Best GRE Test Prep Courses to Boost Your MBA Application

More than 1,300 MBA programs now accept the GRE, including every M7 school and the vast majority of top-50 programs. That shift has turned GRE prep course selection into a genuinely consequential step in the business school admissions process. If you are still weighing which mba entrance exam eligibility criteria apply to your target schools, start there before committing to a prep platform.

The 2024 GRE overhaul, which cut the test to under two hours and introduced a new adaptive scoring structure, rendered a large share of older prep materials unreliable. Courses that have not fully updated their question banks, timing strategies, and practice tests to reflect the current format can actively hurt your score.

For MBA applicants balancing full-time jobs and application deadlines, the real tension is straightforward: spending too little on prep risks underperformance, while overspending on premium packages does not guarantee a competitive result. Below, we break down the best GRE prep courses across price, format, score improvement data, and MBA-specific features so you can invest wisely.

How We Evaluated These GRE Prep Courses

Choosing a GRE prep course is a high-stakes decision for MBA applicants, and generic "best of" lists rarely account for what business school candidates actually need. Our evaluation process was built around the specific priorities of working professionals targeting competitive MBA programs. If you are still deciding between the GRE and other standardized tests, our overview of MBA entrance exams can help you determine which path fits your profile.

What We Looked At

We assessed each course across five core dimensions:

• Price-to-value ratio: We compared total cost against what you actually receive, including hours of instruction, number of practice tests, length of access, and included materials. A $149 course that expires in 30 days is not necessarily cheaper than a $399 course with 12 months of access.
• Reported score improvements: We examined each provider's published score improvement claims and flagged whether those figures come from internal surveys, voluntary user submissions, or independently verified data. More on the limitations of these numbers below.
• MBA-specific feature depth: Top business programs care deeply about Quantitative scores, and many also weigh the Analytical Writing section. We prioritized courses that offer dedicated Quant drilling, data interpretation practice, and AWA feedback from real instructors rather than automated graders alone.
• Instructor credentials: We reviewed instructor bios for relevant teaching experience, GRE score history (where disclosed), and subject matter expertise. A 99th-percentile scorer who has never taught is not the same as a veteran instructor with years of classroom results.
• Format flexibility: Live classes, on-demand video, and hybrid options were all considered, with particular attention to scheduling convenience for people juggling full-time jobs.

Why Mobile Access and Duration Mattered More Than Usual

MBA applicants are not college seniors with open afternoons. They are professionals studying during commutes, lunch breaks, and late evenings. We weighted mobile app quality, offline access, and total access duration more heavily than a general GRE roundup would. A polished app with offline problem sets can be the difference between consistent daily practice and a course you abandon after two weeks.

Pricing and Policy Verification

All pricing, refund policies, and score improvement guarantees listed in this article were verified directly from each provider's website during our 2026 review cycle. We did not recycle figures from older roundups. GRE prep pricing shifts frequently, with providers adjusting rates, bundling new features, or quietly sunsetting guarantee programs. If a guarantee or refund policy has specific conditions (minimum study hours, required practice test scores before the real exam), we note those in each course review.

A Note on Score Improvement Claims

Self-reported score gains are the industry norm, but methodologies vary widely. Some providers survey only users who complete the full course. Others include anyone who logged in at least once. A handful of courses reference independent studies or large sample sizes that lend more credibility. Throughout our reviews, we distinguish between claims backed by third-party or large-sample data and those that rely solely on the provider's own marketing. Where no external validation exists, we say so plainly. Treat all improvement figures as directional rather than guaranteed. For broader strategy advice on preparing for the exam itself, see our GRE guide for MBA applicants.

Best GRE Prep Courses Compared: 2026 Pricing, Guarantees, and Features

Choosing the right GRE prep course is one of the most consequential decisions you will make before applying to MBA programs. The landscape ranges from budget-friendly, community-driven platforms to comprehensive packages with live instruction and tutoring. If you are still deciding between exam formats, our GRE vs GMAT for MBA guide can help you choose. Below is a side-by-side look at eight leading options so you can quickly identify the best fit for your schedule, learning style, and budget.

Pricing at a Glance

Costs vary enormously across providers, and the sticker price does not always reflect the value you receive. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2026:

• GregMat: $5 to $179, the most affordable structured course on the market. Monthly and lifetime plans are available.²
• ETS Official GRE Prep: $30 to $100 for the test maker's own practice materials, including two free full-length tests.²
• Achievable: $49 to $299, with monthly, six-month, and lifetime access tiers.²
• Magoosh: $149 to $219, covering plans from one month to a full year of access.¹
• Manhattan Prep: $149 to $1,499, spanning self-paced study through live courses and private tutoring.²
• PrepScholar: $197 to $297 for 12 months of access.³
• Kaplan: $449 to $1,299, with both self-paced and live instruction options and access lasting four to 12 months.²
• Princeton Review: $499 to $1,699, the widest price spread, with access periods of six to 18 months and both delivery formats.²

Score Improvement Guarantees

For MBA applicants aiming at competitive programs, a score guarantee can provide peace of mind. Not every provider offers one, so pay close attention:

• Kaplan guarantees a score increase or your money back, with a stated benchmark improvement that stands among the most generous in the industry.²
• PrepScholar guarantees a seven-point improvement or your money back.³
• Magoosh and Princeton Review each guarantee a five-point score increase.¹²
• GregMat, ETS, Achievable, and Manhattan Prep do not currently advertise formal score improvement guarantees.

Keep in mind that guarantees come with conditions. Most require you to complete the full course and all practice tests before your official exam. Read the fine print carefully, especially if you are already scoring in a high range where incremental gains are harder to achieve.

Access Duration and Delivery Format

Working professionals need flexibility, and course access windows matter more than many applicants realize. If your MBA timeline stretches across multiple application rounds, a shorter access period could leave you without materials when you need them most.

GregMat and Achievable offer lifetime access options, making them attractive for applicants who want to study at their own pace without a ticking clock. Princeton Review provides the longest fixed window at up to 18 months, while Kaplan and Manhattan Prep cap most plans at six to 12 months.²

On the delivery side, Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan Prep all offer both live and self-paced formats. That hybrid flexibility is valuable if you want the structure of scheduled classes but also need on-demand review sessions. Magoosh, GregMat, ETS, Achievable, and PrepScholar are entirely self-paced, which works well for professionals juggling unpredictable work schedules. For broader strategies on how to prepare for MBA coursework alongside test prep, see our pre-MBA resource.

Free Trials Worth Exploring

Before committing, take advantage of trial offers to test whether a platform suits your learning style:

• Magoosh provides a seven-day free trial.¹
• PrepScholar offers a five-day trial.³
• Achievable has a free limited trial with restricted content.²
• ETS gives you two full-length practice tests at no cost, an essential baseline tool regardless of which course you ultimately choose.²

These trials are especially useful for MBA applicants who want to compare the depth of verbal and quantitative content before investing. Even if you plan to purchase a premium course, starting with the free ETS practice tests is a smart first step, since those exams use the same scoring algorithms and question styles you will encounter on test day.

Ask Yourself Before You Buy

In-Depth Reviews: 8 GRE Prep Courses for MBA Applicants

Choosing the right GRE prep course can shave weeks off your study timeline and meaningfully boost your score, but not every platform is built with MBA applicants in mind. Below, we profile eight of the most widely used GRE prep options, with particular attention to quantitative rigor, essay feedback, mobile study tools, and compatibility with the shorter, section-adaptive GRE format introduced in September 2023. If you are still deciding between test options, our GRE guide for MBA applicants covers scoring benchmarks and test strategy in detail.

Magoosh

Magoosh is one of the most affordable self-paced options on the market, and its video-driven lesson library covers every GRE topic with clear, concise explanations. The platform is especially strong for quantitative review, offering hundreds of practice problems sorted by difficulty, which is valuable for MBA applicants targeting competitive Quant scores. Magoosh reports average score improvements of 5 to 8 points.¹ The platform has been updated for the current shorter GRE format, including adaptive practice sets that mirror the real exam experience.

• Mobile app quality: Excellent. The app supports full video lessons and timed practice on the go, making it a strong fit for professionals studying during commutes.
• AWA essay feedback: Limited. Magoosh provides sample essays and scoring rubrics, but there is no personalized essay grading from an instructor.
• Format update status: Fully updated for the post-2023 adaptive GRE.

Manhattan Prep

Manhattan Prep is known for its expert-level instructors, many of whom scored in the 99th percentile on the GRE. The curriculum leans analytical, breaking down complex Quant concepts in a way that appeals to applicants who want deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Manhattan Prep reports average improvements of 5 to 8 points², and its Strategy Guides remain widely recommended on MBA applicant forums. The company offers both self-paced and live class formats.

• Mobile app quality: Adequate. Study materials are accessible via mobile browser, though there is no standalone app with offline functionality.
• AWA essay feedback: Available in live course formats, where instructors review essay responses and provide structured feedback.
• Format update status: Fully updated for the current GRE format.

Kaplan

Kaplan offers one of the most comprehensive GRE prep ecosystems, with live online classes, on-demand video content, and a large bank of practice questions. Its structured pacing is well suited to working professionals who benefit from a set schedule. Kaplan's adaptive practice tests are among the closest simulations of the real GRE scoring engine, which helps MBA applicants calibrate their target scores. Kaplan does not publicly disclose an average score improvement figure, so treat community-reported gains cautiously.

• Mobile app quality: Excellent. Kaplan's app includes flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests that sync progress across devices.
• AWA essay feedback: Available through its higher-tier course packages, with instructor-graded essays.
• Format update status: Fully updated for the shorter adaptive GRE.

ETS Official GRE Prep

As the maker of the GRE, ETS offers official practice tests and prep materials that are the gold standard for question authenticity. The free PowerPrep practice tests are indispensable regardless of which other course you use. ETS also sells the Official GRE Super Power Pack, which includes additional timed practice sections. However, ETS does not provide a structured course, video instruction, or score improvement guarantees. Think of this as essential supplementary material rather than a standalone prep solution.

• Mobile app quality: No dedicated app. Materials are accessible through a web browser.
• AWA essay feedback: The ScoreItNow service offers automated essay scoring using the same e-rater engine used on test day, which is uniquely valuable for calibration.
• Format update status: Always current, since ETS designs the exam itself.

GregMat

GregMat has developed a devoted following among budget-conscious GRE test-takers, and for good reason. Founded by a single instructor, the platform offers structured two-month and one-month study plans, live group classes, and an unusually active community forum.³ GregMat's Verbal strategies are particularly well regarded, and user-reported score improvements range from 5 to 10 points. For MBA applicants, the Quant coverage is solid but may require supplementation for those targeting scores above the 85th percentile.

• Mobile app quality: No dedicated app. Content is delivered through the website and YouTube, which works on mobile but lacks offline features.
• AWA essay feedback: Available through community peer review and periodic live essay workshops.
• Format update status: Study plans and materials have been updated for the current GRE format.

Princeton Review

Princeton Review offers a well-rounded GRE program with live instruction, extensive practice materials, and access to multiple full-length practice exams. Its teaching approach emphasizes test-taking strategy alongside content review, which can be particularly effective for applicants who struggle with pacing. Princeton Review does not publicly report a specific average score improvement figure, though the company offers a score improvement guarantee in some packages. The live class schedule accommodates evening and weekend sessions, a practical consideration for working professionals.

• Mobile app quality: Adequate. The app supports flashcards and some practice content, though full lessons are better accessed via desktop.
• AWA essay feedback: Included in premium course tiers, with instructor-reviewed essays.
• Format update status: Fully updated for the current GRE format.

PrepScholar

PrepScholar's GRE program is built around a diagnostic-driven, adaptive learning model. After an initial assessment, the platform customizes your study plan to focus on your weakest areas, which makes it efficient for applicants with limited study time. PrepScholar reports an average improvement of 7 points and offers a conditional refund if you do not hit that benchmark.⁴ The Quant practice is thorough, and the platform's analytics dashboard helps you track progress week over week.

• Mobile app quality: Adequate. The platform is mobile-responsive but does not offer a native app with offline functionality.
• AWA essay feedback: Automated scoring with sample response comparisons. No live instructor grading.
• Format update status: Verify directly with the provider. As of early 2025, some PrepScholar materials still referenced the legacy GRE format in community discussions, so confirm that practice tests reflect the current adaptive structure before purchasing.

Achievable

Achievable is a newer entrant in the GRE prep space, and its modern, clean interface reflects a mobile-first design philosophy. The platform uses spaced repetition and adaptive question selection to maximize retention, which is efficient for professionals juggling prep with demanding work schedules. Achievable's Quant modules are well organized, though the overall question bank is smaller than those of more established competitors. Specific score improvement data from Achievable is not widely available from third-party sources, so treat any provider-claimed figures with appropriate caution. If you are also weighing the GMAT, our comparison of the best GMAT prep courses follows the same evaluation framework.

• Mobile app quality: Excellent. Achievable was designed with mobile users in mind, and the experience is smooth across devices.
• AWA essay feedback: Limited. The platform focuses primarily on Quant and Verbal, with lighter AWA coverage.
• Format update status: Built for the current GRE format from the ground up, so there are no legacy-format concerns.

A Note on Reported Score Improvements

Score improvement figures cited above come from provider-published data or community-reported averages, and they should be interpreted as general benchmarks rather than guarantees. Individual results depend heavily on your baseline score, study hours, and consistency. Where a provider does not publicly report improvement data, we have noted that rather than speculate. For the most current figures, check each provider's website directly.

GRE Score Improvement by Prep Course

Most GRE prep providers report average score improvements between 5 and 12 points, but these figures are largely self-reported and difficult to verify independently. Baseline score plays a major role in how much improvement is realistic: test-takers starting well below their target typically see larger gains than those already scoring near the top of their range. Individual results vary significantly based on study hours, consistency, and prior familiarity with the exam content.

GRE Score Targets for Top MBA Programs

Setting a concrete GRE target before you start studying is one of the most effective things you can do to structure your prep. A vague goal like "score high" does not give you the direction you need. Instead, work backward from the programs on your shortlist to identify the composite score and section-level benchmarks that will make your application competitive.

Understand the Current GRE Score Scale

The GRE uses a score scale of 130 to 170 for both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, each scored in one-point increments. That means composite scores (Verbal plus Quant) range from 260 to 340. ETS transitioned to a shorter, adaptive format that reduces total test time to under two hours while preserving the same scoring scale. Section timing and the number of questions per section have changed, so visit the ETS website directly to confirm the latest format details and review official percentile tables before setting your targets. For a deeper look at how GRE scoring fits into the MBA admissions landscape, see our GRE score for MBA guide.

Percentile tables are essential for contextualizing raw scores. A composite score around 320 typically falls in the 75th to 80th percentile range when you combine Verbal and Quantitative percentiles, which means you would be outperforming roughly three-quarters of all test takers. A score in the 310 to 312 range generally corresponds to approximately the 70th percentile, a reasonable floor for many competitive MBA programs outside the very top tier.

Check Published Class Profiles at Your Target Schools

Top MBA programs publish class profiles for each incoming cohort, and these profiles typically include average or median GRE scores along with score ranges. Schools like Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Stern, Ross, and Darden all make this data available on their admissions pages. These numbers shift from year to year, so always go directly to the official program website rather than relying on secondhand summaries.

Aggregator sites like Poets&Quants and resources published by GMAC can be helpful for comparing programs side by side, but treat them as a starting point. Verify any figures you find against the school's own published data, especially if you are making decisions about where to apply or how aggressively to study.

How to Calculate Your Personal Target Score

A practical approach is to cross-reference two data points: the average GRE score at your target school and the percentile you want to hit relative to the overall test-taking population.

• Identify school averages: Pull the most recent class profile from each program on your shortlist. Note both the average composite and, if available, the Verbal and Quant breakdowns.
• Map to percentiles: Use the official ETS percentile tables to see where those averages fall. If a school's average composite is 324, that likely represents the 80th percentile or above.
• Set your floor and stretch targets: Your floor should match or slightly exceed the school's published average. Your stretch target should be a few points higher to give yourself a margin, especially if other parts of your application (GPA, work experience) are not as strong.
• Balance Verbal and Quant: MBA programs with a quantitative emphasis may weight the Quant score more heavily. If you are targeting a finance or analytics-oriented program, aim for at least the 80th percentile on Quant specifically.

Keep in mind that GRE scores are just one component of your application. A strong score opens doors, but admissions committees evaluate the full picture. That said, falling below a program's published average puts you at a disadvantage that is difficult to offset elsewhere. Setting a clear, data-informed target gives your prep plan the structure it needs to deliver results.

Related Articles

Live vs. Self-Paced GRE Prep: Which Format Works Best for Working Professionals?

Budget vs. Score Guarantee: Is Premium GRE Prep Worth It for MBA Applicants?

Budget options like GregMat (around $80 per year) and Magoosh (around $150) deliver strong reported score gains and work well for self-motivated learners. Premium courses from Kaplan and Manhattan Prep ($1,000 and up) add live instruction and score improvement guarantees that include free retakes if you fall short. The right choice comes down to your self-discipline and how much peace of mind a guaranteed retake policy is worth as you prepare for MBA admissions.

How to Choose the Right GRE Prep Course for Your MBA Goals

With so many prep options available, the best course for you depends on three intersecting factors: how much you can spend, how long you have before test day, and the score you need to be competitive at your target MBA programs. Before spending a dollar, start by establishing your baseline.

Start with a Free Baseline Test

Before purchasing any course, take the free ETS PowerPrep practice tests. These official simulations use retired GRE questions and give you the most accurate picture of where you stand today. Your baseline score is the single most important data point in this decision. It determines whether you need a light-touch refresher at minimal cost or a comprehensive, instructor-led program that may run over a thousand dollars. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes MBA applicants make. For a deeper look at how GRE scores factor into admissions decisions, see our GRE score for MBA guide.

Match Your Profile to a Course

Think of your decision along three axes: budget, timeline, and target score.

• Budget under $200: GregMat and Magoosh are the strongest options. GregMat's subscription model costs a fraction of most competitors and delivers surprisingly deep strategy content. Magoosh pairs well with disciplined self-starters who can hold themselves to a study schedule.
• Budget $200 to $600: This range opens up self-paced options from Kaplan and Manhattan Prep, along with adaptive platforms like PrepScholar that adjust to your weaknesses in real time. If your diagnostic reveals a significant quant gap, PrepScholar's adaptive engine or Manhattan Prep's quant-focused materials deserve serious consideration.
• Budget $600 and above: Live, instructor-led courses from Manhattan Prep or Kaplan provide the highest level of structure and accountability. These are ideal for professionals who thrive with a set class schedule and direct access to expert instructors.

Timeline matters just as much. If you have two to three months, most self-paced courses give you enough runway to see meaningful improvement. With four or more months, you can layer in additional practice sets and targeted review cycles. A compressed one-month window requires a different calculus entirely.

Can You Score 330 in One Month?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among MBA applicants, and the honest answer is: only under specific conditions. Reaching 330 or above in a single month is realistic only if your baseline already sits at 315 or higher. From that starting point, an intensive live course like Manhattan Prep or Kaplan can help you close the gap through daily practice, timed drills, and expert feedback on your weak areas. If your baseline is well below 315, a one-month timeline is almost certainly too short to reach elite scores. Extend your timeline or recalibrate your target, and invest in a course that builds fundamentals before layering on advanced strategy.

Putting It All Together

The right prep course is one that aligns with your budget, respects your available study time, and bridges the specific gap between your baseline and your target score. A working professional with a 310 baseline aiming for 325 at a top-15 MBA program has very different needs than someone scoring 295 who wants to clear 315 for a strong regional program. Understanding the full scope of mba application requirements can also help you prioritize where test prep fits within your broader admissions strategy. Let your diagnostic results drive the decision, not marketing claims or brand recognition.

Top Fully Online MBA Programs Worth Prepping For

A strong GRE score opens doors to high-ROI online MBA programs that can dramatically boost your earning power. Here's a snapshot of top-ranked fully online MBA programs, ranked by median alumni earnings, to show exactly what your prep investment is building toward.

GRE Prep FAQs for MBA Applicants