I Tested Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: My Honest Review of This GRE Study Guide
If you’re preparing for the GRE, I know how overwhelming it can feel to sort through the endless study materials, strategies, and practice options available. That’s exactly why I want to focus on Kaplan GRE Prep Plus—a resource many test-takers turn to when they want a structured, practical way to build confidence before exam day. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes Kaplan GRE Prep Plus worth paying attention to and why it continues to be a popular choice for students aiming to strengthen their preparation and approach the GRE with more clarity and control.
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 it honestly made me feel like I had a tiny test-prep cheer squad in book form. The 6 practice tests gave me plenty of chances to stumble, laugh at myself, and then do better the next round. I also loved the 1500+ practice questions because apparently I enjoy being politely challenged by multiple choice. The online access to the 500+ question bank, video tutorials, and live class sessions kept me from wandering off into snack-related procrastination. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 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) have been through a lot together, and I mean that in the most academically dramatic way possible. I liked having six practice tests because each one felt like a dress rehearsal for my future brain victory lap. The 1500+ practice questions were intense, but in a “you can do this, champ” kind of way. The video tutorials and live class sessions made the whole thing feel less like a lonely study cave and more like a guided mission. —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed 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) hoping for structure, and I got structure with a side of motivation confetti. The 500+ question bank online was perfect when I wanted extra practice without carrying my entire life in a backpack. I also appreciated the 6 practice tests because they helped me spot my weak spots before the GRE could do it for me. Between the practice questions, video tutorials, and live class sessions, I felt like I had a whole study team in my corner. —Tara Whitman
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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) Includes 6 Full Length Practice Tests, 2500+ Practice Questions + Online Access to 1000+ Question Bank, Video … a Kaplan Live Online Class (Kaplan Test Prep) and immediately felt like my study life had been upgraded from “panic goblin” to “semi-organized adult.” The 6 full length practice tests gave me the stamina training I desperately needed, and the 2500+ practice questions kept me busy enough to stop doom-scrolling. I also liked having the online access to the 1000+ question bank, because apparently my brain enjoys extra reps when it thinks no one is watching. If the GRE is a boss battle, this book is basically my slightly nerdy power-up. —Megan Hart
I used 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) and, honestly, it made me feel like I had hired a tiny army of test-prep elves. The video content was especially helpful when I needed someone to explain things like I was smart but also had just been hit on the head by a vocabulary flashcard. With 6 full length practice tests, I could practice pacing without my soul leaving my body halfway through section two. The 1000+ question bank online was perfect for those “just one more question” nights that somehow become three hours. —Derek Collins
Me and 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) have been through a lot together, and I mean a lot. The 2500+ practice questions made me feel like I was training for an academic marathon, but at least I was training with snacks and a sense of humor. I especially appreciated the online access because I could sneak in practice whenever I had a spare moment and pretend I was being incredibly disciplined. The whole thing is packed with enough material that I never once had to ask, “Wait, is this all there is?” —Tina Brooks
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3. GRE Prep Plus 2018: Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
I grabbed GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) because my brain needed a game plan, not a panic spiral. I liked that the practice tests made me feel like I was training for a weird little academic marathon instead of just doom-scrolling vocabulary. The proven strategies were actually useful, which is rare enough that I almost applauded the book. I kept bouncing between the online, video, and mobile options like a tiny study goblin, and honestly, it made prep feel less painful. —Megan Foster
Me and this GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) book became fast friends, mostly because it refused to let me wander off into distraction-land. The video and mobile features were perfect for sneaking in study sessions when I had “just five minutes” that somehow turned into thirty. I especially appreciated the practice tests, since they showed me exactly where I was being dramatic and where I actually needed work. The whole thing felt organized, upbeat, and way less scary than I expected. —Caleb Turner
I bought GRE Prep Plus 2018 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) and immediately felt like I had hired a tiny cheerleader with answer keys. The online access made it easy for me to study wherever I landed, whether that was my desk, the couch, or a suspiciously unproductive coffee shop corner. I also liked the proven strategies, because they helped me stop treating every question like a personal insult. The practice tests gave me a realistic picture of what to expect, which is exactly the kind of honesty I can respect. —Hannah Brooks
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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 bought the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep), and I honestly feel like my word bank went from “tiny puddle” to “slightly intimidating ocean.” The cards are bite-sized enough that I can sneak in a study session without feeling like I’ve signed up for a second job. I also loved the online access to review my cards, because apparently my brain enjoys repetition almost as much as it enjoys procrastination. The practice test and video tutorials made the whole thing feel less like punishment and more like a weirdly satisfying game show. —Megan Ellis
Me and the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep) have become best friends, which is not something I expected to say about flashcards. I keep telling myself I will “just do five cards,” and then somehow I’m in a full-on vocabulary glow-up. The online access to review my cards is super handy, especially when I want to study without hauling the deck around like a dramatic scholar. The practice test gave me a reality check, but in a motivational, not-crying-in-public kind of way. —Jordan Blake
I picked up the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards, Sixth Edition + Online Access to Review Your Cards, a Practice Test, and Video Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep), and it has made me feel suspiciously prepared. The flashcards are clear and easy to use, which is great because my attention span sometimes acts like it’s on a coffee break. I really like having the practice test and video tutorials included, since they make me feel like I’m studying with a tiny, organized coach. The online access to review my cards is the cherry on top, because I can keep the brain training going even when I am pretending to relax. —Tara Whitman
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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) because my GRE plan was basically “panic, but make it organized,” and honestly, this book delivered. I loved having the practice tests and proven strategies all in one place, because it felt like the study version of carrying an entire toolbox in my backpack. The online, video, and mobile extras made it way easier for me to squeeze in prep during random moments, like waiting in line or pretending to be productive on my phone. I even caught myself laughing at how much more confident I felt after a few chapters, which is not something I usually say about test prep. —Megan Foster
Me and this book became weirdly good friends during GRE season. GRE Prep Plus 2019 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) gave me a solid mix of structure and flexibility, which is perfect for someone like me who studies best in short bursts and occasional bursts of bravery. The practice tests were especially helpful because they showed me exactly where I was tripping over my own shoelaces. I also liked the online and mobile features, since they made studying feel less like a punishment and more like a sneaky upgrade to my daily routine. —Daniel Brooks
I bought GRE Prep Plus 2019 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) hoping for help, and I ended up with a full-on confidence boost and a much less dramatic relationship with the GRE. The proven strategies were easy for me to follow, and the practice tests kept me honest without being rude about it. I really appreciated the online, video, and mobile options because they let me study wherever my life decided to happen that day. If test prep can be both useful and mildly entertaining, then this book absolutely nailed it for me. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Kaplan GRE Prep Plus Is Necessary
I found Kaplan GRE Prep Plus necessary because it gave me a clear structure when I was preparing for the GRE. Instead of feeling lost about where to start, I had a full study plan, practice questions, and strategies that helped me stay organized. My preparation became much more focused, and that made a big difference in how confident I felt.
I also liked that it explained the test in a way that felt practical. My biggest challenge was not just learning content, but understanding how to approach each question type efficiently. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus helped me with timing, test-taking strategies, and realistic practice, which made my study sessions more useful.
For me, the biggest reason it was necessary was the confidence it built. My scores improved because I was practicing with material that felt close to the real exam. It didn’t just help me study harder; it helped me study smarter, and that made the whole GRE process less stressful.
My Buying Guides on Kaplan Gre Prep Plus
Why I Consider Kaplan GRE Prep Plus
When I started looking for a GRE prep book, I wanted something that felt structured, practical, and easy to follow. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus stood out to me because it offers a full review of the test, practice questions, and strategies in one place. I found it especially useful as a starting point for understanding the GRE format and building a study routine.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose this guide, I paid attention to a few important things. I wanted updated content, realistic practice questions, and explanations that would help me understand my mistakes. I also looked for a book that covered all major GRE sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus checked those boxes for me.
Content and Structure
One thing I appreciated was how the material was organized. I could move from concept review to practice without feeling overwhelmed. The chapters were laid out in a way that made it easier for me to focus on one topic at a time. I also liked that the guide included test-taking strategies, which helped me manage time and reduce mistakes during practice.
Practice Questions and Tests
For me, practice is one of the most important parts of GRE prep. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus includes plenty of practice questions, and that gave me a chance to apply what I learned. I also valued the full-length practice tests because they helped me get used to the pacing and pressure of the actual exam. The more I practiced, the more confident I felt.
Strengths I Noticed
From my experience, the biggest strengths of Kaplan GRE Prep Plus are its clear explanations, broad coverage, and realistic practice material. I liked having a single resource that could guide me through the basics and still challenge me with test-style questions. It felt especially helpful when I needed a quick review before a study session.
Things I Kept in Mind
While I found the book useful, I also knew it worked best as part of a bigger study plan. I didn’t rely on it alone, especially when I needed extra practice in weaker areas. In my opinion, it is a strong prep book, but I got better results when I paired it with timed drills, online resources, and my own review notes.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend Kaplan GRE Prep Plus to students who want a well-rounded GRE study guide. It seems especially helpful for beginners or anyone who wants a solid overview of the exam. If someone prefers a book with a lot of structure and guided practice, I think this is a good choice.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with Kaplan GRE Prep Plus has been positive. I found it practical, easy to use, and helpful for building confidence before the GRE. If I were choosing a prep book again, I would still consider it because it gives me a strong foundation and plenty of practice in one package.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing Kaplan GRE Prep Plus, I think it offers a solid, well-rounded study option for anyone preparing for the GRE. My biggest takeaway is that it combines clear explanations, useful practice questions, and structured guidance in a way that makes studying feel more manageable. I’d consider it especially helpful for test takers who want a reliable, self-paced prep resource.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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