Manhattan Prep GRE Review

Allaire W.GRELeave a Comment

Manhattan Prep GRE Review

Rating: 4.8

I’m contemplating going back to school for my doctorate, so of course I’m going to have to take the GRE. I haven’t had to take a standardized test in quite some time, so getting the score I want may take additional study. After looking at a few options, I settled on the Manhattan GRE prep course.

The first thing I liked was the ability to take a trial class before I decided to bite the bullet and invest my money. That’s rare. I got the chance to sit in a four-hour course that went through all the basics of the exam, what to expect, how to get around certain things and practice simulations with other students. It was very hands-on and kind of intense. I walked away feeling confident that there would be no surprises if I chose to continue. I also liked the way the professor addressed the students. She had everyone turn on their video so we could see each other, and we all introduced ourselves and discussed why we were taking the GRE.

The instructor was warm, engaging and spoke in the present as if we’d had already made the decision to continue on because she would be our instructor. What they don’t tell you when you sign up for the trial class is that you’re in the ACTUAL first session of an eight-course class. That’s pretty cool.

Now, let’s get to the real deal:

Reviewed by Allaire W.





What we like

ATLAS

From the moment you sign up for the trial class, you are directed to the main login, called ATLAS. There, you’re introduced to the GRE Starter Kit. Within this kit, students can:

  • Take a practice test and receive an assessment report that analyzes your strengths and weaknesses
  • Attend a free prep event
  • Attend the first session of the eight-session course for free (trial class)
  • Have access to interact, which is an on-demand version that allows students to study at their own pace. The best part? The first 15 lessons are free.
  • Study vocabulary – there is an area solely dedicated to GRE vocabulary flash cards. These cards come in two sets: Essential and Advanced
  • The app is also available to use, with practice problems and downloadable vocabulary flash cards

You get everything you need to know to be fully prepared

The instructor gives you everything you need to know to be fully prepared for the course. She outlined how you need to have a notebook for taking notes, index cards and colored pens, a takeaways notebook, reviewing schedule and calendar to keep yourself on track.

For class, she recommended having the notebook, index cards and takeaways notebook. There’s also an agenda being followed so you know what you’re going to be doing and when. This is a good set-up for when studying alone.

It’s apparent their instructors know and understand the ins and outs of the exam, providing timed scenarios, tips and in-depth ways to get through each section.

The instructor is very interactive

The instructor is very interactive and called on students to solve problems and discuss why. She would put a problem up and have us give her the answer in a private chat. This way, she was able to determine who needed additional help and who could explain why they got the problem right without anyone feeling embarrassed if they got the answer wrong.

The instructor was very knowledgeable, and I could tell she has been teaching this information for a long time and loves doing it. I felt very comfortable and engaged the entire class.

The availability of classes is amazing

The availability of classes is amazing. They have both in-person and online options. They offer classes in the morning, afternoon and evening throughout the week AND on Saturday and Sunday.

If you thought this wouldn’t work for your schedule – wrong. There are also four different types of exam prep solutions for every scenario, making their exam prep courses flexible enough for anyone.

Free online class events

They have a number of free online class events in addition to the trial class like Your Dream MBA: GRE for B-School – Tackling the Toughest Topics, GRE Prep Hour and GMAT vs. GRE: Which is right for you?

These free events are designed to help decide the right course of action and whether or not you have given yourself enough time to fully prepare to do your best on the exam.


What we didn’t like

You will be digesting A LOT of information

Although you’re completely engaged, you’re digesting a LOT of information during the prep course and there’s only two really short breaks. One 5 minute and one 10-minute. I know they are trying to make it as realistic as possible to prepare, but this may have you experiencing overload.

Price can be a bit steep for some people

The price could be a little steep for some people, even with using Affirm for monthly payments. So, how much does it cost?


How much does it cost

Manhattan Prep has four different options:

GRE for MBA Course

For students who are pursuing an MBA, can devote 10+ hours per week to homework need in-depth GRE test prep and have 3 months to prepare.

Price: $1399

Includes: 9 live sessions with a focus on advanced math; 2 Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides; 2 Supplemental Guides; 6 Online GRE Practice Tests.

Suitable for: MBA applicants who are just beginning their GRE journey, have only done some preliminary studying on their own, or are looking to strengthen their skills in all aspects of the exam.

GRE Complete Course

Available in-person and online, this is for students who need in-depth GRE test prep for all areas of the test; can devote 10+ hours per week to homework and have at least 3 months to prepare.

Price: $1199

Includes: 24-hours of live instruction over 8 sessions, 2 Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides; 2 Supplemental Guides; 6 Online GRE Practice Tests; Online and Section Recordings; Daily vocabulary emails; GRE mobile app; Interactive online syllabus; On-Demand video lessons with over 100,000 practice problems and 66 interactive video lessons.

Suitable for: Students who are just beginning their GRE journey and are able to attend every class session will get the most out of the course.

GRE Just Math Course

Available online or in-person, this program is ideal for comprehensive learning for GRE math content.

Price: $699

Includes: Sessions taught by a 99th-percentile GRE Math expert; 12 hours of classroom time over 4 class sessions; comprehensive syllabus to guide studies; Manhattan Prep’s Math Strategy Guide; The 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems; The Official Guide to the GRE; 6 online GRE practice tests.

Suitable for: Students who just started their GRE Math journey and are able to attend every class session (either online or in-person) will get the most out of the course.

Interact for GRE

On-demand option ideal for self-paced, comprehensive preparation with branching video lessons that adapt to the user.

Price: 1 month access $249; 3 month access $349; 6 month premium $399

Includes: Thousands of practice problems and drills; 6 full-length GRE practice tests; 77 interactive video lessons; detailed video explanations; total coverage of everything on the GRE.

Suitable for: Students who want a self-paced GRE program. This also applies to students who have a busy schedule, travel a lot, or simply prefer to study at your own pace, then go for Interact.

– Each prep solution can be purchased using Affirm


Rating criteria

Criteria Rating What we think
App
4.5

The app is available on Android or iOS and works just like a classroom setting. It has over 1,000 practice questions, 800+ drills, access to the vocabulary cards and provides immediate feedback to track your progress.

Vocabulary cards
5

This section is a game-changer. Users are able to select Essential or Advanced cards, with 500 in rotation at all times. You can study with one or both sets and flag challenging ones for additional review.

Support and instructors
5

While I only interacted with one instructor, it was an amazing experience. Again, it’s obvious the instructors have been doing this for a while and love what they do. I didn’t need support of any kind, but all the tabs are clearly visible to use.

Practice tests
5

You’ll think you were taking the real thing. Everything is adaptive based on your responses, just like the real test.

Video instructions
4.5

Everything is spelled out clearly and succinctly. Everything has an “exam” feel, creating a mindset where you’ll feel comfortable when you’re actually taking the real exam.

Practice questions
5

The practice questions are well-thought and simulated exactly like the exam. You’ll get a general idea of how questions are designed for the Quant and Verbal sections.


FAQ

How long do I have access to my online resources?

Interact: Initial access to the Interact program lasts for 1, 3, or 6 months, depending on which option you choose. Once your access expires, you’ll have the option to extend by a month for a discounted price.


Conclusion

The entire experience is one I truly enjoyed. I can’t remember the last time I was in a course that kept me engaged and wondering what came next. The team at Manhattan Prep have taken the time to learn and understand not only the test, but how to connect with their students to create an environment of engagement and fun – even if it’s the GRE!

There are so many resources and ways to connect and learn which makes me feel as if their ultimate goal is not only to go over and beyond the cost of the course, but to ensure you get the highest score possible. The name of the company may sound stuff and a little elite, but this is a place where you can reach your highest potential. They encourage you to explore and learn all you can, providing resources at every turn. If you’re paying for the course, I recommend using everything – it’s worth it.

If you’re looking for a way to successfully get through the GRE, there’s no other choice I’d recommend. Immersive in every way, you’ll want to study just to showcase what you’ve learned. Is it worth the investment? Absolutely. Don’t just take my word for it – go ahead and sign up for a trial class. If you’re prepping for the GRE and are seriously about making a great score, one of these options may be one of the best decisions you make.

Go to Manhattan Prep now

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