If you’re preparing for the GRE, finding the right study materials is crucial. There are many options out there, but not all of them are good. Here, we review some of the best GRE prep books available to help you make the right choice. Our goal is to save you time and help you achieve your graduate school goals. We have recently posted about IELTS preparation books and SSC CGL books of you are planning to participate in them.

Best GRE Prep Books 2024

1. Magoosh GRE Book

The Magoosh GRE Book is a comprehensive guide that includes everything you love about Magoosh’s online GRE prep, but in a paperback format. This 468-page book contains over a hundred practice questions with detailed explanations. Each question and answer has been reviewed by experts to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. This book can be used on its own or in combination with Magoosh’s online GRE prep course for additional practice.

2. The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test, 3rd Edition

This book, published by ETS (the makers of the GRE), is considered the best GRE prep book on the market. It includes four full-length practice tests and numerous practice questions written by the test-makers themselves. While the content may be dry, it offers the most realistic practice you can get.

3. Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions & Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions

These two books, also from ETS, focus on specific sections of the GRE. The Verbal book includes many new, official GRE verbal reasoning questions, while the Quantitative book offers challenging math problems and new strategies. These books are essential for anyone looking to improve their scores in these areas.

4. PowerPrep and PowerPrep PLUS

ETS offers two free GRE practice tests called PowerPrep and two additional paid tests called PowerPrep PLUS. These tests provide realistic test-taking practice and are great tools for preparing for the GRE. Taking at least one of the free PowerPrep tests is highly recommended, and if you have the time and budget, the PowerPrep PLUS tests offer even more practice.

5. Barron’s 6 GRE Practice Tests

Barron’s 6 GRE Practice Tests book offers a solid collection of practice questions. While the difficulty of the questions may not perfectly match the real GRE, this book is still a valuable resource for additional practice.

6. Manhattan GRE Math and Verbal Strategies Set

Manhattan Prep’s materials are highly recommended, and this set lives up to the reputation. The math and verbal sections are well-designed, with high-quality questions and explanations. Purchasing this bundle also gives you access to six online practice tests.

7. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2022

Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2022 provides solid content and strategies for both the verbal and math sections. The book includes high-quality practice questions and helpful strategies for vocabulary acquisition and math concepts. The “Plus” version also offers additional online tests and a customizable question bank.

8. Magoosh’s Free GRE eBooks

Magoosh offers several free GRE eBooks that provide helpful strategies and tips. These eBooks are a great starting point for your GRE prep and can be downloaded from the Magoosh website.

Honorable Mentions

1. GRE Analytical Writing: Solutions to Real Essay Topics (Books 1 & 2) by Vibrant Publishers

These books provide sample essays and detailed explanations for GRE essay topics. They are helpful for students who struggle with writing or are not comfortable writing in academic English.

2. Manhattan 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems

This book offers a large collection of practice problems, especially strong in the math section. However, the verbal practice questions are not as GRE-like as they should be, so it’s best used for math practice.

3. The Princeton Review GRE Prep, 2022-2023 Edition

The Princeton Review books offer big-picture strategies that can be helpful for general test prep. The content is somewhat generic, but it can be useful for reviewing basic skills like interpreting questions and using process of elimination.

Books to Avoid

Some GRE books should be avoided due to their poor quality questions. These include the GRE Prep and GRE Prep Plus books, as well as McGraw Hill’s New GRE with 8 Practice Tests. These books have problematic questions that do not accurately reflect the real GRE.

What Makes a Good GRE Prep Book?

When evaluating GRE prep books, consider the following criteria:

• Depth and Quality of Review Material: Good books provide in-depth overviews of the material you need to know for the GRE, without overwhelming you with extraneous information.
• Quality of Practice GRE Problems: The questions should be similar in format and difficulty to the real GRE.
• Clarity and Thoroughness of Explanations: Detailed explanations help you understand why each answer is correct or incorrect.
• Number and Quality of Practice Tests: High-quality practice tests are essential for effective GRE prep.

More Books and Resources for GRE Prep

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a great GRE score. Magoosh offers many free resources, including eBooks, study schedules, and practice tests. These resources can help you get started on your GRE prep journey.In conclusion, the right GRE prep book can make a significant difference in your test preparation. Whether you choose the Magoosh GRE Book, the Official Guide to the GRE, or any other book on this list, make sure it meets your needs and helps you achieve your graduate school goals.