Summary:

• The GRE has introduced a new, shorter version of the test that aims to optimize the test-taker experience without changing the content, curriculum, topics, strategies, or vocabulary.
• Despite the changes in format, the content of the GRE remains the same, including quantitative and verbal sections covering various topics.
• Recommended resources for preparing for the GRE include the Manhattan Fundamental Guide for Quant, Magoosh Video Lessons, ETS Official Guides, and Power Prep Mock Exams.
• Additional resources for perfectionists include Magoosh Custom Practice Questions and Manhattan 6 Mock Tests.
• There is a scarcity of high-quality Level 4 and 5 questions in current GRE prep materials, highlighting the need for an advanced GRE guide from ETS.

As the GRE continually evolves to meet the needs of a dynamic educational landscape, its latest adaptation is the introduction of a new, more streamlined version of the test. Dubbed the ‘Shorter GRE,’ this adjustment aims to optimize test-takers’ experience without compromising the assessment’s rigor and reliability.

It brings about significant changes to the format without altering the content, curriculum, topics, strategies, or vocabulary.

In this blog post, I will delve into the best resources for tackling this latest iteration of the GRE. From learning essential concepts to mastering effective strategies and practicing with the best available material, I’ll guide you on your journey towards achieving your GRE goals.

Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or simply hoping to surpass your personal best, this post will equip you with the tools necessary to navigate the uncharted territories of the NEW Shorter GRE successfully. But first, let’s look at the key changes. 

The New GRE vs The Old GRE: Key Differences

The New Shorter GRE is essentially half the length of the previous version. Let’s break down the changes in the test format. 

Summary:

• New GRE is just under 2 hours long, while the Old GRE was 4 hours long.
• New GRE has a total of 54 math and verbal questions, while the Old GRE had 100.
• Unlike the Old GRE, the New GRE doesn’t have a break or an experimental section.
• The New GRE only has one essay, unlike the Old GRE, which had two essays.

Understanding the New GRE Content

Despite the change in structure, the GRE content remains unaltered. Both the Quant and Verbal sections maintain the same topics. 

Quantitative Section:

• Number properties: exponents, roots, prime numbers, even/odd numbers, number lines, real numbers, integers, etc.
• Algebra: equations (linear and quadratic), inequalities, absolute values, functions, graphs.
• Word problems: percentages, ratios, Venn diagrams, work rate time, speed distance time, algebraic word problems.
• Statistics: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance, normal distribution, percentiles, quartiles, box plots.
• Geometry: triangles, circles, polygons, 3-d shapes, Coordinate geometry.
• Probability and counting methods (permutations, combinations).

Verbal Section: 

• Text completions and sentence equivalence (require learning 800-1000 words)
• Reading passages
• Logical reasoning type passages

Best GRE Prep Materials and Resources

In the educational market today, an overwhelming array of GRE preparation materials exists. This abundance often leads to confusion and apprehension among test-takers, particularly those just beginning their GRE journey. With countless publishers offering diverse resources such as Magoosh, Manhattan, Kaplan, Princeton, Barron’s, Target Test Prep, and ETS, it’s understandable that students may feel disoriented.

To alleviate this confusion, this post is designed to filter through the sea of information and pinpoint the most beneficial resources that can assist you in scoring 320+ on the GRE. The materials I recommend here have been carefully selected based on my experience and expertise, so I urge you to concentrate on them and avoid diversions.

Having instructed the GRE since 2012 to over 25,000 students both online and in-person, my experience in the field is vast. I have seen students escalate their GRE scores from 280 to 320, and some have even achieved the perfect score of 340. As a result, I have had the chance to witness the complete range of student experiences and outcomes.

I’ve also seen students lose months of precious time, motivation, and confidence due to ineffective preparation materials, which resulted in not just low scores but also a diminished will to re-attempt their preparation. Therefore, heed the advice provided in this post, and remember to select your resources wisely.

Beginning with Basics

Manhattan Fundamental Guide for Quant

Get Manhattan Foundation Guide here.

Estimated time to complete Manhattan foundation guides: 15-20 hours. 

The Manhattan GMAT Fundamental Guides, while originally intended for GMAT aspirants, serve as an excellent starting point for your GRE preparation as well. This is primarily because the mathematics syllabus for both the GRE and GMAT share significant overlap. 

The Manhattan guides are particularly beneficial for anyone who struggles with math, hasn’t engaged with it for a while, or simply desires a comprehensive refresher course. This book provides a robust foundation, building from the basics upwards, which makes it an invaluable resource for all GRE aspirants irrespective of their current proficiency in math. 

Even if you’re already comfortable with math concepts, beginning your preparation with this book is still recommended. Its systematic and thorough approach ensures that you cover all the necessary material, identifying and filling any gaps in your understanding. The importance of this cannot be overstated since GRE preparation necessitates a solid grasp of fundamental mathematical concepts to solve complex problems.

However, it’s important to note that while this guide provides a strong foundation in the basic principles, it is not a stand-alone book and must be supplemented with further material to fully cover the advanced topics found on the GRE. For instance, the quantitative comparison and data interpretation questions that are unique to the GRE format are not covered in the Manhattan foundation guides.

Ensure that your study plan includes a comprehensive review of all chapters, along with completing the “Check Your Skills” exercises provided within each chapter. Don’t forget to tackle the “Drill Sets” presented at the conclusion of each chapter as well. These practical exercises are crucial for reinforcing the concepts learned and assessing your understanding.

“Check Your Skills” are given within each chapter.

“Drill Sets” are given at the end of each chapter.

Get Manhattan Foundation Guides here.

Mastering GRE Concepts, Strategies, and Tricks

Magoosh Video Lessons and Manhattan 8 Strategy Guides

Get Manhattan 8 Strategy Guides here.

Get Magoosh Video Lessons here.

To enhance your understanding of the GRE’s concepts, the subtleties of its structure, and strategies for tackling both the math and verbal sections, utilize the Magoosh Video Lessons and the Manhattan 8-book strategy guide series.

Estimated completion time for the Manhattan guides: 60-80 hours

Estimated completion time for the Magoosh video lessons: 50-60hours

If you aim to achieve a score as close to 320 as possible, pairing both of these resources will ensure a comprehensive prep.

Conversely, if your target score is below 320, either one of these resource will suffice.

In the latter case, for those who prefer a more traditional, text-based learning approach, the Manhattan books are ideal. Meanwhile, if your learning style leans more towards interactive and visual content, then Magoosh’s video lessons are the way to go.

Both of these resources are fantastic in offering a deep dive into GRE-specific tactics for both the quant and verbal sections. They provide exhaustive coverage of all the topics, tricks, question types, and problem-solving strategies required.

Each resource excels in different areas, ensuring all aspects of the GRE are covered when used together.Approximately 70% of the content is shared across both resources, with the remaining 30% of unique content being crucial in your quest for a score above 320. A thorough review of both is necessary to uncover these valuable insights.

For instance, while both sources cover number properties and geometry comprehensively, Magoosh outshines in statistics and Manhattan excels in algebra/inequalities.

In the verbal section, Magoosh offers superior techniques and strategies for vocabulary-based fill-in-the-blanks and reading passages. Conversely, Manhattan surpasses in logical passage understanding. Therefore, to ensure comprehensive coverage, study both resources simultaneously, paralleling topics where possible.

While studying the Manhattan 8 strategy guides, don’t skip the “Check Your Skills” tasks within each chapter, the “Problem Sets” at the end of each chapter, and the “Drill Sets” and the 60 “Easy Medium and Hard Practice Sets” at the end of each strategy guide. These exercises are vital to reinforcing your understanding and preparing you for the actual test.

“Check Your Skills” are given within each chapter.

“Problem Sets” are given at the end of each chapter.

“Drill Sets” are given at the end of each strategy guide.

“Easy, Medium, and Hard Practice Question Sets” are given at the end of each strategy guide.

When using Magoosh, ensure you complete the quizzes at the end of each section. However, it is advisable to skip the custom practice questions to focus on more essential areas.

“Quiz” is given at the end of each section in Magoosh Video Lessons.

Skip the “Custom Practice Questions” in Magoosh.

Get Manhattan 8 Strategy Guides here.

Get Magoosh Video Lessons here.

Sharpening Your Skills with Practice

ETS Official Guides

Get ETS GRE Official Guides here.

Estimated time commitment: 40-50 hours

It’s time to delve into the world of ETS Official Guides once you’ve built a strong foundation with the resources previously mentioned. These guides are the gateway to GRE success, filled with practice questions straight from the official test makers.

The ETS Official Guides contain over 450 math problems and more than 300 verbal problems. Further, the ETS Quant Guide presents an additional 150+ math questions, and the ETS Verbal Guide offers another 150+ verbal questions.

In total, you’re looking at over 600 math questions and 450 verbal questions – an impressive repository of more than 1000 practice problems! That’s a substantial amount of practice.

These are not just any questions; these are official problems from the actual test makers. Therefore, it’s critical that you don’t just skim through them. Instead, aim for a thorough understanding of the underlying concepts. Work through them multiple times, and strive for complete comprehension rather than just rote completion.

Each question comes with a detailed explanation, which is generally quite insightful, though some solutions could potentially be more efficient or intuitive. Nonetheless, they offer excellent learning opportunities.

And, if there’s something that you don’t understand even after reviewing the explanations, remember that I, ChatGPT, am here to assist you. I can be especially helpful with the verbal section of your GRE preparation.

Get ETS GRE Official Guides here.

Preparing for the Real Deal with Mock Exams

Get ETS Power Prep Mocks here.

Power Prep Free and Paid Mocks (note: these will be updated in September 2023 to reflect the new shorter GRE format)

The Power Prep mock exams offer an additional 500 quant and verbal questions in total, sourced from the official test makers themselves. Ensure you attempt these only after you’ve finished studying from the ETS Official Guides. Use these mock exams as an opportunity to practice time management, an essential skill for performing well on the GRE.

While working through the ETS Official Guides, the focus should be on concept application rather than time management. Reserve your time management practice for the Power Prep mocks. When you begin taking these mock tests, consider taking the first one without time constraints if you’re feeling anxious. This approach can help you get acquainted with the test format and comfort level.

Starting from the second mock test and onwards, aim to complete every exam under timed conditions. Importantly, simulate the real test environment as closely as possible – don’t pause the exam midway and take each test in one sitting, as you would on the actual test day.

It’s not recommended to take mock tests on consecutive days. Instead, schedule them every 2-3 days, ideally early in the morning when you’re most alert and energized. Avoid taking mock tests after a full day of work or classes.

After each mock exam, give yourself a 2–3-day break. Use this time to review your performance, identify weak areas, and revisit the respective topics in the Manhattan and Magoosh resources. Also, rework related practice questions to solidify your understanding.

Maintain an error log to track your mistakes. This log can become a valuable revision tool as you approach your exam day. The practice of continuous review and improvement is vital in the final stages of your GRE preparation.

Get ETS Power Prep Mocks here.

Additional GRE Prep Resources for the Perfectionist

The foundational concept building, trick mastering, and technique learning you require for GRE preparation are comfortably covered by Manhattan’s foundational and strategy guides, along with Magoosh’s video lessons. They are comprehensive resources that teach you the ins and outs of the GRE.

In terms of practice, the ETS guides and Power Prep mock exams provide a cumulative 1000+ math and 900+ verbal questions – approximately 2000 official practice questions. This enables you to apply the knowledge you’ve acquired through the Manhattan and Magoosh materials. For the majority (90%) of test-takers, these resources are sufficient to attain a score as close as possible to their target. They might even find it challenging to exhaust these resources fully.

However, the exceptional few, comprising less than 10% of test-takers, may aspire for perfection. These individuals wish to leave no stone unturned and are willing to invest every ounce of their effort to secure the perfect score. If you count yourself among these ambitious individuals, then you might consider the following resources. Of course, only delve into these additional materials after you’ve finished, and revised a couple of times, all the primary resources mentioned earlier.

Additional Practice

with Magoosh Custom Practice Questions

Get Magoosh Customer Practice Questions here.

Magoosh offers over 1750+ practice questions for math and verbal combined, which is quite comparable to the quantity of ETS material we’ve covered earlier. However, instead of indiscriminately attempting these 1750 questions, which could potentially add an extra 100+ hours to your study schedule, I recommend a more strategic approach.

Utilize the error log you’ve been maintaining (as I suggested previously) to identify the areas where you’re less confident or frequently make mistakes. Then, focus solely on those topics’ questions within Magoosh’s custom practice. The beauty of Magoosh’s custom practice feature is its ability to select any topic or subtopic from their database, enabling you to target specific areas of improvement. This strategy prevents countless hours spent on a full set of 1750+ questions, allowing you to concentrate on your weak spots instead.

While the quality of Magoosh practice questions may not match the ETS official questions, they remain of good quality and serve to tie up any loose ends and address gaps in your preparation. Magoosh also offers the option to do timed practice sets, but I wouldn’t recommend this. Instead, use Magoosh questions as a tool to solidify your understanding and hone your concepts further.

When it comes to timed practice, the Manhattan 6 mock tests, which I’ll discuss below, are more suitable for this purpose.

Get Magoosh Customer Practice Questions here.

Fine-Tuning Your Prep

with Manhattan 6 Mock Tests 

Get Manhattan GRE Mocks here.

(these mocks will be updated for the new GRE in September)

If you find yourself wrestling with time management issues (which is uncommon after tackling the 5 PowerPrep mocks), the Manhattan 6 mock tests could be the solution. These tests are valuable for refining your ability to perform under timed conditions, building concentration, and coping with the added pressure of a ticking clock.

The quality of verbal questions in these mock tests is relatively average, but the math questions are of high quality, comparable to Magoosh’s level. These tests could be a beneficial tool towards the end of your preparation, especially when your exam is just two weeks away and you wish to maintain your momentum. The Manhattan 6 mock tests will not only help you stay focused and on track but also fine-tune your time management skills and acclimate you to handling the stress of the exam situation.

Get Manhattan GRE Mocks here.

Building Your Vocabulary

Get Magoosh GRE Vocabulary App here.

While there’s an assortment of vocabulary lists available, from publishers like Manhattan, Barrons, Magoosh, Kaplan, and Princeton, there isn’t a significant difference between them. However, I strongly recommend using Magoosh, primarily due to the convenience of their mobile and desktop apps. Although the words covered are identical to those in other publishers’ lists, Magoosh’s layout and accessibility provide a more user-friendly experience. 

Thanks to the smart spaced-repetition algorithm, the app keeps track of your learning pattern as you learn new words. It won’t repeat words that you have already learned. This makes sure that you don’t waste time on unnecessary repetitions. Instead, words you are having difficulty with will often reappear so that you can successfully memorize them.

Magoosh has conveniently divided their word list of 1000 words into three segments: basic, common, and advanced words, each encompassing around 300-350 words. If you’re striving for a verbal score over 160, it would be beneficial to cover all three lists. Otherwise, stick to the basic and common words. 

Additionally, I encourage you to note and learn any unfamiliar words that appear in the 3 ETS guides and 5 PowerPrep mock exams. Hence, if you’re going all out for vocabulary, focus on Magoosh’s basic, common, and advanced word lists (totaling to 1000 words) in addition to the vocabulary encountered in the ETS guides and PowerPrep mocks.

If you encounter new vocabulary elsewhere, such as in Manhattan mock exams, Magoosh custom practice questions, Manhattan strategy guides, Magoosh video lessons, or elsewhere, feel free to disregard them entirely. This method will ensure you’re focusing on the most critical vocabulary for the GRE.

Get Magoosh GRE Vocabulary App here.

Limitations of Current GRE Prep Material

High-Quality Question Scarcity 

Despite the substantial amount of GRE preparation material currently available, it still lacks a sufficient number of high-quality, Level 4 and 5 questions. Within the 2000 math and verbal official questions provided in ETS materials and PowerPrep mocks, only around 15% are Level 4, and a scant 5% reach Level 5.

This limitation becomes an issue for ambitious test-takers targeting a 325+ score on the GRE, as the available practice questions may not comprehensively cover the intricate and nuanced challenges found at this high level.

Magoosh performs admirably with Level 1, 2, and 3 questions. However, for Level 4 and 5, it offers a sparse amount of truly outstanding questions – less than 100 questions that genuinely challenge and engage the test taker.

As of this writing, no resources on the market can provide an additional 300-400 Level 4 and 5 math and verbal practice questions. For those intent on mastering these high levels, you’ll likely need the experience of tackling a total of 500 math and 500 verbal Level 4 and 5 questions. At present, you have access to a maximum of 250 math and 200 verbal questions at these levels.

While these may be sufficient for the extremely gifted, those of us needing to put in additional effort to reach these levels could benefit from an additional 250 math and 250 verbal questions of Level 4 and 5. This would ensure a diverse enough sample to effectively learn and navigate all the potential pitfalls and tricks that the GRE could throw your way at the 325+ level.

Addressing the Gap in Advanced GRE Prep Material: A Call to ETS

Regrettably, as of now, no resources effectively bridge the existing gap in advanced GRE preparation materials. ETS, as the official body behind the GRE, should ideally step in to rectify this situation. A helpful solution could be the introduction of an Advanced GRE Guide, which would exclusively feature Level 4 and 5 questions. 

Such a move wouldn’t be unprecedented. The GMAT, a few years back, released an advanced guide containing 300 Level 5 questions from past official GMAT exams, catering to the most ambitious test-takers. A similar strategy adopted by GRE, i.e., releasing official Level 4 and 5 questions from previous exams, would be a significant contribution to aspirants aiming to score in the higher brackets.

The current lack of such resources highlights the inherent limitations of unofficial prep materials. While these can be beneficial for initial stages, they ultimately fall short of providing the intricacy and quality of official questions, particularly at higher levels. Until such an advanced guide exists, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of current resources and devise strategies accordingly.