7 GRE Prep Books Experts Trust to Boost Your Score

Kaplan Test Prep, Educational Testing Service, and Manhattan Prep recommend these GRE Prep Books for effective study and skill-building

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if I told you that the right GRE prep book could cut your study time and boost your confidence significantly?

GRE preparation is more than just memorizing formulas or vocabulary; it’s about understanding the test’s structure, mastering timing, and practicing with materials that mirror the real exam. This matters now more than ever, as competitive graduate programs demand higher scores and smarter study tactics.

Experts like Kaplan Test Prep, with over 80 years helping students, and Educational Testing Service (ETS), the creators of the GRE, have shaped prep materials that many rely on. For instance, Kaplan’s comprehensive sets combine practice questions with live sessions, while ETS offers authentic exam questions straight from the source. Manhattan Prep’s vocabulary flash cards dive deep into language nuance, crucial for the verbal section.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific skill level, study pace, or weak spots might consider creating a personalized GRE Prep book that builds on these insights.

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to educational measurement and research, administering over 50 million tests annually worldwide. As the creator of the GRE, ETS brings unparalleled expertise to this value combo, combining two books with real GRE questions and test strategies. This authoritative resource reflects ETS’s deep understanding of the exam and offers you direct insight into what the GRE demands, making it a trusted asset for your preparation journey.
GRE, GRE Prep, Test Preparation, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning

Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the GRE, offers this value combo to provide you with authentic practice directly from the test creators. You’ll find 300 real GRE questions, detailed explanations, and test-taking strategies that clarify what the exam demands in both verbal and quantitative reasoning. The bundle includes guidance on analytical writing with sample essays, helping you grasp the scoring criteria. This book suits those who want a clear window into the GRE’s structure and question types, especially if you prefer practicing with official materials rather than third-party simulations.

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Best for comprehensive study plans with live sessions
Kaplan Test Prep has been guiding students for over 80 years, preparing them for more than 90 standardized tests with a mix of self-paced and live online courses. Their extensive experience underpins this comprehensive GRE prep set, which offers a combination of detailed content, thousands of practice questions, and weekly live sessions. This background ensures that you are supported by a team deeply familiar with the GRE’s demands and best strategies to tackle it effectively.
2024·1764 pages·GRE Prep, Graduate Preparation, GRE, Test Strategy, Quantitative Reasoning

Kaplan Test Prep brings decades of expertise to this extensive GRE preparation set, designed to equip you with both breadth and depth of knowledge. You’ll find detailed chapters breaking down every GRE question type, alongside 2,500 practice problems with thorough explanations that sharpen your verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. The inclusion of six full-length practice tests, both online and in print, mimics the actual exam environment to build your confidence and endurance. This resource suits anyone aiming to elevate their GRE score through a well-structured study plan, especially those who benefit from live instruction and customizable online practice.

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Best for personal study plans
This AI-created book on GRE mastery is tailored to your skill level and study goals. You share your background and which GRE sections you want to focus on, and the book crafts a personalized plan that fits your needs perfectly. Instead of a generic guide, you get a focused pathway that aligns with how you learn and what you want to achieve, making your preparation more effective and less overwhelming.
2025·50-300 pages·GRE Prep, GRE Overview, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Skills, Analytical Writing

This personalized GRE Mastery Blueprint explores tailored study techniques designed to optimize your GRE preparation. It covers fundamental concepts and advanced tactics across verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing, all matched precisely to your background and goals. By focusing on your unique learning style and target areas, the book reveals effective ways to conquer each GRE section with confidence. It examines common pitfalls and highlights efficient practice methods, providing a clear pathway through the complexities of the exam. This tailored guide transforms extensive GRE knowledge into a personalized plan that resonates with your specific strengths and challenges, making your study time more productive and engaging.

Tailored Blueprint
Section-Specific Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for sharpening critical thinking and time management
For over 80 years, Kaplan Test Prep has been a trusted name in standardized test preparation, helping students build knowledge and confidence for test day. Their extensive experience across more than 90 exams informs this GRE guide, which combines expert strategies with practice tests to prepare you thoroughly for the GRE challenge.
2023·696 pages·GRE Prep, Graduate Preparation, GRE, Test Strategies, Quantitative Reasoning

Kaplan Test Prep brings decades of experience to this extensive GRE preparation guide, designed to equip you with both knowledge and confidence for test day. You’ll find six full-length practice tests mirroring the latest GRE format, alongside targeted strategies that sharpen your critical thinking and time management skills. The book’s detailed sections on quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning break down complex concepts into understandable parts, making it ideal if you want actionable insight rather than vague tips. Whether you’re aiming to boost your score or solidify foundational concepts, this guide offers a structured approach that suits a broad range of learners.

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For over 80 years, Kaplan Test Prep has been a trusted name in standardized test preparation, guiding students through more than 90 exams with expert strategies and extensive resources. Their GRE Complete 2023 set reflects this legacy, combining deep expertise with a wealth of practice material to prepare you for every section of the GRE. Kaplan’s long-standing commitment to educational support makes this collection a solid foundation for anyone serious about improving their GRE performance.
2022·1824 pages·GRE Prep, Graduate Preparation, GRE, Test Preparation, Verbal Reasoning

The methods Kaplan Test Prep developed while preparing millions for standardized tests shine clearly through this three-book set designed for GRE success. You’ll find detailed reviews of verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing, supported by more than 2,500 practice questions and video explanations that sharpen your understanding. The inclusion of full-length, computer-based practice tests mirrors actual exam conditions, helping you build pacing and endurance. If you’re aiming to improve your GRE score with structured guidance and ample practice options, this set offers a methodical approach, though self-motivated learners will gain the most from its comprehensive resources.

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Kaplan Test Prep, a leader in standardized test preparation for over 80 years, brings deep expertise to this extensive GRE study guide. Their commitment to guiding students through more than 90 tests worldwide is evident in the careful design of this book, which combines rigorous practice questions with accessible video tutorials to support your learning journey. The authors' long-standing experience ensures you have reliable tools to approach the GRE with confidence and clarity.
2022·696 pages·Graduate Preparation, GRE Prep, GRE, Test Preperation, Test Preparation

Kaplan Test Prep draws on over 80 years of experience to craft this detailed GRE preparation guide designed to support you through every facet of the exam. This book offers a rich collection of six full-length practice tests and over 1500 questions, paired with online video tutorials and a comprehensive question bank that sharpen your critical thinking and test-taking strategies. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing through targeted practice and explanations. Ideal for anyone aiming to elevate their GRE score, especially those seeking structured, expert-backed resources to build confidence and mastery.

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Best for daily speed drills
This AI-created book on GRE speed is crafted based on your current test prep background and specific goals. By sharing which GRE sections you want to focus on and your skill level, you receive a tailored daily exercise plan that matches your pace and maximizes improvement. The personalized approach ensures your prep time targets exactly where you need it most, helping you steadily accelerate through practice tests with confidence.
2025·50-300 pages·GRE Prep, GRE Fundamentals, Test Timing, Verbal Practice, Quantitative Drills

This tailored book explores a step-by-step daily exercise program designed to boost your GRE test speed and efficiency. It covers focused practice routines that match your background and learning needs, helping you gradually build agility across verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections. By concentrating on paced drills and timing techniques, it reveals how consistent daily effort improves your test-taking fluency and confidence. The personalized nature means each practice plan aligns with your specific goals, ensuring a targeted path through GRE preparation without overwhelming you with irrelevant material. This approach transforms how you engage with GRE study, making preparation both focused and motivating.

Tailored Book
Speed Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for structured, data-driven GRE mastery
Kaplan Test Prep has been assisting students for over 80 years, leveraging decades of expertise to create this extensive GRE study set. Their long-standing commitment to test preparation informs every practice question and strategy included, offering you a reliable path to navigate the GRE's challenges with confidence.

Drawing from over 80 years of experience, Kaplan Test Prep delivers a thorough toolkit designed to boost your GRE performance. This 3-book set combines detailed content review with more than 2,500 practice questions, including math and verbal workbooks, alongside six full-length practice tests that mirror the actual exam format. You’ll find targeted chapters on question types and math skills, plus a customizable 1000-question online Qbank to refine your weaknesses. Ideal for those who want a structured, data-driven approach to mastering the GRE’s verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.

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Best for advanced 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 underpins their vocabulary flash card sets, which are crafted to help you deepen your understanding of advanced words in GRE-relevant contexts, making them a reliable companion for rigorous GRE verbal preparation.
GRE Prep, Test Flash Cards, GRE, Vocabulary Building, Advanced Vocabulary

Manhattan Prep leverages its extensive experience in GRE and GMAT preparation to create a vocabulary tool that goes beyond simple memorization. This set of advanced flash cards immerses you in the context of each word, presenting not only definitions but also usage examples, synonyms, and a network of related terms, helping deepen your command of GRE-level language. It’s designed to build durable understanding rather than rote recall, making it particularly suited for those aiming to enhance their verbal reasoning and reading comprehension skills. If you’re serious about elevating your GRE vocabulary with a resource that integrates breadth and depth, this collection offers a structured pathway from essential to advanced words.

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Conclusion

Across these seven GRE prep books, a few clear themes emerge: authentic practice, strategic skill-building, and targeted vocabulary enhancement. If you’re struggling to grasp the test’s format, the Official GRE Value Combo by ETS offers a direct window into the exam’s demands. For those needing structure and expansive practice, Kaplan’s Complete and Prep Plus series provide detailed strategies and abundant questions.

Facing time management challenges? The 2024 editions emphasize pacing and critical thinking, perfect for tightening your test-day performance. Vocabulary holding you back? Manhattan Prep’s flash cards break down difficult words in context, a step beyond rote memorization.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized GRE Prep 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 for authentic practice and a clear understanding of the exam format. It's the foundation before moving to strategy-focused books like Kaplan's sets.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to GRE Prep?

Not at all. Books like Kaplan's GRE Prep Plus include detailed explanations and video tutorials designed to guide beginners step-by-step through the exam content.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with the Official GRE Value Combo, then build vocabulary with Manhattan Prep's flash cards. Follow with Kaplan’s Complete or Prep Plus editions for comprehensive practice and strategy.

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

You can pick based on your needs: official practice for exam familiarity, vocabulary for verbal improvement, or Kaplan for strategy and practice. Combining two can provide a balanced prep.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

The Official GRE Value Combo focuses on authentic exam content (practical), while Kaplan’s sets mix both theory and application. Manhattan Prep’s flash cards emphasize vocabulary theory with practical context.

Can personalized GRE Prep books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! Personalized GRE Prep books tailor expert strategies to your unique strengths and weaknesses, enhancing focus and efficiency. They complement expert books by bridging general knowledge with your specific goals. Explore more here.

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