Head-to-head comparison of Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep GRE courses. Compare pricing, teaching methods, and content quality.
Manhattan Prep vs Target Test Prep GRE: The Bottom Line
Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep take fundamentally different approaches to GRE prep. Manhattan Prep emphasizes live instruction and strategic thinking, while Target Test Prep focuses on mastery through extensive practice questions. Your choice depends on your learning style and budget.
Pricing Comparison
Manhattan Prep GRE:
- Complete Course: $1,299 (27 hours live online)
- Self-Study: $599 (on-demand videos)
- Private Tutoring: Starting at $2,400
Target Test Prep GRE:
- Monthly: $149/month
- 4-Month Plan: $399 (best value)
- No live instruction option
Winner: Target Test Prep offers significantly better value, especially for self-directed learners.
Teaching Approach
Manhattan Prep emphasizes conceptual understanding and strategic thinking. Their instructors (all 99th percentile scorers) teach live classes with interactive discussion and real-time Q&A.
Target Test Prep uses a mastery-based approach with granular lessons and extensive practice. Learning is entirely self-paced through video lessons and adaptive questions.
Winner: Depends on learning style. Manhattan Prep for students who value live instruction, TTP for self-paced learners.
Quantitative Preparation
Manhattan Prep covers all Quant topics with strong conceptual explanations and strategic shortcuts. Content is comprehensive but not as granular as TTP.
Target Test Prep breaks down every Quant topic into micro-lessons with hundreds of practice questions per topic. The depth is unmatched.
Winner: Target Test Prep. Their Quant preparation is more thorough and practice-intensive.
Verbal Preparation
Manhattan Prep excels in Verbal preparation, particularly reading comprehension strategy. Their approach to Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence is highly strategic.
Target Test Prep Verbal section is solid but less comprehensive than their Quant section. Strategies are good but not as refined as Manhattan Prep.
Winner: Manhattan Prep. Their Verbal instruction is more sophisticated.
Practice Materials
Manhattan Prep includes:
- 6 full-length practice tests
- 1,000+ practice questions
- Official GRE question access
Target Test Prep includes:
- 6 full-length practice tests
- 3,000+ practice questions
- Adaptive question technology
Winner: Target Test Prep for sheer volume of practice questions.
Technology & Analytics
Manhattan Prep offers standard progress tracking and performance analytics. The platform is functional but not particularly innovative.
Target Test Prep features sophisticated adaptive technology that adjusts difficulty and identifies weak areas with detailed analytics.
Winner: Target Test Prep. Their technology is more advanced.
Best For Different Students
Choose Manhattan Prep if:
- You value live instruction and interaction
- You need strong Verbal preparation
- You prefer strategic, conceptual learning
- Budget is not a primary concern
Choose Target Test Prep if:
- You are a self-directed learner
- You need significant Quant improvement
- You want maximum practice questions
- You want better value for money
Our Recommendation
For most students, Target Test Prep offers better value with deeper Quant preparation and more practice questions at a fraction of the cost. However, if you strongly prefer live instruction or need exceptional Verbal preparation, Manhattan Prep premium experience may justify the higher price.
For balanced preparation, consider using Target Test Prep for Quant and supplementing with Manhattan Prep Verbal resources.
FAQ
Q: Which has better practice tests? A: Both offer 6 tests of comparable quality. Tie.
Q: Can I combine both courses? A: Yes, some students use TTP for Quant and Manhattan Prep for Verbal.
Q: Which is better for retakers? A: Target Test Prep adaptive technology is particularly useful for identifying and fixing weak areas.
Q: Do both offer score guarantees? A: Manhattan Prep offers a score improvement guarantee. TTP does not.