Best GRE Prep Books – The Top 8 Books To Help You Ace Your Test

The Graduate Record Examination serves as a standardized test required for admission to numerous graduate programs across the United States and Canada. Most individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees will find their target universities require successful completion of this comprehensive exam. 

As the world’s most widely accepted graduate admissions test, effective GRE preparation is fundamental to your educational success. Ensuring you’re studying for the GRE with the right approach becomes essential—and that’s where quality GRE prep books prove invaluable. Which GRE prep books deliver the best results? We’ve researched and compiled the top options in this comprehensive guide.

Top GRE Prep Books

Quality study materials can determine your GRE success. Here are the top 8 GRE prep books that will help propel you toward acceptance into your dream graduate program.

1. GRE Prep 2020 by Kaplan Test Prep

Drawing from over 80 years of GRE expertise, this comprehensive prep book delivers practice tests and proven strategies designed to boost your scores. The step-by-step approach helps you achieve higher results while mastering test pacing. Beyond practice tests, you’ll find online problem sets and an extensive math review section.

The full-length online practice test replicates the exact computer format you’ll encounter on test day, providing an authentic testing experience that gives you a genuine competitive edge.

2. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by Educational Testing Service

Created directly by The Educational Testing Service—the makers of the GRE itself—this guide stands as the most authoritative prep resource available. Packed with everything needed for thorough test preparation, it guides you toward your graduate or business school goals.

You’ll discover exactly what to expect, understand how scoring works, and practice with genuine test questions. Armed with insider knowledge from test creators and four complete practice tests, The Official Guide to the GRE General Test provides comprehensive preparation for exam day. 

3. 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems by Manhattan Prep

Manhattan Prep’s bestselling guide has been enhanced with online, interactive versions of its practice tests. Featuring over 1,800 practice questions across both print and digital formats, you’ll gain unparalleled GRE experience. The book includes essential math rules and targeted micro drills for skill assessment.

Through extensive problem-solving practice, you’ll pinpoint areas requiring improvement and refine your GRE abilities accordingly. Clear explanations and structured step-by-step activities prepare you thoroughly for GRE success.

4. Cracking the GRE by The Princeton Review

Cracking the GRE represents The Princeton Review’s premium 2020 edition, positioning itself as your comprehensive solution for achieving the highest possible scores. Six full-length practice tests provide ample preparation opportunities before your official exam date.

Beyond extensive practice testing, this resource delivers expert advice and battle-tested strategies specifically designed to elevate your performance. 

5. GRE Prep by Magoosh by Chris Lele and Mike Mcgarry

Developed by Magoosh, California’s premier online test prep company, GRE Prep by Magoosh makes studying from any computer or mobile device effortless. This well-organized, accessible book provides online study plans, practice questions, and detailed explanations.

Expert tutors have crafted hundreds of lessons to ensure you learn from industry leaders. Having already guided over 1.5 million students through standardized test preparation, Magoosh positions you for GRE success.

6. Essential Words for the GRE by Barron’s Test Prep

Graduate Record Exam success demands a robust working vocabulary as a fundamental requirement. Essential Words for the GRE by Barron’s Test Prep compiles over 800 frequently tested words with comprehensive definitions, ensuring familiarity with diverse vocabulary variations. 

The resource features a diagnostic pre-test for identifying vocabulary gaps and targeted study planning. Upon completing your preparation, the concluding post-test evaluates your readiness for exam day. 

7. Conquering GRE Math by Robert Moyer

Conquering GRE Math provides comprehensive coverage of the quantitative section. You’ll master innovative problem-solving techniques and apply advanced mathematical concepts, securing a distinct competitive advantage. 

Designed specifically for those seeking to strengthen mathematical fundamentals, this stands as the top-recommended resource for GRE math preparation. Practice problems, detailed explanations, and step-by-step solutions help you understand and correct initial mistakes. 

8. GRE Reading Comprehension & Essays by Manhattan Prep

This updated 4th edition prioritizes student-centered learning, delivering an interactive GRE preparation experience. GRE Reading Comprehension & Essays reportedly contains the market’s most comprehensive, content-rich GRE materials available.

Manhattan Prep’s elite GRE instructors personally developed this resource, ensuring you receive guidance from industry-leading experts.

Enrolling in a GRE Prep Course

Alongside a quality GRE prep book, enrolling in a prep course can significantly enhance your study effectiveness. While prep books provide valuable resources, courses offer more comprehensive and thorough preparation. Online GRE prep courses eliminate scheduling concerns by allowing you to study at your preferred pace and timing.

Numerous GRE prep course options exist, but Magoosh GRE Prep consistently ranks as our top recommendation.

Magoosh GRE Prep

Magoosh GRE Prep simplifies learning essential GRE concepts for optimal scoring. The course provides diverse video lessons, 1,200 practice questions, and complete practice exams. Customizable study schedules adapt to your specific needs, while the score predictor helps set realistic test day expectations. Magoosh backs their program with a score improvement guarantee—or your money back. With risk-free assurance like this, you have everything to gain by trying Magoosh GRE Prep!

Maximizing These GRE Prep Books for Test Success

Ultimately, prep books rank among the most effective GRE study methods available. They enable self-paced learning, weakness identification, and unlimited practice opportunities. After thorough preparation and practice using these resources, you’ll be exceptionally qualified for acceptance into your next educational milestone.