7 Best-Selling Graduate Books Millions Trust

Explore Graduate Books endorsed by education leaders like Robert Peters and Karen Kelsky, offering best-selling insights for academic and spiritual success.

Updated on June 25, 2025
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6 of 7 books have Kindle versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to graduate studies. Graduate education demands resources that not only guide but have stood the test of time and earned wide respect. These 7 best-selling graduate books have helped countless students and professionals navigate complex challenges from admissions essays to career transitions and exam preparations.

Experts like Robert Peters, dean and GRE board chair, have shaped the landscape of graduate education, while Karen Kelsky, a former professor and advisor, provides insider knowledge on academic job markets. Their endorsements and insights have propelled these books into trusted tools for graduate success.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Graduate needs might consider creating a personalized Graduate book that combines these validated approaches into one customized guide just for you.

Best for MBA application essays
Kindle version available
Business School Essays That Made a Difference, 6th Edition offers an insider’s look into what top business schools seek beyond test scores and transcripts. The book compiles actual MBA application essays with expert commentary from admissions officers at schools like the University of Chicago Booth and University of Virginia Darden. It demystifies the essay portion of the application process and equips prospective students with concrete examples and strategies to present their experiences effectively. This guide is a valuable tool for anyone aiming to gain admission to competitive graduate business programs by mastering the art of the admissions essay.

Unlike most graduate admissions guides that focus heavily on test scores, this book zeroes in on an often overlooked but crucial component: the essay. The Princeton Review, drawing on its extensive experience with business school admissions, presents real MBA application essays paired with insightful commentary from admissions professionals at top schools like MIT Sloan and Dartmouth Tuck. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of how essays fit into the broader admissions puzzle and learn what distinguishes successful submissions. This resource suits prospective MBA candidates who want to sharpen their storytelling and present a persuasive, authentic narrative beyond just numbers.

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Best for authentic GRE preparation
Kindle version available
Educational Testing Service (ETS), the nonprofit behind major standardized tests worldwide, brings unmatched authority to this guide. Founded in 1947, ETS develops and scores over 50 million exams annually, including the GRE, TOEFL, and Praxis Series. Their firsthand experience with test design and scoring uniquely qualifies them to provide a guide that shows exactly what to expect on the GRE General Test. This book is the go-to resource for anyone preparing for graduate or business school admissions, offering authentic questions, scoring insights, and strategies straight from the test makers.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test book cover

by Educational Testing Service·

The Official Guide to the GRE General Test is authored by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that creates and administers the GRE itself. This book offers a direct window into the exam, providing hundreds of authentic questions alongside detailed explanations of the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections. You’ll gain practical problem-solving strategies and insights into how your responses are scored, which few other guides can match. If you’re aiming to understand the test from the source, this guide lays out what to expect and how to approach each question type, making it especially useful for anyone serious about maximizing their GRE score.

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Best for personal success plans
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on graduate success is tailored specifically to your background, interests, and goals. By sharing what aspects of graduate studies and career planning matter most to you, the book focuses on the knowledge and skills you want to build. It makes sense to have a custom guide here because graduate journeys vary widely—your challenges and priorities are unique. This personalized AI book is created just for you, so you get relevant insights and guidance without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Graduate, Graduate Success, Academic Planning, Research Skills, Time Management

This tailored book explores detailed approaches for thriving in graduate programs and launching successful careers. It covers essential topics such as academic planning, effective research techniques, time management, and professional development, all matched closely to your background and goals. By focusing on your unique interests, this book reveals how to combine widely validated graduate strategies with your personal path, making complex challenges manageable and meaningful. You gain a clear understanding of navigating graduate education’s demands, from coursework to career transitions, with insights tailored specifically for you. The personalized content helps you absorb proven knowledge in a way that fits your experience, making your journey more efficient and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Graduate Success Methods
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Best for practical GRE strategies
Kindle version available
Magoosh, a prominent online test-prep company based in Berkeley, California, has empowered over 1.5 million students to prepare for standardized exams with their digital tools and expert content. This book distills their extensive experience into a practical format, featuring lessons, practice questions, and a full practice test crafted by seasoned tutors. Their data-driven approach, combined with a score improvement guarantee for premium users, reflects a deep commitment to helping you master the GRE and advance your graduate school ambitions.
GRE Prep by Magoosh book cover

by Magoosh, Chris Lele, Mike McGarry·

After analyzing extensive test-prep data, Magoosh crafted this guide to make GRE preparation accessible and efficient for anyone with internet access. You’ll dive into focused lessons on Quantitative reasoning, Verbal skills, and Analytical Writing, supported by over 130 practice questions with detailed explanations and difficulty ratings. The book also includes a full-length practice exam and tips to help you manage your study schedule effectively. Whether you’re starting fresh or supplementing your prep, this resource is designed to build your confidence and sharpen the skills that matter most on test day.

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Best for spiritual guidance post-graduation
Kindle version available
This devotional stands out by addressing the unique spiritual needs of graduates at a pivotal life stage. Jesus Calling for Graduates offers 150 scripture-based reflections tailored to help you find direction and reassurance amid change. Its proven appeal lies in its empathetic approach, offering comfort and clarity as you face new challenges and decisions. Whether gifted by mentors or chosen personally, this book serves as a steady companion for grounding your faith and navigating the unknown with confidence.
2016·192 pages·Graduate, Spirituality, Faith, Graduate Transition, Self Worth

Drawing from Sarah Young's extensive experience as a devotional author, this book speaks directly to those navigating the uncertainties following graduation. It offers a day-by-day spiritual guide that encourages you to seek clarity and strength through scripture-based reflections, focusing on themes like identity, trust, and discerning purpose. The 150 devotions are crafted to resonate with the transitional moments unique to graduates, blending heartfelt encouragement with practical spiritual insights. If you're looking for a companion to help ground your next steps in faith, this book provides a steady, thoughtful presence.

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Best for Ph.D. career planning
Kindle version available
Karen Kelsky has run The Professor Is In blog and business since 2010, and today, she is the most widely recognized expert in the highly engaged world of Ph.D.'s navigating the job market. A former tenured professor and department head at two major research institutions, she shares insider knowledge of academic hiring that informs this essential guide for turning your Ph.D. into a career.

Karen Kelsky leverages her tenure as a professor and department head to demystify the academic job market for Ph.D. candidates. You’ll gain concrete insights into crafting compelling CVs, selecting the right publications, and navigating interviews, along with guidance on when to pivot toward nonacademic careers. Chapters like "Avoiding the Adjunct Trap" and "Foolproof Grant Applications" offer practical frameworks that reflect real hiring committee expectations. If you’re aiming to secure a tenure-track position or transition thoughtfully beyond academia, this book delivers focused strategies without fluff.

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Best for custom study plans
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on GRE preparation is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific goals. By sharing which areas you want to focus on, you receive a tailored study plan that matches your pace and learning preferences. This personalized approach helps you concentrate on the topics that matter most, making your preparation more efficient and aligned with your ambitions. It’s a practical way to accelerate your study, with daily actions designed just for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Graduate, Graduate Exams, GRE Preparation, Study Scheduling, Verbal Reasoning

This tailored book explores step-by-step GRE study plans designed to accelerate your improvement within 30 days. It carefully combines proven techniques with your individual background and goals, creating a personalized path that focuses on your strengths and learning preferences. The content covers essential GRE concepts, pacing, and daily exercises, allowing you to build skills efficiently while addressing your specific challenges. By aligning popular knowledge with your interests, this book reveals a customized approach to mastering verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing. It emphasizes focused daily actions to guide your preparation and boost confidence in a way that matches your unique learning style.

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Best for graduate school navigation
Kindle version available
Robert Peters is the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Washington and President of the Association of Graduate Schools, bringing authoritative insights from his leadership roles. His experience overseeing graduate education and chairing the GRE Board informs this guide, designed to help you make informed choices about graduate degrees. Peters draws on interviews with students, counselors, and faculty to offer practical advice on everything from application to career launch, making this a valuable companion for navigating the challenges of advanced studies.
1997·416 pages·Graduate School Guide, Graduate, Academic Planning, Thesis Writing, Exam Preparation

The methods Robert Peters developed while leading graduate education institutions offer a grounded perspective on navigating advanced degrees. Drawing from his role as Dean of the Graduate School and President of the Association of Graduate Schools, Peters shares detailed guidance on choosing between a master's and Ph.D., selecting programs, securing funding, and managing the complexities of academic politics. You’ll find chapters devoted to excelling in qualifying exams, crafting your thesis, and positioning yourself for a post-graduate career. This book suits anyone seriously considering graduate school or currently enrolled, aiming to reduce time, cost, and stress while improving outcomes.

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In 2000, Teach for America alumnus and Yale graduate Zeke Vanderhoek envisioned a new approach to test prep focused on quality teaching and materials. This vision led to Manhattan Prep's rise as a top provider of exam preparation worldwide, including GMAT, GRE, LSAT, ACT, and SAT. Their extensive experience culminates in this 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, reflecting a commitment to delivering thorough practice and lessons designed by educators who understand what it takes to excel on the GRE.

Manhattan Prep's deep expertise in test preparation shines through this extensive volume, designed specifically for those targeting the GRE. With over 1,800 questions spanning all subjects, you gain not just practice but exposure to the full range of GRE problem types, including quantitative reasoning and verbal skills. The book’s structure encourages you to identify weaknesses and build confidence through repetition and varied drills, making it an effective tool if you want to sharpen your test-taking strategies. Whether you are retaking the GRE or starting your prep, this book’s thoroughness suits anyone serious about improving their scores and mastering the exam's demands.

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Conclusion

These 7 graduate books reveal clear themes: practical strategies for admissions and testing, thoughtful guidance on academic and career navigation, and support for personal growth during transitions. If you prefer proven methods to ace the GRE, start with The Official Guide to the GRE and Magoosh’s prep book. For validated approaches to academic careers, The Professor Is In and Getting What You Came For offer invaluable guidance.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Graduate book to combine proven methods with your unique needs and goals. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in graduate studies and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which graduate book should I start with?

Start with a book that matches your immediate goal. For GRE prep, try The Official Guide to the GRE General Test. If you're focusing on career planning post-Ph.D., The Professor Is In offers solid guidance. Choosing based on your current priorities helps you dive in effectively.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to graduate studies?

Not at all. Many of these books, like Getting What You Came For, provide foundational advice suitable for newcomers. They guide you step-by-step through graduate education challenges, making them accessible even if you’re just starting out.

What's the best order to read these books?

Consider your journey stage. Begin with admissions-focused books like Business School Essays That Made a Difference, then move to exam prep guides like those by ETS and Magoosh. Later, turn to career and life transition guides such as The Professor Is In and Jesus Calling for Graduates.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can absolutely skip around. Many of these books are designed for you to focus on relevant chapters or sections, whether it’s essay writing, test strategies, or career advice. Use them as reference guides tailored to your needs.

Which books focus more on theory versus practical application?

Books like The Official Guide to the GRE General Test provide practical, test-based exercises, while Getting What You Came For offers more theoretical insights on navigating graduate school. The Professor Is In blends theory with actionable career strategies.

How can I get a Graduate book tailored specifically to my goals and background?

Personalized Graduate books complement expert picks by focusing on your unique needs, combining proven methods with your background and objectives. You can create a custom Graduate book here to get a guide crafted just for you.

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