Best GMAT Prep Courses: Rankings & Reviews

As someone who has spent more than a decade helping students get into top MBA schools, I know how important it is to have a good GMAT score.

However, doing well on the GMAT isn’t just about being smart; it’s also about planning and strategy. That’s why the best GMAT prep courses are so important. These courses will give you the knowledge and skills you need to do well on the test, giving you confidence and a clear plan for approaching it.

I’ve worked with students from various backgrounds and examined many prep choices. So, I will tell you about the best GMAT prep courses worth your time and money.

What Are the Best GMAT Prep Courses?

Preparing for the GMAT may be difficult, especially if you balance a job, school, or other obligations. Although one may study alone, participating in a preparation course has significant benefits that can make all the difference in getting a competitive score.

Each of these courses has unique strengths, making them top contenders for the title of the best GMAT course.

Course	Kaplan	Manhattan Prep	Target Test Prep
Prices from	$1,850	$1,388	$249/month
Rating	5.0	4.8	4.5
More Info	Visit	Visit	Visit

These GMAT prep courses align with your unique learning style, schedule, and test-taking goals. They provide comprehensive study materials, personalized support, and strategies to help you achieve your target score.

Below is a full breakdown of the best GMAT prep courses that always get great results for their students.

1. Kaplan

Kaplan is a well-known education company that focuses on helping people prepare for tests, such as GMAT prep courses. This consulting firm is also respected for offering a lot of useful tools, and it has a bunch of different ways to prepare for the GMAT to fit various learning styles and plans:

• Interactive classes are led by expert instructors, allowing students to engage in real-time discussions and receive immediate feedback.
• Ideal for independent learners, self-paced courses provide access to on-demand lessons and resources that can be studied at any time.
• Their one-on-one coaching is tailored to individual needs and learning goals.
• Kaplan includes a robust question bank, full-length practice tests, and adaptive learning technology to simulate the actual GMAT experience.
• High-quality printed and digital resources, including Kaplan’s GMAT prep books, are widely regarded for their clarity and effectiveness.

Kaplan stresses adaptive learning and uses analytics to identify areas needing development and strengths. Many courses also include score-improving guarantees, reflecting their trust in their approaches.

For GMAT preparation, Kaplan is often a reliable alternative that combines flexibility, professional advice, and valuable resources for test-takers.

💲 Pricing

Kaplan’s GMAT prep courses cater to diverse budgets. For example, the complete course starts at $1,850 (discounts available) and offers 27 hours of instruction, six practice tests, and comprehensive materials.

The advanced course, from $1,313, targets advanced topics, while the on-demand course costs $638, featuring video lessons and a full study syllabus. Their private tutoring begins at $2,900.

What We Like

✔️ Official GMAT practice tests, strategy guides, and advanced materials for thorough preparation.

✔️ Live, self-paced, and personalized tutoring to suit different learning styles.

✔️ Features like the dynamic question set builder and adaptive technology boost study efficiency.

✔️ Knowledgeable instructors lead courses with a strong understanding of GMAT content.

✔️ Kaplan demonstrates confidence in their program by offering a guarantee of improved scores.

Disadvantages

➖ Premium pricing, especially for private tutoring.

➖ No trial or free tools for students who want to try the course before committing.

➖ Programs like the complete course may require significant time investment.

2. Manhattan Prep

Manhattan Prep is one of the best places to prepare for the GMAT. Its courses are known for being rigorous and concentrating on complex ideas.

By providing materials and study solutions specifically geared to the GMAT’s unique difficulties, this company helps students strive for high scores. These courses stress problem-solving and critical thinking.

Manhattan Prep offers a variety of learning formats, including live online and in-person classes, self-paced options, and private tutoring: 

• Its flagship program, the Complete GMAT Course, is popular among students because it takes an in-depth approach and provides comprehensive instruction across all test sections.
• Students also gain access to practice exams, an extensive question bank, and exclusive study guides, such as the advanced quant guide.
• All instructors are top GMAT scorers, bringing expertise and practical insights into learning.

With Manhattan Prep, students also gain confidence in tackling the exam. While these courses are pricier, the quality of materials and instruction makes it a preferred choice for GMAT preparation.

💲 Pricing

Manhattan Prep, powered by Kaplan, offers a range of GMAT preparation courses:

• The live course costs $1,388, providing in-depth instruction from 99th percentile tutors.
• The on-demand course is available for $850 for self-paced learners, featuring video lessons accessible anytime.
• The GMAT boot camp course, an intensive 3-week program, costs $2,175.�

Additionally, the advanced course for students already scoring a minimum of 595 on the new or 650 on the classic GMAT is priced at $1,313.

What We Like

✔️ All teachers are top GMAT scorers, providing high-level insights and strategies.

✔️ Unique resources like the advanced quant guide for students targeting top-tier scores.

✔️ There are private tuition choices and live, self-paced schedules to fit different schedules.

✔️ Thorough coverage of all GMAT sections focusing on critical thinking and advanced problem-solving.

✔️ User-friendly tools and a rich question bank improve the study experience.

Disadvantages

➖ It may be overwhelming for students needing more basic-level instruction or foundational support.

➖ Trial or sample materials are less comprehensive than some alternatives.

➖ The courses, particularly private tutoring, are expensive compared to competitors.

3. Target Test Prep

Target Test Prep is a trusted resource for GMAT prep. This company is known for its organized and data-driven approach to preparing for the test. It also helps students who want to get high marks by stressing the importance of fully understanding GMAT ideas, especially in quantitative and verbal reasoning.

Target Test Prep is very adaptable. It lets students study at their own pace, make their own plans, and focus on the areas that need improvement.

This consulting service gives students access to a wide range of tools, such as:

• Customized study plans adapt to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
• Thousands of GMAT-style practice questions with detailed solutions.
• Full-length practice tests simulate the actual GMAT experience for better preparation.
• Analytics tools track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Lessons in Target Test Prep are known for their depth and interactivity, which help students lay solid mental groundwork and create efficient test-taking procedures. Its intense quantitative preparation has made it a popular option among students who want to do well in this test segment.

💲 Pricing

Here are the exact prices for Target Test Prep GMAT prep courses:

• Flexible preparation – $229 per month.
• Dedicated study – $649 for 4 months.
• Maximum learning – $699 for 6 months.
• Maximum learning + live instruction – $1,599 for 6 months, including 40 hours of live online classes.

These courses include various features, such as access to quantitative, verbal, and data insights and Target Test Prep’s AI assistance for self-study support.

What We Like

✔️ Flexible pricing options, including monthly payments and one-time billing for extended access.

✔️ Target Test Prep is renowned for detailed and effective quant preparation, which is ideal for improving this section.

✔️ An extensive question bank, full-length practice tests, and AI-driven support for personalized learning.

✔️ The self-paced format allows students to study according to their schedule.

✔️ The maximum learning + live instruction plan provides 40 hours of live classes, combining structured teaching with independent study.

Disadvantages

➖ While comprehensive, its reputation leans more heavily toward quant rather than verbal.

➖ Unlike competitors, it lacks extensive free options to try the platform before committing.

➖ Only online options are available, which may not suit all learning preferences.

4. PrepScholar

PrepScholar is a respected online GMAT prep site known for its personalized and flexible teaching methods. Its GMAT courses are customized to each student’s needs, using testing tools to determine their skills and flaws so they can focus on the areas that need the most work.

Their platform is excellent for self-motivated students who want to get the best grades quickly because it is flexible and structured.

The GMAT training at PrepScholar covers all parts of the test, such as quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. The course includes many practice questions, thorough explanations, and video lessons that break complex ideas into easier-to-understand parts.

Along with short customizable practice tests, full-length tests that mimic the real GMAT can also help students.

One thing that makes PrepScholar stand out is its focus on tracking progress and providing feedback. Students receive comments on their work daily, which helps them stay on track and improve.

💲 Pricing

The prices for PrepScholar’s GMAT prep courses are as follows:

• GMAT online prep – $139 for 3 months of access.
• Complete GMAT online prep – $259 for 4 months of access.
• 1-1 tutoring + complete GMAT online prep – Starting at $779, which includes up to 20 hours of personalized tutoring.

Each course includes access to practice questions, strategy lessons, and diagnostic assessments, with a 5-day free trial available.

What We Like

✔️ Competitive prices make it accessible for most students.

✔️ Adaptation to individual strengths and weaknesses through diagnostic assessments.

✔️ The Complete GMAT Online Prep includes a 60-point improvement guarantee.

✔️ Access to over 1,000 practice questions and detailed explanations.

✔️ A 5-day free trial lets students explore the platform before committing.

Disadvantages

➖ The courses are entirely self-paced and lack live interaction with instructors (except for the tutoring package).

➖ It may not be as robust for those seeking advanced quant or verbal preparation.

➖ The standard courses offer only 3-4 months of access, which might be limiting for slower-paced learners.

5. Princeton Review

Princeton Review is known for its engaging lessons and an extensive library of tools. It offers a range of learning choices, such as live online classes, self-paced courses, and individual tutoring for different learning styles.

Because Princeton Review ensures students are well-prepared for all of the GMAT, its courses focus on learning basic concepts and more advanced techniques.

The main features of Princeton Review GMAT courses include:

• Live online, in-person, self-paced, and private tutoring options.
• Access to official GMAT questions, multiple full-length practice tests, and a question bank.
• Many courses have a score improvement guarantee, reinforcing their focus on results.

Their curriculum provides a balanced approach, combining verbal, quant, and integrated reasoning sections with test-taking techniques.

Students benefit from expert instructors from Princeton Review and access to an interactive online portal with video lessons, practice drills, and analytics to track progress.

💲 Pricing

The GMAT courses from Princeton Review are more expensive, but serious test-takers like them because they are organized, use high-quality materials, and offer success promises:

• Core concepts (online) – $999, offering 18 hours of class time to build a solid foundation for GMAT preparation.
• GMAT focus 645+ (online and in-person) – $1,699, including a 645+ score guarantee for those aiming for competitive results.
• Self-paced (online) – starting at $699, this option is for learners who prefer to study at their own pace.

In addition, their private tutoring costs $180 per hour and provides a fully personalized approach for maximum customization.

What We Like

✔️ Many courses include a 645+ score guarantee, offering confidence in their effectiveness.

✔️ Multiple formats (online, in-person, self-paced, and private tutoring) to suit diverse learning styles.

✔️ Experienced instructors with solid test-prep expertise lead courses.

✔️ Covers all GMAT sections thoroughly, focusing on strategy and skill development.

✔️ Includes official GMAT questions, practice tests, and an engaging online platform for progress tracking.

Disadvantages

➖ The courses, especially private tutoring and GMAT Focus 645+ are more expensive than many competitors.

➖ Core concepts offer only 18 hours of instruction, which may not be sufficient for in-depth preparation.

➖ Self-paced learners may find fewer resources compared to more structured options.

Conclusion

To get into a top business school, you need a high GMAT score, and the right prep courses can make all the difference. Because there are so many choices, the best GMAT preparation classes are the ones that fit your learning style, plan, and goals. There is a course that will meet your needs, whether you like structured live classes, learning at your own pace, or a program that focuses on a particular area.

Remember that studying for the GMAT is also about using proven strategies, being smart with your time, and staying inspired. A good tutor will give you the tools to do well, but you must keep yourself driven.

By the way, your GMAT number is only one part of getting into a top MBA school. Working with the best MBA admissions consultants can help you create an application showing your unique and well-rounded skills.

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