Manhattan Prep GRE Review

Verdict: The “Thinking Person’s” Prep

Manhattan Prep has carved out a unique niche in the test prep world. While Kaplan focuses on structure and Princeton Review focuses on “cracking” the test with tricks, Manhattan Prep focuses on mastery. Their philosophy is that if you truly understand the underlying concepts, the score will follow.

This approach makes them the top choice for high achievers, particularly those aiming for top-tier MBA programs where a high Quant score is non-negotiable. Their Interact™ platform is arguably the best self-paced learning technology on the market, bridging the gap between a video and a live tutor.

The “Shorter GRE” Context

Manhattan Prep adapted quickly to the shorter GRE format. Their instructors-who are all 99th-percentile scorers-re-evaluated every strategy to ensure it fits the tighter time constraints. The “Interact” lessons have been updated to emphasize the rapid decision-making needed for the new 2-hour exam.

Deep Dive: Course Options

Interact™ for GRE (Self-Paced)

Price: ~$399 This is their signature self-paced offering. It’s not just a library of videos; it’s a comprehensive learning system. You get access to the Interact lessons, 6 practice tests, and all their digital resources.

Live Online

Price: ~$1,399 Manhattan Prep’s instructors are the best in the business. They pay the highest rates in the industry and require teachers to have 99th-percentile scores and significant teaching experience. If you want to learn from a true master, this is the course.

GRE for MBA

Price: ~$1,599 A specialized version of the Live Online course designed specifically for business school applicants. It places a heavier emphasis on the Quantitative section and includes guidance on MBA admissions.

Feature Analysis

Interact™: Choose Your Own Adventure

Most self-paced courses are passive: you watch a video, then do a problem. Manhattan Prep’s Interact™ is different. It’s an interactive video player that asks you questions during the lesson.

If you get the question right, the lesson moves forward to a harder concept. If you get it wrong, the video branches off to explain the concept in a different way or review the basics. It feels like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, ensuring that the lesson adapts to your specific needs in real-time.

The “5 lb. Book” and Strategy Guides

Manhattan Prep is famous for its books. When you sign up for a course, you get digital (and often physical) copies of their strategy guides. The “5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems” is legendary in the prep community. It contains over 1,800 practice problems organized by topic. It is widely considered the single best source of practice questions outside of the official ETS materials.

Quant Focus

If math is your weakness-or if it’s your strength and you want to make it perfect-Manhattan Prep is the answer. Their curriculum goes deeper into the “why” of math concepts than any other provider. They don’t just teach you a formula; they teach you how to derive it, which allows you to handle the twisted, non-standard problems the GRE loves to throw at you.

6 Practice Tests

You get 6 full-length computer-adaptive practice tests. These are known for being slightly harder than the real GRE, which is a good thing. If you can handle Manhattan Prep’s Quant section, the real GRE will feel like a breeze.

User Experience and Interface

The student dashboard is modern, clean, and distraction-free. It tracks your progress through the “Learn It, Drill It, Prove It” modules.

1. Learn It: Interactive video lesson.
2. Drill It: Flashcards and basic drills to cement the concept.
3. Prove It: Realistic GRE-style questions to test retention.

Pricing & Value

Manhattan Prep is a premium product.

• Self-Paced: ~$399 (Mid-range)
• Live Online: ~$1,399 (High-end)

The self-paced option is actually a fantastic value considering the quality of the Interact software. The Live Online course is expensive, but you are paying for the caliber of the instructor.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Interact™ Technology: The most engaging self-paced lessons available.
• Instructor Quality: 99th-percentile scorers who are actually good at teaching.
• Quant Depth: Unmatched preparation for the math section.
• The Books: The best study materials in the industry.

Cons:

• No Score Guarantee: Unlike Kaplan or Princeton Review, they don’t promise a specific score increase. They rely on their reputation.
• Shorter Access: Standard access is 6 months, which is fine for most but less than some competitors.

FAQ

Why is there no score guarantee? Manhattan Prep argues that score guarantees are often marketing gimmicks with too many loopholes. They prefer to stand on the quality of their instruction.

Is the math too hard for a beginner? It can be challenging, but they offer a “Math Foundations” module included with the course that starts from basic arithmetic.

Can I just buy the books? Yes, and many students do. But the Interact™ lessons provide a level of engagement and explanation that a book simply cannot match.

Final Thoughts

Manhattan Prep is for the student who wants to understand the GRE, not just trick it. If you are aiming for a top-tier score (320+) and are willing to put in the work to master the material, this is the best course on the market.