Best Books for GRE

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is an exam taken by college graduates who are applying to graduate school. Whether one is studying arts, business, sciences, humanities, or another discipline, their school may require scores from this challenging exam as part of the admissions process. A high GRE score is critical to set one on their way to gaining admission to the school of their choice.

The GRE General Test comprises three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytic Writing. The four books listed below offer instructions on how to complete each section of the test, strategies for being successful before and during the test, and practice questions to get one ready for test day. While there are a lot of study guides out there, these four are the top in the industry and have earned the reputation they deserve by providing high-quality material that prepares students for this important exam. With one of these books and some hard work and dedication, candidates can be on their way to earning a high score on the GRE and entering the graduate school of their choice.

List of Best GRE Prep Books 2024-25

Books	Price	Parameters
Official Guide to the GRE General Test- 3rd edition	$33.67	Practice Tests Authentic Questions Content Reviews
Manhattan Prep-5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems- 4th edition	$26.70	1800+ practice problems Content Review Online Course
Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025	$22.99	Practice Tests Content Reviews Personalized Study Plan
The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th edition	$26.22	Practice Tests Strategies Online content
Test Prep Books GRE Prep 2022 - 2023 Review- 12th edition	$24.99	Content Review Practice Tests Exam Strategies Detailed answer explanation
Mometrix GRE Prep Book 2024-2025	$22.79	Practice Tests Online video tutorials Strategic tips
Accepted, Inc.'s GRE Test Prep 2023-2024	$21.84	Diagnostic Test Practice Tests Access to Online flashcards and study guide
GRE Study Guide	$19.99	9 test simulations Practice Test Strategies and Tips

1

The Official Guide to the GRE General Test- Third Edition

Cost: $33.67
Educational Testing Services (ETS), the maker of the GRE, offers the only official guide to the test. This book is known as the authoritative guide to the GRE for a good reason it's made by the same company that creates the test. It is one of the most recommended test-taking guides. This guide has a good reputation because it can prepare a candidate for exactly what they should expect on the test.

The unofficial test prep books that are released for the GRE can be considered to be imitations of the real deal since the book released by the GRE, though not updated frequently, remains the best prep book for beginners and top learners alike. This book can be used to learn the contents and strategies and is exceptionally beneficial for the verbal section of the test.

Pros-

• This guide comes with four complete real tests (simulated, computer-delivered POWERPREP practice tests).
• It has hundreds of authentic test questions and detailed descriptions of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
• The content areas in the book include tips for answering each type of question and an overview of the two types of Analytic Writing Tasks candidates will encounter on the test including scored sample responses with actual comments.

Cons-

• The book does not provide strategic advice one can use to clear the examination with high scores.
• Most often, candidates will have to combine this prep book with other prep books for desired results. The best method of using this book will be to use the real tests and answers provided in the book
• Two out of the four tests offered are otherwise easily available to candidates who actively look for them. So technically, the book only provides an additional two complete real tests and answers that one can make use of.

2

Manhattan Prep - 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems- Fourth Edition

Cost: $26.70
Manhattan Prep, a leader in test-taking readiness, offers a broad range of products to help candidates prepare for the exam. Though the book is relatively heavy when compared to other prep books, it is efficient and contains content that is required both by advanced learners and beginners. The flashcards that accompany the book are the best one can find for self-prep especially due to the way it tests the content the student has mastered. The book is highly recommended by students who aspire to increase their scores by a few points.

Pros-

• The book contains 1,800 practice problems that encompass all subjects included in the examination.
• The book provides explanations of both math and verbal questions and concepts along with step-by-step applications of every strategy mentioned.
• It comes with an online course that can be done with an on-demand learning method that suits the student’s needs. The online course especially helps students who are a little out of touch with academics and want to get back on track.

Cons-

• Readers have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the numerous inaccuracies present in the questions within the Quantitative section of the book.
• Readers assert that certain mathematics questions exhibit complexities that are unlikely to be present in the actual GRE examination.
• The readers assert that the verbal section is somewhat excessively intricate.

3

Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025

Cost: $22.99
Kaplan’s is a trusted educational enterprise that candidates look up to when it comes to exam preparation. The book has online tests, live sessions, content reviews, and hundreds of questions that students can benefit from.

The online question bank that has been made accessible helps one customize their practice according to the difficulty level the student requires at different levels of study. The online tests also provide performance summaries for the student whereby they can access themselves and prepare accordingly.

Pros-

• This book contains step-by-step strategies, six full-length practice tests, and content reviews that can help students prepare for the GRE General Test.
• The practice tests provided are in the computer format that is used for the official test.
• The book has over 1500 questions provided along with answers and a personalized study plan that can aid the student in the way a tutor can.
• There is also another full-length test included in the book for easy access to the student.
• Students can also attend live class sessions.

Cons-

• The content in the book often exceeds the requirements for the examination and hence candidates who use this book as their only source of information might end up learning more than what is required for the examination.
• Several students have expressed concerns about their inability to access the six practice tests that are meant to accompany the book.
• Certain students express concerns that various sections of the book contain repetitive content.

4

The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th Edition

Cost-$26.22
The Princeton Review is one of the most sought-after exam prep organizations that provide both courses and prep materials to candidates. The GRE prep book provides both practice questions and exam strategies that one can use to clear the examination. The book contains extensively written content reviews for all sections of the examination and links to online tools for exam prep that candidates can use.

Pros-

• The book contains content reviews and strategies that one can use to tackle the examination better. The strategies provide candidates with a foundation for understanding the examination and dealing with the questions easily.
• The book provides candidates with 6 full-length practice tests that they can use along with detailed explanations for answers.
• The online content provided for the test prep can also aid candidates in prepping wherever they go.

Few More Books to Consider

5

Test Prep Books GRE Prep 2022 - 2023 Review- 12th Edition

Cost: $24.99
The GRE Test Prep Book serves as an ideal resource for revisiting one's understanding of Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, along with Analytical Writing. The organization of the text and questions throughout the pages enhances the study experience. Engaging with the practice questions and example prompts provided in this book constitutes an effective method for GRE preparation.

Pros-

• The GRE Test Preparation Book includes three complete practice tests, with an extensive review provided for each section of the test.
• Each question in the book is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the answer.
• The organization of the GRE exam study guide is straightforward, and its size is quite manageable.

Cons-

• Readers have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the discrepancies between the questions and answers presented in the book.

6

Mometrix GRE Prep Book 2024-2025

Cost: $22.79
The Mometrix guide contains essential information that students require to excel in their GRE examination, including key concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary.

Pros-

• The Mometrix guide offers a comprehensive array of resources, including 5 full-length practice test questions, 200+ detailed video tutorials, strategic tips, and an in-depth review of each section of the exam.
• Readers are presented with numerous study options, and this book serves as a valuable starting point.

Cons-

• Readers have expressed disappointment that the book lacks the inclusion of social studies and science.

7

Accepted, Inc.'s GRE Test Prep 2023-2024

Cost: $21.84
Accepted, Inc.'s GRE Test Prep for 2023-2024 is designed in accordance with the official GRE framework and encompasses Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, as well as Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.

Pros-

• The book offers a concise overview of the concepts tested on the GRE, includes two comprehensive practice tests with thorough answer explanations, and provides strategies and insights from seasoned educators.
• The book additionally provides access to online flashcards, study guides, and additional resources.

Cons-

• Numerous readers have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the book, citing a significant number of errors and typographical mistakes, particularly within the mathematics section.

8

GRE Study Guide: The Most Complete Guide to Passing the Exam on Your First Try with the Highest Score

Cost-$19.99
This extensive book is meticulously crafted to align with the new GRE test format, guaranteeing that students are thoroughly equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. It optimizes their study efforts through high-yield practice tests that closely resemble the actual exam in both format and level of difficulty.

Pros-

• The book contains two comprehensive exam simulations along with seven targeted section simulations.
• As an exclusive incentive following their purchase, students will be provided with a distinct full exam simulation each week, which aids in comprehending the rationale behind each response.
• This guide is carefully structured, facilitating straightforward navigation and effective utilization.

Some Other Resources

GRE Vocabulary flashcards
Choose between Manhattan or Magoosh Prep