Preparing for the GMAT? Explore the top-rated GMAT prep courses and must-have study materials to ace your exam!
Your GMAT score is a game-changer for your business school application, and choosing the right prep course can make all the difference. With so many options out there, how do you pick the best GMAT prep course? We’ve done the hard work for you—testing, reviewing, and ranking the top GMAT courses of 2024 to help you make an informed decision.
Our comprehensive guide considers content quality, course format, practice resources, personalization, price, and real student feedback.
Types of GMAT Prep Courses
When it comes to GMAT prep courses, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best course for you depends on your learning style, schedule, and specific goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of GMAT prep courses available:
| Type | Flexibility | Instructor Interaction | Cost | Learning Style | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Courses | High | High (mostly via message or email) | Generally Affordable | Self-paced, flexible | Low |
| In-Person Courses | Low | High (direct interaction) | More Expensive | Structured, hands-on | High |
| Live Online Classes | Moderate | High (real-time interaction) | Moderate to High | Structured with flexibility | Moderate |
| On-Demand Courses | Very High | Minimal (self-guided) | Affordable | Self-paced, independent | Low to Moderate |
| Intensive Bootcamps | Low | High (intense, direct interaction) | High | Fast-paced, immersive | Very High |
Top 8 GMAT Prep Courses of 2024
To help you make an informed choice, our team compiled a list of the top 8 GMAT prep courses of 2024, each selected based on their quality, features, and student feedback.
Click on the course name to directly visit the webpage:
| Test Prep Firm | Price | Average Rating (0-5) | Video Lessons | Practice Questions | Practice Tests | Content Access Period | Money Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Prep | $850 | 4.70 | 25+ hrs | 4000+ | 6 | 6 Months | ✘ |
| Magoosh | $249 | 4.54 | 200+ lessons | 800+ | 2 | 6 Months | ✔ |
| PrepScholar | $259 | 4.43 | 30+ lessons | 1000+ | 4 | 4 Months | ✔ |
| Princeton Review | $799 | 4.25 | 50+ hrs | 4400+ | 4 | 4 Months | ✔ |
| GMAT Official Starter Kit | Free | n/a | n/a | 70+ | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Target Test Prep | $229 | 4.79 | 1200+ lessons | 4000+ | 2 | Monthly | ✔ |
| EMPOWER | $89 | 4.84 | 1000+ lessons | 1000+ | 6 | Monthly | ✔ |
| E-Gmat | $299 | 4.47 | 185+ hrs | 4500+ | 5 | 4 Months | ✘ |
Best GMAT Prep Courses (Team’s Top Picks)
▪︎Best Overall: Manhattan Prep Powered By Kaplan
▪︎Best Budget-Friendly: Magoosh
▪︎Best Personalized Learning: PrepScholar
▪︎Best Practice Material: The Princeton Review
▪︎Best Free Prep Course: GMAT Official Starter Kit
Best Overall | Manhattan Prep
Pros
- GMAT Official Guide (a $49 value)
- Complete study syllabus with full assignments
- Quality prep books (All the GMAT book set)
Cons
- One of the most expensive GMAT prep options
- No score improvement guarantee
Why Choose Manhattan Prep as Your GMAT Prep Course?
Manhattan Prep, now powered by Kaplan, offers a comprehensive and flexible GMAT prep experience. Their well-structured 12-week course, with an optional 16-week Foundations of Math pre-course, features weekly live or video lessons, practice problem sets, and regular mock exams. The extensive resources, including detailed study guides and print books, ensure thorough content review and test strategy. With options for live online, in-person, and on-demand learning, Manhattan Prep accommodates diverse schedules and learning styles, making it an ideal choice for achieving your GMAT goals.
Expert Instructors
Manhattan Prep boasts highly qualified instructors who have scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT, ensuring that students learn from the very best. This level of expertise translates into top-notch teaching that can make a significant difference in student performance.
Official GMAT Practice Materials
They now offer practice tests and materials officially licensed from GMAC, the creators of the GMAT. This is crucial because it ensures that the questions and formats you practice with are as close to the real exam as possible. It means you can trust that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and reflects the actual test experience, giving you a significant advantage in your preparation.
Comprehensive Resources
The course offers a comprehensive set of resources, including over 25 hours of live instruction, detailed study guides, and thousands of practice questions. It also includes high-quality prep books that delve deeply into each new GMAT Focus Edition topic, offering thorough content reviews and effective strategies. Unlike many competitors, Manhattan provides both digital and print materials, ensuring a well-rounded and flexible study experience.
Efficient Course Structure
Manhattan Prep has meticulously designed their course to be completed in 12 weeks. Manhattan Prep offers various formats—live online and on-demand video lessons—to fit different learning styles and schedules. This structured approach ensures a thorough and efficient study plan.
Course Options:
- Complete: $1480
- Advanced: $1400
- On Demand: $850
- Private Tutoring: $2320
Best Budget-Friendly | Magoosh
Pros
- One of the most budget-friendly GMAT prep options
- Ask an expert & Score predictor
- Pause your plan option
Cons
- Fewer practice tests
- Lack of live classes
Why Choose Magoosh as Your GMAT Prep Course?
Magoosh stands out as an exceptional value in GMAT prep, offering a wealth of resources at a fraction of the cost of traditional courses. With over 200 video lessons, 800+ practice questions, and full-length practice tests, students receive comprehensive coverage of GMAT content and strategies. The course’s affordability and extensive material make it a smart choice for budget-conscious test-takers. Magoosh’s user-friendly platform ensures that you can study efficiently, making it an excellent option for those seeking effective preparation without breaking the bank.
Great Value for the Price
Magoosh stands out for its exceptional value in GMAT test prep. Known for being a cost-effective option, Magoosh’s courses are priced at roughly one-third of traditional prep classes while still offering a substantial amount of content. For a fraction of the cost, students gain access to over 200 video lessons, more than 800 practice problems with detailed explanations, a few full-length practice tests, and valuable study aids like study schedules and email support. It’s an affordable choice that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Score Improvement Guarantee
Despite its low cost, Magoosh stands behind its product with a 70-point score improvement guarantee. This demonstrates confidence in the effectiveness of their materials and gives students added reassurance.
User-Friendly Platform
Magoosh’s platform is designed for ease of use, with clear explanations, progress tracking, and the ability to study on the go via mobile apps. This level of convenience is especially valuable for students balancing multiple responsibilities.
Course Options:
- Premium (6 month): $249
- Premium (12 month): $349
- Premium + Admissions: $449
Best Personalized Learning | PrepScholar
Pros
- The real score guarantee (60+)
- Personalized study plan
- 10 GMAT Strategy Lessons
Cons
- Intense time commitment (4 months)
- Could add more video lessons
Why Choose PrepScholar as Your GMAT Prep Course?
PrepScholar’s GMAT prep course is distinguished by its adaptive learning technology, which tailors your study plan based on an initial diagnostic test. This personalization focuses your efforts on areas where you need the most improvement, enhancing study efficiency. The course offers a structured approach with high-quality materials, including interactive lessons and detailed explanations. This ensures a comprehensive learning experience designed to maximize your performance on test day.
Customized GMAT Study Plan
PrepScholar’s standout feature is its adaptive learning technology, which uses a series of algorithms and data from its database to create a personalized study plan based on an initial diagnostic test. Knowing that MBA candidates are usually busy professionals, this ensures that students focus their efforts on the areas where they need the most improvement, maximizing study efficiency.
Progress Tracking
The course provides detailed progress tracking, allowing students to monitor their performance in real-time. This continuous feedback loop helps students adjust their study strategies and stay on track toward their target score.
In-Depth Content Review
PrepScholar offers thorough content review materials that cover all aspects of the GMAT, from quantitative reasoning to verbal skills. This comprehensive coverage, tailored to each student’s needs, makes PrepScholar a top choice for personalized learning.
Course Options:
- GMAT Online Prep: $139
- Complete GMAT Online Prep: $259
- 1-1 Tutoring + Complete GMAT Online Prep: $779
Best Practice Material | The Princeton Review
Pros
- Small live class sizes
- The Princeton Review Satisfaction Guarantee
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide, e-book edition
- Adaptive video-based lessons
Cons
- High cost, but more affordable than Manhattan Prep
- Intense time commitment (4 months)
Why Choose Princeton Review as Your GMAT Prep Course?
Princeton Review stands out for its thorough and well-rounded approach to GMAT preparation. The course offers a robust set of practice materials and adaptive drills that mirror the GMAT’s increasing difficulty, ensuring you’re well-prepared for test day. Their small class sizes and engaging workshop-like environment provide personalized attention and efficient learning. Additionally, their focus on practical strategies and high-quality resources makes Princeton Review a reliable choice for effective GMAT prep.
Amazing Live Classes
The small class sizes and workshop-like atmosphere created an engaging environment, and the instructors were highly effective. They recognized that students were busy and aimed to deliver lessons efficiently, helping us navigate the exam successfully. Most importantly, the price is more affordable compared to other high-priced options.
Adaptive Drills by Topic and Level
This feature is important as it mirrors how questions on the real GMAT will vary in difficulty, helping you to become accustomed to the test’s adaptive format. By practicing with these drills, you can better understand how your responses influence question difficulty, focus on areas needing improvement, and build the strategic skills needed to excel on test day.
Quick Review Exercises
Princeton Review’s Quick Review Exercises are designed to reinforce your understanding of essential GMAT concepts efficiently. These exercises feature key concept slides that distill complex material into manageable summaries, allowing you to trigger your memory and reinforce your learning.
Course Options:
- Core Concepts (online): $999
- GMAT Focus 645+ (online and In-person): $1599
- Self-Paced: $799
- Private Tutoring: $180/hr
Best Free Course | GMAT Official Starter Kit
Pros
- Replicating the real exam format and scoring algorithm
- Tackle 70+ real GMAT questions across Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections
- Time management reports
Cons
- Limited amount of practice questions and tests
- No instructor support
Why Choose Official GMAT Starter Kit as Your GMAT Prep Course?
The Official GMAT Starter Kit is essential for authentic exam preparation. It uses the same scoring algorithm as the real GMAT, ensuring accurate practice results that align with actual test conditions. This kit offers reliable, official practice materials directly from GMAC, providing a true reflection of the GMAT experience. Its alignment with real GMAT percentiles and scoring makes it a crucial tool for understanding where you stand and what you need to improve.
Same Scoring Algorithm as the Real Exam
The Official GMAT Starter Kit uses the same scoring algorithm as the real GMAT, ensuring that your practice scores accurately reflect your potential test-day performance. This helps you gauge your readiness and focus your study efforts effectively.
Accurate Scoring Aligned with Real GMAT Percentiles
The Official GMAT Starter Kit provides scores that match the actual GMAT percentiles, giving you a reliable benchmark for your performance. This alignment helps you understand where you stand relative to other test-takers and adjust your study strategy accordingly.
Course Options:
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions – Data Insights: $29.99
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions – Verbal: $29.99
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions – Quantitative: $29.99
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions Bundle: $79.99
CLICK FOR Official Practice Exams 1 & 2⏎
Best GMAT Prep Courses (Online Tutoring)
If you’re seeking a more personalized approach to gain in-depth insight into your performance—specifically, if you prefer a real-time course with 1-on-1 instruction over on-demand, self-paced options—we’ve selected some excellent choices for you here.
Click on the course name to directly visit the webpage.
| Test Prep Firm | Price | Options | Guarantee | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Test Prep | $350/hr | purchase hourly or packages | ✔ | Widely recognized experts emphasize insider-level knowledge and a strategic approach |
| Princeton Review | $180/hr | 10, 20 & 30 hours package | ✔ | Expert tutors with unmatched GMAT knowledge, proven methods, and clear instruction |
| Manhattan Prep | $270/hr | 10, 20 & 30 hours package | ✔ | Flexible, with full access to books, practice tests, and personalized strategies |
| GMATWhiz | $44/hr | 7.5, 15 & 30 hours package | ✘ | Real-time progress tracking, a comprehensive online course, and using data-driven insights to guide your improvement |
| AmazingTalker | $11↑/hr | purchase hourly or packages | ✘ | Choose your own 1-on-1 tutor from 9000+ professional tutors. They offer personalized sessions tailored to fit your individual learning needs and schedule |
| Menlo Coaching | $330/hr | 10, 14 & 20 hours package | ✘ | Tutors with strong educational backgrounds, available for students at different starting points |
FAQs | About GMAT Prep Course
How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?
Most students spend about 2-3 months preparing for the GMAT, studying 10-15 hours per week. However, the ideal prep time can vary based on your starting point, target score, and other commitments.
Are online GMAT prep courses as effective as in-person ones?
For students seeking flexibility and self-paced learning, online GMAT prep courses offer convenience, accessibility, and a lower cost. These courses are ideal for those who need to fit preparation around a busy schedule and prefer studying at their own pace. On the other hand, for students who benefit from personalized instruction and immediate feedback, in-person courses provide a more interactive and disciplined learning experience, although they come with higher costs and less flexibility.
What should I look for in a GMAT prep course?
Key factors to consider include the quality of the instructors, the comprehensiveness of the study materials, the availability of practice tests, and whether the course offers a score improvement guarantee.
Is it worth paying for a GMAT prep course?
If you’re aiming for a high score and need structured guidance, a GMAT prep course can be a valuable investment. The right course can help you focus your study efforts, improve your weaknesses, and ultimately achieve a better score.
Is 700 in GMAT hard?
Scoring 700 on the GMAT is challenging, but it’s achievable with the right preparation. A 700 score places you in the top 10% of test-takers, making it a highly competitive score for business school applications. If you’re aiming for a 700, it’s important to create a solid study plan, focus on your weak areas, and take practice exams to track your progress.
For more info, visit GMAT official website.
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