7 GRE Books That Accelerate Your Exam Success

These 7 GRE books, authored by leading experts like Educational Testing Service, Kaplan Test Prep, and Manhattan Prep, offer proven strategies and comprehensive practice to help you excel.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if you could access the very materials created by the makers of the GRE? Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the exam, offers a window into the test’s real structure and question types through their Official GRE Value Combo. This isn't just about study; it's about understanding the GRE’s core demands firsthand.

Kaplan Test Prep and Manhattan Prep complement this perspective with decades of experience refining strategies, drills, and vocabulary essential for top performance. Their books blend rigorous practice with insights drawn from thousands of students’ journeys, making these resources pillars of GRE success.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace might consider creating a personalized GRE book that builds on these insights and adapts to individual goals.

Educational Testing Service (ETS), the nonprofit organization responsible for creating and administering the GRE, offers this Official GRE Value Combo as a direct window into the exam itself. Founded in 1947 and operating globally, ETS brings unmatched expertise in educational measurement to this two-book bundle. By providing real test questions and detailed explanations, ETS equips you to understand what the GRE demands, making this resource uniquely authoritative for intense preparation.
GRE, GRE Prep, Test Preparation, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning

The Official GRE Value Combo, crafted by Educational Testing Service (ETS), delivers direct access to authentic GRE test materials, reflecting the exact question types and difficulty levels you’ll face. This bundle merges verbal and quantitative practice questions, plus mixed sets that sharpen your test-taking agility. You’ll find detailed explanations and ETS’s own strategies, particularly helpful in mastering the Analytical Writing measure with sample essays. If you're aiming to familiarize yourself with the GRE’s structure and question nuances, this combo offers a precise and budget-friendly way to build confidence and skill. It’s tailored for those who want intensive practice grounded in the test maker’s perspective, rather than broad test prep theory.

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Best for immersive practice and live classes
Kaplan Test Prep has been a trusted name in standardized test preparation for over 80 years, providing expert guidance across more than 90 exams. Their deep understanding of the GRE, backed by extensive research and thousands of hours studying the test, culminates in this three-book set. The materials are crafted by veteran educators who know what it takes to succeed, and the live weekly classes on the Kaplan GRE Channel offer an interactive edge that few prep books include.
2024·1764 pages·GRE Prep, GRE, Graduate Preparation, Test Preparation, Graduate Exams

Kaplan Test Prep brings decades of expertise to this three-book GRE set, designed specifically to meet the demands of the updated GRE format. You’ll learn targeted strategies for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections, supported by over 2,500 practice questions and six full-length tests that mirror the actual computer-based exam. The inclusion of weekly live class sessions on the Kaplan GRE Channel adds a dynamic element, allowing you to engage directly with seasoned instructors. This set is ideal if you want a thorough, data-driven approach that adapts to your schedule, helping you build confidence and improve your score systematically.

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Best for personal study plans
This AI-created book on GRE mastery is developed based on your background and aspirations. You share your current skill level, which GRE sections you want to emphasize, and your performance goals. The book then focuses on exactly what you need to excel, making your preparation more efficient and aligned with your strengths and challenges. Instead of a one-size-fits-all guide, this tailored resource gives you a personalized path to GRE success.
2025·50-300 pages·GRE, Test Preparation, GRE Sections, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning

This tailored GRE Mastery Blueprint explores all key GRE sections with a focus that matches your background and goals. It covers quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and test-taking skills in a way that aligns with your specific interests. By tailoring content to your strengths and weaknesses, the book reveals techniques and concepts that matter most to you, avoiding generic advice. It examines question types, time management, and critical thinking with a personalized lens that deepens your understanding and boosts confidence. Designed to streamline your preparation, this book creates a clear pathway through complex GRE content, helping you engage deeply with material that fits your learning style and ambitions. The result is a focused, efficient study experience centered on your success.

Tailored Guide
Personalized Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for strategic test day preparation
For over 80 years, Kaplan Test Prep has helped students worldwide sharpen their skills and confidence for Test Day. Specializing in preparation for more than 90 standardized exams, Kaplan’s expertise informs this guide, making it a reliable companion for anyone tackling the GRE. Their deep experience ensures you’re not just practicing but learning how to think like the test itself demands.
2023·696 pages·GRE Prep, GRE, Graduate Preparation, Test Preparation, Standardized Tests

Unlike most GRE prep books that rely heavily on practice tests alone, Kaplan Test Prep brings decades of expertise to the table, combining thorough content review with proven strategies and six full-length practice exams. You’ll learn how to approach each section of the exam strategically, with insights into time management, question formats, and common pitfalls. This book is especially useful if you want a structured, methodical path through the GRE, supported by Kaplan’s long-standing reputation in standardized test preparation. Whether you’re taking the GRE for graduate school admission or professional reasons, the book’s detailed chapters and online resources help build both skill and confidence.

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For over 80 years, Kaplan Test Prep has been a trusted name in helping students build skills and confidence for standardized tests. Their extensive experience across more than 90 exams informs this GRE Complete 2023 set, which combines expert guidance, detailed content review, and an impressive array of practice tests and question banks. This collection reflects Kaplan's deep understanding of the GRE's demands and aims to equip you thoroughly for test day.
2022·1824 pages·Graduate Preparation, GRE, GRE Prep, Test Preparation, Practice Tests

Kaplan Test Prep's decades of experience in standardized test preparation shine through in this extensive 3-book set designed specifically for the GRE. You gain targeted practice with more than 2,500 questions spanning verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections, complemented by six full-length practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment. The set also offers adaptable online resources, including a customizable 1,000-question bank and video explanations, which help deepen your understanding of challenging concepts like data interpretation and text completion. If you're preparing for the GRE and want a thorough, data-driven approach that covers fundamental skills as well as test-taking strategies, this set is built to guide you confidently through every aspect of the exam.

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Kaplan Test Prep, with over 80 years of experience and resources covering more than 90 standardized exams, brings authoritative expertise to this GRE preparation guide. Their long-standing commitment to guiding students through complex testing challenges informs the design of this book, which is crafted to support every phase of your GRE journey—from foundational concepts to advanced practice.
2022·696 pages·Graduate Preparation, GRE Prep, Test Preperation, GRE, Test Preparation

After analyzing decades of standardized test prep, Kaplan Test Prep developed this extensive resource to tackle the challenges of the GRE head-on. You’ll find a wealth of practice questions—over 2,000 including online access—and six full-length practice exams that mirror the real test format, helping you build stamina and accuracy. The book also breaks down complex quantitative and verbal reasoning concepts in accessible language, making it easier for you to identify and improve your weak spots. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen vocabulary or master data interpretation, this guide offers targeted tools to elevate your performance. However, those seeking a brief overview may find its scope more suited to thorough, committed study.

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Best for rapid score improvement
This AI-created GRE preparation book is designed based on your background, skill level, and specific goals for fast progress. By sharing what areas you want to improve and how you prefer to study, you receive a book that focuses on daily drills and practice aligned perfectly with your needs. This tailored approach helps you concentrate on your weaknesses and build strengths efficiently, making your GRE journey more focused and effective. Instead of generic advice, it delivers exactly what you need to boost your score in 30 days.
2025·50-300 pages·GRE, GRE Preparation, Daily Practice, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning

This personalized GRE study guide explores tailored daily practice plans designed to accelerate your score improvement within 30 days. It covers essential GRE topics including verbal reasoning, quantitative problem-solving, and analytical writing, presenting targeted drills that align with your current skill level and learning goals. By focusing specifically on your interests and background, the book reveals efficient techniques for mastering challenging question types and managing time effectively. The tailored approach ensures your study sessions emphasize the areas where you need the most progress, making your preparation both focused and motivating. This book would examine cognitive practice patterns alongside expert insights to help you build confidence and test readiness rapidly.

Tailored Guide
Focused Practice
1,000+ Learners
Best for thorough content and pacing skills
Kaplan Test Prep has been assisting students for over 80 years, providing expert guidance and resources for various standardized tests. Their longstanding experience shapes this GRE Complete 2022 set, combining expert-crafted content review, practice questions, and online tools to support your GRE preparation journey with authoritative insight and proven methods.

Drawing from over 80 years of expertise in standardized test preparation, Kaplan Test Prep delivers a thorough resource for mastering the GRE. This three-book set combines detailed content reviews, strategy guides, and a vast collection of practice questions that sharpen both verbal and quantitative skills. You’ll find chapters dedicated to each GRE question type, along with access to online tests that simulate actual exam conditions, allowing you to build pacing and confidence. Whether you want to strengthen math fundamentals or improve analytical writing, this set offers targeted tools to meet those goals. It's best suited for anyone serious about thorough GRE preparation, from first-timers to repeat test-takers seeking measurable improvement.

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Best for advanced GRE vocabulary building
Manhattan Prep is a premier provider of test preparation materials, specializing in GRE and GMAT prep. With a focus on innovative learning techniques and comprehensive study resources, Manhattan Prep has helped thousands of students achieve their academic goals. This expertise shines through in 500 Advanced Words, designed to help you build a robust GRE vocabulary with carefully crafted flash cards that go well beyond simple definitions.
GRE Prep, Test Flash Cards, GRE, Test Preparation, Vocabulary

Unlike most GRE vocabulary resources that simply list words and definitions, Manhattan Prep’s 500 Advanced Words flash cards embed each term within a rich network of context, synonyms, and usage examples tailored specifically for GRE success. This approach helps you grasp not just meanings but nuanced applications, making it easier to recall and deploy sophisticated vocabulary during the exam. For instance, every card’s reverse side connects a word to related terms and real GRE-style sentences, deepening your comprehension beyond rote memorization. If you aim to elevate your verbal score with a method that encourages active learning and lasting retention, this set offers a focused, practical tool that complements broader GRE prep strategies.

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Conclusion

Together, these seven GRE books cover the essential angles: authentic practice from ETS, strategic mastery from Kaplan, and targeted vocabulary from Manhattan Prep. They offer a layered approach that prepares you for every section of the exam.

If you're just beginning your GRE journey, starting with the Official GRE Value Combo helps ground your understanding. For those aiming to sharpen test-taking strategies and pacing, Kaplan’s Complete sets and Prep Plus editions provide structured progression. Vocabulary-focused learners will find Manhattan Prep’s 500 Advanced Words a perfect complement.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized GRE book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and approach test day with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with the Official GRE Value Combo by ETS to familiarize yourself with actual test questions and format. It sets a solid foundation before diving into strategy or vocabulary-focused books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to GRE?

Not at all. While some books like Kaplan’s Complete sets are extensive, the Official GRE Value Combo and Manhattan Prep’s 500 Advanced Words offer accessible entry points suitable for beginners.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with ETS’s Official Combo for test familiarity, then move to Kaplan’s GRE Complete or Prep Plus for strategy and practice, and complement your study with Manhattan Prep’s vocabulary flash cards.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Prioritize the latest editions, such as GRE Complete 2024-2025 and GRE Prep Plus 2024, for updated content reflecting current GRE formats and question styles.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can focus on the books that suit your needs. For example, if vocabulary is a weak spot, Manhattan Prep’s 500 Advanced Words is ideal. For overall prep, Kaplan’s Complete sets are comprehensive.

Can personalized GRE books complement these expert guides?

Yes! Personalized GRE books build on expert insights, tailoring content to your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. They help turn broad strategies into a plan that fits your unique learning style. Learn more here.

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