GRE, like any other standardized test, requires diligent preparation from a reliable source. There are currently so many different options available for test-takers to choose from, both books and online courses. Typically, an online course offers a better experience, but it also comes at a higher cost.
Online GRE courses are specially designed to take you through all the GRE contents via in-depth video lessons and then test you with various quizzes and practice tests. Some online courses also offer you live 1-on-1 tutoring sessions. However, these usually tend to be very expensive.
With so many online courses to choose from, I have selected the 5 best GRE online courses that I have personally evaluated over the years.
1. Magoosh
Magoosh is easily the most popular and reputable test prep company when it comes to online GRE preparation. They have an extensive catalog of test prep material for many different standardized tests. However, their most popular online course is for the GRE.
Magoosh strikes the right balance between cost and quality when you compare it to other online courses. Ideally, as a student, you would want the best bang for your buck when buying an online course, and I think Magoosh delivers that.
They have a library of 240+ detailed video lessons that cover all the sections of GRE comprehensively. Moreover, you will get some 1000+ practice questions and full-length GRE practice tests.
Key Features:
- Detailed video lessons on all the different question types.
- Study anywhere – Laptop, mobile, tablet, and desktop.
- Total of 1400 practice questions.
- Access to full-length tests.
- Custom study plans.
- Accurate score predictor.
- Ask an expert.
- 5 improvement guarantee or else full refund.
Get it here.
2. Kaplan
If you have searched for any GRE prep material online, I am sure you have come across Kaplan. They are one of the most well-known test prep companies around and have published a plethora of prep books on various tests. Founded some 80 years ago, they are also one of the oldest companies.
Kaplan’s online GRE course offers a comprehensive study of all the GRE content. If it’s got anything to do with GRE, you will find it here. They have a total of 170 hours of prep material, both in videos and interactive activities. Moreover, they offer the highest amount of practice questions that I know of – 5000 practice questions!
One feature that is quite different in Kaplan is that they offer each student the opportunity to sit in an approved testing center for a full-length GRE practice test. They replicate the actual test experience so that students can familiarize themselves with what they will encounter on the actual test day.
As for the pricing, I have to say that they have the most expensive test prep course out there.
Key Features:
- Most variety of options- Live classes, in-person tutoring, self-paced.
- Over 5000 practice questions.
- Official Test Day Experience that simulates a realistic test day scenario
- 7 full-length practice tests.
- 175 hours of prep material.
- Money-back guarantee if you fail to improve the score.
Get it here.
3. The Economist GRE Tutor
The Economist GRE tutor is the most recent of all the GRE prep online courses. It was established in 2016 by the famous newspaper publisher. GRE tutor is an interactive online GRE prep course that offers video lessons, practice questions, full-length practice tests, quizzes, 1-on-1 tutor support, and various other tools to help you prepare for the GRE.
Even though the course is very new, the GRE tutor has done very well amongst GRE students by offering a highly adaptive AI-based learning course that moves at your pace. The whole system is designed so that whatever you learn is according to your skill level. As your skill improve, the difficulty of lessons and the practice questions goes up.
Depending on the plan, you can schedule a live call with a GRE expert, and also get access to more than 5000 practice questions. It is an extensive course that covers all aspects of the GRE.
However, this course too is on the expensive side.
Key Features:
- Money-back guarantees of score improvement on Premium and Genius plans.
- AWA Essays reviewed by GRE experts.
- Ask the tutor a question directly.
- 5000+ practice questions.
- Adaptive AI customized learning to your needs.
- Up to 5 practice full-length practice tests.
- Live 1-on-1 sessions for “Genius” plan members.
Get it here.
4. Princeton Review
Princeton Review offers a highly customizable GRE learning experience with their online course. It is a comprehensive solution to your GRE prep needs and offers over 175 hours of prep material as well as a plethora of test-taking strategies and other tools.
Their key feature, I think, is the “Drill Smart” practice tool that adapts according to your performance on individual questions.
Princeton Review offers more than 2500 practice questions and more than 60 video lessons covering each and everything on the GRE. You will also find 60 adaptive drills and 8 full-length practice tests.
They have many different options for test-takers to choose from. Depending on which plan you opt for, you will have the opportunity to schedule a live call with a professor or a cohort member.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable learning experience.
- DrillSmart Practice tool powered by smart AI.
- 175 hours of video lessons.
- 2500 practice questions.
- 8 full-length GRE practice tests.
- 1-on-1 live call with a professor.
Get it here.
5. PrepScholar
PrepScholar is a relatively new company; however, since its inception in 2013, it has made quite a name for itself amongst the top contenders. Developed by Harvard and MIT PhDs, PrepScholar takes a different approach to GRE prep. Unlike many other courses, PrepScholar offers a game-based application that eliminates the need for traditional ways of learning by rote.
One of their most standout features is that each student’s plan is specially tailored to their skills and needs. The first thing you do when you sigh-up is take a diagnostic test that measures your strengths and weaknesses. Based on your results, smart AI customizes a study plan that gives you an optimal learning experience without wasting your time.
Moreover, PrepScholar is the only company that guarantees a 7-point improvement in your GRE score over your previous score.
Key Features:
- Currently the most affordable GRE course.
- Smart AI adapts the course to your skill level and needs.
- Highest point improvement guarantees.
- 200 hours of instruction videos.
- A diagnostic test measures your strengths and weaknesses.
- 2300+ practice questions.
- 2 full-length practice tests.
Get it here.