Starting your GRE journey can feel overwhelming with countless resources available online and offline. Whether you're aiming for a 330+ score or simply want to meet your target program's requirements, having the right GRE preparation resources can make all the difference between a mediocre and exceptional performance.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every resource you need, from official materials to free alternatives, helping you build a strategic study plan without breaking the bank.
Understanding How to Prepare for the GRE: The Foundation
Before diving into specific resources, let's address the fundamental question: how to prepare for the GRE effectively?
The GRE comprises three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 30 questions total)
- Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 40 questions total)
- Analytical Writing (2 tasks)
Most test-takers need 2-4 months of dedicated preparation, though this varies based on your baseline skills and target score. The key isn't just what you study, but how you use available resources strategically.
Explore our comprehensive guide on the GRE Exam Schedule.
Your First Steps
How to start preparing for the GRE begins with a diagnostic test. Before investing in any resource, take a full-length practice test to:
- Identify your current scoring level
- Understand your strengths and weaknesses
- Calculate the score gap to your target
- Determine realistic preparation timelines
This baseline assessment shapes your entire resource selection strategy.
Official ETS GRE Prep Resources: The Gold Standard
When it comes to ETS GRE prep resources, nothing beats the official materials from the test makers themselves.
|
Free Official Resources |
Paid Official Resources |
|
POWERPREP Online – 2 full-length adaptive GRE practice tests that closely simulate the real exam |
ETS Official GRE Superpower Pack ($100–120) • Official Guide to the GRE • Verbal Reasoning Practice Vol. 1 & 2 • Quantitative Reasoning Practice Vol. 1 & 2 |
|
POWERPREP Practice Test Plus – 1 additional free diagnostic-style test |
POWERPREP PLUS Online Tests ($40 per test) – 3 additional full-length adaptive tests with detailed explanations |
|
Official GRE Verbal & Quant Practice PDFs – Downloadable, authentic GRE questions by ETS |
ScoreItNow! Essay Reviews (~$40) – Official AWA essay scoring and feedback |
|
GRE Math Review (123 pages) – Complete coverage of all quantitative concepts, formulas, and examples |
— |
|
ScoreItNow! Writing Practice (Free Sample) – Limited official essay scoring sample |
— |
Why Official Resources Matter: ETS-created questions reflect the actual difficulty and question patterns of the tests. Third-party materials, while helpful, often don't perfectly replicate the GRE's nuanced style.
Enjoy up to 9% off your GRE exam fee when you use the exclusive GRE Voucher Code from EduVouchers.
Free GRE Preparation Material: Quality Resources That Cost Nothing
Budget-conscious test-takers often search for free GRE exam preparation material, and excellent options exist:
1. Manhattan Prep Free Resources:
- 6 full-length adaptive practice tests (requires free account)
- 800+ practice questions
- Video lessons covering all sections
- GRE vocabulary flashcards app
2. Magoosh GRE Prep (Free Components):
- Magoosh Vocabulary Builder app (1000+ words with example sentences)
- YouTube channel with 300+ video lessons
- Free trial access to premium content
3. Khan Academy:
- Quantitative reasoning video tutorials
- Practice problems with step-by-step solutions
- Excellent for math fundamentals review
4. GRE Prep Club:
- Active community forum with expert moderators
- Thousands of practice questions with detailed explanations
- Strategy discussions and study plans
- Completely free access
Additional Free Digital Resources
Quizlet GRE Sets: Digital flashcards for vocabulary building created by test-takers worldwide
GREedge Free Resources: Sample video lessons, practice questions, and study plans
TestPrep Practice: Free question banks across all sections
Best Resources for GRE Verbal: Mastering Language Skills
GRE preparation for the verbal section requires targeted resources, since this section challenges even native English speakers.
Vocabulary Building
The Best Resources for GRE Verbal Vocabulary:
- Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards (Free)
- 1000 most common GRE words
- Organised by difficulty level
- Audio pronunciations and example sentences
- Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know
- Contextual vocabulary learning
- 46 weeks of structured lessons
- Exercises for retention
- Manhattan Prep 500 Essential Words
- High-frequency GRE vocabulary
- Grouped by roots and themes
- Vocabulary.com (Free)
- Adaptive learning algorithm
- Tracks your progress
- Over 120,000 words with examples
Reading Comprehension Resources
1. Gregmat+ Reading Comprehension Strategies ($5/month): Comprehensive video lessons breaking down RC question types and elimination techniques
2. The Economist, Scientific American, Arts & Letters Daily: Read complex articles weekly to build reading stamina and comprehension speed
3. Official ETS Verbal Practice Questions: Nothing beats practising with real test questions for understanding passage complexity
Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence
1. Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides: Dedicated chapters explaining these unique question types
2. GRE Prep Club Verbal Forums: Thousands of practice questions with expert explanations
Best Resources for GRE Quantitative: Building Math Proficiency
Concept Review
1. Manhattan Prep 5lb Book of GRE Practice Problems: 1,500+ quantitative questions organised by concept
2. GRE Math Conventions Document (Free from ETS): Essential notation and terminology reference
3. Khan Academy Math: Video tutorials for rusty math fundamentals
Advanced Quant Resources
1. Gregmat+ Quantitative Reasoning ($5/month): Strategies for 165+ scorers tackling difficult questions
2. ETS Official Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions: Two volumes with 300 authentic questions each
GRE Preparation Materials: Building Your Resource Stack
Now that we've explored individual resources, here's how to build your GRE preparation materials stack based on budget:
|
Stack Type |
Ideal For |
Included Resources |
Estimated Cost |
|
Budget-Friendly Stack ($0–50) |
Self-driven students with longer prep time |
• ETS POWERPREP tests (Free) • Manhattan Prep 6 practice tests (Free) • Magoosh Vocabulary app (Free) • GRE Prep Club Forums (Free) • Khan Academy Math practice (Free) • ETS Official Guide (Used copy) |
$20–50 |
|
Mid-Range Stack ($100–200) |
Targeting higher scores with structured prep |
• All free resources above • ETS Official Super Power Pack ($100–120) • GregMat+ subscription ($5/month × 3 = $15) • Manhattan Prep 5 lb Book ($25) • One POWERPREP PLUS test ($40) |
$180–200 |
|
Premium Stack ($300–500) |
Aggressive prep aiming for top GRE scores |
• All budget + mid-range resources • Magoosh GRE Premium ($149) • Manhattan Prep Strategy Guides set ($150) • Additional POWERPREP PLUS tests ($80) • ScoreItNow! essay reviews ($40) |
$419+ |
GRE Preparation Guidelines: Creating Your Study Plan
Effective GRE preparation guidelines depend on your preparation timeline:
|
Month |
Focus Area |
Key Activities |
|
Month 1 |
Foundations |
• Take a full diagnostic test to assess baseline scores • Review all Quantitative concepts using Manhattan Prep guides or Khan Academy • Build core vocabulary (first 500 words) • Understand GRE question types and basic solving strategies |
|
Month 2 |
Practice & Refinement |
• Attempt 4–6 full-length practice tests • Analyse performance and work on weak areas • Learn 500+ additional vocabulary words • Start timed section practice to improve speed and accuracy |
|
Month 3 |
Test-Ready Phase |
• Take 2–3 final full-length mock tests • Thoroughly review incorrect answers and patterns of mistakes • Perform time management drills • Focus on mental readiness, sleep, and exam-day strategy |
Study Schedule Template
Daily commitment: 2-3 hours for working professionals, 4-6 hours for full-time students
Monday-Friday:
- 1 hour: Section practice (alternate Verbal/Quant)
- 1 hour: Vocabulary + weak area review
- 30 minutes: Error log analysis
Saturday:
- Full-length practice test (3.5 hours)
- 1-2 hours: Test review and analysis
Sunday:
- Rest or light vocabulary review
- Strategy video lessons
Choosing Between Free and Paid Resources
|
Criteria |
Free GRE Preparation Material |
Paid GRE Preparation Resources |
|
Preparation Time |
You have 3+ months to prepare |
You have less than 8 weeks to prepare |
|
Study Discipline |
You are self-disciplined and well-organised |
You need structured guidance and accountability |
|
Diagnostic Score |
You already score 150+ in Verbal and Quantitative |
You are aiming for a 325+ overall GRE score |
|
Learning Style |
Comfortable learning from videos, forums, and self-study material |
Prefer step-by-step curricula and guided lessons |
|
Content Structure |
Scattered resources, self-curated study plan |
Well-structured curriculum and lesson plans |
|
Question Explanations |
Limited or community-based explanations |
Video explanations for every question |
|
Writing Support |
Self-evaluation or peer feedback |
Personalised essay feedback |
|
Overall Suitability |
Best for budget-focused, long-term preparation |
Best for high-score goals and fast-track preparation |
For those looking to save on the GRE exam, our comprehensive guide on how to get discount on gre test may be helpful.
Pro Tips for Maximising Your GRE Prep Resources
- Start with official ETS materials: Always prioritise authentic questions over third-party practice
- Don't hoard resources: Quality over quantity master 3-4 resources thoroughly rather than sampling 20 superficially
- Maintain an error log: Track every mistake with the question type, concept tested, and why you got it wrong
- Supplement weak areas: Use targeted resources for your specific challenges (vocabulary apps for verbal, concept videos for quant)
- Simulate test conditions: Take at least 6 full-length tests under timed, realistic conditions
- Join study communities: GRE Prep Club and Reddit's r/GRE offer motivation, strategies, and support
- Update resources regularly: ETS occasionally updates question formats ensure your materials reflect the current test structure
Your Action Plan: Getting Started Today
Now that you understand the complete landscape of the best resources for gre, here's your immediate action plan:
This Week:
- Take the free ETS POWERPREP diagnostic test
- Create a free GRE Prep Club account
- Download the Magoosh vocabulary app
- Calculate your target score and preparation timeline
Next 2 Weeks:
- Purchase or access your chosen resource stack
- Create a detailed study schedule
- Begin systematic vocabulary building (25 words daily)
- Review 2-3 math concepts per week
Ongoing:
- Take a full-length practice test every 2 weeks
- Maintain your error log consistently
- Adjust your strategy based on practice test results
- Engage with online communities for motivation
Final Thoughts
The GRE isn't about innate intelligence; it's about strategic preparation using the right resources. Whether you're working with free GRE preparation material or investing in premium courses, success comes from consistent practice, analytical review, and targeted improvement.
Start with official ETS materials, supplement with free high-quality resources, and invest in paid options only for specific needs. Your 3-month journey to your target score begins with a single practice question today.
Remember: the best resource is the one you'll use consistently. Choose your stack, commit to your schedule, and trust the process.
