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Target Test Prep GRE enables students to delve deeper into concepts that require clear analysis and from which clear results can be expected.
In addition to the careful theoretical contribution offered by TTP, I found the possibility of creating custom tests particularly interesting, as these introduce an additional element of randomness in the preparation of the GRE. The error log is instrumental in improving results. Finally, TTP’s review questions, based on your error history, to be carried out during the practice stage of the mock tests, allow for a smooth transition to the real exam.
In short, TTP has been for me the key reference to turn to both in the learning and assimilation process and as a final step towards the GRE.
I work in MBB consulting and had very limited time to prep for the GRE. I had taken it one time before (5 years ago) and got 164Q/161V. TTP came so highly recommended from current MBA students I knew and many people at work, so I had to give it a try. I only had 3 weeks to prepare and was skeptical that it would be worth the time to work through the chapters of content, but I quickly realized that it was worth my time. The tips and tricks to solving each question were instrumental in getting a high scre when I took the test, most especially for getting the "hard" questions right.
If you're looking for a quick fix to a low score TargetTestPrep isn't for you. The quant part of the program is structured to build a strong foundation of math skills and proceeds from there. No short cuts or gimmicks. To complete both the quant and verbal sections of TTP is an investment of some 200+ hours.
The thoroughness of TTP is its biggest strength and weakness. If you're on a tight schedule there are better ways to improve your score, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort there is no comparison. TTP is the most comprehensive and well-designed of the options.
It took me a full year of using the course, albeit at a leisurely pace of a few hours of study a week, to see any noticeable score improvement. I started with an abysmal quant score of 155 and knew from the get-go math is where I would need to focus my study time. I'm a professional editor by trade so I skimmed TTP's verbal material and mostly focused on vocabulary drills from GregMat (which is also exceptional value for the price).
My first two retakes I saw no improvement in my score. Finally, after completing most of the quant work I was able to break through and score 160 on the quantitative section. Although it was a modest 5 point improvement, I'm satisfied with my progress. Between verbal review from TTP and vocab drills from GregMat my verbal score improved from a 160 to a 167.
Yes, TTP is (relatively) expensive. Yes, TTP is time-intensive. But if time or money are not a barrier there is no better test prep program.
Partially thanks to TTP I was able to land a spot at my target school, Wharton, and because of that it was well worth the money.
TTP proved invaluable during my GRE preparation, particularly for its quantitative section! After years away from school, I had almost forgotten everything, but TTP's well-organized content structure helped me remember many key points. Another aspect I appreciated was the ability to annotate areas where I was uncertain and mark questions I answered incorrectly, facilitating targeted improvement. It provided a personalized approach to tackling GRE challenges, guiding me through the maze of concepts with clarity and confidence. Overall, TTP significantly enhanced my study routine, ensuring I was well-equipped for success on test day. Overall, I highly recommend TTP for anyone preparing for the GRE, as it proved instrumental in my success.
Target Test Prep is the best choice for self-serve GRE prep. I found the interactive course and structured pace made studying much easier than typical books. The difficulty levels on questions ensure that concepts are repeatedly drilled, and I found the actual GRE easier than most of the Medium level questions.
The course helped me most for Quant but the verbal definition lists also contain most of the same words found across study materials. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a flexible study method though self-motivation is needed as you will only get out what you put in.
The TTP GRE prep course is a fantastic self-paced resource for those looking for a more example led approach to learning. With a deep question base, helpful example led video instruction, and progress analytics the TTP GRE prep course is a great and affordable resource. I primarily used the platform for the GRE quant section, so the below review is focused on that aspect.
Within each topic section in TTP, questions are tagged thematically with easy, medium, and hard variations of each theme. The format is efficient as it allows you to do the easy questions first and then identify areas where you are not familiar with concept rather than reading an entire chapter and covering themes you are already familiar with. This approach is a huge time saver as there is a lot of material to cover. One problem I was facing in my preparation was that my scores would fluctuate significantly between tests. Learning the algorithms and tricks from TTP helped me more consistently answer questions and achieve more consistent test scores.
For those areas where instruction is needed the hybrid example, text, and video style explanations provide a very intuitive way to cover material. When additional help is needed TTP offers a Q&A platform that users can take advantage of during their studies.
Overall, I would highly recommend the TTP course for those looking to cover all the material in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
I am immensely thankful for the invaluable support and exceptional resources provided by TTP, which played a pivotal role in my outstanding GRE scores. The quant section, in particular, was instrumental in my success. The comprehensive fundamentals and practice materials not only helped me grasp complex concepts but also enabled me to achieve a perfect score of 168.
Furthermore, TTP's approach to the verbal section was equally impressive. The strategies and tips provided were incredibly effective, helping me achieve a score of 163. This comprehensive preparation, spanning just four months, culminated in an impressive overall score of 331.
TTP's structured approach and personalized study plans were key factors in my success. The detailed explanations and practice questions were invaluable in reinforcing my understanding and building my confidence. Moreover, whenever I had doubts or needed clarification, TTP's support team was always there to assist me, providing prompt and helpful responses.
Overall, I highly recommend TTP to anyone looking to achieve their target GRE scores. The quality of the content, coupled with the personalized study plans, makes TTP an invaluable resource for GRE preparation. Thank you, TTP, for helping me achieve my goals.
I took the GMAT once and, after deciding it wasn't the test for me, switched over to the GRE. I was able to reach the score I wanted on the Verbal section on my first attempt, but knew I needed to focus more on Quant to be competitive for the MBA programs I was aiming for. I decided to enroll in TTP on the advice of a friend, and after just a month of using the platform, I retested and was able to raise my Quant score 8 points and Verbal score 1 point, raising my overall score from a 316 to a 325. I know that I couldn't have reached this score without the help of TTP and highly recommend for anyone struggling with how to approach the Quant section.
I took the Target Test Prep GRE course after scoring 162 on Quant (I needed at least 164, ideally higher for my applications). Before, I had tried to prepare for the test using the ETS GRE course. The difference between that and TTP is night and day.
Some highlights for me:
Detailed methodologies for solving questions quickly and accurately: for every possible type of question TTP provided detailed guidance on how to solve the questions quickly and accurately. This was invaluable for topics where I was routinely getting questions wrong or running out of time.
Huge question bank with solutions to every single question: I did around 700 practice questions on TTP, and still had some to spare by the time I took the GRE. Every single question has really great guidance on the solution. This was super helpful in improving continually.
Holistic approach: TTP not only gives you guidance on how to solve questions, but also on all other areas of test taking. Not sure whether to take the online or in-person GRE? TTP's got you. Unsure about your preparation strategy? TTP's got you. Test day nerves? TTP's got you. etc. etc. for every single area you could think of.
Bottom line, this was an absolute lifesaver and well, well worth the investment. Kudos to the TTP team for a fantastic product!
Personal Background:
- From Latin America but my English is as native as my Spanish (live in the U.S.)
- M.S. Mechanical Engineering & B.A. Communication, minors in Math and French.
- Currently work as a technology implementation consultant at a Big 4.
Why TTP:
I discovered Target Test Prep through my employer, who has a partnership with them and a few other test prep services. Everyone I asked at work that had tried TTP spoke very highly of it. I also researched online and saw nothing but great reviews. The score guarantee was another big selling point for me because it demonstrated the confidence TTP has in their resources. I had done a 9-week live virtual course to prepare for the GMAT in the second half of 2022, but I unfortunately was not able to really take advantage of it since work was extremely demanding at that time. I also felt that I didn’t benefit that much from the group classes. I feel my studies are most effective when I first study material independently, and only after then review as a group. I do think it could be useful to supplement the TTP course with group classes (which TTP does also offer) but I didn’t choose to do that because the TTP course was already extremely well suited for my learning style, and I was trying to be economic. The first course I had done had been pretty expensive so TTP’s price point was another big reason why I decided on it. Looking back, I honestly could not tell you a time when I used my money better than when I purchased TTP’s subscription.
Why I chose GRE over GMAT:
I mentioned that I took a GMAT course but I did TTP’s GRE course so I want to clarify this. Everyone around me also preparing for grad school was taking the GMAT and I didn’t know much about the GRE and which schools/programs accepted each of them. I later realized that the programs I was targeting and the plans I had for my education over the next 5 years actually fit the GRE better (one of the online programs I may apply to after business school only accepts the GRE, for example). I decided to take a practice test and compare that to my GMAT practice test, which led me to realize I was much better at the GRE. Sadly, my strongest suit on the GMAT (sentence correction) was not on the GRE but… you win some you lose some. For those of you starting out your test prep, I suggest taking a practice test of both to figure out which format and style works best for you. For example, I had a strong preference for the GRE’s format because it was adaptive at the section level instead of at the question level. Also, I felt that the on-screen calculator on the GRE calmed some of my test-taking anxieties. Although I do not recommend using the calculator for all of your basic operations, it was calming to know that if my brain goes completely blank and I question myself on whether I actually do know what 7x8 equals amidst the stress of the exam, I had a calculator right there that would allow me to resolve this in 2 seconds.
My TTP Journey:
Once I decided to take the GRE, I signed up for TTP. I used my subscription for ~4 months, from June 13, 2023-October 16, 2023, but completed the grand majority of the course (Expert track) between July 2 and August 21 (as logged by the TTP platform, I dedicated 191 hours of study between June 13, 2023, and August 22, 2023). It was definitely a lot of work, time, and effort. And it was 100% worth it. The only regret I have was that I didn’t discover TTP sooner – hindsight, I guess.
Given my career plans and the programs I was targeting, my main priority was excelling in the Quant section. Since I was originally targeting Round 1 applications, I was short on time – especially since I wanted to take the test at least twice. My strategy for preparing for the first exam was to focus on Quant first. I completed 100% of the Quant modules on TTP, practiced vocabulary, and skimmed the verbal chapters. On my first test, I got a 162 Quant, 154 Verbal.
For my second exam, I focused more heavily on Verbal and completed 100% of the entire TTP course. This time, I got a 162 Quant, 164 Verbal.
What was very cool to see was how accurate TTP’s score improvement guarantee was. By my first exam, I had completed ~60% of the TTP course and, therefore, would not have qualified for the score guarantee of 320 – I received a 316. By my second exam, I had completed 100% of the TTP course and scored a 326. Basically, they know what they are doing, and they tell you exactly what to do to get a great score.
Although my second test score was excellent in Verbal and overall, I really wanted to improve my Quant score. When preparing for my third exam, I reached out to TTP for some advice. They suggested I supplement TTP’s course with official ETS practice questions. I bought the Official GRE Super Power Pack eBook and prioritized doing all of the Quant exercises. I also knew Vocabulary and timing were my two biggest trouble spots in Verbal so I did all of GregMat’s vocabulary quizzes on YouTube and practiced enough Verbal to maintain my timing strategies from my second take. On my third exam, I scored 167 Quant, 161 Verbal, which was above the average of my most competitive target program.
How TTP differentiates itself:
There are various aspects of the TTP course that make it the most efficient and effective way to prepare for the GRE. I selected the Expert path and it was extremely comprehensive, covering absolutely all material tested in the GRE in a way that is not overwhelming. TTP organizes your tasks based on the number of hours and dedicated study days you indicate and organizes it in a calendar view. This was huge for me because I am very visual. I felt it provided me with the accountability I needed.
Another thing that helped was the way the course material is written. The language used is conversational rather than textbook-like and it is broken up in a very encouraging way. For example, the progress bars and multiple lessons keep you motivated through long chapters. TTP also highlights “must knows” and you can find them all in one place for quick refreshes, organized by lesson. Being able to highlight with different colors, add notes, and view these highlights/notes all in the same place was also very useful. I was working full-time throughout my studies, and I felt that the way the TTP course was broken down made it easy for me to make progress even if I just had 30 minutes in between calls.
As if that wasn’t enough, I loved TTP’s Analytics page because it allowed me to pinpoint my weaknesses and create custom tests from my bookmarked and/or incorrect problems. One thing I will say is that the custom tests worked best for Quant. Verbal was tough because you can only do and review the same problems so many times before you start remembering passages and answers.
Beyond the platform itself, TTP has amazing, caring folks that are available at literally all times. I have reached out to them a couple of times for help on specific problems, and they have provided clarity when I couldn’t grasp certain solutions. I have also reached out to them for more general test-taking support – I chatted mostly with Jeffrey, who was always extremely encouraging. They really do care about your success.
Lessons I have learned throughout this journey:
1. If you are between taking the GMAT or the GRE, take a practice test of both. Figure out which format and style works best for you.
2. Take the TTP course seriously and follow the Expert track.
3. Do not take your first exam until you have completed 100% of the TTP course. This will allow you to get a true score as your baseline and you can get a clearer picture of where to focus on for your second take.
4. Plan to take the exam at least twice since most people do improve on their second take.
5. Vocabulary specific tips:
- Create vocabulary flashcards from the TTP vocab sheet. I liked using Quizlet because I could add images to the flashcards (again, I am a very visual person) and the Quizlet app is awesome on your phone.
- Study vocabulary by synonym groups. I grouped words by the synonyms that are on the TTP flashcards. I thought this was an efficient way to study them, especially as I approached the exam date and time got shorter. I created a table on Excel with all of the TTP vocab words and then generalized the synonyms so I could filter and build a pivot table. I then also created flashcards for these on Quizlet.
- Test your vocabulary studies with Greg Mat’s vocabulary quizzes on YouTube. I did all of them and it was an effective way of recognizing which “common offenders” I needed to brush up on.
6. A MUST!! Supplement your studies with official ETS practice questions (buy the Official GRE Super Power Pack eBook and do all of the exercises, especially for Quant).
7. Take the exam in person (not at-home). I had computer issues both on my first and second takes. Save yourself the stress.
Trust me when I say TTP will be the best investment you make throughout your entire grad school application process. Take the TTP course seriously, follow the advice I listed, and you will ace the GRE. Consider that my personal guarantee.
P.S. I tried to verify my review but the connection to the GRE Score Report failed :(