The GRE saw a significant change in September 2023. The revised exam is shorter, with adjustments to the section format and time limits. With a streamlined structure, your preparation strategy will also need an update.

Fortunately, numerous high-quality mock exams can help you adapt to the new GRE and achieve your target score. In this blog post, I will delve into the best mock exams available for the shorter GRE format, highlighting their pros, cons, and who they might benefit the most. So, whether you’re a high-level test-taker or just starting your GRE journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect mock exam and ace the new shorter GRE!

5 Mocks by ETS: The Gold Standard for GRE Mock Exams

As the official test creators, ETS offers POWERPREP practice exams that are the ultimate benchmark for any GRE aspirant. Here’s why you should start your mock exam prep with POWERPREP:

• Authentic Questions: POWERPREP exams feature genuine, retired GRE questions, giving you the most accurate experience of the real test.
• Official Scoring Algorithm: Since POWERPREP uses the same scoring system as the actual GRE, your results provide the most reliable prediction of your potential score on exam day.
• Free and Paid Options: POWERPREP offers two free exams (POWERPREP 1 and 2) as well as three additional paid exams (POWERPREP Plus 1, 2, and 3). While the paid exams are a significant investment ($40 each), they’re an indispensable resource for those aiming for top scores.
• Interface Familiarity: PowerPrep’s interface closely mirrors the actual GRE, easing test-day jitters caused by unfamiliar screens and reducing the risk of technical hiccups.
• Test Center Experience (Optional): Many test centers offer on-site PowerPrep mock exams. This simulates the full test-day experience, including check-in procedures, without the high cost of the official GRE.

Problems with POWERPREP Free and Paid Mock Exams

• Quant Limitations: Free and paid PowerPrep exams use questions from 2012-2018. Expect the current GRE Quant to be trickier, potentially leading to lower scores on the real exam compared to PowerPrep.
• Verbal Accuracy (With a Caveat): Verbal questions in PowerPrep closely align with the current GRE, providing excellent practice. However, some vocabulary is outdated as newer words aren’t included.
• Potential Score Discrepancies: This outdated content means POWERPREP Quant scores are inflated compared to what you’d encounter on the current GRE. It’s common for students to see a drop of 2-3 points in their Quant scores between the free POWERPREP mocks and the real exam. Verbal scores, on the other hand, tend to align more closely or even improve slightly. 
• Value Question: The high cost of paid PowerPrep Plus 1, 2, and 3 exams ($120) is difficult to justify when quant questions are that old and don’t reflect the current GRE trickiness of quant on the new GRE.

Bonus: Overall issue with ETS Material

ETS has Recycled Questions Across Resources

• If you’ve used PowerPrep mocks for the older GRE, expect to see the same questions again. No updates have been made to free exams since 2012 or paid exams since 2018. 
• The GRE Mentor Course also reuses questions from old PowerPrep exams, offering no exposure to the fresh GRE question style.

ETS has Outdated Material, High Cost

• The combined cost of official GRE resources (guides, Mentor Course, mocks) can reach $300. Yet, much of this content is outdated. Even the GRE Official Guides contain questions from 2012 and since haven’t been updated.
• Despite the shorter GRE format, ETS hasn’t introduced enough new questions, leaving test-takers feeling shortchanged on value.

Navigating the Paid POWERPREP Options

If you’re considering buying only one of the paid POWERPREP Plus exams, purchase the powerprep plus 3. It features slightly more challenging Quant questions, making it a better benchmark for your potential score.

Unfortunately, the POWERPREP resources can create a somewhat misleading impression compared to the actual GRE, with verbal questions aligning well but quant lagging behind somewhat.

6 Mocks by Manhattan Prep: Variety and Value

Manhattan Prep have updated their mocks to reflect the shorter GRE format. For a budget-friendly $50, you gain access to both their 6 short and 6 longer format mock exams. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking extra practice and exposure to a wider range of question styles, even beyond what the shorter GRE requires. So, if you find you need more practice and a variety of questions, opting for the longer mocks is a worthwhile strategy. You can also take a free Manhattan mock exam. 

• Manhattan Prep Quant Focus: Compared to the official POWERPREP exams, Manhattan Prep offers more challenging Quant questions, making them a good option for those seeking a rigorous Quant workout. However, their Verbal section leans heavily on vocabulary, which might not fully reflect the focus of the actual GRE. 
• Vocabulary Emphasis, Close Reading Passages: While Manhattan Prep’s verbal questions might overemphasize vocabulary, their reading passages and associated questions closely align with the difficulty of the actual GRE. The answer choices, though perhaps slightly less tricky than those on the real exam, still provide a valuable practice experience. Overall, Manhattan Prep mock quant scores tend to correlate well with students’ actual GRE performance.

While their mocks are valuable resources, it’s ideal to supplement them with ETS mock exams for a well-rounded verbal preparation strategy.

• Good Scoring Algorithm: While their scoring algorithm provides a decent estimate, it may slightly overestimate your potential GRE score by 1-2 points. If you score 320 on a Manhattan mock, your actual GRE score might be closer to the 316-317 range.

5 Kaplan Mocks: Premium Practice (with a Price Tag)

Kaplan offers high-quality mock exams. While their free mock provides a good initial experience, there might be a slightly greater emphasis on probability compared to the actual GRE. Their full set of four mocks is excellent but quite expensive at $150. Kaplan is a strong choice for those seeking top-tier scores and aren’t as budget-conscious.

It’s wise to try the free Kaplan mock regardless of your budget. If you’re seeking the freshest questions and highest quality practice, and price isn’t a major concern, then Kaplan is worth the investment.

4 Mocks by Princeton Review: A Good Option for Beginners

If you’re currently scoring below 310 on practice exams, Princeton Review mocks offer a valuable resource. They feature a greater proportion of easy to medium difficulty questions. This allows you to build confidence and practice foundational concepts before tackling more challenging material.

Outdated Yet Useful

While Princeton Review mocks haven’t been updated to reflect the shorter GRE format, they still offer value. Their increased number of questions provides extra practice. These mocks are especially beneficial for those currently scoring below 310. The focus on basic and medium-difficulty questions helps solidify foundational concepts, making them a good starting point for those who are new to GRE mock exams or feel initial anxiety about the test environment.

A Budget-Friendly Option

Like the other providers, Princeton Review offers a free introductory mock exam. However, a unique advantage is that if you purchase their prep book (which is quite affordable at around $15), you’ll get their full set of 4 mock exams included.

Choosing the Right Number of Mock Exams

With POWERPREP (5 exams), Manhattan Prep (6 exams), Kaplan (potentially 4 paid + 1 free), and Princeton Review (3 paid + 1 free), you have a staggering 20 potential mock exams at your disposal. However, taking all 20 mocks is likely excessive. 

So, let’s address the questions of how many mocks to take and where to begin. I recommend starting with the free POWERPREP 1 exam. While the questions are older, they’ll familiarize you with the official GRE interface and scoring algorithm.

• If your initial score is below 310: Focus on the 4 Princeton Review mocks to strengthen your foundational skills.
• If your score is above 310: The Manhattan Prep mocks offer a more challenging, realistic practice experience.

You can strategically incorporate a Kaplan mock exam for additional practice. After completing these, it’s beneficial to revisit the free POWERPREP 2 and the 3 paid Powerprep Plus exams for a final assessment, as they are the closest indicator of your potential score on the real GRE. 

Quality Over Quantity: The New Approach to Mock Exams

In the past, taking a large number of mock exams was encouraged to build stamina for the longer GRE format. However, with the shorter GRE, the focus shifts from endurance to strategic practice. 

While taking mocks is crucial, aim for a maximum of 6-8 carefully chosen exams. This allows you to identify and address weaknesses rather than simply taking exams for the sake of it. 

Remember, improvement comes from pinpointing your problem areas and working to overcome them, not just from taking more mocks.

Mock Exam Strategies for Every Budget

• Tight Budget: Focus on the free resources: POWERPREP (2 exams), Kaplan (1 exam), and Princeton Review (1 exam). These offer valuable practice, even if slightly outdated for POWERPREP.
•  If You Can Invest Some Money: Purchase the POWERPREP Plus 3 mocks ($40) for fresh questions and Manhattan Prep’s mock exam bundle ($50). Combine these with the free Kaplan, Princeton Review, and POWERPREP exams for a strong practice base.
• Prioritize If Above 310: If your practice scores consistently exceed 310, skip the Princeton Review mocks. Instead, focus on challenging yourself with Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, and the official POWERPREP exams.

Important Reminders

• Don’t Overdo It: Regardless of budget, avoid taking too many mocks without proper analysis in between. Aim for 2-3 mocks a week maximum to prevent mental burnout.
• Quality Counts: Avoid unreliable online mock exams that claim to offer a huge number of tests. Stick to the trusted sources discussed in this post.