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Over the years, the questions asked have ranged from philosophical ones like, “What’s the meaning of life?” to more trivial questions like, “HOW DO I TURN CAPS LOCK OFF?” 

Yahoo! Answers recently announced the site will permanently shutter on May 4 and said, “While the board was once popular, the needs of our members have changed.” As a result, the site will no longer be a haven for streams of burning questions. 

What’s the purpose of Q&A sites?

Question and answer sites become popular in the early days of the internet. These sites served two purposes. First, to provide answers to questions, which were tough to find before search engines like Google and Bing came around. Second, to provide a sense of community. People could use these sites to ask a question and get help or advice from other like-minded people. Sometimes, questions sparked a fairly long and continued conversation that almost functioned like a chat room.

While some Q&A sites have become extinct in an ever-growing online world, many still remain. While Yahoo! Answers is logging off the internet forever, there are still other sites that offer a similar experience. Check out the list below to see Yahoo! Answers alternatives.

1. Quora

Quora has a mission to grow the world’s knowledge base by connecting people who have the knowledge to the people who need it. 

Users can simply type a question into the search bar and it starts a conversation. As people respond, users get an email with the most recent comment so they don’t have to check the site dozens of times to get updates. 

As a member, users can choose to follow different categories, which are called Spaces. You can follow Spaces like All Things Law, Mental Facts, or Interesting Psychology, for example. 

The site does sell advertisements, so there might be a “sponsored” question or two, but the site labels them as such and keeps them to a minimum. 

2. Reddit

Reddit is a popular site with many uses, one of which is a question-and-answer forum. The site looks more like a social media feed, with popular questions, articles, and resources organized in a long thread. Users can sort through previously asked questions and answers or ask their own. 

Questions are broken into fairly specific categories, with an endless number of responders able to provide their thoughts and feedback to the question at hand. 

The site isn’t primarily a Q&A site, so some users might find it a bit too complex for their needs. Many “Redditors” love the diverse array of content though. 

3. The Answer Bank

The Answer Bank is a UK-based site that provides a similar experience to Yahoo! Answers. On this site, you must register as a member first, and then you can ask questions that fall into any of their subject categories, which range from News and Gaming to Crosswords and Travel. 

The site also offers a ChatterBank, which is akin to old-school chat rooms where people simply want to talk about their life. 

The site does have several moderators that will remove comments that are negative or that break site rules. 

4. Answers

Google runs a question-and-answer site known simply as Answers. The site has a more modern look than many of its competitors but has the same basic premise. In the About Us section, it says, “Some people have questions, others have answers. We’re the place where both sides meet.”

The site does categorize questions into eight different subjects and also provides a group of unanswered questions.

To encourage people to respond to questions, the site awards points to those who chime in with answers and keeps a leaderboard or top-answering members. 

5. WikiHow

WikiHow is the go-to site for how-to content. The website, which started the same year as Yahoo! Answers, 2006, has a database of more than 5,000 question categories. Users can search through previously-asked questions, read helpful how-to articles, or ask their own questions. 

If you decided to ask your own question, you’ll likely find a list of available content that provides an answer. A simple question like, “How do you wash clothes?” has 15 pages of results with the top-ranked responses vetted and labeled with markers like “Expert Co-Authored” or “Quality Tested.”

Users will notice several ads at the top of their search results, similar to how ads look after running a Google search. 

6. Ask Me Help Desk

With one million members, Ask Me Help Desk has a solid number of members that use the site regularly to ask and answer questions. You must become a member to participate, but once you do, you’ll notice the site is set up a little differently than most. You can browse through questions, ask a question, answer a question, or conduct a search for questions and answers. 

Unlike other sites, Ask Me Help Desk organizes questions into hundreds of different categories and even subcategories, so it’s just as easy to search for a question and a response as it is to ask a new question. 

7. BlurtIt

Started in 2006, BlurtIt is on a mission to become the largest question-and-answer site online. BlurtIt positions itself as more of an online community than a basic Q&A site and encourages people to respond to questions with their opinions, helpful resources, or personal experiences. Its purpose is to help people ask, learn, share, and grow.

The free site doesn’t award coins as other sites do for participation, but there is a “liking system” where users can star a favorite question or answer. 

8. Fluther

Fluther is another Q&A forum. Its motto is “Tap the Collective.” There’s a string of recently asked questions on the homepage along with a giant “Ask Anything” button for users to add their own questions to the mix. 

On Fluther, questions are split into two categories: General and Social. A general question is meant to get factual, straightforward answers. People responding to general questions must follow strict guidelines. A social question is more relaxed and allows respondents to provide their opinion. 

9. Ask.fm

Mostly used by the younger generation, Ask.fm is set up like a social media channel where users ask questions about each other openly or anonymously. The site started in 2010 and is headquartered in Latvia. While the site has a smaller base of users than others on this list, it is growing quickly. 

Before any questions can be asked, you must create an account that’s similar to the profile you’d create for Facebook. With a profile created, users are free to browse the questions, interact with users, and ask questions to the community. 

10. Ask.com

Ask.com gives people a chance to pose questions and get responses easily. Just pop a question into the search bar and you’ll get immediate results. This site operates more like a search engine. On this site, people don’t respond to questions; instead, a variety of articles and resources pop up that should provide an answer. 

This site has been around for a long time too. This site was formerly known as Ask Jeeves. When the site was sold in the early 2000s, the name changed to Ask.com, but its purpose remains the same. 

11. JustAnswer

Most of the sites on this list provide a community of people willing to answer questions, but how do you know if any of the people who respond are experts? JustAnswer has 12,000 verified experts on its site, which have all gone through an eight-step quality process to ensure their knowledge and level of expertise.

To get this kind of expertise, you’ll have to pay for it. To join JustAnswer, you’ll pay $74 a month. For that price, you ask a question and are matched with an expert whom you can talk, text, or chat with. Members can have an unlimited number of conversations and have access to experts 24/7.

12. Experts Exchange

Got a tech question? There’s a specific community that handles tech-based questions called Experts Exchange. This site pre-dates Yahoo! Answers as it started in 1996. The site boasts 3.9 million solutions for tech problems. Get answers on everything from databases and DevOps to Python and Powerpoint.

Like JustAnswer, to get this niche level of expertise, there’s a cost. Plans start at $19.99 and go up based on the features you’d like.  

Yahoo! Answers might be leaving the online world, but there are still plenty of sites that provide a Q&A forum. Some sites are simply Q&A boards where questions are asked and answered, while others provide access to more specific, expert advice. While many of the alternatives to Yahoo! Answers are free to use, there are a few that charge a monthly membership fee. The list above should provide enough guidance to find a site that’s right for your specific needs. 

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The database is overseen by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available to anyone with an internet connection. 

Typically investors, company owners, or those looking to acquire or invest in businesses will use the provided tools to evaluate and analyze the company’s provided data. 

What is EDGAR?

EDGAR is a government database that holds millions of company filings from corporations, money market funds, ETFs, and variable annuities from insurance companies. 

EDGAR started in 1984 as a pilot project by the SEC. The goal of the project was to replace the old-school process of distributing and filing SEC paperwork. This pilot program has gradually expanded over the years. Since 1996, companies have been required to submit all electronic documents via EDGAR.

Over the last 30 plus years, the SEC’s EDGAR database has grown into a massive database with tens of millions of public filing documents. It currently serves over 3,000 new filings per day, and over 40,000 new companies filing documents every single year. 

Once the documents are filed, they become publicly available to anyone with a computer and internet connection. 

Access to the EDGAR system is entirely free and all the database information is entirely available to the public.

Types of Information EDGAR Can Uncover

EDGAR contains many different types of filing documents you can access. There are nearly 400 different types of SEC filings done via EDGAR every single year. 

The range of filings varies widely including, company exemption requests, audited financial statements, quarterly public reports, and more. 

Here are the most common form types you can find with EDGAR:

• Form 10-Q. These are quarterly public reports that include company financial statements, quarterly results, and management discussions.
• Form 10-K. These are annual reports by publicly held companies, and also includes audited financial statements and discussions from the results of the previous year. 
• Form 8-K. These reports include information about significant events that may affect the corporation and its investors and need to be disclosed before the next quarterly report. 
• Proxy statements. These are reports to shareholders about events that will be put to a vote in the next shareholder meeting. 

Shareholder Meetings

Mutual funds, public companies, and ETFs must send proxy statements out to shareholders. These statements describe the matters which will be voted on in the meetings and include compensation information.  

Executive Compensation

Domestic public companies must disclose how the CEO and other highly paid executives are compensated, and explain the process by how the board and executive are compensated. 

Insider Transactions

Corporate officers, insiders, directors, and those that hold more than 10 percent of the company’s equity securities must disclose the holdings and transactions of those securities. 

Beneficial Ownership Interest

Individual people or groups that acquire more than five percent of a public company voting securities must disclose their holdings. Companies also regularly disclose who their majority shareholders are, along with investment managers, mutual funds, and more. 

Business Combinations

This describes how a merger or acquisition is structured. There will be different types of forms available depending on the type of transaction. 

Public Offerings

There are a variety of public offering statements that a company must file before its initial public offering. This includes a registration statement, prospectus, SEC correspondence, and more. 

Securities-based Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a way to raise money from a large number of contributors or from small individual investments.  Companies who raise money this way need to file on EDGAR.

Regulation A Offering

Regulation A lets companies raising up to $50 million in the next 12 months to offer securities to the public with more limited disclosure. This usually leads to another filing before an initial public offering.

Foreign Private Issuers

These are companies that were either organized or formed outside of the US. These companies may need to file certain SEC forms that traditional public companies need to file. 

Mutual Funds and ETFs

Mutual funds and ETFs are required to file similar forms that public companies do. However, they may also need to file different forms than money market forms file. 

Variable Annuities

Variable Annuities will make similar filings as ETFs and mutual funds. To view these forms search and filter by the marketing name of the variable annuity contract. 

Exhibits

A variety of exhibits are required in filings and can include a variety of documents and forms, like material agreements, financial statements, presentations, company bylaws, and more.  

EDGAR Search Term Breakdown

There are multiple methods of conducting searches and filtering results. These terms will help you use and navigate the tool:

• Company name. The full name of the company. 
• Company ticker symbol. The stock symbol that’s an arrangement of letters to represent the company. 
• Mutual fund. A company that’s a collection of various holdings like stocks, bonds, and other assets. 
• ETF. A bundle of investments that trades similar to a stock. 
• Insurance annuities. Insurance contracts that provide an investment vehicle for the company. 

How to Use EDGAR

EDGAR is completely free to use. Investors and business owners can get access to the EDGAR database via the SEC home page to make better investment decisions. 

There’s no need to register or create an account either. The database has a search feature, which allows you to search via a company name or ticker symbol. The most recent results are displayed first.

To see the previous documents that have been filed, all you have to do is choose the filing that you’re interested in from the company’s previous filings. 

The documents filed on EDGAR can be viewed in plain text or HTML format. You can also print out these documents to compile into physical reports. 

However, the format for EDGAR filing documents is consistently evolving, as there’s a growing requirement for businesses to file using Inline extensive Business Reporting Language. This makes it much easier for the data to be analyzed and read by software. 

Instead of having to comb through detailed reports and basic text, you can get insights into the data much faster. 

Researching Investments in EDGAR

The EDGAR database provides you with access to financial information about public companies. You can use this database to review all of the information they provide to the SEC.

Beyond public company information, you can also lookup mutual funds, money market funds, variable annuities, and ETFs.

There are two different ways you can access this information. 

You can use this web portal to take you directly to the tool, or search via the www.SEC.gov website, then use one of the following methods: 

1. Search for a public company by typing in the company name or their ticker symbol into the search bar.
2. Search for a mutual fund, variable annuity, or ETF using the mutual fund and variable annuities tools, which are optimized for searching through these funds. 

There are more advanced company search tools that are available as well, such as keyword and phrase search, Boolean search, and more.

There are a variety of different searches you can conduct within EDGAR including:

• EDGAR full-text search. This lets you search using specific keywords from over 20 years of EDGAR filings.
• Use Boolean and advanced searches. These let you apply conditional logic to your searches and perform advanced search functions.
• Search EDGAR company records. This lets you search through individual company records.
• Search EDGAR mutual fund records. This lets you search through mutual fund records.
• Search EDGAR variable annuities from insurance companies. This lets you search through insurance annuity records.

Here are the types of filters you can apply to your search results: 

• A company’s latest filings and date of the filing
• A company’s central index key number (CIK number)
• Type of industry classification (SIC)
• Key mutual fund disclosures
• Mutual fund voting records
• Daily filings by type of filing
• Confidential treatment orders
• EDGAR correspondence
• Historical EDGAR documents

SEC EDGAR FAQ

Do you have to be a business owner to access EDGAR?

No, EDGAR is a database that is entirely open to the public. All that’s required is an internet connection. 

Are the EDGAR reports the same as annual shareholder reports?

There is overlap between the two. But, in general, a company’s annual report is a simplified version of the forms you’ll find in EDGAR. 

What types of companies are available on EDGAR?

Any public company that’s required to file with the SEC regulatory body will be available on EDGAR. You’ll also find mutual funds, ETFs, and variable annuities. 

What can you use the EDGAR information for?

You can use the information available through EDGAR for any purpose. However, the most common is to help inform investment decisions and other types of business or market analysis. 

Additional EDGAR Resources

• Using EDGAR to Research Investments. An Investor.gov resource to research investments on EDGAR.
• Telephone Support for EDGAR filers. Contact and telephone information for EDGAR filers.
• EDGAR RSS feeds. These RSS feeds contain links and metadata for EDGAR XBRL documents.

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If 2020 was rough on you due to the COVID pandemic, it’s even more important to think about what you can change or add to your life going into the new year. 

If you’re stuck on choosing the best New year’s resolutions for you, then let the list below inform your decision. At least you know you won’t be alone when you choose one of the top New Year’s resolutions to guide your new year. 

New Year’s Resolution Statistics

• People are most likely to give up resolutions by January 19th
• Around 16% of Americans keep some of their resolutions
• Around 13% of Americans keep none of their resolutions
• Nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail across the board
• The most common excuses for why resolutions fail include lacking willpower, forgetting, and being too lazy
• The most popular resolutions every year include, eating healthier, being more active, and managing finances better

Top New Year’s Resolutions of 2023

Below you’ll find some of the top New Year’s resolution ideas for the upcoming year that you can choose to help make 2023 your best year yet.

Eat Healthier

Eating healthier tops the New Year’s resolution list every year. With more than two-thirds of Americans considered overweight or obese it’s no surprise that having healthier eating habits is something people want to pick up to start living their best life.

The start of the year is a great time to get rid of the holiday flab and give yourself a fresh start with new eating habits. This doesn’t mean you need to give up sweets forever, but instead make small dietary changes until eating healthy becomes second nature. 

Exercise More

In the same vein as healthy habits, getting more exercise is another popular wellness-based New Year’s resolution. At the start of the New Year, gym memberships soar, only to trickle out as the year goes on.

To improve your physical health it’s important to build up the health and fitness habit and not just rely on willpower alone. You can even start with a new routine of walking for one hour a day and slowly build up to different kinds of fitness. 

Lose Weight

Weight loss is a byproduct of eating healthier and exercising more. It may even be the main motivation for your healthy eating and exercise resolutions.

However, exercise alone won’t get you to your goal. Your diet may play a bigger role in weight loss than the kind of exercise you do.

The important thing with weight loss is to view it as a marathon, not a sprint. Your goal is to slowly lose weight over the year by changing how you eat and move. Not to go on a crash diet, only to rebound to the same weight you were at before. 

Get Finances in Order

After holiday spending, most people want to get on top of their finances in the New Year. Some people want to finally get out of debt, while others want to save more, or even earn more. 

The important thing is to get specific: set a budget, track your spending, and create a savings goal. Getting on top of your finances is a habit, just like any other. 

Learn a New Skill

A lot of New Year’s resolutions are about breaking bad habits or taking things out of your life, like weight or debt. However, some common resolutions are about self-improvement, like learning a new skill, language, or picking up a new hobby.

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill, now is the time to start. 

Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most common bad habits to drop in the new year. There are all kinds of tools to help you through the process including nicotine replacement products, prescriptions, and more. Plus, quitting smoking goes a long way towards improving your overall health, including reducing your risk of heart disease. 

It’s important not to get discouraged if you fail the first time around. Every time you attempt to quit smoking to close you get towards quitting for good.

Read More Books

Reading more books is a perennial New Year’s resolution. A great way to start reading is to pick out books that align with your other resolutions like, fitness, weight loss, or a new hobby or skill.

The best way to make reading a habit is to make it part of your day by reading before you go to bed every night, or first thing when you wake up. 

Drink More Water

Drinking more water is a simple habit you can introduce to improve your well-being, but it’s one thing most people don’t do enough of. 

Learning to drink more water is like any other habit, where it’s better to start small. For example, you can start by replacing one of your daily beverages with a glass of water, or drink a glass of water every morning as soon as you wake up.

It can also be helpful to invest in a refillable water bottle that you can bring with you. It’s much easier to drink water if it’s constantly available. 

Drink Less Alcohol

A lot of people plan to quit drinking alcohol in the new year. Whether it’s imbibing too much during the holidays or wanting to quit or cut back for other reasons–the New Year is the perfect time to start. 

Like other things you’re trying to quit (junk food, coffee, etc…) it’s easier to quit in stages, rather than going cold turkey. 

When quitting alcohol it’s important to find a supportive community, whether online or in person, and consider taking up a new hobby to fill your time and give you something else to focus on. 

Get Organized

Getting organized or decluttering is a great goal for the new year and one that has tangible results you can measure.

There are all kinds of things you can organize in your life:

• Your emails and digital life
• Your bedroom
• Your kitchen
• Your garage and storage space
• Your finances

Like most resolutions, the best thing to do is start small. So, if you want to organize your room then start with a single dresser or closet. The more you accomplish, the easier it’ll be to sustain that momentum until every part of your life is organized. 

Spend Time with Family

It’s easy to get wrapped up with work and life, leaving little time for family and loved ones. After spending time with loved ones over the holiday season a lot of people report wanting to continue this into the new year with a resolution.

Plus, spending time with friends and loved ones can be great for your health. Set aside time each week to call, or meet up with a family member. If they live far away, then schedule a small trip to visit them. 

Stop Procrastinating

Picking up a new hobby, habit, or getting things done in the New Year requires taking action. One of the biggest obstacles to this is procrastination, which is why it’s a great resolution to have in accordance with other goals. 

Here are some tips for avoiding procrastination:

• Break your goal down into small pieces
• Create a to-do list tied to a schedule
• Do a small 5-minute task related to your goal
• Dig into the reason why you’re procrastinating in the first place
• Make your to-do list smaller, instead of overwhelming yourself with tasks to accomplish

Travel More

The coronavirus pandemic has caused people to press pause on most existing travel plans. But, with things most likely returning to some semblance of normal in 2023, traveling more is now an achievable resolution.

If you want to travel more in 2023, it’s time to start planning now. Be specific about where and when you want to go. The more specific you can get about your travels, the more likely they are to happen.

Keep in mind, you also don’t have to go far to travel. Chances are there are plenty of places to explore within your city, state, or within driving distance that you haven’t seen before.  

Break Digital Addiction

Cell phone and social media addiction are very real. The average person touches their cell phone over 2,600 times per day. With more people stuck inside than ever before this number has only grown. 

There are a lot of ways you can break this addiction, or at least reduce your time spent on your devices. For starters, you can get rid of your smartphone and use an older-generation phone. 

But, for those who don’t want to give up their phones entirely, there are other solutions like:

• Turning off all phone notifications
• Deleting your distracting apps
• Installing a blocker that allows you to use certain apps during a set period

Get More Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors in having a healthy life, but nearly one in three people report not getting enough sleep. The average amount of hours of sleep per night differs depending on the individual, but the (link) recommends between six to eight hours of sleep per night.

To get a more restful night’s sleep you need to improve your sleep habits and overall environment. Some positive routines to enhance your sleep include:

• Going to bed at the same time every night
• Avoid screens an hour before bedtime
• Avoid drinking caffeine past noon
• Create a bedroom that’s comfortable and free from distractions

Reduce Stress

It’s no secret that stress is a silent killer. It’s no wonder that reducing stress remains a popular New Year’s resolution. There are a ton of things you can do to reduce stress, even other resolutions on this list will help, like exercise, drinking less, and eating healthy. 

You can even pick up a new habit, like meditation or journaling. Even just ten minutes a day is enough to help reduce stress across the board and improve mental health. 

Floss Consistently

It’s easy to remember to brush your teeth twice a day. But, the process of flossing every day is much different. Most people will start to floss regularly following a dentist appointment, but this is followed by returning to old non-flossing habits. 

However, flossing is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good dental health and avoiding costly dental bills. 

The key with flossing (and any other new habit), is to start small and work your way up to a daily habit. Even just sticking to the goal of flossing once per week will be enough to start moving in the right direction. 

Another trick is to always keep floss in other areas than your bathroom, like your living room, office, or car. That way you can floss when you’re watching TV, sitting in traffic, or in between work calls. 

The post Top New Year’s Resolutions of 2023 first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

After completing and passing the GED, students can list it on job applications and college applications. 

To help students complete their GED, which many people refer to as a high school equivalency test, they might consider using a prep course. A prep course can provide study materials and practice tests in one online portal, making it easy to study. 

For those thinking about prep classes, we’ve created this guide that explores everything you should know about the process. We’ll cover: 

•   What’s on the GED?
•   How is the GED scored?
•   Why do you need a GED prep course?
•   Who needs a GED prep course?
•   Things to consider before selecting a GED prep course
•   How to choose a GED prep course
•   Frequently Asked Questions About the GED
•   The best GED prep courses to consider

What’s on the GED?

The GED is a high school equivalency exam that tests a student’s academic skills. Before thinking about a prep course, students should know what the test covers. 

The GED has four different subjects: Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. 

The GED is a standardized test, which means it’s taken at a test center with a proctor present. The GED is a fairly long test. It takes about 7.5 hours to complete it.  

How is the GED scored?

The GED is scored by section. A student can earn between 100-200 points on each section. To pass, a student must earn at least 145 points on all four of the subjects for a total of at least 580 points. The highest score is 800. 

Each subject must be passed individually. However, students don’t have to take all four sections at the same time, and can always retake the section that they failed – without having to do the entire test over again. 

Once all four sections have a passing grade, a student will earn a GED credential, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma.  

Why do you need a GED prep course?

For anyone considering a GED prep course, there are several reasons to go through with one. Here’s a look at why people opt for a prep course:

If school hasn’t been part of your routine for years

Adults that have full-time jobs and have been away from school for years may want to consider a GED prep course. The courses can serve as a refresher and help you pass the test the first time. 

To pass the test and be done

Ideally, anyone who takes the exam will take it once, pass it, and be done with it. If you don’t study, you might be able to do that, but your odds of success go up if you use a prep course. 

There are free options

There are free GED resources and prep classes available online. If there are resources out there that can help you achieve your goal for free, why not use them?

Access resources in one place

There are many GED books, study guides, articles, and tips online, but it takes time to find them all. Rather than spend time searching for helpful content, a prep course has everything all in one place. When you have time to study, log in, do a little work, and move on with your day. The convenience factor for a GED prep course shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Check out our roundup of the Best College Scholarships

Who needs a GED prep course?

For students wondering if a prep course is right for them, here’s who typically takes the courses: 

Students looking to score well

For students looking to pass all four sections the first time and earn a good score, a prep course is ideal. 

Students who struggle with tests

There are some students who simply aren’t good test-takers. Rather than shy away from this test, students who get test-day jitters say preparing for the exam calms their anxiety and gives them a chance to focus on the task at hand. 

Students who are willing to do the work

Prep courses require students to set aside time to study. Attending classes is part of the process, but working at home is part of the process too. 

Things to consider before selecting a GED prep course

When you’re ready to select a GED prep course, here’s what to consider: 

Commitment level

To get the most out of a prep course, students have to put in the work. Going to class or attending an online course is just the start, students will have homework and will need to study. 

Schedules

A prep course takes time, so people with busy schedules may find courses that fit within their needs. People who take the GED are at different points in their lives. Some are teenagers while others are adults with full-time jobs and a family. A person’s life and responsibilities should guide the type of prep course selected.

Budget

The cost of prep courses varies. There are some free online resources that students enjoy and there are professional companies that specialize in prep courses that charge a few hundred dollars. As you research different options, be sure to explore the cost of each course. 

How to choose a GED prep course

There’s a lot of test prep resources out there, but for those who are ready to commit to a prep course, here’s what you should look for: 

Pick a format

While there are some in-person GED classes, most of them are online or on-demand. What kind of learning format is best for you? How do you learn best? By knowing the answer to these questions, students can search for the right solution. 

Free or paid classes?

There are some free GED study materials online and there are also more convenient online portals that offer lessons, practice exams, and other materials all in one place. Consider whether or not you want to pay for lessons or if you want to find free resources. 

Look of a course that’s easy to navigate

Everyone is busy, the last thing you need is to spend time looking for resources rather than actually using them. As you explore different options, look for sites that are easy to navigate. If there’s a way to try a platform for free for a limited time, do it. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the GED

For those new to the world of GED testing, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:

Can a GED help a student get into college?

Yes. Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States accept the GED.

How much does it cost to take the GED?

Students do have to pay to the GED. The cost varies by state. Usually, states charge a certain amount per subject. Florida, for example, charges $32 for each subject. The total cost of the entire exam is $128. If a Florida student needs to retake a subject, he or she only pays $32.

Where can students sign up for the GED?

To find a testing center near you and schedule an exam, visit Pearson Vue Network, a GED testing service.

Can a student take the exam online?

No. Standardized tests like the GED are administered at a testing center to make sure no one cheats. 

What should a student bring to the exam?

Students need a photo ID that contains your name and date of birth on it. This information should match the information given to the testing center when you registered for the exam.

If a student fails certain subjects, can he or she retake the exam?

Yes. Students can retake each subject up to three times in one year. You won’t have to retake the entire exam, just the subjects that didn’t receive a passing score. 

The best GED prep courses to consider

For students planning to take a GED prep course, there’s a lot of choices to sift through. To help narrow the search, here’s a list of the best GED prep courses to consider:

1. Essential Education

• Price: Starting at $19 a month
• Format: Online learning materials
• Best for: People with a busy life and hectic schedule

Essential Education offers easy-to-understand lessons. Students will take a practice test to start, which identifies the areas to focus on. The practice test helps students focus on areas they need to improve, rather than on the subject areas they do well on. 

After the practice test, students get a personalized learning plan. The lessons are bite-sized to make it easy to squeeze a lesson in before dinner or while you’re waiting at the doctor’s office, for example.

If students are willing to put in the time, Essential Education says you’ll pass the GED – no sweat. 

The cost to enroll in this program is $19 a month. Once you’re done with the program, cancel your enrollment. Set a calendar reminder to cancel the programs so you don’t forget and pay more than should.  

2. BestGEDClasses.org

• Price: Free
• Format: Online learning materials
• Best for: Students on a budget

BestGEDClasses.org offers a free resource center that gives students access to practice tests, quizzes, and interactive lessons. The lessons are short, video lessons with quizzes that follow. A written transcript of the videos is also included. 

The program is designed for students to study 30 minutes two times a week at their own pace. After completing the lessons and passing the readiness exam, students can schedule their GED test at a testing center. 

This resource is free. While it’s not as user-friendly as other others, it does have all of the necessary materials in one place and, again, it has an affordable price – free. 

3. Ged.com

• Price: $129
• Format: In-person, online, on-demand
• Best for: Students who want structured classes

Ged.com offers classes in-person, online, and on-demand. To find GED classes in an area near you, the site offers a search function to locate classrooms. GED.com has an online class called GED Live, which has 60-minute classes that focus on all four subjects. All of the study materials are available online and on mobile devices too.  

The cost of the online classes is $129 and gives students access to the platform for 90 days.

4. Study.com

• Format: Video lessons
• Best for: Students who want a refresher

Study.com has several GED test preparation courses. The most popular option is the $59.99 plan with 79,000 video lessons, 60,000 quizzes, and practice tests.

The platform organizes video lessons by subject so students can pick which subjects to work more on and which ones need a little less attention. All of the video lessons are taught by professional teachers and are meant to provide both educational value and entertainment to your study space. 

The post Best GED Prep Courses (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

While there are some schools that have decided to become “test-optional,” most schools not only require a student to take the test but to get a certain score. Essentially, a student’s chance to go to their dream school could come down to a test score. 

It explains why 2.2 million students took the exam in 2019, according to the College Board.

Given the importance of these standardized tests, a growing number of students opt to take a prep course to give them the tools and strategies needed to score well. 

For those thinking about prep classes, we’ve created this guide that explores everything you should know about the process. We’ll cover: 

• What’s on the SAT?
• What’s on the ACT?
• How are the SAT and ACT scored?
• ACT/SAT statistics
• Why do you need an ACT/SAT prep course?
• Who needs an ACT/SAT prep course?
• Things to consider before selecting an ACT/SAT prep course
• How to choose an ACT/SAT prep course
• Frequently Asked Questions About ACT/SAT
• The best ACT/SAT prep courses to consider

What’s on the SAT?

This college entrance exam has three main areas: Critical reading, math, and writing with an optional essay. The timed test is administered on a computer at a testing center and takes almost 4 hours to complete if the essay is completed. 

What’s on the ACT?

The ACT has four subject sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. It’s also administered on a computer at a testing center. The test is timed and takes about 3 hours to complete.

How are the SAT and ACT scored?

The SAT is based on a 1600-point scale with math and reading adhering to this point system. The optional essay is graded separately. 

The ACT is based on a 36-point scale.

ACT/SAT statistics

As a primer to ACT/SAT prep courses, it’s important to understand a few things about the exams. Here’s a look at how many students take the exams, average scores, and how retaking the exam improves scores:

• Just over 2.2 million students took the SAT in 2019, an increase of 4% over the previous year, according to the College Board.
• The average SAT score is 1070 out of 1600, according to PrepScholar.
• The average ACT score is 20.8 out of 36, according to PrepScholar.
• When juniors retake the SAT as seniors, 35% see a marked increase in their score, according to CollegeRaptor.
• When juniors retake the ACT as seniors, 57% see a marked increase in their score, according to CollegeRaptor.

Why do you need an ACT/SAT prep course?

For students or parents considering an ACT/SAT prep course, there are several reasons to go through with one. Here’s a look at why people opt for a prep course: 

Higher scores

One of the biggest reasons for taking a preparation course is to get a better score. Since these exams are looked at by most colleges, having a good score could be the difference between getting into a school or not. 

Research shows students who enroll in a prep course score 56 points higher on the exams than those who don’t take a course, according to CollegeRaptor. 

Many prep courses offer score guarantees as well. 

Test structure

The SAT and ACT tests are unlike any other test a student takes. A prep course gives students the chance to see what a test could look like, what sections it’s broken into, and how it feels to take one. Without the course, students taking the test have no idea what to expect. 

Test strategy

Prep courses provide test-taking strategies to help students do well. It’s more than a study group, the courses give students study guides, strategies based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and even discusses how to make an educated guess when a student can’t figure out the answer to a particular question. 

Take practice exams

Nothing prepares students for the real thing like taking a practice exam. During prep courses, students will take exams so they’re familiar with them. 

Room to practice and ask questions

As a student works through the program, he or she has the ability to focus on problem areas, ask questions, and get advice. Practice tests will help identify areas to work on. 

Calculator use

Today’s students use a complicated graphing calculator for the SAT/ACT tests and the prep courses can help students maximize their use. 

Check out our roundup of the Best College Scholarships

Who needs an ACT/SAT prep course?

For students wondering if a prep course is right them, here’s who typically takes the courses: 

Students looking to score well

Whether your dream school requires a certain test score or you just want to do well to have as many options as possible, a prep course is for you. 

Students who struggle with tests

There are some students who simply aren’t good test-takers. Rather than shy away from this test, students who get test-day jitters say preparing for the exam calms their anxiety and gives them a chance to focus on the task at hand. 

Students who are willing to do the work

Prep courses require students to set aside time to study. Attending classes is part of the process, but working at home is part of the process too. 

Things to consider before selecting an ACT/SAT prep course

When you’re ready to select an ACT/SAT prep course, here’s what to consider: 

Commitment level

To get the most out of a prep course, students have to put in the work. Going to class or attending an online course is just the start, students will have homework and will need to study. 

Schedules

A prep course takes time, so students with busy schedules may need to make changes to accommodate prep courses. It might mean better time management skills or it might mean eliminating an extracurricular activity.

In-person or online courses

There’s a variety of ACT/SAT prep courses available. Some are scheduled, in-class courses with homework assignments that could last up to ten weeks, others are online and give students the chance to learn at their own pace. Students can also opt for private tutoring sessions as one of their prep options. 

Budget

The cost of prep courses varies. There are some free online resources that students enjoy and there are professional companies that specialize in prep courses. Courses can be expensive, some up to $2000. However, the average cost is usually around $500.

How to choose an ACT/SAT prep course

There’s a lot of test prep resources out there, but for those who are ready to commit to a prep course, here’s what you should look for: 

Small class sizes

Small class sizes give students the opportunity for more individualized attention and the ability to ask more questions. Look for courses that have class sizes of 12 or fewer. 

Teacher expertise

The best teachers are those with extensive knowledge of the test. Ideally, the teacher has many, many prep courses under his or her belt already. Taking a course taught by the high school chemistry teacher or using an online resource where a teacher’s history is unknown, probably won’t provide the results students are looking for. 

Study materials

The test prep course should come with high-quality study materials. Everything from a textbook, practice questions, full-length practice tests, study guides, and vocabulary flashcards should be part of the course. Students should be able to access specific homework assignments based on their needs as well. 

Guaranteed results

Prep courses should provide some sort of guaranteed results. Usually, there’s a score guarantee or a point improvement guarantee, like a guarantee that a student’s SAT score will improve by 50 points, for example. 

If students go through the course and don’t achieve the guaranteed results, they’ll usually get their money back. 

Positive reviews from students

While researching different options, be sure to read through the reviews. Every course has a negative review or two, but overall look for positive reviews from students, parents, and even teachers. 

Frequently Asked Questions About ACT/SAT

For those new to the world of ACT tests and SAT tests, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:

When do students take the PSAT?

The PSAT is a practice SAT and is usually taken during sophomore year.

When do students take the ACT/SAT?

Students in their freshman year can take the exam, but most students take it during the spring of their junior year. If a student isn’t happy with their test score, he or she has time to retake the exam in their senior year. 

How many times are the tests offered?

Every year, the SAT and the ACT are offered seven times. The SAT is offered in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. The ACT is offered in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.

How many times can you take the exams?

Students can take the ACT up to 12 times, although most people take it 1-3 times. Students can take the SAT as many times as they want, but again, usually, students take it 1-3 times.

When should you schedule an exam after taking a prep course?

Ideally, a student will schedule the exam for the week following the prep course. Most courses are scheduled in advance of test dates so students can move from the class to the test without much delay. 

The best ACT/SAT prep courses available 

For students planning to take a GMAT prep course, there’s a lot of choices to sift through. To help narrow the search, here’s a list of the best GMAT prep courses to consider:

1. Kaplan

• Price: $499 in-person, $499 live online, $99 on-demand
• Format: In-person, on-demand, or online

Kaplan is a recognized name in the test-prep industry with highly regarded programs and teachers who all score in the 90th percentile of the SAT.

The course offers 18 hours of “classroom time” and an additional 30 hours of online classes that students can use at their leisure. The courses can be in-person, live-online, or on-demand.  

The study resources range from eight different practice tests to online quizzes and additional instructions.

The company does claim to raise SAT scores but doesn’t offer a specific point guarantee. Class sizes can be big, up to 50 students. 

2. The Princeton Review SAT Ultimate Classroom

• Price: $599
• Format: In-person, live online instruction

Another well-known name in the industry, The Princeton Review is known for its quality classes and high success rates. The course actually covers both ACT and SAT prep, which is an added value. 

The classes provide 18-hours of instruction of in-person instruction or live online instruction. 

The class has great study materials offered online with materials tailored to each student’s needs. The course also has three, proctored practice exams.

The company does not offer any kind of score guarantee. 

3. PrepScholar Classes

• Price: $895
• Format: Online

PrepScholar classes are live, online classes with a virtual classroom setting. Classes for  SAT and ACT are available. The classes look like a traditional classroom in the sense that students are all there together, they raise their hand to ask questions, and talk with a teacher just like they would in a formal classroom. 

Class sizes are capped at nine students and taught by experienced teachers. 

This course offers a 160+ point score increase. If that’s not achieved, students get their money back.

The classes last 2-5 weeks, includes study guides, and a diagnostics test that accesses a student’s strengths and weaknesses. 

4. PrepExpert

• Price: Starting at $799
• Format: Online instruction

PrepExpert is a fairly new course offered to students looking to improve their test scores, but their curriculum receives great reviews from students. The company also offers a 200-point increase in SAT scores and a 4-point increase in ACT scores, which is some of the highest score guarantees available in the industry.

The company mostly offers online class instruction, with a few in-person courses available in Las Vegas and Princeton. 

The courses are either three weeks or six weeks long.

5. PowerScore Test Prep

• Price: $495
• Format: Online instruction

PowerScore Test Prep has only ACT prep classes available and they’re all online instruction. The course has 24 hours of instruction, which is higher than many others offer, and a test score point guarantee. Students using this course are guaranteed to raise their ACT scores by 4 points. 

There is a small, more condensed version of this class available too for less money, about $350. This course is one of the cheapest options we found online.

The courses aren’t live, so there’s no face-to-face interaction with teachers or students and the study resources are a bit more limited compared to other programs listed. 

6. ACT Online prep

• Price: $40
• Format: Online learning resources

For people looking for additional help studying, but not necessarily course, ACT Online Prep is a good choice. For $40 students get access to practice tests and study materials that they can use at their leisure. 

7. ePrep SAT Courses

• Price: $129
• Format: Video instruction

Much like the ACT Online Prep mentioned above, ePrep SAT Courses offers video instructions that students can use to self-prepare for the exam. The video courses are broken into small, digestible pieces that encourage students to set a certain pace for completion. The two-month course is $129. Longer classes are more expensive.

The post Best ACT/SAT Prep Courses (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

The post Best GMAT Prep Courses (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

Since the test is customized for people who want to enter a specific career, the number of people who take this particular test is fairly low. About 100,000 to 150,000 people take it each year across the country, according to AdmissionsDean, compared to 2+ million who take the SAT annually.

The LSAT is an advanced exam, which is why many people take a prep course to get ready for it.  

For those thinking about prep classes, we’ve created this guide that explores everything you should know about the process. We’ll cover: 

• What’s on the LSAT?
• How is the LSAT scored?
• Why do you need an LSAT prep course?
• Who needs an LSAT prep course?
• Things to consider before selecting an LSAT prep course
• How to choose an LSAT prep course
• Frequently asked questions about the LSAT
• The best LSAT prep courses to consider

What’s on the LSAT?

Before diving into an LSAT prep course, students should have an idea of what the test structure is and what subjects are tested. Here’s a look at what’s on the LSAT and the weight each section has on your total score. 

• Two Logical Reasoning sections, worth 50% of your total score 
• Reading Comprehension, worth 27% of your total score 
• Logic Games, worth 23% of your total score 
• LSAT Experimental Section 
• LSAT Writing Section 

The Experimental Section is a section of experimental questions that test makers are trying out on students. While it helps shape the future of the exam, your responses to these questions aren’t scored. 

The Writing Section of the LSAT isn’t scored either but it is sent to colleges and can be weighed during the admissions process. For that reason, students should work hard to create an essay that helps them stand out. 

How is the LSAT scored?

LSAT scores range between 120-180. When scores are received, students will see their total score along with a percentage that tells them where they rank among other test-takers. 

Why do you need an LSAT prep course?

For students considering an LSAT prep course, there are several reasons to go through with one. Here’s a look at why people opt for a prep course: 

Score improvement

Getting into law school is no easy feat, and the admissions team looks heavily at LSAT scores. To make sure you have a score that helps gain access to the law school of your choice, a prep course can help. 

See what the test looks and feels like

To take the LSAT without any knowledge of the test would be a mistake. A prep course can help students understand what the test consists of, what question types are in each section, and how it feels to take a timed-test like this. 

Practice

With the help of a prep class, students can take practice tests and feel comfortable and ready on the exam day.

Test strategy skills

The test is timed, so people have to make the best use of the time given for each section. A course can help students use their time wisely, and also provide other helpful strategies like how to make educated guesses on challenging questions. 

Check out our roundup of the Best College Scholarships

Who needs an LSAT prep course?

For students wondering if a prep course is right for them, here’s who typically takes the courses: 

Students looking to score well

Whether your dream school requires a certain test score or you just want to do well to have as many options as possible, a prep course is for you. 

Students who struggle with tests

There are some students who simply aren’t good test-takers. Rather than shy away from this test, students who get test-day jitters say preparing for the exam calms their anxiety and gives them a chance to focus on the task at hand. 

Students who are willing to do the work

Prep courses require students to set aside time to study. Attending classes is part of the process, but working at home is part of the process too. 

Things to consider before selecting an LSAT prep course

When you’re ready to select an LSAT prep course, here’s what to consider: 

Commitment level

To get the most out of a prep course, students have to put in the work. Going to class or attending an online course is just the start, students will have homework and will need to study. 

Schedules

A prep course takes time, so students with busy schedules may need to make changes to accommodate prep courses. It might mean better time management skills or it might mean eliminating an extracurricular activity.

In-person or online courses

There’s a variety of ACT/SAT prep courses available. Some are scheduled classroom courses with homework assignments that could last up to ten weeks, others are online and give students the chance to learn at their own pace. Students can also opt for private tutoring sessions as one of their prep options. 

Budget

The cost of prep courses varies. There are some free online resources that students enjoy and there are professional companies that specialize in prep courses. Courses can be expensive, some up to $2000. However, the average cost is usually around $500.

How to choose an LSAT prep course

There’s a lot of test prep resources out there, but for those who are ready to commit to a prep course, here’s what you should look for: 

A course that promises to raise your score

A test prep course that offers a score improvement guarantee shows the company’s confidence in its preparation materials. For anyone who’s looking to get into elite law schools or a school with a high score requirement, this kind of guarantee can help narrow down the right course for you. 

Lessons in a format that works for you

Do you prefer on-demand video lessons or would you get more out of a class that’s taught in-person? LSAT classes have a wide variety of lesson formats. Before beginning your search, know what kind of teaching method you want. 

Cost weighed against materials

What kind of course materials are you getting for the cost? As students research different prep courses, they’ll quickly realize that the cost of some of the courses are quite high. Courses can cost more than $1000. By contrast, there are LSAT preparation choices that are only a few hundred dollars. Students have to look at what kind of resources are available for the price. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the LSAT

For those new to the world of GRE testing, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:

When should students take the LSAT?

Many law schools have an application deadline in February, so the test should be taken before then. Some schools have an earlier deadline though, so it’s important to check individual schools of interest. 

How much does it cost to take the LSAT?

The registration fee for the LSAT is $180.

How many times can the LSAT be taken?

Students can take the exam three times over the course of two years.

How much weight do law schools give to the LSAT?

The general rule of thumb for admission requirements to law school is that grades account for roughly 40% of their decision, the LSAT accounts for 50% of their decision, and the remaining 10% is left for recommendations and other personal achievements. 

The best LSAT prep courses to consider

For students planning to take an LSAT prep course, there’s a lot of choices to sift through. To help narrow the search, here’s a list of the best LSAT prep courses to consider:

1. Alpha Score

• Price: Starting at $389
• Format: Video lessons
• Best for: Students on a budget

Alpha Score is an LSAT prep course that offers all of the necessary study tools and practice tests and combines them with 50+ video lessons. The videos have additional controls to speed them up or repeat parts, depending on the student’s aptitude for the lesson. 

Practice tests are given with a virtual proctor to emulate the real thing. Study schedules and other resources are available to keep students motivated. 

This prep course is a no-frills option for students who want to use a prep course to get ready for the exam but aren’t willing to break the bank. 

Their most popular course is $389, which gives students access to all of the course materials for a year. The company offers a free trial as well. 

2. The Princeton Review LSAT

• Price: Starting at $799
• Format: Live online classes, on-demand content
• Best for: Students who need a high score on the exam

The Princeton Review is the gold standard in the prep course industry. This company offers an LSAT prep course that guarantees a score of 165+, which would put a student in the top 90th percentile of test-takers. This kind of score guarantee is rare among LSAT test prep courses.

For those working hard to attend a law school of their dreams, this type of LSAT course is ideal. Their most popular package has scheduled, live online classes with 84 hours of instruction, six full-length practice exams, practice questions, and the most up-to-date LSAT study resources available. This package has it all, but it’s one of the more expensive courses on the market at $1199.

The downside to The Princeton Review is that it doesn’t work on mobile very well. There’s no mobile app to use, so if you like to study on your phone instead of your laptop, keep this in mind as you research test preparation options. 

3. Kaplan LSAT

• Price: Starting at $699
• Format: Live online instruction or on-demand
• Best for: Students who wanted customized learning

Kaplan is another well-respected test prep company with a history of hiring expert instructors who can help students achieve higher scores on tests like the LSAT.

Kaplan’s courses are live online or on-demand and come with 32 hours of instruction and another 180 hours of student material available online. The program boasts “every official LSAT question ever released,” and tools to self-proctor a practice exam when students are ready. 

The course also has a personalization component that focuses on a student’s weak areas and provides additional materials to improve that subject. 

Kaplan’s programs aren’t the most expensive, but they’re not the most affordable either. Their main courses cost about $699.

4. Magoosh LSAT

• Price: Starting at $129
• Format: Video lessons
• Best for: Boot-strapped students

Magoosh LSAT prep courses are straightforward and simple to follow. The company only offers on-demand video lessons but combines them with study materials and remote tutors who can answer questions as needed. Students will find study guides, trusted prep materials, real LSAT questions, and many other helpful tools. 

The company does offer a seven-day free trial with a money-back guarantee, so students can test-drive the course before they buy. 

The company’s content is all accessible on mobile devices too, so studying on a tablet or smartphone is a viable option. 

Magoosh courses are affordable. The three-month LSAT starter course, for example, is $129. The company’s more popular course, with access to materials for a year, is $249.

5. Testmasters

• Price: $1650
• Format: In-person course, online course
• Best for: Students who want in-person classes

Testmasters offers a variety of prep formats including in-person teaching, online courses, and private tutoring. The company excels at in-person classes and relies LSAT experts who scored in the 98th percentile on the exam to teach its students.

For students looking for in-person courses, Testmasters could be your solution. Students will sign up for 60 hours of instruction time and are able to access another 100 hours of content online. There are 20 practice tests, thousands of practice questions and messaging support to answer tough questions while students are studying at home. 

The classes are held in 100 cities across the U.S. and cost $1650. 

6. Powerscore LSAT

• Price: Starting at $195 a month
• Format: In-person, online classes, on-demand
• Best for: Students looking for flexibility

Powerscore offers classes of all kinds. Students can take in-person classes, online classes, or work with the on-demand classes. 

The in-person courses are held in select cities throughout the U.S., but for those who aren’t close to a classroom setting, there are online options. The online courses create virtual classrooms with schedule meeting times and lesson plans, just as you’d find in a typical classroom environment. 

An on-demand class is an option too, but some feedback suggests that the quality of the video lessons isn’t as good as competitors. The cost of the on-demand course is $195 a month. Use it when you need it and then cancel when you’re done. While this kind of payment plan makes the course more affordable, it is also something students can forget to cancel and pay more than originally expected. 

The post Best LSAT Prep Courses (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

To earn a master’s degree, the first step for many students is to take GRE. The GRE is the entrance exam for graduate school, similar to the SAT or ACT being the entrance exam for a bachelor’s degree. 

For those thinking about prep classes for the GRE, we’ve created this guide that explores everything you should know about the process. We’ll cover: 

• What’s on the GRE?
• How is the GRE scored?
• Why do you need a GRE prep course?
• Who needs a GRE prep course?
• Things to consider before selecting a GRE prep course
• How to choose a GRE prep course
• Frequently Asked Questions About the GRE
• The best GRE prep courses to consider

What’s on the GRE?

The GRE evaluates a student’s readiness for graduate-level education. The test has three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. This timed test is adaptive, which means your score in previous sections influences the difficulty of upcoming questions. The test takes almost four hours to complete and is administered at a testing center.

How is the GRE scored?

The grading of tests like the GRE can be complicated, but this particular test is scored in one-point increments on a scale of 130-170. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately by a computer and by a human on a scale of 0-6. 

Why do you need a GRE prep course?

For students or parents considering a GRE prep course, there are several reasons to go through with one. Here’s a look at why people opt for a prep course: 

Elevate your score

To get into the school of your choice, students might need to achieve a certain test score. To do so, a prep course is the best way to go. 

Explore your graduate school choices and know what kind of score you need before selecting any prep course. It’s important to have a goal in mind.

Get a refresher

For people who want to return to school after being out in the workforce for a while, a prep course is ideal. The course can help people get reacquainted with standardized testing and provide the most up-to-date course materials to succeed. 

Know what the test is testing

A prep course helps people know what the test is looking for and how the test is set up to do that. Learning the test’s structure, kinds of questions, and what it feels like to take a timed test is all part of doing well on the real exam. 

Materials are all in one place

There are free GRE resources online or books that can be borrowed from a library, but prep courses are designed to offer high-quality study materials that are in one place. Rather than scouring the internet for practice exams or study guides, it’s easier to log into one portal and work through ready-made material. 

Check out our roundup of the Best College Scholarships

Who needs a GRE prep course?

For students wondering if a prep course is right them, here’s who typically takes the courses: 

Students looking to score well

Whether your dream school requires a certain test score or you just want to do well to have as many options as possible, a prep course is for you. 

Students who struggle with tests

There are some students who simply aren’t good test-takers. Rather than shy away from this test, students who get test-day jitters say preparing for the exam calms their anxiety and gives them a chance to focus on the task at hand. 

Students who are willing to do the work

Prep courses require students to set aside time to study. Attending classes is part of the process, but working at home is part of the process too. 

Things to consider before selecting a GRE prep course

When you’re ready to select a GRE prep course, here’s what to consider: 

Commitment level

To get the most out of a prep course, students have to put in the work. Going to class or attending an online course is just the start, students will have homework and will need to study. 

Schedules

A prep course takes time, so students with busy schedules may need to make changes to accommodate prep courses. It might mean better time management skills or it might mean eliminating an extracurricular activity.

In-person or online courses

There’s a variety of GRE prep courses available. Some are scheduled, in-class courses with homework assignments that could last up to ten weeks, others are online and give students the chance to learn at their own pace. Students can also opt for private tutoring sessions as one of their prep options. 

Budget

The cost of prep courses varies. There are some free online resources that students enjoy and there are professional companies that specialize in prep courses. Courses can be expensive, some up to $2000. However, the average cost is usually around $500.

How to choose a GRE prep course

There’s a lot of test prep resources out there, but for those who are ready to commit to a prep course, here’s what you should look for: 

Look for a point improvement guarantee

If a school you want to attend requires a certain score for entrance into a graduate program, consider finding a course that guarantees a score improvement. The best score improvement guarantee that we found was seven points. 

Focus on the format

How do you prefer to learn? Whether you’re looking for in-person classes, online courses, classes with a set schedule or self-paced materials to work through – know what you want before you start researching. 

Experienced teaching

To get the most out of courses, look for ones with experienced teachers. Some courses are led by teachers who took the GRE and scored in the top 1% with other courses that don’t specify what credentials their teachers have. 

Pricing

As with any test preparation course, students must evaluate the cost. It’s not always easy to weigh the cost of the course against the materials that are offered, but after researching several options students should be able to do a fairly good comparison. 

There are some reasonable courses out there for less than $100, but there are also courses that are $1000+. 

All of the prep courses are pretty clear about their plans and pricing. Students can easily find this information on the company website. 

Trial period

One of the best ways to find a course that’s right for you is to try a few. Many of the courses offer some sort of trial period. Take some time to try a platform or two and see which ones resonate best with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the GRE

For those new to the world of GRE testing, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to prepare for this test?

The length of time needed to prepare for the exam varies by student. For those who can dedicate time to study, it may only take a month or two to prepare. For people with busier schedules or people who have been away from the academic world for a while, it could take up to six months. 

How much does it cost to take the GRE?

To take the GRE it costs $205.

Do students get their test scores immediately after taking the exam?

Students will see unofficial test scores for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning after completing the test. The essay score is given later. 

When will official scores be reported?

It takes about 10-15 days for scores to become official and to be reported to the schools of your choice. 

How long are test scores good for?

GRE test scores are valid for graduate programs for five years. 

Is a calculator allowed?

The testing center allows students to use a calculator that’s on the computer. 

How can GRE scores be sent to a school?

A student can decide to have their test scores automatically sent to a list of their preferred schools on test day, or they can choose to send the scores later on themselves for a fee. 

If test scores aren’t ideal, can the test be retaken?

Yes. The GRE exam can be retaken five times in a 12-month period. 

The best GRE prep courses to consider

For students planning to take a GRE prep course, there’s a lot of choices to sift through. To help narrow the search, here’s a list of the best GRE prep courses to consider:

1. Magoosh GRE

• Price: $179
• Format: Video lessons 
• Best for: Students on a budget who still want high-quality test preparation 

Magoosh is a newer platform for GRE prep, but don’t let that scare you away. The company has entered the market with an intuitive platform and GRE courses that are affordable for students.

Magoosh has an entire library of video testimonials from satisfied students on their homepage and boasts that its students score at least six points higher in both math and verbal sections compared to others. 

The platform offers interactive video lessons, practice tests, and top quality study materials. The company also offers a specific study guide that’s meant to keep students on track and motivated as they study on their own. 

Students also appreciate a tool that estimates test scores before taking the real thing. 

2. The Princeton Review GRE

• Price: Starting at $399
• Format: On-demand video lessons and live online classes
• Best for: Students with a high goal score

The Princeton Review is a go-to tool in standardized test training. The GRE course has many positive reviews from students who say teachers break the questions down into easy-to-understand concepts and help them explore a wealth of online content that’s meant to raise their GRE test score. 

The company offers video-based, self-paced learning as an option, but their most popular choice is the GRE Quant 162+. This program, as the name suggests, will help a student achieve a score of 162. This score is the average score that most colleges want to see for acceptance. This package has 25 hours of scheduled online instruction, GRE practice questions, and personalized study manager. The cost is about $1,099 for this prep program. 

3. Kaplan

• Price: Starting at $399
• Format: On-demand video lessons, live online classes
• Best for: Students who learn best online

Kaplan offers a combination of prep tools that are fit for any aspiring grad students. Kaplan has a long-standing reputation with test prep and many believe they have some of the most qualified teachers fueling the curriculum. 

For GRE preparation, Kaplan has both on-demand video lessons and live classes for students to attend. In addition to a wealth of instructions, study plans, and course materials, this GRE test prep course also offers seven full-length practice exams to ensure that students are training for the real thing.  

Kaplan’s most popular program starts at $399. There are also basic practice programs that are $69, but the resources are limited. 

4. examPAL GRE

• Price: Starting at $156
• Format: Interactive videos
• Best for: Students on a budget 

examPAL has GRE prep courses that are highly rated by students. The platform has a 9.6 out of 10 rating on TrustPilot. The platform offers an improvement score guarantee of six points and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all packages.

This platform has a tool called PALgorythm that adapts the materials and GRE exam prep materials to a student’s needs. 

Students can get started with GRE prep for $156. Package prices do climb as students add amenities, but even the most expensive option at $389 is a competitive price compared to other options. 

5. Manhattan Prep

• Price: Starting at $1199
• Format: In-person, online
• Best for: Students who top-notch in-person test prep 

Manhattan Prep offers every format of test prep. Whether you’re looking for an in-person class setting or an on-demand, self-paced course, this company has covered all of the bases. 

Manhattan Prep classes have extensive resources for students to rely on, but those resources come at a cost. Manhattan Prep is one of the most expensive GRE prep options with complete courses starting at $1199. 

There are courses that focus solely on the math section of the test as well. There aren’t many math-only options on the market, so if math is a weakness this program could be a great solution. 

To test-drive the materials that Manhattan Prep has to offer, there’s a library of free resources to browse through. It can give you a feel for the type of in-depth content that is included in the courses. 

6. The Economist GRE

• Price: Starting at $229
• Format: Online course materials with video tutoring
• Best for: Mobile-first students on a budget

The first thing students see on The Economist’s website is a 7+ point improvement guarantee. The course has a wealth of test prep materials online, but what sets this particular course apart is its 1:1 tutor sessions that are incorporated into every package. Students have five private lessons with the premium plan, which costs $349 for three months. 

While tutoring is a great feature, the platform doesn’t offer any video lessons or live online classes. Instead, students work through interactive content, which is all mobile compatible. 

7. PrepScholar GRE Prep Course

• Price: Starting at $38
• Format: Online course materials
• Best for: Students who want a refresher

PrepScholar guarantees that students taking their course will see a seven-point increase in their test score, or they get their money back. 

This platform has adaptive questions, mini-lessons, interactive quizzes, progress checker, and two full-length practice exams. 

The company boasts expert instructors, all of whom scored in the top 1% of the GRE.

For those interested in testing PrepScholar out, the company offers a free, five-day trial. After the trial, expect affordable prices. To access the content for a year is $38. More expensive options go up to $345.

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