The 3 Best Online GMAT Prep Courses
Which GMAT prep course is right for you?
Find out with our in-depth comparison of the three best
GMAT prep courses on the market.
If you have the ambition to get into a great graduate business program, the GMAT is a necessary step. Finding the best GMAT prep course will help.
While an MBA can open a lot of doors, it all begins with getting accepted to a good business school -- which begins by passing the GMAT with a competitive score.
The GMAT is not an easy test that you’re going to blow through without hefty preparation. Most people make a strategic investment in a GMAT prep course.
GMAT study materials will feature video tutorials, expert instructors, tutoring or coaching options, GMAT textbooks, and practice GMAT tests. These comprehensive GMAT study programs are designed to get you ready for the real thing.
Here is an overview of the best GMAT courses available, so you can find the best fit for your learning preferences, timeline, and budget.
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Most Popular GMAT Courses for 2023
Highly-reviewed, top-rated GMAT prep courses are the way to go. Although it can be done through self-study with GMAT textbooks, a full course will make sure you cover all the material and get enough practice.
In addition to covering broad subject matter, the GMAT is designed to test your ability to apply knowledge. Developing a specific skill set, flexing your critical thinking abilities, and learning to write essays in a meaningful way all require structured practice.
That structure—and expert guidance—is what all good GMAT prep courses can offer.
While a few stand above the rest, there are a lot of online GMAT prep courses and GMAT study materials.
Top 3 GMAT Prep Course Rankings
This comparison will focus on our top 3 picks from among these options:
Finding a GMAT course that’s right for you is key to your success on the test. Each of the top rated courses has different strengths.
While most share the common features of videos, textbooks, practice tests and tutors, each program takes a different approach that may appeal to different learning styles.
Read on to learn more about the top three GMAT courses as you decide which one is right for you.
Here's how these three courses compare on price, curriculum, course format, and much more.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price Range | |||
Discounts | For students | Seasonal discounts & coupon codes | No |
Best For | Live Classes (online or in person) | Overall Quality & Value | Quant-focused & flexible pricing |
Free Trial | Free consultation call | 7-day money back guarantee | 5 day trial for $1 |
Video Lectures | |||
Books | |||
Score Improvement Guarantee | |||
Essay Feedback | |||
Score Predictor | |||
Mobile Friendly | |||
Smartphone App | |||
Progress Tracking | |||
Financing Options | |||
Student Support | |||
Online Access Period | 3 months | 1 year | 1-6 months |
Our Extensive Review | |||
Kaplan GMAT Prep Course
Kaplan GMAT has been available for more than 10 years. The Kaplan GMAT prep has core sessions, an online GMAT channel, and a ton of additional resources. Their Adaptive Qbank includes thousands of GMAT questions that can help you drill important concepts and memorize the exam format.
Unique aspects of Kaplan GMAT prep are a personalized study plan and a test-day scenario. The test-day scenario is a chance to actually do a full trial run at a GMAT testing center. Many people love experiencing a real “test day” in advance of the one that matters.
Kaplan GMAT offers self-paced, live online, or in-person classes. Before you buy a Kaplan GMAT course, you can schedule a call for a free consultation. This way, you can ask all of the questions to choose the best option, and be sure you really want to move forward with this program.
Kaplan GMAT Prep Course Details
Here are some pros and cons to the GMAT prep course from Kaplan:
Kaplan Pros
Kaplan Cons
Our Recommendation: Best Prep Course for Live Instructor-led Classes
Kaplan GMAT is best for students who have busy professional or personal lives, but also want the accountability of scheduled classes. Live classes can be taken online or in person, with expert instructors answering questions in real time.
Kaplan's study plans also include top-notch resources for self-study. Although it’s among the more expensive programs on our list, the AI features and extensive practice material will accelerate your progress and get you to a passing grade faster.
You can also check out our in-depth review of Kaplan GMAT Prep for more information on this excellent online course.
Magoosh GMAT Prep Course
Magoosh GMAT is a highly engaging and highly rated prep course that offers a 50 point score guarantee. There are a ton of access options (online, mobile, etc.), and it is priced lower than comparable courses.
Magoosh has a solid set of GMAT practice questions and a couple of practice tests for diagnosing test-readiness. The Online Whiteboard interface provides interactive elements with skilled instructors and some live feedback options.
You have a lot of options with Magoosh, from choosing just to buy only the Math and IR materials, up to a comprehensive GMAT course with tutoring.
Students report liking this program because of its in-depth practice question explanations and self-pacing options. Because it is online and integrates, all of the materials can be accessed from any device, so it’s also great for taking with you anywhere you can fit in some study time.
If Magoosh GMAT is on your shortlist, you can get a seven day money back guarantee with any course purchase.
Magoosh LSAT Prep Details & Features
Here are some pros and cons to the GMAT prep course from Magoosh:
Magoosh Pros
Magoosh Cons
Our Recommendation: Best Overall Prep Course
If you want a flexible, complete online GMAT study resource, Magoosh is probably the LSAT prep course for you. It offers the highest value for an affordable price, providing everything you need without breaking the bank.
The video lessons are on-demand, which means you learn on your own schedule. If you want extra support, the Premium plan includes tutoring.
Check out our full review of Magoosh GMAT packages for more details.
Target Test Prep GMAT Course
Target Test Prep GMAT course is a great way to hone your Quant skills and get affordable access to practice questions.
One of the immediate benefits is access to a huge library of materials. Target Test Prep includes over 3,000 GMAT practice questions, over 500 lessons and over 800 video lessons.
All of the videos are shot in HD, with interesting graphics and expert instructors. As you progress through the program, you’ll get OnTarget Learning Analytics and Error Trackers. These two features are very helpful to students. The feedback they provide can let you see patterns of mistakes and alert you when your mastery indicates test readiness.
Target Test Prep is among the most affordable options. There are no scheduled or in-person classes, but several ways to study online. There is loose guidance, provided in study plans, but the general discipline of studying each day won’t be dictated by an instructor.
Target Test Prep GMAT
Details & Features
Here are some pros and cons to the GMAT prep course from Target Test Prep:
Target Test Prep GMAT Pros
Target Test Prep GMAT Cons
Our Recommendation: Best Prep Course for Quant
If you want to master Quant, see your mistakes clearly, and get enough test questions to last you a lifetime, Target Test Prep may be your best option. This is a solid purchase for people who are busy, self-motivated, and want to focus mainly on Quant practice.
You can check out our full Target Test Prep GMAT review here.
Best GMAT Courses by Category
GMAT Prep courses | Recommended For |
|---|---|
Magoosh | Best Overall |
Magoosh | Best Quality of Materials |
Kaplan | Best Support |
Target Test Prep | Most Affordable |
Kaplan | Best Live Classes |
Best Value & Overall Quality GMAT Course
As you can see from the descriptions above, different GMAT prep courses focus on different things. Depending on your learning style, prior knowledge, educational background, and more personal factors, one or more of these may suit you best.
In our opinion, the best value for most people can be found in Magoosh's GMAT programs.
Magoosh GMAT is lower-priced than other review courses, with a comprehensive list of of features. The quality of Magoosh's study materials is excellent, and it has all the resources you need to achieve your target score.
With Magoosh, you get the most access (extensive test banks, practice tests, video courses, and written materials) for the least financial investment.
Magoosh GMAT
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Best Live GMAT Classes (Online or In-Person)
If you prefer to learn from live interaction with an instructor, Kaplan's programs are second-to-none. Whether you attend in person or online, having an instructor to present material in an engaging way and answer your questions in real time is a huge benefit.
Kaplan GMAT packages also include a lot of resources for individualized help, one-on-one tutoring, live support, and a unique realistic test-day experience. All of these add up to a very supportive test prep experience.
Kaplan GMAT Prep
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Best Budget GMAT Prep
If you are looking for a Quant-focused program on a budget, Target Test Prep is the best option we've found. You can buy subscriptions to access the study materials for as much time as you need, so it's a flexible way to learn if you're on a limited budget.
Target Test Prep
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FAQs
Here are the answers to some additional questions you may have about choosing the best GMAT prep course.
What is the Best GMAT Prep Course?
There are a lot of highly rated GMAT prep courses. The top three are Kaplan GMAT, Magoosh GMAT, an Target Test Prep GMAT. All GMAT review courses have different features that will appeal to different students. Many offer free trials or consulting that will help you make the right decision for your test prep journey.
Are GMAT Prep Courses Worth It?
GMAT prep courses can make all of the difference in whether or not you get a high score. If you want to get into a quality MBA program, getting a good score on the GMAT is where you have to start. It is highly recommended that you invest in a comprehensive GMAT course. Many of these offer affordable options for self-studiers or options to only focus on specific parts of the GMAT, such as Quant.
Is Three Months Enough for GMAT Preparation?
Most experts recommend that you study for 100-120 hours for the GMAT, over at least 2-3 months. Some people pursue accelerated timelines, but that risks a low GMAT score. Three months should be enough time, as long as you are dedicating focused time each day to studying for the GMAT. A good GMAT study program will help you estimate test readiness.
How Long Should You Study for the GMAT?
It is recommended that you study for at least 100-120 hours for the GMAT. People who get a high GMAT score study for 120 hours or more. You can divide this up over any length of time, but the recommended duration is usually three months. This way, you don’t study for so long that you forget concepts you covered at the beginning of your studies.
Which GMAT Prep Book is Best?
If you buy a GMAT review course, you’ll receive textbook materials that align with your study program. You can also buy supplemental GMAT textbooks for Quant or any section you need extra time with. Ultimately, it’s best to compare and contrast a GMAT book based on the subject matter you want to learn and whether it matches a study program you are already taking.