The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is an internationally recognized standardized test required for eligibility to enroll in a graduate program in the USA or Canada. The exam is of two kinds: GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.
While the GRE Subject test only focuses on a particular subject, the GRE General test revolves around testing for Mathematics and English. The exam is divided into three sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Section, and Verbal Section.
There are two ways of giving the exam, each with its unique structure: computer-based approach and paper-delivered approach. It costs $205 each time you take a test. You can register for the exam either online, through phone, mail, or fax.
The exam comprises 170 points for Verbal Reasoning and 170 points for the Quantitative section, totaling 340. Unlike other standardized tests, you do not have a specific date required to take the test, making the process so much more convenient.
There are many online and offline services, such as Kaplan, Magoosh, Manhattan Prep GRE, and more, that aim to either increase students’ scores or provide them with maximum practice to ace the exam.
This article will compare the pros and cons of Kaplan and Manhattan GRE prep to help you choose one that you can take the most benefit from.
Manhattan Prep vs. Kaplan GRE: General Overview
Kaplan.com and ManhattanPrep.com are two different companies that take an interesting approach to any standardized test. This overview will give you a good comparison to answer “Kaplan or Manhattan Prep, which is better?”
Manhattan Prep is a large company that provides its users with resources, practice questions, and strategies. These well-refined options can be available in a self-paced class that follows the three levels of complexity.
You can have access to videos of instructors along with clear audio and animations. The program can be either available online or in a physical book format. Their tests start at basics but slowly progress to more GRE-like questions.
When comparing Manhattan or Kaplan for GRE, Kaplan offers multiple self-paced programs. Just like ManhattanPrep.com, the company provides its students with online services along with a physical book that helps people to take two different approaches when needed.
They are widely known for providing Rapid Review Live, Math Foundations, and an Advanced Math course. Read more in the Manhattan GRE prep reviews on our website.
There are different factors to consider when it comes to understanding the services or materials offered by the two companies. With the help of this information, you will be able to compare the Kaplan or Manhattan GRE Practice Tests, videos, sessions, and more.
Why Manhattan Prep is Better For The GRE
When embarking on the journey to conquer the GRE, selecting the right prep course is crucial. With numerous options available, Manhattan Prep stands out as a formidable contender. Below, we delve into the reasons why you should consider Manhattan Prep for your GRE preparation journey.
Manhattan Prep
- Fun perspective toward education;
- Monthly payment plan;
- Full-length GRE practice tests;
- 100,000 practice problems;
- Customized quizzes.
Between Kaplan and Manhattan Prep, Manhattan has a fun perspective toward education, making them highly popular among people. Users can also use the monthly payment plan to cover their costs.
The three different courses are:
- Manhattan Prep self-paced Course: 6 full-length GRE practice tests, 77 interactive videos, about 7 hours long, and more than 100,000 practice problems.
- Manhattan GRE Complete course: 3 hours long session, daily vocabulary emails, 6 full-length tests, class recordings, Manhattan Prep’s Complete Strategy Guide Set books, and the ETS Official Guide to GRE Book.
- Manhattan Just Math: 3 hours sessions, a comprehensive syllabus, Manhattan Prep’s Math Strategy Guide, 5 lb. Book of GRE practice problems, Official Guide to the GRE by ETS, and 6 Online GRE Practice Tests. Kaplan offers discounted prices along with a myriad number of courses/resources to choose from. Some GRE Channels have live instructions along with customized quizzes.
Manhattan Prep GRE Options & Pricing
The Manhattan Prep provides different services at different price structures. Just like Kaplan test prep, Manhattan services will get you covered for all three sections: GRE Math, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The cost of the services starts at $249 for 1 month and $399 for 6-month access.
They also have a GRE Just Math Course for $699 and a GRE Complete Course for $1,199. They offer a 7-day free trial with 15 lessons and practice problems.
These costs, along with the book prices, will give you a good idea between Manhattan Prep or Kaplan for GRE. The books offered by them along with their costs are:
- Manhattan Prep GRE lb. Book of Practice problems: $20 at Amazon;
- Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides: $180 on Amazon;
- Manhattan Advanced Words/flashcards: $17 on Amazon.
Manhattan Prep GRE Coursework
Manhattan Prep excels in providing comprehensive and structured coursework designed to facilitate effective learning. Utilizing a systematic approach labeled “Learn It, Drill It, Prove It,” Manhattan Prep ensures thorough understanding and retention of key concepts. With over 5,000 practice questions integrated into each course option, students receive ample opportunities to reinforce their knowledge and skills. Despite the abundance of material, Manhattan Prep maintains a balance, ensuring learners do not feel overwhelmed. Furthermore, Manhattan Prep’s mobile app and access to six full-length, computer-adaptive practice tests enhance flexibility and simulate real test-taking experiences.
Manhattan Prep Video Lessons
Manhattan Prep’s GRE video lessons, conducted by instructors in the top 1% of GRE scorers, are engaging, informative, and infused with humor. The instructors’ expertise and teaching style foster an enjoyable learning environment, making complex topics more accessible. Each lesson incorporates interactive elements, quizzes, and real-world examples, enhancing comprehension and retention. The emphasis on visual learning caters to diverse learning preferences, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Manhattan Prep GRE: Additional Services
- Manhattan GRE Flashcards:
Manhattan Prep: Students get access to a pack of flashcards which costs $19 and is divided into essential and advanced words.
This accessibility to the vocabulary will help review if Kaplan or Manhattan Vocab is better.
- Tutoring:
Manhattan Prep: Their tutoring service starts from 2 hours long until 25 hours long.
It costs about $255 for each hour and can be extended as per the user’s need. You can get access to both web and in-person tutoring services. The credibility of the instructors will give you a better idea of the Manhattan Prep versus Kaplan Course for GRE.
- Book Content Comparison:
The Manhattan Prep vs. Kaplan Books GRE can be one of the ways to figure out the comparison between the two companies.
Manhattan Prep focuses mainly on clarity and strategy. The book also provides a conversational platform for users with clever tips to answer questions. They have interactive content that makes the course less overwhelming for the users.
Manhattan Prep GRE Score Guarantee
Any guarantee that a company gives largely reflects on their confidence in their services.
Although it does depend on us to make the most out of the resources, it is equally necessary that the resources we get from Manhattan Prep or Kaplan Class for GRE are credible and trustworthy. This is when we can look at the individual guarantee plans to make sure that we are investing in the correct company.
Unfortunately, ManhattanPrep.com does not make such a guarantee.
Manhattan Prep for MBA
For students aspiring to pursue an MBA, Manhattan Prep offers specialized courses tailored to their needs. With a focus on advanced math topics relevant to business school admissions, Manhattan Prep’s GRE for MBA Course provides invaluable preparation for the unique demands of MBA programs. Whether tackling complex quantitative problems or honing analytical writing skills, Manhattan Prep equips MBA hopefuls with the tools for success.
Why Choose Kaplan For Your GRE Prep
While Manhattan Prep boasts impressive offerings, Kaplan also presents compelling advantages for GRE preparation.
Kaplan
- The best GRE experts online;
- 5,000 practice questions;
- Live instructions;
- Official test mock exam;
- More features and courses options;
- Kaplan Complete In-Person Course: 21 hours of live instructions, official test mock exam, 7 full-length computer-based practice tests, 180 hours of online instructions, 5,000 practice questions, and 2 Prep books.
- Kaplan Self-paced Course: This is a rather economical way to prepare for the exam when comparing Manhattan Prep vs Kaplan Pre for GRE. They offer Rapid Review Live, Math Foundations, and Advanced Math Courses too. They also have a proctored exam day called “The Official Test Day Experience” to help students take the exam in a mock but feel-real setting.
Kaplan GRE Prep Courses And Pricing
Kaplan’s complete course for GRE costs $999 that is cheaper in comparison to the Manhattan complete course.
The GRE books offered by the company also come at different prices. Want to know more about Kaplan pricing? Read Kaplan GRE prep review from our expert. This pricing can help you choose between GRE Kaplan Prep Plus or Manhattan Prep books:
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: $18.5 on Amazon;
- Kaplan GRE Math Workbook: $ 21 on Amazon.
Quality of Kaplan GRE Study Materials
Kaplan’s reputation as a test prep leader is reflected in the quality of its GRE study materials. From engaging video lessons to extensive practice resources, Kaplan prioritizes student comprehension and skill development. The inclusion of over 2,500 practice questions, personalized quizzes through the QBank feature, and 7 full-length practice tests contribute to a robust preparation regimen. Additionally, Kaplan’s GRE Channel offers supplemental live classes and valuable insights from expert instructors.
Kaplan's GRE Score Guarantee
The Kaplan program has a Higher Score Guaranteed or Money Back service when comparing the Manhattan vs Kaplan policy. They have two different conditions when you can apply for a money-back service.
Option 1 says that if you were to give your test after completing the program and do not see an improvement in your score, you can either reactivate the program for free for 12 more weeks or request your money back.
Option 2, on the other hand, states that if you were to give an exam after the course but are still not happy with your scores, you can contact Kaplan and ask for a free reactivation, for which you will get a 12-week additional activation for free. When looking at the comments of people in Kaplan or the Manhattan review board, they were impressed with this feature of Kaplan.
Kaplan for GRE: Policies
The Kaplan GRE program does not allow children under 13 to enroll in the program unless given consent from their parents or guardian.
You can select the Higher Score Guarantee (HSG) when enrolling to qualify for the reactivation or refund policy. Canceling the enrollment within 3 days can return 100% of your money.
ManhattanPrep.com doesn’t allow children under 13 to purchase the program unless under consideration.
Both programs have similar policies and mostly differ in terms of refund only.
Kaplan's Additional Services
- Kaplan GRE Flashcards:
Their online version comes with free access to an app designed for flashcards. The flashcards feature vocabulary, clues, and synonyms too. You can also customize your deck and track your performance.
This accessibility to the vocabulary will help review if Kaplan or Manhattan Vocab is better.
- Tutoring:
Kaplan: Purchasing a tutoring program with Kaplan will directly get you a tutor. You and the tutor will work a time that is convenient for both. There are different tutor packages divided into either online or in-person settings.
The online tutoring will cost $2299 for 10 hours, $3199 for 20 hours, $3999 for 30 hours, and $4899 for 40 hours. The same hours have different costs for an in-person session based on your location.
- Book Content Comparison:
The Manhattan Prep vs. Kaplan Books GRE can be one of the ways to figure out the comparison between the two companies.
Kaplan GRE focuses on people who already have the idea and knowledge towards GRE. It doesn’t do a great job of explaining its strategies and seems to centralize around people who are either in intermediate or advanced levels of preparation.
Preference between Kaplan vs. Manhattan GRE Practice tests in the book can be purchased based on a person’s knowledge level.
So, Which is Better Kaplan or Manhattan?
Site | Manhattan Prep | Kaplan |
General Overview | Large company with resources, practice questions, and strategies. Available online or in book format. | Offers multiple self-paced programs with various features. Known for providing Rapid Review Live, Math Foundations, and Advanced Math courses. |
Course Material | Prioritizes strategies with interactive instructors. Offers full-length GRE practice tests, practice problems, and customized quizzes. | Offers a range of courses/resources with live instructions and customized quizzes. |
Pricing | Starts from $40. Offers various packages and courses, ranging in price up to $1,199. | Starts from $99. Offers packages up to $999.00 |
Guarantees | No specific guarantee offered. | Offers a Higher Score Guaranteed or Money Back service. |
Policies | Doesn’t allow children under 13 unless under consideration. | Similar to Manhattan Prep, doesn’t allow children under 13 without consent. |
Additional Services | Offers flashcards, tutoring services, and books focused mainly on clarity and strategy. | Offers flashcards, tutoring services, and books, focusing more on intermediate or advanced levels of preparation. |
In the debate between Kaplan GRE and Manhattan Prep, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both companies offer robust GRE prep solutions tailored to different learning styles, preferences, and budgets.
For students seeking a structured approach with a focus on strategies and interactive instruction, Manhattan Prep emerges as a compelling choice. With competitive pricing and comprehensive resources, Manhattan Prep equips students with the tools needed to excel on the GRE.
On the other hand, Kaplan’s diverse course offerings, quality study materials, and score guarantee may appeal to students seeking flexibility and assurance in their GRE preparation journey.
Ultimately, the decision between Kaplan GRE and Manhattan Prep hinges on your individual needs, preferences, and learning goals. By carefully evaluating the offerings of each company, you can select the GRE prep program that best aligns with your aspirations and sets you on the path to success.