Which official resources should I use to prepare for the GRE on my own?
For GRE self-study, start with official ETS materials: the Official Guide to the GRE, the Official GRE Guide app, the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning practice question volumes, and the ScoreItNow writing practice service. Editions and availability can change, so check the official ETS website for the latest.
If you plan to prepare for the GRE on your own, official ETS materials are the safest place to start. They give you authentic questions and explanations that match what the test measures.
Official GRE Study Materials
| Resource | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Official Guide to the GRE | Actual full-length tests, authentic questions, explanations, test-taking strategies and sample essay responses |
| Official GRE Guide app | Authentic questions with answers and explanations, plus test-taking tips |
| Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, Volume One | An overview of the Analytical Writing measure with sample tasks and scored sample responses |
| Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Volume One | Around 150 Quantitative Reasoning questions with explanations and a math topic review |
| ScoreItNow! writing practice service | A web-based tool to practise the Analytical Writing section |
How to Build Your Plan
- Pick a study plan and use the official guides to anchor it.
- Prepare section by section, covering verbal, analytical writing and quantitative skills.
- Check the official ETS site, since test format, syllabus and study products may change.
My Advice
Begin with the official ETS website and guides, then add other practice material only if you need it. Confirm the current test pattern before you finalise your schedule, because exam formats are updated from time to time.
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