What’s the Best GMAT® Prep For You?

• The best GMAT prep course depends on your target score, test date, study habits, and schedule.
• You can choose from several prep formats, including live online classes, on-demand courses, 1-on-1 tutoring, traditional in-person courses, and bootcamps.
• Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan’s GMAT prep is designed to support different learning styles with expert instruction, adaptive practice, and realistic test-day experiences.
• The right GMAT course helps you stay on track, build skills efficiently, and walk into test day with confidence.

Preparing for the GMAT is an important step in your business school journey. Just like researching MBA programs or managing application deadlines, selecting the right prep course is key to achieving your goals.

Manhattan Prep experts recommend that students spend about three months preparing for the GMAT, with a consistent weekly study schedule. As you compare prep options, consider:

• When do you plan to take the GMAT?
• How much time can you dedicate to studying each week?
• What is your target score–and how far is it from your baseline?
• Do you prefer structured classes, flexible self-study, or personalized coaching?
• Do you need comprehensive prep, or are you just looking to brush up on select concepts and strategies?
• When are the application deadlines of the schools you are considering applying to?

Once you’ve clarified your goals, timeline, and learning style, you’ll be in a strong position to choose the best GMAT prep course for you. In the sections below, we’ll break down your options to help you get started. 

A competitive GMAT score plays a major role in MBA and business master’s program admissions. While schools consider your full application (GPA, resume, essays), a strong GMAT score can set you apart in a crowded applicant pool.

The average score for all GMAT test takers is around 550, but top-ranked business schools often expect higher scores. 

Here’s why your GMAT score matters:

• It’s a key factor in admissions decisions at most business schools.
• Top programs often report average scores between 700 and 740.
• Higher scores can improve your eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.
• A strong score can help you stand out for internships and post-MBA roles.
• It allows admissions committees to compare applicants across different backgrounds.

What’s considered a “good” GMAT score depends on the schools you’re applying to, but aiming above 650 will make you more competitive at a wide range of programs.

Finding the right GMAT prep course is key to maximizing your score and achieving your business school goals. With average GMAT scores for top programs ranging from 700 to 740, choosing a course that aligns with your timeline, learning style, and target score can make all the difference.

Before you commit to a prep program, consider the following:

• Your target GMAT score and how far you are from it.
• The average scores at the business schools you’re applying to.
• How much time you have before test day–most students study for 2-3 months.
• Your preferred learning style–interactive, independent, or personalized.
• How much structure and accountability you need to stay on track.
• Whether you want live instruction, on-demand flexibility, or private tutoring.
• Access to full-length practice tests, realistic question banks, and score analytics.
• Your budget, including whether course bundles or tutoring add value.

The best GMAT prep course isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s the one that meets you where you are and helps you build the skills and confidence needed to reach your goals.

Choosing the right GMAT prep course can make a major difference in your study experience–and your final score. Whether you’re looking for interactive instruction, flexible self-study, or a more personalized approach, there’s a GMAT prep option to match your goals and timeline.

Learn what education experts, Test Prep Insights and Intelligent, have to say:

Test Prep Insight rates Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan the “Best All-Around GMAT Course” ‡: “…it needs to be made clear that Kaplan has merged their own GMAT course with the Manhattan GMAT prep package to form one combined program. This is part of the reason why this course is so good, and gets such a high rating. It is the brain child of two of the best prep providers in the space.”

Test Prep Insight rates Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan the “Editor’s Choice for Best GMAT Tutors” ‡: “Manhattan Prep takes the crown for two main reasons: their stellar team of tutors and the inclusion their self-paced GMAT course (along with all of the extra resources and study materials that come with it).”

Intelligent rates Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan the “Best In-Person Experience” §: “Manhattan Prep offers the best in-person GMAT prep experience for those who thrive in structured, face-to-face classroom environments.”

‡ Test Prep Insight is a review and analytics site that is a Kaplan affiliate but uses an independent review process to evaluate exam prep products.

§ Intelligent.com is a review and analytics site that uses an independent review process to evaluate exam prep products.

For many students, studying with a GMAT prep book is an effective way to review test content, practice with real exam-style questions, and build a solid foundation before test day. The best GMAT prep books go beyond basic review–they pair in-depth instruction with realistic practice tests and online tools that simulate the computer-adaptive format of the actual exam. Below are some of the most effective and widely trusted GMAT prep books to help you prepare.


If you’re not looking for a full GMAT course or comprehensive book set, targeted prep tools can help you sharpen specific skills and get extra practice before test day. These resources are designed to complement your primary study plan with adaptive practice, realistic simulations, and expert explanations:

Free GMAT prep resources are an excellent way to start your GMAT journey or supplement your current study plan. The best free GMAT prep comes from reputable sources and uses realistic, exam-style materials. Free tools can help you establish a baseline score, identify strengths and weaknesses, and decide which paid prep options might be right for you.

Below are some free GMAT prep resources from Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan:

• Free GMAT Practice Test: Take a realistic, full-length GMAT practice exam to see how you’d score.
• Free Foundations of Math GMAT Qbank: Access 350+ practice problems that cover essential GMAT quantitative concepts, strategies, and content areas. Each question includes a detailed explanation–perfect for strengthening your core math skills before tackling advanced topics.
• Free GMAT Question of the Day: Get a new GMAT-style question daily, complete with answer explanations to reinforce learning.
• Free GMAT Study Plans: Download expert-written study plans for different timelines–3-month, 2-month, or 1-month–so you can stay organized and on track for your test date.
• Free GMAT Events: Attend free GMAT trial classes and info sessions to explore course formats, connect with instructors, and learn more about the exam.

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GMAT™ is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™), which is not affiliated with Kaplan and was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product or website.

‡ #1 GMAT Prep, Best GMAT Tutors: https://testprepinsight.com/best/best-gmat-prep-courses; https://testprepinsight.com/best/best-gmat-tutors/. Test Prep Insight is a review and analytics site that is a Kaplan affiliate but uses an independent review process to evaluate exam prep products.

§ Best In-Person Experience: https://www.intelligent.com/best-gmat-prep-courses-and-classes/. Intelligent.com is a review and analytics site that uses an independent review process to evaluate exam prep products.