GRE Math & Verbal Strategies Set

I have both this and the ETS preps. The verbal editions are similar between ETS and Manhattan Prep, but the math portion from Manhattan Prep blows the ETS math guide out of the water. Manhattan Prep provides you formulas and detailed answers and how-tos for everything. The ETS guide assumes you know certain things, so there are many questions that only have an answer and you don’t know how they got there.

Books came in with folded edges, typical shipping tragedy.

Thank you!

I'm a Harvard grad, 99% GRE scorer, and professional GRE tutor since 2002.Manhattan Prep's GRE Math & Verbal Strategies Set (currently $44) is a more basic, pared-down version of its predecessor, the Manhattan Prep Set of 8 GRE Strategy Guides, which cost about twice as much as these books, and included about 50% more learning material, as well as individual editions in each subject: 1) Algebra, 2) Fractions, Decimals and Percents, 3) Geometry, 4) Number Properties, 5) Word Problems, 6) Quantitative Comparisons and Data Interpretation, 7) Reading Comprehension and Essays, and 8) Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. Purchase of the book also includes access to 6 imitation full-length GRE computer-adaptive tests (CATs).I agree with the 10 other reviewers that these books are good, but there is no denying that the older set of 8 guides was much more exhaustive—these 8 books included 1920 pages instead of the “only” 1300 pages in these 2 newer guides—and the difference is compounded visually because of how thin the new paper is. Perhaps those in the MP corporate offices realized that an 8-edition set is a bit much for the average GRE student, whereas students who prepare for tests such as the GMAT (where Manhattan Prep got its start) tend to be much more obsessive and thorough in their approach.My conclusion: this new GRE offering from Manhattan Prep is a great option at a nice price point, but the older editions might be worth it if you need to cover every nook and cranny of the GRE, since the test format hasn't changed at all, and these newer books haven't changed much other than some simplification, reorganization and omission.For more information about preparing for the GRE, google “GRE Action Plan” and you will find my full list of recommendations.Best of luck on your GRE and beyond,-Brian

Great help

My daughter is currently studying for the GREs, so she has been able to put these books to the test rather extensively. She came away impressed by them.This set of books comes with SIX practice tests. If you've been studying for the GRE for a while, you'll know that these are priceless. Every resource (ETS, Kaplan, Barron, etc.) only has so many practice tests. Once you're out, you're out. And nothing prepares you quite like having a go at the full thing. Manhattan's practice tests are also computer adaptive, like the real GRE. Now, I believe that ETS (makers of the GRE) keep their adaptive system confidential. So, I don't think that Manhattan is using an algorithm identical to that which you'll encounter on the test. For the REAL DEAL, ETS offers 2 full practice tests. My daughter was told that you should take one as a diagnostic test and one the week prior to your exam. So, in the meantime, these Manhattan tests will come in handy.Manhattan also offers you a free sample of their online "interactive" classes. You get 15 lessons for free--at which point you can purchase more if you so choose to. This program involves GRE strategies, explanations of resources, some foundational math, testing knowledge at intervals, etc. It's handy, for sure.On top of this, you're offered one free live class. They offer in-person classes and online classes.Do other test prep brands offer free things? Yes. So, don't be sold on these books JUST for the benefits. Kaplan, for example, considers you a student once you've taken one of their free live classes. You can then access their tutors, their vocabulary flashcards, etc. So, do do some research to make sure that the Manhattan books are the right fit for you. Each brand has a slightly different style of explanation (and I'd bet style of question, too). When in doubt: dabble. Because each test prep company offers so many free trials and classes, you have a lot of opportunity to explore. Find what's right for you while taking advantage of some great freebies!Manhattan's practice questions did strike my daughter as being a little different from what she's encountered elsewhere. (She has yet to take the real deal GRE, so doesn't know what's representative of the test.) She's used ETS, Kaplan, and Barron to study. She says she's noticed more of a need for foundational math with Manhattan's questions. And the vocabulary in the verbal sections seems more advanced than in other practice books.Her conclusion: "I wouldn't rely solely on these books for my studying purposes, but I would definitely recommend them as a resource!"

I used these books to prepare myself for the first attempt at the GRE. They have been somewhat useful, but the big problem in the GRE is time and I felt these books didn't prepare too well for the time pressure

Delivered on time. Packaging is best and the most important thing is that manhattan books are best for GRE as well as GMAT also.

Just now arrived!...very nice packing from the Amazon....I hope to score good marks from this book!...

Drills were good to have, I do not know why they were removed.

Books are damaged.