Manhattan Prep Review 2026: GRE & GMAT Prep from 99th-Percentile Instructors

Manhattan Prep has a strict hiring policy: every instructor must have scored in the 99th percentile on the test they teach. This quality filter produces a markedly different classroom experience than competitors who hire based on credentials alone. The tradeoff is price — Manhattan Prep is among the most expensive GRE and GMAT prep options available.

What Is Manhattan Prep?

Manhattan Prep was founded in 2000 by a group of Ivy League graduates who scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT. It expanded to GRE preparation and is now owned by Kaplan, though it operates independently with its own instructor standards and curriculum. Manhattan Prep is particularly known for its depth on quantitative reasoning.

Key Features

• All instructors scored in the 99th percentile — mandatory hiring requirement
• GRE On-Demand: 6-month access to all video content
• GMAT Interact: award-winning interactive self-paced platform
• Live Online courses with small class sizes
• Office hours for live Q&A with instructors
• Strategy-focused curriculum — teaches test-taking methods, not just content
• Private tutoring from 99th-percentile instructors
• Adaptive Qbank with exam-format practice

Pricing

• GRE On-Demand: $299 (3-month) / $499 (6-month)
• GRE Live Online Course: $1,399–$1,599
• GMAT On-Demand: $300–$999
• GMAT Live Online: ~$1,499
• Private tutoring: $2,450/10 hours (99th-percentile instructors)

Pros & Cons

• PRO: 99th-percentile instructor requirement is a genuine quality guarantee
• PRO: On-demand GRE at $299–$499 is competitive for the quality level
• PRO: Office hours included in live courses reduce isolation
• PRO: GMAT Interact is highly rated for its interactive format
• CON: Live courses ($1,399+) are expensive vs. Magoosh or Target Test Prep
• CON: Private tutoring at $245/hour is among the most expensive available
• CON: Less adaptive technology than Target Test Prep

Who Should Use Manhattan Prep?

GRE and GMAT students targeting scores in the top 20% who value instructor quality over price. MBA applicants who need 700+ GMAT and want live instruction. Students who learn best from expert human teachers and benefit from small-group office hours. The on-demand GRE at $299 is accessible for budget-conscious students who still want elite content.

Final Verdict

Manhattan Prep delivers elite instruction at a premium price. The 99th-percentile instructor standard is real and produces noticeably better teaching quality. For pure quantitative improvement, Target Test Prep is more efficient at $99/month. For comprehensive GRE/GMAT preparation including verbal, Manhattan Prep is the strongest option. Rating: 4.7/5.