Best GMAT Tutoring Programs

Discover the Best GMAT Tutoring Program for You

If you plan on attending a business program with instant name recognition, you already know you’ll need to submit a high GMAT score with your MBA application. One of the best ways to earn a GMAT score that admissions committees will take note of is by preparing for the test with a private tutor. But with so many tutoring companies labeling themselves as “the best” or making sweeping promises about raising your score, how do you know which tutoring company to work with? We’ve reviewed and analyzed the leading GMAT tutoring programs of 2026 to provide tutoring recommendations for a variety of learning styles, score goals, study timelines, and budgets. Keep reading to find your perfect tutoring match.

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Kaplan

Kaplan was founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan, and the company initially began as a tutoring service to help students achieve their dreams of higher education. Today, Kaplan is a worldwide provider of test prep courses, private tutoring, and student support resources. In 2010, Kaplan announced the purchase of Manhattan Prep (formerly Manhattan GMAT), and through this venture, Kaplan offers several GMAT private tutoring options:

  • Private Tutoring – 10 Hours: $3,499
  • Private Tutoring – 20 Hours: $6,399
  • Private Tutoring – 30 Hours: $8,499

Each private tutoring program includes 6 full-length official GMAT practice tests, more than 1,200 practice questions, advanced performance analytics, a personalized study calendar, and access to Kaplan’s full GMAT Live Course.

In reviews, users described their experience as being very dependent upon the particular tutor they worked with. Some tutors were described as knowledgeable and experienced while others were noted to lack effective communication skills and were more focused on conveying information than ensuring that information was truly mastered. Learners appreciated the performance tracking data, as well as the practice questions, although some users felt that the questions were not as challenging as those on the real GMAT. Users described the tutoring approach as being straightforward and “one size fits all” rather than truly customized to the needs of each individual. In some instances, users noted that the Live Course often provided more information than their tutor. Some learners felt that their tutor looked to them to set the session’s agenda, and they wished that they could have chosen their tutor rather than randomly being paired with someone.

In some reviews, users noted the high cost of the private tutoring programs but justified them by the additional study materials and AI features included with the package. In other reviews, learners suggested that the private tutoring packages were best suited to those who were completely new to the GMAT and who were not seeking especially challenging prep.

Best for: users seeking access to performance analytics and practice questions or those seeking a standardized and not particularly difficult tutoring program.

Not the best for: users seeking a comprehensive tutoring program customized to their specific needs and goals, those on a budget, or those already earning a high score who want to push themselves even more.

Varsity Tutors

Founded in 2007, Varsity Tutors is an online tutoring marketplace created with the goal of improving access to personalized learning. Over the years, it’s developed a devoted userbase of learners preparing for various standardized tests.

The Varsity Tutors website is easy to navigate and lets you read tutor profiles, where you can learn about their academic background, tutoring experience, and standardized test scores. Pricing information isn’t immediately available like on other tutoring marketplaces, but it can be accessed after answering several questions about who the tutoring is for and when you’re looking to start tutoring. You’ll need to enter your full name, email address, and zip code, then afterwards you can book a tutor or call for a free consultation. Tutors cannot be contacted directly before booking.

In reviews, users reported varying experiences depending on the tutor they worked with. Some tutors were more established and therefore more sought after, while others were newer and lacked significant professional tutoring experience. The most skilled tutors were understandably the most expensive per tutoring hour, but tutors could be found for a wide range of budgets, including under $100 an hour. Learners appreciated that they didn’t have to pay for tutoring packages with hours they might not need and found the process of purchasing one session at a time helpful for managing their budget. Most users noted that they worked with more than one tutor, as someone who was skilled at Quant wasn’t necessarily the best fit for Verbal. Learners recommended taking the time to read tutor profiles carefully to have as much information going into a session as possible.

In some reviews, users complained about not being able to connect with tutors directly before purchasing a session and having to make an important decision based solely off a written profile. Others wished that pricing information was easier to access and more readily available without needing a consultation.

Best for: users seeking targeted tutoring in specific GMAT sections or question types, those on a budget, or those who want to choose their tutor rather than have a tutor assigned.

Not the best for: users who want a comprehensive and structured tutoring program delivered by the same tutor each session for a specified length of time.

Manhattan Review

Manhattan Review was founded in 1999 by Joern Meissner, whose students at Columbia Business School encouraged him to combine his informative lectures and score-raising strategies into a formal prep course. Over the years, Manhattan Review has become a trusted provider of educational services by prioritizing live instruction focused on helping learners from different backgrounds achieve their best test score.

Manhattan Review offers private GMAT tutoring options that are created through collaboration between tutor and learner in order to provide the most personalized learning experience. Tutoring takes place online or in-person in major cities around the world. Tutors help learners establish goals that are regularly reassessed based on on-going progress. Manhattan Review maintains a very demanding hiring process, and because of this, their tutors are skilled educators capable of customizing complex information to an individual’s specific style of learning. The focus in on helping individuals master content in ways that make sense to them.

Since Manhattan Review’s tutoring programs are tailored to each learner, pricing is varied and depends on several factors. Most plans usually fall between 12-48 hours, and instead of being forced to choose between standard or pre-existing packages, prospective learners can call or submit an online form to receive a free consultation. After discussing score goals, a study timeline, and budget, Manhattan Review experts design the best tutoring plan for a learner’s unique needs.

In reviews, users found it easy and uncomplicated to be matched with a tutor after their initial consultation. Tutors were reported to be experienced and personable, with extensive knowledge of the GMAT. Users appreciated how their tutors focused on teaching a combined mixture of test content, test-taking skills, and time management techniques. Learners described their tutoring sessions as being truly personalized to their goals, which meant each session was as comprehensive or targeted as they needed to master the given material. With the help of their tutor, users were able to fix big difficulties, as well as smaller areas of weakness, both of which improved their score. Tutors were described as being invested in their students’ success and offering both instruction and encouragement. Practice questions and study materials increased familiarity with the question style of the GMAT, and users highly recommended the tutoring service for score-raising instruction.

In some reviews, learners felt that the tutoring sessions were best for learners willing to engage with the material through active learning, as tutors held students accountable for reaching the goals they set and offered opportunities for them to expand their knowledge. A few reviews mentioned the desire for more advanced performance analytics, while others suggested the inclusion of more online practice aids.

Best for: users seeking to excel on the GMAT through customized test prep, or those seeking comprehensive and structured GMAT prep.

Not the best for: users seeking a straightforward or “cookie cutter” tutoring program, or those who prefer to choose their own tutor.

Bowie Strategies

Bowie Strategies was founded by Shaina Bowie, a former Princeton Review Master Tutor, to provide a customized approach to standardized test preparation. Bowie Strategies offers three GMAT private tutoring options:

  • Introductory Package: this option includes three hours of tutoring across two 90-minute sessions and is best for those who want to review a practice test and receive guidance, want a general overview of the GMAT and big picture strategies, want to try out tutoring before committing to a package, or want help planning a self-study course.
  • Targeted Package: this option includes 12 hours of tutoring and is designed for students who only need help with specific aspects of the GMAT.
  • Comprehensive Package: this option includes 30 hours of tutoring and is best for students seeking to cover all aspects of the GMAT.

Specific pricing information was not readily available online, although reviews noted that tutoring starts around $250 an hour. Those who are interested in learning more can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if the company is a good fit for their individual score goals, budget, and study timeline.

In reviews, users described the tutoring packages as focusing heavily on test-taking strategies, as well as pacing, which they found helpful. Many of the learners described themselves as a high-scorer looking to break through a plateau or improve upon an already strong score, which they were able to do through the Targeted or Comprehensive tutoring packages. Several users appreciated the opportunity to work with a test prep professional to develop a course of study they could follow at their own pace.

In some reviews, users pointed out that the high price tag did not make this company a good option for learners on a budget. Some learners recommended utilizing cheaper on-demand GMAT prep resources to establish a solid foundation of knowledge before purchasing the Targeted tutoring package to work on specific areas of weakness.

Best for: users earning high scores who still want to improve through targeted tutoring.

Not the best for: users seeking comprehensive tutoring plans on a budget or those who are completely new to GMAT prep.

Atlantic GMAT

Atlantic GMAT was founded in 2013 by Andrew Geller to help MBA hopefuls reach their business school goals. The company has developed a reputation for assisting students in gaining admission to M7 MBA programs, and they offer private tutoring programs with this goal in mind.

Prospective users start by completing a tutoring consultation form, where you’ll answer questions about your GMAT prep, timeline, and score goals. Within three business days, you’ll receive an in-depth tutoring plan with an estimate of how many tutoring hours to purchase, along with pricing information and a suggested GMAT tutor. If everything looks good, you’ll book a call to discuss the plan, go over any remaining questions, and confirm if the company is a good fit for your prep goals. The tutoring is described as “built for working professionals” and your personalized study plan maps out homework assignments, review sessions, practice tests, and official GMATs. Given the variables involved in creating such a customized plan, pricing depends on several factors.

In reviews, tutors were described as experienced and professional, and learners reported that focusing on test-taking strategies, as well as content, was useful for improving their scores. Those with busy schedules or extensive professional commitments appreciated the detailed study schedule and noted that it helped them prioritize studying without needing to organize materials themselves.

In some reviews, the customized study schedules were noted to be intense and demanding. The company explains on their website that this is not an “easy” tutoring program, and learners will be held accountable to put in both brain power and sweat equity. While pricing information was not readily available, some reviews indicated that the cost ranged between $250-$390 per hour, which some users found prohibitively expensive.

Best for: users seeking to attend an M7 school who have the budget to afford premium tutoring services.

Not the best for: users on a budget, those applying to schools other than the M7, or those seeking a tutoring program that is more supportive and less rigorous.

Conclusion

When it comes to preparing for the GMAT, you don’t need to study alone—there are reputable tutoring companies just waiting to partner with you to help you achieve your target test score. All prices mentioned in this guide were accurate at the time of writing; however, we encourage interested learners to visit the provided websites, as many companies offer flash sales or seasonal discounts. Whatever your budget, timeline, or learning style, there’s a tutor who’s just right for your needs and goals, and we hope the information here helps you take the next informed step forward in your career.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

I’m worried about registering for the GMAT, then learning I used some unofficial website. What’s the safest way to register for the exam?

All GMAT registration is done through www.mba.com, which is the official website for the organization that oversees GMAT administration, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

I read that I can take the GMAT at a test center or online at home. Is the home version of the test easier than the test center version?

No, the GMAT doesn’t change whether you take it at a test center or at home. Regardless of where you take it, the GMAT still has three sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights), you have 45 minutes for each section, there are a total of 64 questions, and the entire exams takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. The difficulty of the questions is not affected by the location where the test is taken, which means taking the test online from the comfort of your home doesn’t make the test harder or easier.

I’m on a really tight budget, and there are specific things I want to work on with regards to the GMAT. I think targeted tutoring is what I need, but who do you recommend I work with?

If you’re on a budget and looking for targeted tutoring, we’d recommend Varsity Tutors. With Varsity Tutors, you don’t have to purchase a tutoring package with hours you might not end up using—you pay for each session as you go with no contracts or commitments. You can choose a tutor who will help you focus on your areas of concern and work with them for as long as it takes for you to master the material.

What if I buy a tutoring package from a company and then don’t like the tutor I’m paired with?

Most tutoring companies try exceptionally hard to pair you with just the right tutor for your goals and expectations, but there might be times when you just don’t connect with your assigned instructor. First, make sure you read the details about your tutoring program closely before signing a contract or submitting a payment. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for online, consider calling the company and speaking with a customer service representative. Different tutoring companies will handle the issue of tutor/learner fit differently: some only let you switch tutors after your first session while others may not let you switch at all. Still other companies may require you to complete a certain number of sessions with your assigned tutor before switching. Tutoring companies want you to be happy with your tutor, so they’ll generally work with you where they can. But the more you know going into your tutoring sessions, the fewer difficulties you’re likely to have later.

I keep hearing the term “M7” used in reference to MBA programs. What does it mean?

“M7” is short for the “Magnificent 7,” which is a way of referring to the seven most elite, influential, and competitive MBA programs in the United States. The M7 business schools include Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, and MIT Sloan School of Management.

I know a comprehensive private tutoring program will help me prepare for the GMAT, but I honestly care about my tutor more than anything else. What company has the most engaging and experienced tutors in this guide?

If your biggest priority when it comes tutoring is who you work with, we’d recommend tutoring with Manhattan Review. Based on our research, they have one of the most challenging hiring processes in the industry. Being a good test-taker or a high-scoring individual isn’t enough to guarantee you a job—tutors also have to demonstrate their ability to personalize complex information to different learning styles and academic backgrounds, meeting learners where they’re at and helping them improve in measurable, objective ways. Manhattan Review tutors work collaboratively with learners and guide them to high-score success based on years of professional tutoring experience.

How long should I plan on studying for the GMAT and how many tutoring sessions should I schedule each week?

How long it takes to prepare for the GMAT will differ for each individual learner based on a variety of personal factors, but test prep experts generally recommend studying for the GMAT for between 2-4 months. Most people schedule one or two tutoring sessions per week, but that will also be dependent on a variety of individual factors, as well as your tutor’s recommended schedule.

How often can I take or retake the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to five (5) times within any rolling 12-month period or a maximum of eight (8) times total in your lifetime. You must wait at least 16 calendar days between retakes, and canceled scores do count towards your annual and/or lifetime limit.