Best GRE Prep Books

#1 | Kaplan GRE Prep Plus

Preparing for the GRE is easier than ever when you have the step-by-step guidance of the Kaplan GRE Prep Plus. Kaplan is one of the leaders in test prep and this study book is no exception.

This book is filled with expert strategies for test taking. I found it to be a big bonus that with the purchase of this Kaplan GRE test book, you also get one-year access to the Kaplan online practice tests and lessons, providing added flexibility in study methods.

One of the key features of this GRE prep book that I find to be most helpful, is the inclusion of five, full-length online practice tests. These tests are in a computer-based format to help you practice as if you were taking the actual exam.

This prep book also includes one full-length GRE practice test within the book itself and more than 1,500 questions, complete with detailed explanations. I found it easy to personalize my study plan with the performance summaries provided by this prep book.

You can also utilize the 500-question online Qbank which allows you to customize your GRE preparation. With the expert guidance and access to stress-reduction and test-taking strategies, you get the complete package with this GRE test study book created by Kaplan faculty with decades of experience.

➡ RELATED: Read our review of the Kaplan GRE course

#2 | TPB GRE Prep Review Book

Created by experts especially for test takers looking to improve their scores, Test Prep Books GRE Prep provides solid test-taking strategies and a thorough overview of the GRE exam, including what to expect and how to prepare. This guide also includes useful tips for overcoming test anxiety and creating a study plan for the GRE.

You will additional practice within content areas of the GRE, including analytical reasoning, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, with one of the best GRE practice books.

With each practice question in this GRE prep book, I had access to detailed answer explanations so I could determine the areas in which I needed improvement. Each section of this prep book also includes a comprehensive review for you to reflect on before and after taking the practice tests.

What makes this GRE test book stand out is that it includes the top test-taking tips and reviews of the type of questions and content you will see on the exam.

When purchasing this prep book, you not only get GRE prep materials, but also test-taking strategies and practice test questions. Consider this as one of the best GRE prep books to improve your overall score

➡ Also Worth Reading: Achievable GRE Review

#3 | The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep

Fully prepare for the exam with one of the best GRE prep books available, The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep. The Princeton Review has expanded their GRE prep book with additional online practice test questions, expansive topic reviews and four full-length practice tests.

With the purchase of this prep book, you also receive $100 toward an online GRE course presented by the experts at the Princeton Review, which is a nice little bonus.

This prep book is filled with tips to help you prepare for the GRE and improve your exam score. Learn how to pace yourself while maximizing your time and enhance your knowledge of the GRE content areas, with powerful tactics and detailed examples of how to approach all question types.

This prep book includes a thorough review for each section of the exam, and I found the practice sections on reading comprehension and math to be quite useful. I was particularly impressed with the expansive vocabulary list and key terms included with The Princeton Review GRE prep book.

As you practice your way to improving your GRE score, utilize the drills for each test section in this book. Content areas covered include analytical writing, verbal and math.

Also included in this prep book are step-by-step guides, with the two full-length practice tests in the book and the five full-length practice tests online. Once you’ve completed the practice tests, gain access to in-depth score reports that are available with the online tests.

#4 | GRE Prep Book By Magoosh

Another GRE prep book for you to consider is Magoosh GRE Prep. Created by one of the nation’s leading online test-prep companies, the prep book by Magoosh is one to put on your radar when preparing for the GRE exam.

Magoosh’s GRE prep book supplied me with statistics for each practice question so I had an idea of the difficulty rating, as well as a full-length practice test with an answer key and detailed explanations.

I was pleasantly surprised that it also provided me with some helpful tips and prompts to aid in my GRE essay writing practice. You will gain even more practice with the online GRE prep resources.

New this year, Magoosh’s GRE prep book includes test-taking advice from experts who helped create the GRE exam. It also includes a study schedule to help you prepare for exam day and a list of easy-to-follow tips and strategies to help you ace any type of question you might find on the exam.

This book has lessons that cover quantitative, verbal and analytical concepts, as well as 130 practice questions, answers and explanations.

➡ RELATED: Read our review of the Magoosh GRE course

#5 | Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems

Take a load off of your GRE test preparation with the Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems. This best-selling GRE study book is coupled with an online suite of lessons, practice problems and an interactive learning platform.

This study book includes micro drills and new mixed timed sets so you can learn how to pace yourself during the exam, as well as a handy cheat sheet of key math rules to bulk up your knowledge and quantitative skills.

The core of this 5-pound GRE study book is the 1,800 practice problems that cover every topic on the exam. Personally, this was ideal for me. I learn best by doing, so my takeaway – the more practice problems the better.

Each practice question was developed by Manhattan Prep experts and allows students to further develop their understanding of the content covered on the GRE. This book provides detailed explanations and answers, as well as step-by-step applications with each of the practice problems in this book. T

he on-demand learning platform that accompanies this practice book provides you with even more resources to learn from your mistakes and improve your test-taking skills when preparing for the GRE.

➡ RELATED: Read our review of the Manhattan Prep GRE Course

Preparing For The GRE

Being well prepared for the GRE can solidify your entrance into graduate school and pave the way for your future. These best GRE prep books will be instrumental tools in helping you prepare for the exam and achieve your desired score.

In addition to selecting and utilizing the best prep book for your needs, you may want to also consider using a GRE prep course or hiring a GRE tutor. Check out our list of best GRE prep courses here.

Prep courses often provide better instruction and more practice material than you will find in just a book. Plus, they are not as expensive as you might think. There are prep companies that charge much less than the GRE courses from Kaplan and Princeton Review. For example, Target Test Prep and PrepScholar both offer very affordable courses (less than $100).

No matter what your choice of study tool is though, it is important to establish a study plan. You will need to a couple months to prepare for the exam with dedicated studying every week. Create a schedule, and stick to it. Share your schedule with friends and family so they can be supportive in your efforts.

Take a timed practice test at the beginning of your studies. This will give you a feel for the testing format and provide you with a baseline score. Take time to review the results of your practice test, and use it to develop a study plan where you can target areas where you need improvement.

Utilize all of the resources available to you in your GRE prep books, courses, mobile apps, and online. The use of flashcards can be extremely helpful in bumping up your vocabulary skills. You can make your own flashcards, or you can find GRE vocab lists online or in your chosen GRE prep materials.