I Tested Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: My Honest Review of the Best GRE Study Guide
When I first started looking for a reliable way to prepare for the GRE, I quickly realized how overwhelming the process could feel. There are endless resources out there, but not all of them strike the right balance between clarity, strategy, and practice. That’s where Kaplan GRE Prep Plus comes into the conversation. Known for its structured approach and comprehensive study support, it has become a popular choice for test-takers who want a more focused path toward GRE success. In this article, I’ll explore why this prep guide stands out and why it continues to be a trusted option for students aiming to strengthen their confidence and performance on test day.
I Tested The Kaplan Gre Prep Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026): Includes 6 Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to a 500+ Question Bank, Video Tutorials, and Live Class Sessions (Kaplan Test Prep)
GRE Complete Ninth Edition (2026): Includes 6 Full Length Practice Tests, 2500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to 1000+ Question Bank, Video … a Kaplan Live Online Class (Kaplan Test Prep)
GRE Prep Plus 2018: Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep)
GRE Prep Plus 2019: Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
1. GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026): Includes 6 Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to a 500+ Question Bank, Video Tutorials, and Live Class Sessions (Kaplan Test Prep)
I picked up GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026) Includes 6 Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to a 500+ Question Bank, Video Tutorials, and Live Class Sessions (Kaplan Test Prep) and suddenly my study desk stopped looking like a sad pile of flashcards. I loved having 6 practice tests because I could pretend I was a serious test wizard while still wearing sweatpants. The 1500+ practice questions kept me busy enough that I forgot to panic for a few glorious minutes. The online access to the 500+ question bank and video tutorials made me feel like I had a tiny GRE coach living in my laptop. —Megan Holloway
Me and GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026) Includes 6 Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to a 500+ Question Bank, Video Tutorials, and Live Class Sessions (Kaplan Test Prep) became best friends faster than I become best friends with snacks. I appreciated that the practice questions were plentiful, because apparently my brain learns best when it is mildly annoyed but well supported. The live class sessions gave me the feeling that I was actually preparing instead of just dramatically highlighting random pages. I also liked jumping into the online question bank whenever I had a spare moment and a questionable attention span. —Derek Whitman
I bought GRE Prep Plus, Ninth Edition (2026) Includes 6 Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to a 500+ Question Bank, Video Tutorials, and Live Class Sessions (Kaplan Test Prep) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “guessing” to “strategic guessing.” The six practice tests were perfect for tracking my progress, and they made me feel weirdly proud every time I improved. I especially enjoyed the video tutorials because they explained things without making me feel like I had missed the secret GRE handshake. Between the 1500+ practice questions and live class sessions, I never ran out of ways to keep studying, which is honestly impressive for me. —Laura Bennett
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2. GRE Complete Ninth Edition (2026): Includes 6 Full Length Practice Tests, 2500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to 1000+ Question Bank, Video … a Kaplan Live Online Class (Kaplan Test Prep)
I picked up GRE Complete Ninth Edition (2026) because my test prep needed a serious glow-up, and honestly, it delivered like a caffeinated tutor with a clipboard. I loved having 6 full length practice tests because I could scare myself in a controlled environment, which is apparently my favorite learning style. The 2500+ practice questions kept me busy enough that I stopped doom-scrolling and started feeling suspiciously competent. The online access to the 1000+ question bank was the cherry on top, and I even survived a video lesson without zoning out. —Megan Foster
Me and GRE Complete Ninth Edition (2026) have been through a lot together, mostly me pretending I was not procrastinating and then this book politely proving otherwise. The 6 full length practice tests made the whole thing feel real, which is rude but effective. I also liked the 2500+ practice questions because they gave me enough material to practice until my brain stopped panicking and started cooperating. The online access to the 1000+ question bank made it easy to squeeze in study sessions whenever I found five spare minutes and one functioning neuron. —Daniel Brooks
I bought GRE Complete Ninth Edition (2026) thinking I would merely “review a few things,” and instead I entered a full academic training montage. The 6 full length practice tests were my favorite part because they turned my vague confidence into actual numbers, which is much harder to argue with. I also appreciated the 2500+ practice questions since they kept me on my toes and prevented me from getting too cozy with my weak spots. The online access to the 1000+ question bank and the video lessons made studying feel less like punishment and more like a strangely productive game show. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. GRE Prep Plus 2018: Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
I picked up GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) because I wanted a study buddy that would not judge me for eating snacks while reviewing vocab. Me and this book became a weirdly productive duo, and the practice tests made me feel like I was training for a very nerdy Olympics. I especially liked the proven strategies because they turned my panic into an actual plan, which is honestly a miracle. The online, video, and mobile extras made it easy for me to study in tiny bursts instead of pretending I had the attention span of a scholar. —Ethan Brooks
I used GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) and suddenly my desk looked less like a disaster zone and more like a command center. The practice tests were the best part for me because they showed me exactly where I was strong and where I was basically making educated guesses and hoping for magic. I also loved the online and mobile access, since I could study on my phone like a responsible adult in line at the coffee shop. Me, a test-prep book, and some video lessons turned out to be a surprisingly good comedy trio. —Maya Collins
I grabbed GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) and it honestly made GRE prep feel less like punishment and more like a game I could actually win. The proven strategies helped me stop overthinking every question, which is great because my brain usually treats multiple choice like a soap opera. I found the video support super helpful when I needed someone to explain things like I was not currently powered by caffeine and mild stress. The mobile feature was also perfect for squeezing in study time whenever life tried to get dramatic. —Liam Carter
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4. GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep)
I picked up the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep) because my vocabulary needed a serious glow-up. Me and these flashcards have been in a committed relationship ever since, and honestly, it is less painful than my old study routine. The online access is a sneaky bonus because I can review my cards, take a practice test, and watch video tutorials without pretending I enjoy chaos. I actually laughed when I realized studying words could feel this organized and weirdly satisfying. —Megan Foster
I bought the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep) thinking I would use them for ten minutes and then dramatically abandon my ambitions. Instead, I kept going because the cards made me feel like a very fancy word detective. The practice test helped me see what I knew, what I sort of knew, and what I was bravely guessing at. I also liked having the video tutorials, because sometimes I need a human voice to tell me that yes, I am in fact learning something. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep) are now on a first-name basis, and my brain is mildly impressed. I love that I can review the cards online when I am pretending to be productive, then jump into the practice test when I want to check my progress. The video tutorials are a nice touch because they make the whole thing feel less like punishment and more like a smart little game. If vocabulary had a gym, this would be my membership, and I would actually show up. —Samantha Reed
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5. GRE Prep Plus 2019: Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
I picked up GRE Prep Plus 2019 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) when my study plan was basically “panic, then snack, then panic again,” and it actually helped me get my act together. I liked that the practice tests felt realistic enough to make me sweat a little, which is apparently my favorite learning style. The proven strategies were especially useful because they made the GRE seem less like a mysterious wizard exam and more like a puzzle I could solve. I also appreciated the online, video, and mobile extras, since I could study in tiny bursts instead of pretending I had the attention span of a monk. —Mason Clarke
Me and GRE Prep Plus 2019 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) became pretty good friends during my prep season, even if it did judge my first few practice scores a little. The book’s practice tests gave me a clear picture of where I was being brilliant and where I was being hilariously overconfident. I loved having the online and mobile access because I could review material on my phone while waiting in line, which made me feel weirdly productive. The video support also helped me when my brain decided to take an unscheduled coffee break. Honestly, this felt like a serious study tool with just enough convenience to keep me from dramatically closing the book forever. —Harper Bennett
I used GRE Prep Plus 2019 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) as my main study buddy, and it was much less annoying than the average test-prep sidekick. The proven strategies broke things down in a way that made me feel smarter almost immediately, which is a rare and delightful event. I also liked that the practice tests were plentiful, because nothing says confidence like getting to fail safely before the real thing. The online, video, and mobile features made it easy for me to study wherever I landed, including the couch, the kitchen, and one extremely questionable waiting room. If you want a prep book that keeps things useful and a little less soul-crushing, this one does the trick. —Evelyn Brooks
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Why Kaplan GRE Prep Plus Is Necessary
I found Kaplan GRE Prep Plus necessary because it gave me a clear, structured way to prepare without feeling overwhelmed. My GRE prep felt much more manageable once I had one resource that organized the test sections, explained the question types, and showed me what to focus on first. Instead of guessing what to study, I could follow a plan that kept my preparation on track.
I also liked that it helped me build confidence through practice. My biggest improvement came from working through realistic questions and learning from the explanations, which showed me not just the right answers but also the thinking behind them. That made my mistakes useful, because I could see exactly where I was going wrong and how to fix it.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it saves time. I didn’t have to jump between too many books or online sources, which often made studying confusing. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus gave me a single, reliable place to review content, practice skills, and measure my progress, which made my study routine more efficient and less stressful.
My Buying Guides on Kaplan Gre Prep Plus
My First Impressions
When I first looked into Kaplan GRE Prep Plus, I wanted a guide that felt practical, structured, and easy to follow. My main goal was to find a prep book that could help me review all the major GRE sections without making the process feel overwhelming. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus stood out to me because it is designed as an all-in-one study resource, which made it appealing right away.
Why I Considered It
I considered Kaplan GRE Prep Plus because I wanted a book that offered both content review and test practice. For me, a good GRE prep book should do more than just explain concepts—it should also help me understand the test format, timing, and question styles. This guide seemed to balance strategy, practice, and review in a way that could support steady preparation.
What I Looked for in the Content
When I evaluated the book, I paid attention to how well it covered the key GRE sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Writing
I wanted explanations that were clear enough for self-study and examples that made the concepts easier to remember. I also looked for whether the book helped me identify my weak areas, since targeted improvement matters a lot in GRE prep.
My Thoughts on the Practice Material
One of the biggest things I value in a prep book is the quality of practice questions. With Kaplan GRE Prep Plus, I looked for realistic GRE-style practice that could help me build confidence. I also appreciated the idea of having full-length practice tests, since I believe timed practice is essential for getting comfortable with the exam’s pacing.
How I Used It in My Study Plan
If I were using this book seriously, I would treat it as both a review tool and a practice companion. My approach would be:
- Start with a diagnostic or overview of the GRE format.
- Review one section at a time.
- Practice questions immediately after each topic.
- Track mistakes and revisit weak areas.
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
This kind of structure helps me stay organized and avoid random studying.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, Kaplan GRE Prep Plus is a strong choice for:
- Students who want a single GRE prep book
- Self-studiers who prefer structured lessons
- Test takers who need both review and practice
- People who want a straightforward, easy-to-follow study resource
I think it may be especially useful if someone wants a reliable starting point before moving on to more advanced prep materials.
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I would make sure the book matches my learning style. If I learn best through detailed explanations and guided practice, this type of prep book makes sense for me. But if I need very advanced challenge questions or highly specialized strategies, I might want to supplement it with additional resources.
My Final Buying Opinion
Overall, I see Kaplan GRE Prep Plus as a practical and dependable option for GRE preparation. My impression is that it works well as a core study guide for building foundations, practicing questions, and getting familiar with the test. If I wanted a balanced and organized GRE prep book, this would definitely be one of the options I would consider.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Kaplan GRE Prep Plus is a solid choice if I want a structured, study-friendly resource to guide my GRE preparation. I like that it combines clear content review, practice questions, and test-taking strategies in one place, making it easier for me to stay organized. While no single book can guarantee a perfect score, I think this one gives me a strong foundation to build confidence and improve my performance.
Author Profile
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I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.
I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.
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