Best GRE Tutors of 2026
Find the Best GRE Tutor for You
If you hope to attend a leading graduate-level program with instant name recognition, you’ll need to demonstrate a very high GRE score as part of your application. There’s no better way to master challenging material than by working one-on-one with a private tutor. The best GRE tutors teach you to leverage your strengths while helping you improve any areas of weakness so you feel confident in your test-taking skills.
But with every tutoring company “guaranteeing” high scores and promising you the chance to work with “the best” tutors, how do you find the tutor who can truly help you meet your score goal? We know your time is better spent studying for the GRE, so we’ve put in the hard work for you and reviewed the best GRE tutoring programs of 2026. Whatever your study timeline, score goal, learning style, or budget, there’s certain to be a tutoring option in this guide that helps you prioritize your test preparation. Read on to learn more.
Leland
Leland was founded in 2021 as an online marketplace to help people reach educational and career-related goals through test prep resources, admissions consulting, and career coaching. While the company is newer to the test prep industry than others listed here, they have earned a reputation for their targeted tutoring services and constantly expanding prep course options. Leland offers several free weekly GRE-focused online workshops, as well as the option to book sessions with a variety of tutors.
Tutors maintain profiles on the Leland website where you can see how much they charge per hour, their academic and professional backgrounds, and when they are next available to meet. Prices range from as low as $45 per hour to over $400 an hour, and you can sort tutors based on their hourly rate, services offered, or “specialized experience,” which includes professional coach, non-US citizen, veterans, LGBTQ+, and low income.
Reviews varied for each tutor, with more experienced tutors having hundreds of reviews while newer tutors had fewer reviews. The more popular tutors tended to charge higher rates, but they also had better reviews praising their specific content focus or GRE-related area of expertise. Tutors offered free intro calls, which learners appreciated, and while all tutors offered the option to purchase single, hourly sessions, some also offered tutoring packages.
Best for: users seeking to focus on specific GRE sections or question types who don’t mind doing the research to find their tutor, those on a budget, or those who don’t mind working with different tutors for different types of content.
Not the best for: users seeking comprehensive and structured GRE where you work with the same tutor for a scheduled number of sessions.
Princeton Review
Princeton Review was founded in 1981 as a service to help local students prepare for the SAT. Over the years, the company has grown into a worldwide provider of educational services that include test prep, private tutoring, and other student resources. Princeton Review offers three GRE private tutoring options:
- GRE Targeted LiveOnline Tutoring ($1,800): this includes 10 hours of private tutoring.
- GRE Comprehensive LiveOnline Tutoring ($3,000): this includes 18 hours of private tutoring.
- GRE 165+ Tutoring ($4,999): this includes 32 hours of private tutoring.
In reviews, students generally described their tutors as knowledgeable and experienced professionals. They appreciated the opportunity to choose between packages that ranged from targeted teaching to comprehensive instruction, and scheduling sessions with a tutor was, for the most part, reportedly easy and hassle-free. Tutoring sessions were described as a good way to help students prioritize their test prep through consistent accountability, and the homework and assignments were reported to be effective ways to reinforce concepts. Students also appreciated having dedicated time to ask their tutor specific questions, and they noted that their tutors were committed to helping them achieve their individual score goals. The tutoring curriculum was described as straightforward and good for those seeking to establish a baseline of GRE-related knowledge.
In some reviews, tutors were reported to vary depending on the individual, with some being better at tailoring complex instruction to a particular learning style than others. Some students felt that the test-taking strategies that were taught were too simplistic and could have been mastered through less expensive instruction. A few learners wished their tutor had pushed them more to excel, and some students reported supplementing their tutoring with free online resources or more affordable on-demand learning options.
Best for: students seeking straightforward GRE prep or those searching for GRE prep that is not especially demanding.
Not the best for: users seeking personalized live instruction or those whose ability to learn is affected by the quality of their tutor.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors was founded in 2007 as an in-person tutoring service focused on improving access to high-quality, one-on-one learning. Since its founding, the company has grown into a highly recommended live online tutoring platform.
On the Varsity Tutors website, you can read through various tutor profiles to learn about each tutor’s academic background, standardized test scores, and how long they’ve been working as a tutor. In order to learn about pricing, you’ll first need to select who the tutoring is for (you, your child, or someone else). You can choose if you’re looking to start tutoring right away or in a few weeks, and after you provide your zip code, name, and email address, you can proceed with booking a tutor. You can also call for a free consultation. Unlike other tutoring marketplaces, Varsity Tutors does not allow you to contact individual tutors directly.
In reviews, students generally described their tutors as knowledgeable professionals with years of experience. Learners reported improved scores and decreased test anxiety from working with their tutor, and they appreciated the flexibility to purchase one tutoring session at a time rather than paying upfront for expensive packages. Students also found it helpful to work with several different tutors for different sections of the GRE, noting that simply because a tutor was skilled at breaking down Quantitative Reasoning questions did not mean they were good at explaining Verbal Reasoning concepts.
In some reviews, students noted that certain tutors had more teaching experience or worked better for certain budgets or learning styles than others. Prospective students were encouraged to read tutor bios closely and to not be afraid of trying several different tutors. Some students did not like being unable to contact potential tutors directly and found it annoying to call or email the company rather than their desired tutor. Still other learners expressed a desire for more transparency related to pricing, specifically that it could be accessed without first needing a consultation or to provide personal information online.
Best for: students seeking instruction on specific GRE-related content, those who prefer to choose their own tutor, or those on a budget.
Not the best for: students seeking a comprehensive and structured tutoring program where they can easily schedule multiple sessions with the same tutor.
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 experience. Tutoring is available both in-person and online, depending on your location and tutor availability. Tutors work closely with students to set ambitious and achievable goals, and goals 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 their exam. 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 their learning needs, study timeline, 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.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
I know I need to take the GRE, but what’s actually on the test?
The GRE is a computer-delivered test made up of five sections: Analytical Writing (one section), Verbal Reasoning (two sections), and Quantitative Reasoning (two sections). The Analytical Writing section is always first, but Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections may be presented in any order after that. The GRE is 1 hour and 58 minutes long.
| Measure | Number of Questions | Amount of Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 “Analyze an Issue” | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
What’s the difference between working with a private tutor and taking a prep course?
A prep course is focused on providing information, while a private tutor is focused on providing information specifically to you. Most prep courses are group classes, which means class time involves other people asking questions or focusing on things that are important to them, which might not be the things that are important to you. A private tutor gets to know you and customizes each lesson to how you learn best (and you’re the only one asking questions). With a prep course, you either master the content or you don’t. When you work with a private tutor, they are dedicated to helping you master the information you need to achieve your highest score.
Why should I work with a tutor when there are free online resources I can use to study on my own?
Free online resources can be helpful, but they’re best used with caution because they aren’t always up to date or accurate. You don’t want to waste your time studying old or incorrect information you won’t actually be tested on. A good tutor will be familiar with the most recent version of the GRE, will know the section content inside and out, and will know how to help you learn what you need to earn a high score. Plus, a tutor can teach you the best test-taking strategies, provide “in the moment” feedback, help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and answer all your test-related questions.
Which of the tutoring options in this guide do you recommend if I’m on a tight budget?
We recommend Varsity Tutors or Leland because you can compare tutors and find the one who offers an hourly rate that fits within your budget. Choosing a tutor from an online marketplace can be a little more involved and time-intensive than being paired with a tutor from a specific company, but it gives you more control over your spending because you’re paying for one tutoring session at a time rather than paying upfront for a tutoring package.
Which of the tutoring options here offers the best live online GRE tutoring?
Based on our research, Manhattan Review has highly interactive live online tutoring sessions with experienced tutors who are committed to helping you succeed. Students consistently praise the quality of their tutors, and when it comes to tutoring, who you work with makes all the difference.
Also remember that “best” is subjective and can mean different things to different people. One person might think a tutor is the best because they’re cheap, while another person might think a tutor is the best because they’re friendly and supportive. It’s important to define what best means to you, since the clearer you are about what you want, the easier it will be to find the right tutor to help you prep.
If I’m matched with a tutor through a company, what happens if I don’t like working with that particular tutor?
Before you sign any contract or make any payment to a tutor or company, be sure to read their policies very closely. Make sure you understand what’s on you and what’s on them and ask questions about anything that isn’t clear. Most tutoring companies will happily switch you to another tutor if you contact them and tell them why your tutor isn’t working out, but there may be costs or deadlines associated with this. Most tutoring companies want happy and successful clients and will work with you where they can, but the more you know going into a tutoring relationship, the fewer challenges you’re likely to have.
I have ADHD and sometimes have trouble focusing or understanding things as fast as other students. How do I find the best tutor for me?
Focus on finding a tutor or tutoring company who specializes in personalized instruction (that means they teach concepts in ways that make sense to you). Most tutors offer an initial consultation or planning session to create a study plan your tutoring sessions will follow—don’t be afraid to ask your tutor how they’ll customize what they teach to your learning needs. Ask how a tutor approaches working with a neurodiverse person. Also look for tutors who care about your individual strengths and weaknesses, because the more they know about how you learn, the more they can adjust their teaching style to you. Working with a tutor is meant to be collaborative, but the focus is always on helping you learn.