Disclosure: We may receive compensation if you purchase a product through one of the links below. Our editors independently selected each product featured.

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a business school entrance exam that measures your reasoning, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. Every year, over 200,000 students take the exam in hopes of increasing their chances of acceptance into top MBA programs. Because it’s such a vital admissions factor, it’s important to be prepared for the test. To help you get ready, we compiled a list of some of the best GMAT prep courses available:

  • Best GMAT Prep Courses and Classes badge

Our Ranking Criteria

All of the prep courses featured in this list have a proven record of helping students succeed in the GMAT. Other criteria we examined include their ability to fit into your schedule and if personalized instruction is available.

Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats

Many people taking the GMAT are not full-time students and, thus, may not have the entire day to devote to studying. The flexibility of a course — or lack thereof — played a role in our course rankings, and we included courses that had in-person, on-demand online, and live online instruction.

Personalized instruction

Every test taker needs a slightly different way of preparing for the GMAT, whether that means focusing on specific problem areas or learning how to be a more efficient test taker. The best prep courses offer some sort of personalized instruction, such as tutoring, that you can use to adjust your prep strategy to your needs.

The Best GMAT Prep Courses

Target Test Prep — Top Pick

Target Test Prep Logo

Target Test Prep promises to increase your score through customization and comprehensiveness. After an initial practice test, the course analyzes your skill level and provides personalized tests designed to enhance your performance. You also receive a “target score” to work towards, including a personalized study plan and daily study calendar. The course is split into 52 chapters broken into over 1,500 lessons. Dividing the subjects into small, thorough portions helps you digest the course content more fully and easily. In addition, students have access to over 4,000 GMAT Quant, Verbal, and IR/DI problems, 1,300 instructor-led videos, and 1,200 digital flashcards. You also have access to direct coaching and feedback from leading GMAT experts.

Target Test Prep GMAT page

Need-to-knows:

  • GMAT self-study course: $249 (one month), $749 (four months), $799 (six months)
  • Live online classes (40 hours), plus six months of self-study course: $1,999
What we like What we don’t like
  • Templates for note-taking.
  • Interactive study calendar.
  • Custom test creation.
  • Doesn’t support mobile apps.
  • Practice test not adaptive.

Learn more


Varsity Tutors — Best Online Course

Varsity Tutors Logo

This provider’s expert tutors will help you achieve your highest GMAT score possible, and they offer a variety of different start dates and times to help accommodate your schedule. Their most affordable option, Small Group Classes ($599), involves 20 hours of live instruction with a few other students. One-on-one tutoring is also available, and the popular GMAT Bundle plan offers a mix of group classes and personalized coaching. All of these options include dozens of diagnostic tests, hundreds of practice questions, and two full-length GMAT practice exams.

Varsity Tutors Homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $599-$1,599
  • Live, online, and recorded class options available
  • Access to 2 practice tests
What we like What we don’t like
  • Highly vetted instructors.
  • Personalized feedback.
  • Money-back if scores don’t increase.
  • May be cost prohibitive

Learn more


examPAL — Most Personalized Course

examPAL logo

What makes examPAL rank high on the list is its unique PALgorithm, which assigns you to one of three categories (precise, alternative, or logical) based on the way you respond to questions. Once you’re allocated a type, examPAL creates customized lessons and offers interactive video sessions designed around your unique learning style. The algorithm also assigns you practice questions and provides solutions that fully explain the questions and answers. As you advance in the course, you can enjoy guidance and insider tips on how to pass the GMAT. For a higher level of learning, examPAL offers a credit system that lets you redeem additional practice questions or test credits for one-on-one coaching at no extra expense.

examPAL homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $599-$1,299
  • Online classes only
  • Access to 6 practice tests
What we like What we don’t like
  • Personalized feedback.
  • Money-back if scores don’t increase.
  • Customized study plans.
  • No in-person classes.

Learn more


Magoosh — Most Affordable

Magoosh logo

Magoosh GMAT prep course offers a great value for your money. For as little as $249, you gain a full year of access to top GMAT preparation materials, including viRdeos, recorded classes, sample questions, and practice tests. Not only do these resources help you prepare for the test, but they also equip you with first-rate GMAT strategies and skills. While taking practice exams, you’ll also enhance your time-management and reading comprehension skills. As you study, you can enjoy a user-friendly platform that lets you quickly and easily access the course material of your choice. You also receive both written and video explanations for all practice problems, which helps you thoroughly understand the exam questions.

Magoosh homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $249-$599
  • Online classes available
  • 2+ practice tests
What we like What we don’t like
  • Online tutoring available.
  • 7- day free trial.
  • Email and help center support.
  • Few practice tests.

Learn more


e-GMAT — Best Free Trial

e-GMAT logo

e-GMAT is a thorough prep course that employs full-time, qualified instructors dedicated to developing and improving your intellectual and test-taking capabilities. The instructors consist of GMAT experts who have scored highly on the exam and are ready to share the insider knowledge that helped them succeed. Another appealing feature of this prep course is its one-month free trial, which lets you gain first-hand experience with the course before making a full commitment. Upon signing up for e-GMAT, you are compelled to take a “readiness test” that will identify your areas of weakness. The prep course’s unique algorithm will then configure a customized study plan that seeks to strengthen these weak points, consequently improving your overall score.

e-GMAT homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $199-$399
  • Live and recorded online classes
  • 30-day free trial
What we like What we don’t like
  • Long free trial.
  • Sufficient practice tests.
  • Experienced instructors.
  • Tutoring not offered.

Learn more


Kaplan — Best Product Offering

Kaplan logo

When it comes to preparing for the actual GMAT exam, Kaplan offers one of the most authentic experiences possible. You have the unique opportunity to take a practice test in an actual GMAT testing facility, analyzing your ability to adapt to a stressful environment. In addition to recreating the test-taking experience, the course offers over 5,000 practice questions. The platform also lets you take customized quizzes geared toward strengthening your weaker areas. As you begin the course, you will be given a GMAT score based on your preliminary skills and knowledge. If this baseline score does not improve by the end of the course, you can receive a full refund or repeat the course for free.

Kaplan homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $999-$2,599
  • Online classes available
  • Free online trial
What we like What we don’t like
  • 24/7 phone and live support.
  • Smart reports to track progress.
  • Quality practice tests.
  • Course content expires in 6 months.

Learn more


Manhattan Prep — Best In-Person Experience

Manhattan Prep logo

This comprehensive online course offers both in-person and interactive online classroom courses, letting you choose a class that complements your desired learning style, fits with your schedule, and meets your budget needs. The classes maintain a relatively small size, which enables instructors to cater to each student’s individual needs and skillset. It features a unique curriculum written and administered by GMAT instructors that managed to score in the 99th percentile of test-takers. Designed to emulate the real exam, this curriculum also features insider tips on how to increase your GMAT score through time-management tricks, test-taking techniques, and general advice.

Manhattan Prep homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $359-$2,699
  • In-person, live, and online classes available
  • Phone, email, and live chat support
What we like What we don’t like
  • Instructors picked from the 99th percentile.
  • Up to 6 practice tests.
  • Free trial for the first five lessons.
  • Added features are expensive.
  • No money-back guarantee.

Learn more


The Economist GMAT Tutor — Best for Students With Learning Disabilities

Economist GMAT Prep Course logo

The Economist GMAT Tutor is designed to prepare students for the GMAT exam through a fully online platform. Users enjoy 24/7 access to the thorough library of course materials, which includes well-written online courses and practice tests that simulate the real thing. It also offers an “adaptability feature” that analyzes the unique skill set of each individual student and identifies the areas that are most likely to give you trouble come exam time. For your convenience, the course features can be accessed through both a web browser and a smartphone thanks to its mobile app. You can also select the learning style that best works for you — the course provides a self-paced experience, as well as one-on-one tutoring.

Economist GMAT homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $359-$799
  • Online classes
  • Email support
What we like What we don’t like
  • Adaptive learning.
  • Mobile app option.
  • Self-paced learning option.
  • Expensive.

Learn more


The Princeton Review — Biggest Practice Exam Library

Princeton logo

Preparing students for the GMAT exam since 1981, The Princeton Review offers a combination of authenticity and experience. With 10 adaptive practice tests designed to reflect the actual questions and exam length, The Princeton Review is able to emulate the GMAT experience. After you have completed the practice tests, you will be assigned an instructor who will go through the exam with you, pinpoint the areas that you need to work on, and help you improve upon them. The Princeton Review is so confident in its ability to enhance your GMAT performance that if your score does not improve by the end, you can repeat the course at no additional cost.

Princeton Review homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $699-$1,749
  • In-person, online classes, and private tutoring available
  • 14-day free trial
What we like What we don’t like
  • 10 practice exams.
  • Full-length tests.
  • Structured study plan.
  • No mobile study app.

Learn more


PrepScholar — Best for People With Busy Schedules

PrepScholar logo

PrepScholar offers a self-paced GMAT prep package that can get you ready in two months, four months, or six months, depending on your needs and flexibility. The self-paced learning style makes PrepScholar particularly useful for students that have busy schedules or other substantial time commitments. The course provides a personalized curriculum designed to meet your individual needs by improving your weaker testing areas and maintaining your stronger ones. To help you get familiar with the exam, you can prepare with over a thousand questions and several practice exams. If you feel as though you need a higher level of assistance, you can request one-on-one tutoring with a qualified GMAT test-taker.

PrepScholar homepage

Need-to-knows:

  • $259
  • Live and recorded online classes available
  • Money-back guarantee
What we like What we don’t like
  • Consult experts.
  • Four adaptive computer tests.
  • One-on-one options available.
  • Only email support.
  • Only 4-month support.

Learn more


Choose the Right GMAT Prep Course for You

There are several factors to consider when deciding the best GMAT prep course for you. Along with a proven record of success, you should take into account your budget, the amount of time you have to prepare, and the level of coaching and training you feel you need.

Calculate prep time

Figure out when you would like to take the GMAT exam, and set out to find a prep course that can get you ready within that amount of time. Alternatively, you may want to prepare fully before you even register for the exam. To help determine how much time you will need to prepare, consider taking an online practice exam to gauge your current skill level.

Consider your learning style.

If you hope to succeed on the GMAT exam, you need to determine which learning style you have. Whether you learn better by watching videos, listening to audio classes, or reading and taking notes, there are prep courses available that can complement your learning style.

Compare costs

One of the most crucial features to consider is the cost of a prep course — at the end of the day, it has to meet your desired budget. Cost can also be a useful factor for narrowing down the different prep courses that are available to you. You should always look out for discounts and coupons that can bring down the total price.

Look for must-have features

A high-quality prep course typically offers the following features:

  • A free trial to assess whether the course suits your needs
  • A money-back guarantee if your score doesn’t improve
  • Instructors who scored in the 99th percentile
  • 24/7 support

GMAT Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important dates for taking the GMAT?

There are no specific dates for the GMAT exam — you can register for the exam online at any point in the year. Availability may vary depending on your location. Alternatively, you can take GMAT online on any day of your choice. Registration for the GMAT opens 6 months before the given exam date, and you can change your registration information up to 24 hours before the exam. Scores are usually available within 20 days.

Are there accommodations for people with disabilities?

The GMAT exam accommodates people with disabilities that meet the requirements laid down in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your condition is not covered in the ADA, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) will evaluate your request and grant accommodation if it is found reasonable.

Where can I find practice tests?

Most of the prep courses we have listed offer GMAT practice tests offered as part of their course packages. You can also access free practice tests online, though these are often only offered one or two at a time by a test prep provider that charges for access to practice exams.

How early should I prep?

It’s a good idea to start practicing for the GMAT at least two to three months before the actual test. If you know that you have weak areas that need strengthening, you may want to start as much as a year before you plan to take the test.

How many practice tests should I take before the actual exam?

On average, most students take two to three practice tests to determine whether or not they are ready for the exam. However, every individual should keep taking practice tests until they feel satisfied with their score and prepared to face the real thing.

How long are most GMAT prep courses?

Many of the GMAT prep courses listed here take an average of two to three months. However, there are courses that claim to get you GMAT ready in as little as two weeks while others can take up to six months.

Is GMAT prep worth it?

Ultimately, the advantages of a GMAT prep course outweigh the costs. Learning under the guidance of experienced test takers and instructors can improve your score and expedite the learning process, getting you prepared for the exam faster and more thoroughly than you could have hoped.

How much does GMAT prep cost?

The GMAT prep courses we have listed offer different prices for their services, ranging from one-time fees to monthly subscriptions. Some courses also offer different plans at different prices. This table helps compare prices.

Course Price Range

Varsity Tutors

  • Small Group Classes: $599
  • GMAT Bundle: $1,599
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring: $102/hr

examPAL

  • Genius: $1,299
  • Premium: $899
  • Quant: $599

Magoosh

  • Self-study: $249
  • Guided Study: $599

e-GMAT

  • Focused: $199
  • Intensive: $299
  • 360: $399

Kaplan

  • On Demand: $999
  • Live Course: $1,599
  • Tutoring: $2,450
  • Bootcamp: $2,599

Manhattan Prep

  • Featured GMAT prep options
    • Private Tutoring: 10 hr. package starting at $2,450
    • Interact™ GMAT Course: Starting at $549
  • Instructor-led GMAT prep options
    • GMAT Boot Camps: Starting at $2,699
    • Live GMAT Course: Starting at $1,599
    • GMAT Advanced Course: Starting at $1,399
    • GMAT Interact™ + Coaching: Starting at $1,399
  • Self-Guided Prep Options
    • GMAT Interact™: Starting at $999
    • GMAT Self-Study Toolkit: $359

Target Test Prep

  • Flexible Preparation: $249/month
  • Dedicated Study: $749/4 months
  • Maximum Learning: $799/6 months

The Economist GMAT Tutor

  • Essential: $359 for 2 months
  • Premium: $559 for 3 months
  • Genius: $799 for 6 months

The Princeton Review

  • Self-Paced: $699
  • Fundamentals: $1,299
  • GMAT 700+: $1,749
  • Private Tutoring: $167/hr

PrepScholar

  • $259

Additional Resources

Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.