Best GRE Test Preparation Books & Resources for 2024 | Top Study Guides

For achieving a good GRE score, thorough and consistent preparation is important. For computer-based GRE tests, it is important to practice with the help of mock tests, which will help to simulate the actual exam experience. However, GRE test-takers should also use printed test-prep materials, reference books & guides to familiarize themselves with different question types and difficulty levels.

For boosting our preparation, choosing the best books for GRE preparation is essential, and these resources would help us understand the test format, question types and answer strategies ensuring well-prepared actual test.

At Manya- The Princeton Review, we will offer comprehensive support for GRE test-takers by providing printed and online (web-based) materials. Our GRE prep resources will include practice tests, study guides as well as expert tips for helping us succeed. Prepare confidently with our all-inclusive support and ace the GRE Exam!

Top GRE Books 2024

In this section, we are going to discuss the op GRE Prep books for candidate’s who are preparing for GRE 2024:

Best Books for GRE Preparation 2024 (Section- Wise)

When preparing for GRE exam, it is important to focus on all three types- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative Reasoning & Verbal Reasoning. By using section- specific GRE prep books we would ensure a targeted study plan, helping us to excel in each part of the test. In this guide, we will break down the best GRE books for 2024:

GRE Prep Book for Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) evaluates how we can express complex ideas clearly and logically. For excelling, it’s important to focus on essay-writing strategies and practice with relevant prompts.

Recommended GRE AWA Prep Books:

1. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS
2. Price: $20 USD (plus shipping)
3. Features: Contains about 150 real Analytical Writing questions, along with some detailed explanations and trips from official GRE test makers.
4. Best For: Authentic practice with real essay prompts
5. Manhattan Prep’s GRE Analytical Writing
6. Features: Includes 20 GRE Essay topics with sample answers, practice tests, and expert tips for helping us to excel in AWA section
7. Best for: Comprehensive preparation with in-depth essay strategies and practices.

GRE Preparation Books for the Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. In this section, it is important to focus on GRE-specific math topics and practice with various questions.

Recommended GRE Quantitative Prep Books:

• Official GRE ® Quantitative Reasoning Questions Volume 1, Second Edition

1. Price: $ 20 USD (plus shipping)
2. Description: Features 150 real Quantitative Reasoning questions with detailed explanations and reviews of key math topics.
3. Best for: Authentic practice and has strong understanding for math concepts covered on GRE.

• Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2024

1. Features: Provides extensive practice problems, test strategies and detailed solutions
2. Best for: Comprehensive math preparation with focused strategies to tackle challenging quantitative questions.

• Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides

1. Features: Includes in-depth coverage of math topics with advanced problem-solving techniques.
2. Best For: Detailed practice across various GRE Quantitative topics and strategies.

GRE Preparation Books for Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section tends to evaluate our vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence equivalence skills. It’s important to focus on vocabulary- building and reading strategies to do well in this section.

Recommended GRE Verbal Prep Books:

• Official GRE ® Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition

1. Price: $ 20 USD (plus shipping)
2. Description: Contains 150 real Verbal Reasoning questions with explanations, with extra practice for AWA section.
3. Best for: Authentic practice with real GRE verbal questions and strategies.

• Barron’s GRE Verbal Workbook

1. Features: It includes practice tests and strategies for improving vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
2. Best for: Targeted practice to boost your verbal reasoning score.

GRE Preparation Online Free Resources

Some free resources online, available for GRE preparation are as follows:

Top GRE Study Materials by Manya-The Princeton Review

Preparing for the GRE requires high-quality study materials that cover all sections and provide practice. Manya- The Princeton Review offers both printed GRE Study Material and online GRE prep resources which help students ace the exam. These materials are ideal for anyone who is looking to maximize their GRE score and gain admission to top graduate programs. Below is a breakdown of GRE resources from Manya- The Princeton Review:

Printed GRE Study Material by Manya- The Princeton Review

• The Princeton Review Manual for GRE (Version 8.0)

1. Description: This is comprehensive GRE prep book which offers a systematic approach to mastering GRE concepts and includes 8 lessons each for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, gradually increases in difficulty.
2. Features: 

• Systematic introduction to GRE topics.
• Gradual progression in difficulty for both Verbal and Quant sections
• Includes workshop sections for testing readiness.
• It is ideal for students seeking a structured, gradual approach in GRE preparation.

• Supplement to GRE Manual (Version 6.0)

1. Description: This practice-focused book offers over 750+ GRE questions to supplement the concepts learned.
2. Features:

• 750+ practice questions
• Individual and mixed drills for Verbal and Quant sections.

Online GRE Resources by Manya- The Princeton Review

• Manya GRE WordsApp

1. Description: The Manya GRE WordsApp is a powerful tool for mastering GRE Vocabulary. It features 1300+ frequently tested GRE words and are categorized based on difficulty.
2. Key Highlights: 

• 1300+ high frequency GRE words.
• 1800+ practice questions and 7 types of review questions
• Visual representation of words for better retention.

• The Princeton Review GRE Dashboard

1. Description: This comprehensive online platform offers 180+ hours of online GRE resources, 24 hours of strategy videos and over 3500+ practice questions.
2. Features:

• 8 full-length adaptive GRE practice tests.
• 470+ drills across different difficulty levels
• 3500+ practice questions with explanations.

Additional GRE Resources by ETS

• GRE PowerPrep Online Tests

1. Description: GRE PowerPrep is a free online resource which is offered by ETS, featuring real GRE test questions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with tes format.
2. Key Highlights: 

• Free official GRE practice tests
• Access to real test questions
• Includes both timed and untimed test-taking modes.

• PowerPrep PLUS Online Tests

1. Description: PowerPrep PLUS offers two paid GRE practice tests which include real test questions from the GRE. These tests simulate the actual test-day experience.
2. Features:

• Two officials paid for GRE practice tests.
• Real test questions and detailed score reports.

• Power Test Preview Tool

1. Description: A mini-GRE test designed to introduce test-takers to key features of GRE, including type of questions “Mark” and “Review” buttons, and online calculator.
2. Features:

• Includes fewer than 20 questions
• Covers both Quant and Verbal sections

• Practice Book for GRE Revised General Test (PDF)

1. Description: This free practice booklet offers a comprehensive guide to the structure of GRE.
2. Highlights:

• Covers the complete test structure.
• Free PDF version available.

GRE Preparation Tips 2024

For scoring well on GRE exam, having solid preparation strategy is important.

GRE Preparation Options: Self Study or Coaching?

When it comes to GRE preparation, we can either study on our own or join a coaching center. Both options have their advantages, and their choice should depend on our time and resources. A growing trend towards online GRE preparation, where we should attend virtual classes and study from home.

How to choose the Best GRE Prep Books?

With so much information available, choosing the best GRE study materials can be overwhelming. Follow these simple steps to find GRE prep books:

1. Start Early- Early preparation is important for success.
2. Use trusted sources- Avoiding wasting time on unreliable websites.
3. Visit the official GRE website 
4. Create your own study plan- Every candidate has unique study style and instead of following generic GRE planners.
5. Practice regularly- Consistent practice is essential to improve both Verbal and Quantitative sections of GRE.