10 Best GRE PREP Books You Should Know About In 2024

Everything is fine but here’s a stat to wake you up: over 500,000 people take the GRE every year, and that number is only growing! With the competition heating up, choosing the right GRE prep book could be a game-changer. But let’s be honest: the world of GRE prep can be downright overwhelming. Between verbal reasoning practice questions, quantitative sections, and endless test questions, how do you even know where to start? You’re probably Googling “best GRE AWA prep books” as we speak, and trust me, we’ve all been there.

The good news? You don’t have to drown in options. With a solid GRE action plan and the right study guide (hello, Official Guide to the GRE by ETS), you’ll find your groove. The key is finding books that balance core content with realistic practice tests and online practice options, so you’re not just studying but actually improving. From nailing those tricky verbal reasoning questions to mastering quantitative, a solid GRE prep book will boost your confidence and get you ready to ace the GRE exam like a pro.

What Are The Benefits Of Preparing With GRE Prep Books?

Ask me “Why GRE Prep Books is a need?” And I would say, with all honesty, because winging it just won’t cut it for the GRE. You’ve probably heard of online GRE prep courses, flashy apps, or quick tips to boost your score. But the reality is, many of these leave gaps. Without a solid guide, you’re missing out on the structure and comprehensive practice that’ll actually help you ace GRE test.

Here are a few reasons why you should use GRE prep books:

1. All-in-One Coverage

Prep books give you everything you need in one place, from the GRE essay to the most detailed GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions. You won’t be scrambling between websites or apps to cover different sections of the Graduate Record Examinations. Instead, you’ll have a consistent guide to walk you through each part of the test, whether it’s GRE reading comprehension or the dreaded math section.

2. Realistic GRE Practice

The beauty of prep books is they mimic the actual GRE. You’re not just preparing for the GRE exam with random questions—you’re engaging with practice tests that feel like the real deal. This means when you face the new GRE or the GRE revised general test, you won’t be caught off guard. You’ll be ready because you’ve worked through real practice questions designed to match the test.

3. Study On Your Terms

Let’s be real—life is busy. The beauty of GRE prep books is that you control the pace. Whether you want to study in the early mornings or late at night, you have the flexibility to carve out study time that fits your schedule. Plus, many come with access to online practice tests, allowing you to keep up with your GRE test prep wherever you are.

4. Target Weaknesses

One of the best things about prep books is that they cater to different learning needs. Struggling with the GRE verbal reasoning practice questions? Or maybe quantitative reasoning is your pain point? You can hone in on those specific areas, using test preparation that focuses on improving your GRE score in a targeted, efficient way.

5. Confidence Boost

At the end of the day, the GRE is as much a mental game as it is academic. Going through a well-structured GRE test prep book can be the confidence boost you need. When you’ve tackled countless GRE questions, worked through mock exams, and nailed test prep strategies, you’ll walk into that testing center feeling ready to conquer whatever the life throws your way.

10 Best GRE Prep Books In 2024 To Score High

Now comes the real part—you’ve been waiting for it (I was too). After all that talk about the importance of prep books, it’s time to dig into the list of the best GRE test prep books that can truly help you ace the exam. Whether you’re preparing for the new GRE or the GRE revised general test, this list covers everything from GRE vocabulary drills to full-blown test prep series designed to improve your chances of getting good score on the GRE. 

So, here are 10 books you should have in your bag if you are preparing for GRE:

The Official Guide to the GRE General Test

When preparing for the GRE exam, you can’t go wrong with the official material. This guide, developed by ETS Books (the makers of the GRE), is as close to the real GRE as you can get. It includes hundreds of GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions, GRE verbal reasoning practice questions, and even an entire GRE practice test to simulate the actual GRE. It’s a solid choice for comprehensive test preparation.

2. Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides

Known for their detailed breakdowns, Manhattan GRE Books offer a series of eight guides that dive deep into different sections of the GRE. Whether you need to sharpen your GRE reading comprehension or you’re tackling tough GRE problems in the math section, these guides are incredibly thorough. It’s an ideal resource for those looking for more intensive studying to master all sections of the GRE.

3. Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus

Kaplan Test prep books are known for their high-quality practice tests and instructional material. This book comes with five full-length GRE practice tests (both in the book and online), making it a great choice for those wanting lots of hands-on experience with GRE questions. The online GRE prep resources that come with it are also valuable for building a personalized study plan.

4. Magoosh GRE Prep

Magoosh’s GRE Prep stands out for its easy-to-follow explanations and comprehensive GRE prep material. It’s a go-to for students who prefer more flexibility with their study schedule. Magoosh GRE prep materials also offer access to an online GRE prep platform, allowing you to take advantage of hundreds of additional practice questions and video lessons. If you need a little help tackling GRE essay or quantitative sections, this is a solid pick.

5. 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems by Manhattan Prep

This book is essentially the ultimate practice tool. With over 1,800 GRE questions across all sections—verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing—it’s one of the best GRE test prep books for those who want to tackle a mountain of GRE problems before test day. It’s a great supplement for focused practice.

6. Princeton Review GRE Prep

If you’re looking for a more guided approach to test preparation, Princeton Review’s GRE prep book could be for you. With its proven strategies, a list of the best tips for each section, and detailed breakdowns of the GRE essay, reading comprehension, and math problems, it’s perfect for students who need structure in their study sessions. It also includes a number of full-length practice tests to simulate the actual GRE.

7. Barron’s GRE Prep Book

Barron’s offers a comprehensive guide that focuses on breaking down the test into more manageable sections, ideal for students who are just starting out. The book includes two full-length GRE practice tests, a wealth of GRE vocabulary, and GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions, making it one of the best to get for foundational prep.

8. GRE Prep by Vibrant Publishers

A more concise option, Vibrant’s GRE Prep book focuses on high-frequency GRE questions and vocabulary. It’s great for those who are limited on study time and need something direct and effective. The book also comes with several sections of the GRE broken down, making it easier to focus on your weak spots.

9. McGraw-Hill Education’s GRE Prep

A great all-rounder for exam preparation, McGraw-Hill’s guide includes a mix of GRE verbal reasoning practice questions, quantitative reasoning problems, and essay tips. The book also features a unique “shorter GRE” section, which discusses changes to the test and how to adapt to them. If you’re looking to improve your GRE score with a well-rounded study tool, this is a solid choice.

10. GRE For Dummies

Don’t let the title fool you—this is one of the best GRE test prep books for beginners. It simplifies complex topics and provides step-by-step explanations. You’ll find plenty of GRE questions, study tips, and even a few GRE practice tests thrown in. It’s a good way to build up your confidence as you start preparing for the GRE exam.

Conclusion

Lastly, I want to say, if you do not achieve the desired results, don’t worry! There are universities that still accepts you without considering your GRE score.

So, there you have it—10 solid GRE prep books that can truly make a difference in your test preparation. The GRE isn’t just about showing up and hoping for the best; it’s about smart, focused studying. With over 500,000 people taking the GRE each year, it’s more important than ever to have the right resources at your fingertips.

At the end of the day, it’s not about overloading yourself with a mountain of resources—it’s about selecting the best ones that fit your learning style and sticking with them. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and you’ll be ready to take on the GRE.

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