Discover the Perfect GRE Tutor for You

If you plan on attending a top-tier graduate-level program, whether that be business school, law school, or an advanced academic program, you’ll need to submit a very high GRE score as part of your application. The best way to achieve a high test score that can lead to acceptances and scholarships is by working one-on-one with a professional private tutor. The best GRE tutors show you how to build on the strengths you already have while guiding you to improve any areas of weakness so you’re confident and prepared on the day of your exam.

But you’ve probably noticed that every tutoring company “guarantees” impressively high scores and promises that you’ll work with “the highest quality” tutors. So how do you find the tutor who can actually help you meet your score goal? Since your time is better spent preparing for the GRE, we’ve analyzed the leading GRE tutoring programs of 2026 to help you find the best tutor for your learning style, budget, score goal, and study timeline. Keep reading to learn how you can prioritize your test prep with the help of a private tutor.

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Manhattan Review

Manhattan Review was founded in 1999 by Joern Meissner, then a professor at Columbia Business School, after his students urged him to turn his score-raising lectures and test-taking strategies into a comprehensive prep course. Over the years, Manhattan Review has grown from providing high-quality prep courses into a global educational services provider prioritizing live instruction from expertly trained tutors.

When it comes to GRE tutoring, Manhattan Review offers comprehensive private tutoring options that are customizable and collaboratively created to result in a tutoring program that is truly a personalized learning experience. Tutoring is available both in-person and online, depending on your location and tutor availability. Tutors work closely with their students to set ambitious and achievable goals that are regularly reassessed based on the progress made during each tutoring session. In addition to possessing stellar test-taking skills, Manhattan Review tutors also possess exceptional teaching skills, and the company is committed to only hiring tutors who can convey complex information in ways that can be tailored to any student’s individual learning style.

Because Manhattan Review’s tutoring programs are so specific to each learner, pricing depends on several factors and is therefore varied, although private tutoring plans typically fall between 12-48 hours. Rather than choosing between packages, prospective students may call or submit an online form to receive a free consultation to discuss their goals, timeline, and budget.

In reviews, learners described their tutors as professional and experienced educators who were personable and supportive. Students praised their tutors for being knowledgeable and accessible and ensuring the most difficult concepts were thoroughly understood. In addition to focusing on GRE content, tutors also offered opportunities to practice time management skills and test-taking techniques, while also providing useful strategies for reducing test-related anxiety. Students noted how invested their tutor was not only in their success, but in their emotional and mental wellbeing leading up to the exam, and this level of consideration reportedly contributed to achieving a high score on the day of test day. The tutoring curriculum was described as very similar to the real GRE, which helped learners become familiar with the exam. Students also appreciated how their tutor took every opportunity to tailor learning experiences to utilize their strengths while improving any areas of weakness.

In some reviews, students described the tutoring program as rigorous and packed with information. Other learners reported that the tutoring sessions were better suited to committed students seeking to earn their highest score by prioritizing their preparation.

Best for: students who want to excel on the GRE through high-touch test prep personalized to individual learning needs, study timelines, and score goals.

Not the best for: students who prefer to learn with a tutor who follows a standard, rather than customized, study plan or those who learn best through rote memorization rather than developing critical thinking skills.

BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting was founded in 2013 by Dr. Behrouz Moemeni, an admissions expert with a specific focus on providing admissions and educational training programs that reduce barriers to accessing higher education. The company has become highly reviewed for specializing in helping students gain admission to programs in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. BeMo offers three GRE private tutoring options:

  • Gold ($3,997): this option includes 10 private tutoring sessions, 3 practice tests, and a personalized study plan.
  • Platinum ($7,997): this option includes unlimited private tutoring sessions, 7 practice tests, a personalized study schedule, and access to a Qbank with more than 2,000 questions.
  • Titanium ($10,997): this option includes unlimited private tutoring sessions, 13 practice tests, a personalized study schedule, access to a Qbank with more than 2,000 questions, and application/interview prep for up to 10 schools.

In reviews, students described their tutors as dedicated professionals committed to helping them master the GRE. Tutors were on time for sessions, provided clear instruction, and worked with learners for however long it took them to comprehend the material. Students with unlimited tutoring packages appreciated that they could book as many sessions per week with their tutor as they liked, as they found this helpful for having questions answered, checking the accuracy of their knowledge, and receiving personalized support. Learners reported that working with their tutor helped them achieve the GRE score they needed to attend their desired graduate program, and they noted how patient their tutors were throughout the preparation process.

In some reviews, students felt that while having unlimited sessions with a tutor reduced their test-related anxiety, knowing they could easily schedule a session sometimes made them lean on their tutor more than they otherwise would have, which at times made it more challenging for them to attempt problems on their own. Many reviews noted the very high prices of the tutoring programs, and while the majority of users felt the financial investment was worth it, others wondered if they could have worked with a less expensive company and supplemented their tutoring with free online resources or on-demand learning.

Best for: students seeking to attend graduate-level programs outside of the United States, those in search of unlimited tutoring sessions, or those who learn best through very frequent contact with a tutor.

Not the best for: students on a budget, those who want to balance professional instruction with learning on their own, or those who do not have extensive free time to devote to so many tutoring sessions.

Kaplan

Kaplan was founded in 1938 as a tutoring service for students, and over the years, the company has become a recognizable and respected name in the test prep industry, offering prep courses, private tutoring programs, and admissions counseling. Kaplan offers several GRE private tutoring options:

  • Standard GRE Tutoring + Live Online Course: this option includes personalized homework assignments, 30+ hours of on-demand lessons on Kaplan’s private channel, 13 full-length practice exams, GRE prep books, and access to a customizable Qbank with more than 2,500 questions.
    • 10 hours of private tutoring: $2,499
    • 20 hours of private tutoring: $3,799
    • 30 hours of private tutoring: $4,999
    • 40 hours of private tutoring: $5,999
  • Premium GRE Tutoring + Live Online Course: this option includes everything in the Standard tutoring program, but every tutor has scored in the 99th percentile on the GRE and has more than 8 years of tutoring experience.
    • 10 hours of private tutoring: $3,500
    • 20 hours of private tutoring: $6,000
    • 30 hours of private tutoring: $8,100
    • 40 hours of private tutoring: $9,600

In reviews, students generally described their tutors as professional, knowledgeable, and engaging. They appreciated the extensive study materials included with the tutoring programs and felt that this helped them master the test content outside of scheduled tutoring sessions. Students mostly found the course to be structured and comprehensive, and they reported that the accountability of meeting with a tutor helped them prioritize their GRE prep. The on-demand video lessons included in the course were noted to have a high production quality, which learners enjoyed. Many students mentioned learning effective test-taking strategies that helped them manage their time and become more comfortable making educated guesses when necessary on particularly challenging problems.

In some reviews, students felt that their tutoring sessions could have been more personalized and noted that some tutors were better at tailoring information to specific learning styles than others. While some students appreciated the straightforward and standard nature of the curriculum, others found it dry and difficult to engage with. Some students also shared that they supplemented their tutoring program with official ETS GRE materials to gain a better feel for how questions were worded.

Best for: students seeking extensive study materials in addition to tutoring sessions, those currently scoring in the low-to-average range seeking modest score improvements, or those who want to establish a basic foundation of GRE-related knowledge.

Not the best for: students scoring in the 160s on the GRE, motivated learners seeking customized test prep to improve remaining areas of weakness, or those on a budget.

 

Wyzant

Wyzant was founded in 2005 as a way to connect learners with tutors and since then, the company has grown into a frequently visited and often recommended online tutoring marketplace. Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, which means there’s a range of pricing options to fit every budget, and tutors can be selected depending on your learning needs and goals, such as whether you want targeted or comprehensive prep.

When you choose a tutor from Wyzant, there are no hidden fees or expensive packages; each tutor bio clearly lists hourly rates, what the tutor specializes in teaching, and how many hours of tutoring they’ve completed. While most tutoring sessions take place online, students in large cities in the United States may be able to meet with their preferred tutor in person. Hourly rates range from less than $100 to more than $399, and based on reviews, certain tutors are clearly more experienced and therefore more sought-after than others, especially when it comes to specialized GRE-related knowledge.

Best for: students seeking to focus on specific aspects of the GRE who don’t mind finding and working with different tutors or those on a budget.

Not the best for: students who want to prepare for the GRE with the same tutor each session or those who want to follow a comprehensive study plan.

Conclusion

The best way to attend a prestigious graduate school program is to work with supportive test prep professionals who have the experience to help you master the GRE and earn your highest exam score. We analyzed the most highly reviewed GRE tutoring programs and compared options for a variety of budgets, study timelines, score goals, and learning styles. Working with a private tutor can be a financial investment, but it’s our hope that this information empowers you to find just the right tutor for your learning needs. All prices mentioned were accurate at the time of writing, but we encourage interested students to visit the provided websites, as many companies offer seasonal sales or significant discounts. We wish you all the best as you prepare for the GRE and take the next step to securing a successful future.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the GRE really so hard that I need help studying for it?

The GRE is different for every person who takes it—some people will find it easy while others will find it overwhelming. How much help you need preparing for it depends on how well you typically do on standardized tests and how well you manage test-related anxiety. The GRE is a computer-delivered test that takes just under 2 hours to complete and consists of 5 sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. Some students prefer a comprehensive tutoring program that covers everything on the test. Other students complete a practice test, then work on any areas of weakness with a tutor. You certainly don’t have to work with a tutor to do well on the GRE, but working with a tutor is one of the best ways to learn test-taking strategies and time management techniques in addition to mastering content.

Can a private tutor help with my test anxiety?

A private tutor can absolutely help you learn ways of reducing or managing test-related anxiety. This is a good thing to talk about upfront because the more your tutor knows about you, the more they can tailor their sessions to focus on the skills and content that will be most beneficial to you. It’s important to remember that a tutor isn’t a therapist or a licensed clinical psychologist, which is who you might consider speaking with if your anxiety is really out of control. But tutors can teach effective anxiety-management strategies and offer first-hand advice about managing your time and other potential sources of stress related to the GRE. Most tutoring companies understand how detrimental test-related anxiety can be to your GRE performance and therefore have solid strategies in place to help you function at your best.

Which of the tutoring options here is best if I live in the US but want to attend a graduate program in another country?

We’d recommend BeMo Academic Consulting. They specialize in helping students gain admission to graduate-level programs in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Depending on where you want to go, they can either help you or connect you with a service specific to your target college or university.

Who I study with makes a huge difference to me. Which tutoring company has the best and most engaging tutors who can keep me focused but also make GRE prep interesting?

While the right tutor will be a monumental help, the wrong tutor could be a massive hindrance, so it’s important to thoroughly vet whoever you’ve chosen or are assigned to work with. Based on our research, Manhattan Review has highly skilled tutors who are dedicated to working with you in ways that work best for you. Their tutors know how to think outside the box and aren’t afraid to try different styles of teaching depending on if you’re an active, passive, visual, auditory, or kinetic learner. Maybe you need certain things explained a million times. Maybe you need something explained once and then you’re ready to move on. Manhattan Review’s tutors are committed to helping you learn without judgment, which is why their tutoring programs are so highly customizable.

A lot of tutoring companies boast that their tutors are top scorers on the GRE. Should I only work with a tutor who scored in the 99th percentile on the GRE?

Having high-scoring tutors on staff is definitely a point of pride for many tutoring companies. And while earning a high score on a test like the GRE is certainly an accomplishment, it doesn’t tell you everything you might want to know about that tutor. Just because someone is a great test-taker doesn’t mean they’re a great teacher. Many people know how to master complex material and earn high test scores but that doesn’t mean they know how to teach that material to someone else, especially someone with a different background who might not learn the same way they do. Ultimately, how a tutor scored on the GRE is less important than how well they help you master the information you need to earn your own high score.

What if I’m assigned to a tutor I just don’t connect with?

This is where it’s important to read the fine print before signing any contracts. Most tutoring companies want you to be happy with your assigned tutor and if it’s just not working out, they’re usually able to switch you to someone else. But every company is different so make sure you know your options. Some companies only let you switch tutors after your first session, while other companies may not let you switch after a certain number of sessions. This policy is a good one to clarify with a customer service representative early in the process of booking your tutor or purchasing your tutoring program to save yourself a potential headache later.

How much do I need to know about the GRE before I start working with a tutor?

The point of working with a tutor to prepare for the GRE isn’t to come in and amaze your tutor with how much you already know—it’s to learn the material that will help you achieve your best score. The only time what you know matters is when you’re deciding on what type of tutoring will be most helpful: comprehensive or targeted.

Comprehensive tutoring generally means studying material for all sections of the GRE, completing full-length practice tests, and studying lots of different types of questions. Targeted tutoring, on the other hand, usually involves focusing on a specific section or specific types of questions and working to improve identified areas of weakness. If you’ve never cracked open a GRE prep book, utilized free prep resources, or done any studying for the exam whatsoever, comprehensive tutoring is probably the way to go. If you’re naturally good at or have experience with Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning problems, you’ll probably need less guidance in the areas you’re already strong in, which means targeted tutoring to address any lingering weaknesses will likely be most helpful.

What’s the difference between following an AI-generated, customized study plan and working with a private tutor?

A study plan gives you a direction to work in and regular goals to reach, but it doesn’t necessarily tell you how to get where you want to be. AI-generated study plans can be useful in determining what to study and when to study it, but if something isn’t making sense, a study plan can’t help. Not only can a private tutor create a personalized study plan for you, they can offer assistance if you get stuck and keep you accountable through regular meetings.

An AI-generated study plan assumes you can learn anything without help and just need to know what to focus on when, depending on the date of your exam. A private tutor not only teaches you test content but helps you manage your time and any test-related anxiety, while also ensuring you can apply effective problem-solving strategies to the most challenging questions. An AI-generated study plan can be useful, but it’s really nothing more than a suggested schedule. A tutor will customize sessions to what you need that day while also offering support and encouragement. And finally, a study plan doesn’t care how you ultimately perform on the GRE, whereas a tutor is deeply committed to helping you deliver your best performance.