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Manhattan Prep vs Princeton Review GRE
Determine which GRE prep course is better for you in this comparison between Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review
When it comes to studying for the GRE, there are plenty of options available to help you. In this article, we compare two of the most popular GRE courses on the market (Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep), so you can see which one better suits your budget and learning style. That way, you can score high on the GRE and get accepted in your dream graduate school.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video: Which GRE Course Should You Choose?
In the video above, John from the Test Prep Insight team covers everything you need to know about the GRE prep courses from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep.
Why Manhattan Prep GRE Is Better Than Princeton Review
In order to keep this article focused, let’s discuss the key areas where each company excels and has an advantage over the other. With that in mind, let’s begin with Manhattan Prep.
Engaging Video Lessons
Manhattan Prep’s first advantage lies in their video lessons. Simply put, I consider Manhattan Prep’s video lessons to be the best in the entire GRE prep space (even better than Kaplan’s).
This is a notable statement, especially considering that Princeton Review’s video lessons are also highly regarded. However, there are several reasons why Manhattan Prep’s videos stand out.
Manhattan Prep GRE lecture
Not only are they rich in substantive material, but they are also interactive and engaging. The videos are presented in the format of a digital whiteboard with an instructor on screen. As the instructor speaks, notes and graphics appear on the whiteboard behind them, enhancing the learning experience.
The production quality of these videos is superb, adding to their appeal. Additionally, throughout the lessons, you are prompted to complete quiz questions to ensure that you are paying attention and grasping the concepts being taught.
Moreover, Manhattan Prep’s video lessons occasionally include cartoons or short skits, providing a bit of comic relief and further enhancing the learning experience. This element of fun is a significant differentiator for Manhattan Prep’s lessons compared to those of their competitors.
Overall, if you are a visual learner, you are likely to find Manhattan Prep’s video lessons highly enjoyable and effective.
Superb GRE Instructors
Another strong point for Manhattan Prep is their instructors, who are truly exceptional. All of them have scored in the 99th percentile themselves, making them GRE experts.
However, what sets them apart is not just their high level of knowledge, but also their communication skills. The instructors excel at incorporating jokes and humor into their video lessons and live classes, making the learning experience enjoyable and engaging.
The Manhattan Prep user interface is first-rate
Sometimes, it doesn’t even feel like you’re studying; instead, it feels more like you’re having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. Their ability to keep the lessons light and playful while maintaining a high level of educational value is truly commendable.
Overall, Manhattan Prep’s instructors receive two thumbs up for their outstanding performance.
Small-Group Live GRE Classes
I also believe that Manhattan Prep excels in live classes. While I have no complaints about the live classes offered by Princeton Review (they are also excellent) I give Manhattan Prep the slight edge because they intentionally limit class sizes.
This strategy enhances personalized attention and promotes active participation, which, in my opinion, is a very effective format for learning.
Additionally, I think smaller, personalized classes are particularly beneficial for shy students. Such an environment helps them feel more comfortable, allowing them to focus more on learning.
GRE Practice Problems and Exams
Manhattan Prep’s fourth win lies in the depth of their practice materials. Since Kaplan owns Manhattan Prep, students get access to both companies’ question banks — over 5,000 practice problems total (compared to Princeton Review’s 3,500).
Example of quiz question from Manhattan Prep
The quantity in their Qbank is substantial. If you’re someone who learns best through practice (meaning you learn by doing), Manhattan Prep’s extensive practice resources make a compelling case.
On top of this, Manhattan Prep also offer 13 practice exams vs. Princeton Reviews’s 8 exams. This is more than any other prep company other than Kaplan, who also has 13. Research indicates a strong correlation between the number of practice tests taken and score improvement. Every additional practice test matters, and this is a big win for Manhattan Prep.
Focus On Advanced Math
Lastly, for those aiming to take the GRE to pursue a business school MBA, Manhattan Prep offers a specialized course tailored to this specific goal. Despite being less known, approximately 90% of business schools now accept both GRE and GMAT scores for MBA applications.
Moreover, there has been a significant increase in MBA applicants opting for the GRE over the GMAT, with about a third of applicants now choosing the GRE compared to just 10% a decade ago. This trend indicates the GRE’s growing popularity for business school applications.
A look inside the Manhattan Prep GRE course
For individuals who have decided to take the GRE for their MBA application, Manhattan Prep’s specialized GRE for MBA course could be the ideal choice. This course includes nine live class sessions that place extra emphasis on advanced math, which is considered the most challenging part of the GRE and a crucial component of business school applications.
Whether you are aiming for a top-tier score to gain entry into an elite business school or simply need additional focus on the math section for your graduate school program, Manhattan Prep’s GRE MBA course offers a valuable option with its concentrated focus on advanced math.
Why Princeton Review GRE Is Better Than Manhattan Prep
Now that you have a good understanding of what Manhattan Prep has to offer, let’s switch gears and discuss the major reasons to use Princeton Review to help you study for the GRE.
Adaptive Learning
While Manhattan Prep gives you tons of practice material, Princeton Review has an edge on smarter, adaptive practice. You can really see this with their DrillSmart technology, which mirrors how the actual GRE adjusts difficulty as you go.
As you work through drills, the system watches how you’re doing and adjusts on the fly. Getting questions right? It ramps up the difficulty. Struggling? It eases back to help you build confidence. This keeps you from spinning your wheels on stuff that’s too easy or getting discouraged by questions that are way over your head.
Princeton Review GRE performance tracking report
The Interactive Score Reports are also really thorough. After each practice test, you get a detailed breakdown that tracks your time per question and how well you’re performing in specific sub-topics. Manhattan Prep also has solid adaptive features and reporting, but if you want to let data guide where you focus your time, Princeton Review gets the win here.
Supplemental GRE Resources
Next, I want to mention some of the additional resources that Princeton Review provides to its students. One of these resources is the Vocabulary Hit Parade, a supplemental workbook that covers the most commonly seen terms on the exam (i.e. the “hits”).
Princeton Review provides plenty of bonus GRE resources
Having a strong grasp of vocabulary is crucial for performing well on the verbal section of the GRE, as many questions are based on less commonly used words. Therefore, this resource is a valuable addition to Princeton Review’s offerings.
Stellar GRE Score Guarantees
Princeton Review’s final advantage is their score guarantees, specifically their 10 Points+, 162+, and 165+ Tutoring courses. These courses guarantee that you will improve your score by at least 10 points, or achieve a score of at least 162 or 165 on the GRE, or you get your money back. In contrast, Manhattan Prep does not offer any type of score guarantee.
For those aiming for an elite score and admission to a top-tier graduate program, Princeton Review’s score guarantee options are enticing. However, these guarantees come at a price.
For example, the company’s 162+ course costs about $1,200 more than its flagship Fundamentals course. Additionally, there is some fine print behind the guarantee that should be reviewed before making a purchase. Nonetheless, it’s a valuable option for those seeking assurance in their GRE preparation.
Picking between Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review isn’t easy since both are solid GRE prep options. But honestly, it comes down to how you learn best.
If you want adaptive practice that adjusts to your skill level and like the peace of mind that comes with a score guarantee, Princeton Review is a good pick.
But if you’re a visual learner, prefer smaller live classes, or are specifically targeting business school, Manhattan Prep is the better fit. Manhattan Prep is also solid for students who learn better with a lot more practice materials.
That said, if I had to choose, I’d go with Manhattan Prep. The instructor quality is noticeably better, and the curriculum is more engaging overall.
How do the GRE prep courses from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep compare?
The GRE prep courses from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep are extremely similar in terms of both study materials and teaching framework. However, the two companies differ in terms of video lessons, volume of GRE practice work, and GRE score guarantees.
Which GRE prep course is better - Princeton Review or Manhattan Prep?
After testing the GRE courses from both companies, it is difficult to declare a winner. However, if we had to choose one, it would be Manhattan Prep in large part due to their engaging video lessons, more study practice materials, and small-group live classes.
How realistic are the GRE practice tests from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep?
The practice tests from Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review are extremely realistic and do a great job mimicking the real GRE.
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