is a long test that clocks in around 3 hours and 45 minutes. It can be tough to keep your head in the game during the test. A lot of kids who can’t boost their test endurance with good ol’ fashioned timed practice see scores that go bad because they either get fatigued or end up giving rushed answers.
3. Complex Question Wording: GRE questions are frequently phrased in cryptic or bizarre fashion, requiring upper-level critical thinking. It can really mess with test-takers even when they understand the concepts, resulting in them making careless errors or interpreting things incorrectly.
4. High Vocab Requirement: The verbal stem has difficult and sometimes unfamiliar words that are in high degree of demand for rote memorization and usage practice, which to many can be overwhelming, particularly in the case of ESL students.
5. GRE Prep with a Busy Lifestyle: multiple test takers balance their test preparation with full-time jobs, schools, or duties. Finding time and keeping to a study routine can be a significant obstacle.

Benefits of GRE Preparation

1. Cross-sectional Skill Building: GRE prep fosters not just GRE-specific competencies, but general analytical thinking, skills in analytical writing, vocabulary, and quantitative reasoning—all of which are useful well beyond graduate school.
2. Opportunity to Graduate from Top Graduate Programs: The higher a GRE score, the more likely a person can gain admission, and even a scholarship, to some elite institutions, so all the time and studying spent preparing definitely pays off.
3. Personal Development and Discipline: Getting ready for the GRE Diego Schtutman as a discipline will develop time management and critical reasoning skills. These skills are not only valuable for candidates to succeed in their exams, but also give value to the individuals elsewhere, as they provide a significant advantage in academic and professional fronts.
4. Adaptive Learning and Feedback: GRE online resources offer Instant feedback, personalized recommendations, and individualized study plans. This allows for targeted learning that, on average, provides 5 times better quality preparedness than other offers on the market.
5. Practice Test Simulations: The official materials and computer based tests take students through the exam format and settings, reducing the anxiety and surprises that can be a factor on test day.

How Gateway International Helps for GRE Preparation and Studying Abroad

Personalized GRE Preparation Guidance Gateway International offers expert advice that will allow you to identify the best GRE prep materials – books, online resources, and courses – to suit your study style and target scores. Mentors create personalized study schedules that allow students to study productively. Quality study material and resources available to the students Through partnerships and experience, Gateway International leads students to GRE materials of the highest quality (including official ETS books, adaptive online platforms and practice tests) to ensure access to best-in-class GRE prep resources as they prepare. Teaching test strategy and time management Students learn about GRE test-taking tips, time management techniques, and strategies to manage test stress, enabling them to become more confident test takers who use their time more efficiently during the test. University and Program Shortlisting Gateway International helps students narrow down suitable graduate programs across the globe by pooling together GRE scores, academic and career preferences, and mapping out test prep plans to application strategies. Application and Documentation Support Apart from the GRE preparation, Gateway International provides comprehensive support through the entire application process, paperwork, SOP/LOI drafting, and Interview preparation, making the overall process more relaxed for the aspiring student’s study abroad pathway. Ongoing Motivation and Mentorship Seamless encouragement As a testament of our belief in the power of consistent motivation, Gateway International advises throughout prep and applications, sending out regular pep notes and useful tips for facing issues.

Student Questions and Answers about GRE Preparation

Q1: How much time does it take to prepare for the GRE for a high score? A: ETS says about 4-6 months of preparation are needed, but people who do well on the GRE tend to prepare for 2-3 months and go hard (2-3 hours a day). The secret is regular, focused study with high quality materials and practice tests to monitor progress. Q2: What is the right way to build my GRE vocabulary? A: Never mug up vocabulary, Go through GRE word lists, flash cards and read some articles or journals to know the meaning of the words. Apps such as Magoosh and Kaplan also come with well-curated vocab resources. Use of these words in exercises will help you remember how to use the words on the job. Q3: If I’m not pleased with my GRE score, can I take the GRE again? A: Yes, you can retake the GRE no sooner than once every 21 days, and you can take it up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. A lot of test-takers bump up their scores on a second try with more focused prep after identifying their weak areas on prior tests. Q4: How adaptive is the GRE and what does it mean for my preparation? A: The GRE is section-adaptive, so how you do on the first verbal and math sections decides how hard the next sections will be. Early success counts toward the entire exam, so preparing for more difficult questions early and focusing on fundamental concepts is imperative.

Quiz

Question 1: Which official GRE prep resources provides real GRE test questions and is considered the most authentic prep material? a) Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems b) Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS c) Magoosh Online GRE Prep d) Kaplan GRE Prep Plus Answer: b) Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS Question 2: What is the recommended study approach during the last two weeks before the GRE? a) Learn lots of new concepts b) Focus on full-length practice tests and error review c) Only study vocabulary d) Skip practice tests and relax only Answer: b) Focus on full-length practice tests and error review Question 3: Which of these is not a common challenge faced in GRE preparation? a) Diverse skills tested (verbal, math, writing) b) Managing time for preparation alongside other commitments c) Adaptive test question difficulty d) No official prep resources available Answer: d) No official prep resources available  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About GRE Prep Resources

What are the best GRE preparation books to score 320+ on the GRE? The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS, Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, and Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025 are the best books to prepare for high scores and complete preparation for the GRE. Do online GRE prep tools work? Platforms such as Magoosh and Target Test Prep can provide interactive practice, customized study tools and comprehensive performance metrics that would help with better learning and results, particularly when aiming for 320+ scores. Are free resources enough for GRE preparation? Yes, ETS Powerprep online tests and Khan Academy offer helpful free materials at a minimum to help build familiarity with the test and drill in fundamentals. How much should I split between books and online tools? Books are best for thorough concepts reading and lots of practice and online tools for personalized practice, fast feedback, daily learning and analytics to track your progress. Combining both ensures well-rounded preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right GRE prep materials is crucial to high score GRE prep success. Using official materials such as ETS Official Guide and Powerprep tests with more comprehensive prep books like Manhattan Prep and Kaplan gives the best of both worlds in terms of authenticity and depth of content mastery. Supplementing these with creative GRE online resources such as Magoosh and Target Test Prep that offer personalized study schedules, thorough reporting, and interactive learning experiences that respond to a user’s individual needs. Achieving success on the GRE doesn’t only involve diligence, but, more importantly, it also involves intelligent prep, with the best GRE books, effective GRE online tools, and old-fashioned, real, quality practice materials that resemble the real exam.

Abhinav Jain / About Author

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist. At Gateway, we not only send students overseas, but we also make them flourish in and out of campus. LinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/abhinavedysor