Best GMAT Prep Courses and Study Materials

When preparing for a master’s program in business, choosing the best Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam prep programs can be intimidating. The average score is 555.467, with scores of 625+ considered good scores. Passing scores vary across schools.

I have reviewed the best GMAT prep programs, focusing on what really matters: study plans, dashboards, practice questions, live classes, and instructor support. In this GMAT prep guide, you’ll see what stood out to me, what each course does best, and who it’s really for. That way, you can focus on your prep and show up on test day ready to go.

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1. PrepScholar – Best Overall GMAT Prep

PrepScholar is my top pick for GMAT prep because it keeps studying simple while still feeling personal to my needs. Every course starts with a diagnostic test that maps out your strengths and weaknesses across 30+ skills. From there, you get a customized study plan that updates each week, and the dashboard makes it easy to see what’s next and how you’re progressing. Compared to Target Test Prep, which is great but more narrowly focused on quant, PrepScholar gives a wider mix of lessons, strategy coverage, and practice material.

I also like that PrepScholar offers a clear 60-point score improvement guarantee, something not all providers back up. PrepScholar offers three options: GMAT Online Prep, Complete GMAT Online Prep, and a 1-on-1 Tutoring package that includes the full course. Add in the free trial, regular progress tracking, and affordable pricing, and it’s easy to see why this GMAT course works so well for most students.

Package Options

• GMAT Online Prep ➡️ Best for budget-conscious students preparing for the GMAT exam: 3 months of access, 750 practice questions, 30+ skill lessons, five strategy lessons, and a 5-day free trial.
• Complete GMAT Online Prep➡️ Best for students who want a full prep course with structure and confidence: 4 months of access, 1,000+ practice questions, custom study plan, 10 strategy lessons, and a 60-point improvement guarantee.
• 1-on-1 Tutoring + Complete GMAT ➡️ Best for students who want a personal GMAT tutor with real-time feedback: Up to 20 hours of tutoring plus the full Complete GMAT course.

Course Highlights

• Course Format: On-demand, self-paced
• Adaptive Learning: Diagnostic test and custom weekly study plan
• Practice Questions: 1,000+ with detailed explanations
• Practice Exams: 2 full-length official GMAT practice tests
• Progress Tracking: Weekly reports and targeted feedback
• Score Guarantee: 60+ point increase or your money back

Pros

• Budget-Friendly: Lower cost compared to most GMAT prep courses
• Score Guarantee: Score Guarantee: 60+ point increase or your money back
• Diagnostic Test: Pinpointed my strengths and weaknesses right away
• Adaptive Study Plan: Adjusts weekly to match progress

Cons

• No Live Classes: All lessons are on-demand
• Content Accessibility: Cheaper packages have less practice materials
• No Textbooks: No physical textbooks for traditional learning styles

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2. Target Test Prep: Best for Math-Heavy Prep

Target Test Prep is a solid choice if you’re the kind of student who likes digging deep into every GMAT concept with a lot of structure. They offer three options: Self-Study, the On-Demand Masterclass, and Live Online Classes.

When I tried it, the first thing that stood out was the massive question bank and the AI-powered tools. With over 4,000 practice problems, a daily study calendar, and smart error tracking, I could always see where I was making progress and where I needed to slow down. The AI Assist was especially helpful. It broke down tough concepts in plain language and gave me time-saving tips that kept me from falling into common GMAT traps.

TTP goes very heavy on math and advanced analytics, which makes it great for high scorers aiming for 700+, but it can feel a little intense. PrepScholar offers balanced coverage of math and verbal with manageable pacing, which may suit students seeking an all-around option.

Package Options

• Self-Study➡️ Best for self-motivated students who want maximum flexibility and advanced tools: 4,000+ practice questions, 1,500+ lessons, AI Assist, custom test builder, error tracker, and 24/7 expert support.
• On-Demand Masterclass➡️ Best for students aiming for top-percentile scores with guided video structure: Everything in Self-Study plus 400 hours of masterclass videos, weekly office hours, and a 715+ score improvement guarantee.
• Live Online Classes ➡️ Best for students who thrive in a structured, classroom-style environment: Everything in OnDemand plus 40 hours of live instruction, personalized homework, and an exclusive Slack study group.

Course Highlights

• Course Format: Self-study, on-demand, and live class options
• Practice Questions: 4,000+ plus unlimited AI-generated practice
• Adaptive Technology: Personalized AI assistant and custom study plan
• Lessons: 1,500+ across all GMAT topics with in-depth explanations
• Error Tracker: Identifies weaknesses and behavioral tendencies
• Score Guarantee: 715+ score improvement guarantee in higher packages

Pros

• Massive Question Bank: 4,000+ plus unlimited AI-generated practice
• AI Assist: Personalized strategies, explanations, and study guidance
• Live Support: Weekly office hours and live classes available
• Score Guarantee: 715+ promise in higher-tier packages

Cons

• Quant-Heavy: Best for students who want extra depth in math
• Premium Pricing: Higher-tier options cost more, but include added features and guarantees
• Instructor Support: Cheaper packages lack live, instructor-led classes

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3. Kaplan: Best For Flexibility

Kaplan is a strong pick if you learn best from real instructors. The small, discussion-based classes felt more interactive than a lecture, and the mix of strategy guides, official resources, and six practice exams gave me plenty to work with.

The dashboard kept things organized, and I liked that you can choose from different formats: the standard 27-hour Complete Course, an accelerated Bootcamp, or the On-Demand option if you prefer studying on your own. For structured learners, it’s a solid fit. Compared to Target Test Prep, they don’t offer quite as many practice tools, but the focus on live teaching is still a great feature.

Package Options

• Complete Course (Live Online)➡️ Best for students who want structured lessons with strong instructor support: 27 hours of live instruction, 6 official GMAT practice exams, and Higher Score Guarantee.
• On Demand➡️ Best for students who want flexibility at a lower cost: Self-paced video lessons, practice exams, and full syllabus materials.
• On Demand + Admissions➡️ Best for students who want self-paced GMAT prep paired with MBA admissions help: On Demand course, 6 months of MBAMission’s admissions program with videos, guides, and planning tools.
• Bootcamp➡️ Best for students who need an intensive, fast-track prep option: 35 hours of live classes in three weeks, full resources, and a score guarantee.
• Advanced Course➡️ Best for students close to their target score who want extra refinement: 18 hours of live sessions, practice exams, and advanced prep tools.
• Private Tutoring + Live Online➡️ Best for students who want personalized coaching with full course access: Complete Course, 1-on-1 instruction, custom study plan, practice exams, and a score guarantee.

Course Highlights

• Course Format: Self-study, Live online, Private tutoring
• Practice Exams: 6 full-length official GMAT exams included
• Study Materials: Complete GMAT Strategy Guide set + Official Guide
• Workshops: Foundations of Math workshops and Advanced Quant eBook
• Practice Questions: 1,200+ dynamic problems with solutions
• Personalization: Performance trackers with personalized study calendar
• Guarantee: Higher Score Guarantee with all major packages

Pros

• Live Classes: 27+ hours of small-group instruction that felt more like a seminar than a lecture.
• Strong Materials: Full GMAT Strategy Guide set plus official resources
• Practice Exams: 6 official practice tests that felt realistic and showed me what to improve
• Guarantee: If you don’t hit a higher score or a passing mark, you’ll get your money back

Cons

• Pricey: More expensive than PrepScholar or Target Test Prep
• Package Constraints: Not all package offer the same levels of support
• Strictly Online: Lacks traditional physical textbooks

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4. Magoosh: Best for Budget-Friendly Prep

From my review, Magoosh feels like a solid entry-level GMAT prep choice. It’s one of the most affordable options out there, and you get plenty of study tools for the price, including 200+ video lessons, 800+ practice questions, and a helpful score predictor. I liked that every practice question comes with both a video and text explanation, and the mobile app is a plus.

Where it falls short is depth. Two diagnostic practice tests don’t feel like enough compared to competitors, and the question bank, while solid, isn’t as advanced as what you get from higher-ranked providers. The 70-point score improvement guarantee is nice, but the program still feels best for budget-conscious students who want flexibility, not for those aiming at 700+ scores.

Package Options

• Premium 6 Month Plan➡️ Best for students with limited study time who want affordable prep: Access to Math, Verbal, and Data Insights, 200+ video lessons, 800+ practice questions, diagnostics, score predictor, and a 70-point guarantee.
• Premium 12 Month Plan➡️ Best for students who want a longer prep timeline at a lower monthly cost: Everything in the 6-month plan with extended access; includes pause options and a 70-point guarantee.
• Premium + Admissions➡️ Best for students who want GMAT prep and MBA application help in one package: GMAT 6 month plan plus admissions support with application trackers, essay guidance, and insider MBA tips.
  

Course Highlights

• Course Format: Self-paced online lessons with mobile access and an admissions add-on option
• Practice Exams: 2+ diagnostic practice tests with score predictor
• Adaptive Tools: Personalized study schedules and progress tracking
• Study Materials: 200+ video lessons, 800+ practice questions, flashcards, text/video explanations
• Instructor Support: Ask an Expert feature for quick help
• Score Guarantee: Up to +70 points or your money back

Pros

• Affordable: Lower cost than most GMAT prep programs
• Accessible: Strong mobile app and pause option for flexible study
• Helpful Explanations: Every practice question comes with a clear breakdown
• Application Guides: Example resumes and application videos

Cons

• Limited Practice Tests: Only 2 full-length diagnostics, fewer than top programs
• Smaller Question Bank: 800 questions doesn’t match competitors with thousands
• Basic Structure: Study plans and analytics aren’t as adaptive as higher-ranked providers

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5. Princeton Review: Best For Practice Drills

Princeton Review’s GMAT prep stood out to me for its adaptive drills. They adjust in difficulty as you go, which made my practice sessions feel closer to the real thing. I also liked the six full-length exams because they gave me a solid benchmark of where I was at. The review slides kept lessons clear and easy to go back over, and having all four official GMAC eBooks included alongside Princeton’s own materials was a nice bonus.

In my experience, the live classes were solid, though they felt more structured and less flexible compared to Kaplan, and it doesn’t have the advanced analytics of Target Test Prep. I still found the adaptive practice and official resources dependable. I’d say Princeton Review is decent for students who want organized study tools and steady practice without needing heavy tech features or a lot of customization.

Package Options

• GMAT 645+ Live Course➡️ Best for students who want structured classes with guaranteed results: 30 hours of live instruction, 6 exams, adaptive drills, office hours, official GMAC eBooks, and a higher score guarantee.
• GMAT Self-Paced➡️ Best for independent learners looking for affordable prep courses: 6 exams, official GMAC eBook, adaptive drills, review slides, and 365 days of access.
• GMAT Core Concepts➡️ Best for students needing a shorter live class option: 18 hours of live instruction, adaptive drills, review exercises, 4 tests, and official resources.

Course Highlights

• Course Format: Live classes, self-paced lessons, and tutoring packages
• Practice Exams: 6 full-length GMAT tests included in major packages
• Adaptive Tools: Drills that adjust to student ability
• Study Materials: 4 official GMAC eBooks + 3 Princeton Review eBooks
• Instructor Support: Live office hours and tutoring options available
• Score Guarantee: 645+ or +70 points, depending on baseline

Pros

• Adaptive Drills: Practice that mirrors GMAT exam difficulty
• Official Materials: Includes all 4 GMAC eBooks plus Princeton Review guides
• Score Guarantee: 645+ or +70 points depending on baseline
• Flexible Course Formats: Live online and self-paced courses offered

Cons

• Less Flexible: Kaplan offers more pathways and tutoring integration
• Class Style: Structured, but not as discussion-based as Kaplan
• Platform Design: Feels more traditional compared to newer test prep tools

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Also Worth Considering

These providers did not make the main list of best GMAT prep courses, but are still worth a look.

• Varsity Tutors: Great for 1-on-1 Coaching
• Brainscape: Supplemental for Flashcards
• Wyzant: Good for Budget-Flexible Tutoring

Which GMAT Prep Course is Right for You?

• Want the most balanced, personalized prep with an adaptive study plan?
  → Choose PrepScholar
• Need advanced quant coverage with detailed analytics?
  → Go with Target Test Prep
• Prefer small, discussion-based live classes with strong instructor support?
  → Pick Kaplan
• Need a budget-friendly course with straightforward tools?
  → Pick Magoosh
• Want adaptive practice that increases difficulty with progression?
  → Pick Princeton

Which GMAT Course Fits Your Needs?

Learning Style: If you want structured learning with live classes, Kaplan and Princeton Review are the best picks. For self-paced learners, PrepScholar and Magoosh keep things simple and flexible.

Course Format: Prefer variety? Kaplan mixes live and on-demand options, while Target Test Prep leans on in-depth online lessons with interactive tools.

Practice Questions & Exams: If practice tests matter most, Princeton Review stands out with six full-length exams each. Target Test Prep wins on question bank size with 4,000+.

Adaptive Learning: PrepScholar’s diagnostic study plan and Target Test Prep’s AI Assist both adjust to your performance, making them best for personalized prep.

Instructor Support: Want real instructor time? Kaplan and Princeton Review all include live class options.

Budget: If cost is a concern, Magoosh offers the most affordable packages without cutting out a ton of features.

Pass Guarantee: Looking for extra security? PrepScholar, Target Test Prep, Kaplan, and Princeton Review all include score-improvement guarantees.

Course Access Length: For longer access, Magoosh and Princeton Review give you a full year. PrepScholar runs 3–4 months, which works best if you want a focused timeline.

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Final Verdict

My final take? PrepScholar stands out as the best all-around GMAT prep course. The adaptive syllabus, easy-to-use dashboard, and score guarantee give students a balance of guidance and flexibility that most others don’t match.

For anyone chasing a top-tier score, Target Test Prep is worth it for its deep quant focus and smart analytics. If live teaching keeps you on track, Kaplan brings strong instructor support and structured classes. Princeton Review is a good fit if you like adaptive drills with official GMAT materials built in, while Magoosh keeps things simple and affordable without cutting out the essentials.

At the end of the day, the “best” course comes down to how you learn best. Check out the comparison chart and find your top pick.

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