5 Best GRE Exam Books for 2026 That Boost Your Scores

Prepare to elevate your GRE scores in 2026 with the five best exam books—discover which resources can transform your study routine!

To boost your GRE scores in 2026, consider these top five books: GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition; GRE Complete Ninth Edition with Practice Tests & Access; GRE Exam Prep Guide with 10 Practice Tests; GRE Test Prep Study Guide with Practice Tests; and Official GRE Super Power Pack, Third Edition. Each offers extensive practice, expert strategies, and full-length tests. With the right resources, you’ll build confidence and skills fast. Discover even more great tips ahead!

GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026)

If you’re on a quest for GRE success, GRE Prep Plus by Kaplan is an essential companion. This all-encompassing guide delivers a wealth of resources that cater to every aspect of the exam, equipping you with the tools needed to achieve your target score. With engaging practice material and expert insights, this book is designed to enhance your preparation.

Key features include:

  • Six full-length practice tests that simulate the actual GRE environment.
  • Over 1,500 practice questions with in-depth explanations to deepen your understanding.
  • Access to a 500-question online bank, allowing for customized practice across various topics and difficulty levels.
  • Expert-led video tutorials and live classes that facilitate active learning and comprehension.

Kaplan’s writing style is approachable and clear, breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. The structured layout makes it easy to navigate through practice questions and explanations, fostering a productive study experience.

GRE Complete Ninth Edition with Practice Tests & Access

Kaplan’s GRE Complete Ninth Edition is an essential resource for anyone looking to elevate their GRE scores through a comprehensive and structured study plan. Packed with six full-length practice tests and over 2,500 questions, this book ensures you have ample practice to thoroughly prepare for the exam. With a one-year online question bank, expert strategies for mastering both math and verbal skills, and customizable mini tests, it caters to various learning styles while facilitating effective study routines.

Key features of this resource include:

  • Six full-length practice tests to simulate the exam experience.
  • Over 2,500 practice questions that cover the entire GRE syllabus.
  • A customizable online question bank for targeted practice.
  • Engaging video explanations that clarify complex concepts.

The writing style of this guide is clear and accessible, making difficult topics approachable for all learners. The structured layout and well-organized sections ensure that even the most daunting study material is digestible.

GRE Exam Prep Guide with 10 Practice Tests

The GRE Exam Prep Guide with 10 Practice Tests is a comprehensive resource tailored for busy individuals who are eager to optimize their study time and prepare for the GRE efficiently. Designed for success in under 30 days, this guide provides a structured approach to mastering key exam concepts and developing vital skills.

Key topics covered include:

  • Over 2,000 practice questions spanning all GRE subjects
  • 10 full-length practice tests that replicate the actual exam experience
  • Techniques for enhancing reading comprehension and stress management
  • Confidence-building strategies to boost test-day performance

The writing style is clear, engaging, and practical, making complex concepts accessible while providing concrete strategies for effective studying. The structure allows for a focused approach, facilitating easy navigation through chapters and practice questions.

GRE Test Prep Study Guide with Practice Tests

If you’re aiming to excel on the GRE and secure a spot in your preferred graduate program, the GRE Test Prep Study Guide with Practice Tests is a must-have resource. This comprehensive guide not only demystifies the GRE format but also equips you with a wealth of practice materials, including ten full-length practice tests that replicate the actual exam environment. By incorporating weekly bonus exams and 200 flashcards, it promises an engaging and insightful review process to reinforce your grasp of essential concepts.

Key topics covered in this guide include:

  • An overview of the GRE structure and scoring system.
  • Ten practice tests complete with in-depth explanations.
  • Strategies specifically designed to tackle challenging quantitative questions.
  • A variety of engaging challenges that keep your study sessions lively.

The writing style is clear and straightforward, making complex ideas more accessible for readers. The structured approach ensures that learners can follow along easily while developing their skills in an organized manner. Each section is carefully crafted to provide practical insights and techniques, allowing candidates to retain crucial information effectively.

Official GRE Super Power Pack, Third Edition

The Official GRE Super Power Pack is an invaluable resource for anyone gearing up for the GRE, delivering a comprehensive preparation experience that captures the essence of the exam. This all-inclusive bundle features three essential books, offering genuine insights and authentic materials directly from the creators of the test. With its extensive content, you’ll discover a wealth of knowledge including two full-length GRE tests and 600 practice questions, each accompanied by detailed explanations that clarify solutions and enhance your understanding.

Key highlights of this resource include:

  • Two full-length, authentic GRE practice tests to gauge your readiness.
  • 600 practice questions with comprehensive explanations to strengthen your skills.
  • Valuable test-taking strategies directly from the test makers, equipping you with the tools for success.
  • An accessible eBook format that includes scored sample essays and insightful commentary.

The writing style is both straightforward and engaging, making complex concepts easier to digest. The organized structure allows for an effective study flow, enabling you to focus on your weaknesses while reinforcing your strengths. Each section is thoughtfully designed to provide practical guidance, making this book not only a study tool but also a mentor throughout your preparation journey.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GRE Exam Books

When you’re picking GRE exam books, consider factors like content coverage and the depth of material. You’ll want to check if they offer practice tests and effective study strategies, too. Also, don’t forget to look at the authors’ expertise and any guarantees or refund policies available.

Content Coverage and Depth

Choosing the right GRE exam books means prioritizing content coverage and depth to guarantee you’re fully prepared. Look for resources that cover verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing thoroughly, ensuring you tackle every test section. Select books that include ample practice materials, like full-length tests and numerous questions, so you gain familiarity with various question types. It’s essential that these resources offer detailed answer explanations, which help you understand key concepts and enhance your problem-solving skills. Adaptive learning tools or customizable practice options are invaluable for targeting your weaknesses. Finally, make sure the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest GRE changes, ensuring your preparation is relevant and effective.

Practice Test Availability

Securing ample practice test availability is crucial for effective GRE preparation, as these tests closely mimic the format and time constraints of the actual exam. When choosing GRE exam books, aim for resources that offer 5 to 10 full-length practice tests. This variety guarantees you’re familiar with different question types and can adapt to the exam’s flow. Additionally, look for options that provide both online and offline practice tests to fit your preferred study environment and schedule. Make certain the practice tests include detailed explanations for each question, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts. Finally, assess whether the resource includes bonus exams or additional practice questions for ongoing self-assessment and tracking your progress.

Study Strategies Offered

Effective study strategies form the backbone of successful GRE preparation. When selecting GRE exam books, you’ll want resources with thorough study plans tailored to your unique needs, guaranteeing targeted focus based on the time you have available. Look for materials featuring expert-developed strategies that clarify complex question types and enhance your test-taking techniques. Extensive practice questions with detailed explanations help reinforce your knowledge and deepen your understanding. Additionally, choose books that include full-length practice tests mirroring the actual exam format—this builds familiarity with the test environment and timing. Finally, make sure your resource includes extra study aids, such as flashcards or online tools, for efficient review and reinforcement of key concepts throughout your preparation.

Expertise of Authors

When it comes to preparing for the GRE, the expertise of authors in your study materials can greatly impact your success. Authors with years of experience in educational preparation often provide valuable insights into standardized test strategies, influencing the quality of the content you’ll find. Look for materials written by veteran teachers who analyze real test data and develop effective learning strategies tailored to maximize your performance. Their qualifications—such as advanced degrees and backgrounds in education or assessment—ensure a solid grasp of the subject matter. Established test prep companies also keep their resources current by updating content based on recent GRE trends and research. This expert knowledge enhances your understanding of the test format, helping you achieve higher scores.

Guarantees and Refund Policies

As you choose GRE exam books, it’s important to reflect on the guarantees and refund policies offered by publishers. A money-back guarantee can indicate the publisher’s confidence in their materials, providing you reassurance if you have concerns about quality. Some books even guarantee a specific score improvement—if you don’t achieve a higher score after using the resources, you might request a refund. Keep in mind that these policies often require you to engage fully with the study materials, such as completing practice tests or study plans. It’s vital to understand the terms, including the process for claiming a refund, deadlines, and any necessary documentation. A strong refund policy offers you confidence in your investment, ensuring you have recourse if needed.

Accessibility and Support Resources

Selecting the right GRE exam books involves considering accessibility and support resources. You’ll want to make sure the books offer eBook versions that cater to individuals with disabilities, making the content accessible for everyone. Look for materials with detailed explanations and strategies tailored to different learning needs, as these enhance your comprehension and engagement. Additionally, evaluate whether the resources come with supplementary support like video tutorials or online question banks, providing a more dynamic study experience. Check for features like reader commentary on sample essays, which can give you valuable insights into performance expectations. Finally, consider if the resource is available in multiple formats, like digital and print, to suit your study preferences and environments.

Questions

How Long Should I Study for the GRE Exam?

Studying for the GRE is like training for a marathon; you should aim for two to three months of focused preparation. Consistency in your study schedule will help you build confidence and improve your score markedly.

What Is the Best Study Schedule for GRE Preparation?

Create a study schedule that spans at least eight weeks, dedicating daily time to practice, review, and take full-length tests. Adjust based on your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring you cover all GRE subjects thoroughly.

Can I Use Apps for GRE Preparation?

Yes, you can definitely use apps for GRE preparation. They’re convenient, interactive, and often provide practice questions, diagnostic tools, and progress tracking. Just make sure to complement them with other study resources for thorough coverage!

Are Online Courses Beneficial for GRE Prep?

Online courses are like a treasure map guiding you through GRE prep. They offer flexibility, interactive content, and expert insights. You’ll grasp concepts better, practice effectively, and boost your confidence when test day arrives.

How Do I Stay Motivated While Studying for the GRE?

Staying motivated while studying for the GRE requires setting clear goals, creating a study schedule, rewarding yourself for progress, and joining study groups. Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this, and visualize your success!