Are you looking for the best way to prepare for the GRE or GMAT? With so many test prep options available, how do you know which one will truly help you succeed?
Magoosh serves over 1 million students with updated apps for the Shorter GRE and GMAT Focus Edition. Their platform offers 1,600+ GRE practice questions, including official ETS material, and 800+ GMAT questions.
The service provides 250+ GRE video lessons and 200+ GMAT video lessons, covering all test sections. Students get access to math, verbal, writing, and data insights content.
With mobile-first design and offline capabilities, you can study anywhere. Magoosh delivers an affordable alternative to traditional test prep services while maintaining high quality.
Key Takeaways
- Serves 1 million+ students with updated exam prep tools
- Offers 1,600+ GRE and 800+ GMAT practice questions
- Includes official ETS material for authentic test prep
- Provides 450+ video lessons across all test sections
- Mobile-friendly platform with offline study options
- Cost-effective solution compared to traditional prep
What Is Magoosh?
A cost-effective prep solution for GRE and GMAT aspirants, this platform was founded in 2009 as an affordable alternative to pricey classroom courses. It specializes in helping students master standardized tests through a blend of video lessons and adaptive practice.
Over 15 years, the service has refined its hybrid learning model. Interactive video lessons pair with expansive question banks and real-time analytics to streamline study routines. The mobile app (iOS 13.4+) ensures accessibility for busy professionals and non-traditional learners.
Demographics include working parents and career-changers, supported by partnerships with 500+ universities. The platform’s 70-point GMAT score guarantee underscores its commitment to results.
Magoosh’s Key Features for Exam Prep
A great prep tool balances engaging videos, extensive practice, and real-time progress tracking. These features help students master concepts efficiently.
Bite-Sized Video Lessons
The platform offers 250+ GRE and 200+ GMAT video lessons, each 5-7 minutes long. Topics cover math, verbal, and writing sections, with playback controls for flexible learning.
For example, text completion modules include 30+ videos totaling 3 hours. This depth ensures every concept is explained clearly.
Massive Question Banks
Students get access to 1,600 GRE and 800 GMAT practice questions. While some users note non-ETS material varies in difficulty, the mix helps build test-day confidence.
Full-length adaptive practice tests simulate real exam conditions. Two GMAT mock exams are included for thorough prep.
Smart Progress Tracking
The app identifies weak spots using analytics. Time management stats and customizable study plans keep learners on track.
Offline downloads let users study anywhere, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Pricing Plans: Is Magoosh Worth the Cost?
Budget-conscious learners need clear pricing details to make informed decisions. The platform offers tiered plans for both GRE and GMAT prep, with costs significantly lower than traditional courses.
For the GRE, a 1-month plan costs $119, while the 6-month option is $143. GMAT prep ranges from $149 to $299, including a 70-point score guarantee. A 7-day free trial lets users test features before committing.
Compared to Kaplan ($699+) or Princeton Review ($799+), these prices save students hundreds. The savings allow investing money in additional study materials or retake fees if needed.
Completing all content requires 100+ hours of study time. This makes the cost-per-hour roughly $1.19 for GRE prep or $2.99 for GMAT prep on longer plans. Shorter subscriptions suit those needing targeted practice.
Score guarantees require completing 80% of course material. Universities and groups qualify for discounts, making it ideal for partner programs.
Pros of Using Magoosh
For students seeking value, this platform delivers significant advantages. Its blend of affordability and flexibility makes it a top choice for test-takers with busy schedules.
Affordable Compared to Competitors
Priced 40% lower than major brands, this service saves learners over $500 compared to classroom courses. The cost-per-hour for study materials drops below $2 on longer plans, maximizing budget efficiency.
Score guarantees and university partnerships add extra value. Busy professionals and parents particularly appreciate the financial relief.
Flexible Mobile App
The app, rated 4.7/5 on iOS, supports offline access and 10-minute study sessions. Its clean interface outperforms cluttered designs like Manhattan Prep’s, saving time and reducing frustration.
User reviews highlight its role as a “lifesaver” for balancing prep with work or family commitments. The free vocabulary builder, with 1,000+ terms, further enhances learning on the go.
Cons of Using Magoosh
While this prep platform offers strong features, some drawbacks deserve consideration. Not all learners may find its approach ideal, especially those with tight schedules or specific study needs.
Time-Intensive Content
The platform’s 230+ video hours far exceed competitor courses averaging 80 hours. For example, text completion modules span 3 hours—four times longer than the 45-minute industry standard.
This time-heavy structure may overwhelm casual learners. Without careful planning, students risk burnout before test day.
Non-ETS Question Quality
While the practice bank includes official ETS material, user reviews note inconsistencies in third-party questions. Some verbal problems are criticized as ambiguous, and math sets include overly complex problems.
The test-like conditions also lack offline access to questions, requiring constant connectivity. Web features like topic filtering are missing on the app, limiting study flexibility.
Analytical writing and verbal sections receive less focus than quant, which may disadvantage students needing balanced prep.
Magoosh User Reviews: What Students Say
Real user experiences highlight what works—and what doesn’t—in GRE and GMAT prep. With a 4.7/5 App Store rating for its GRE app, this platform earns praise for accessibility but faces critiques on question difficulty.
Success Stories
70% of users report a 5+ point score increase on the GRE, citing video lessons and mobile flexibility as key factors. One working mom achieved a 162V/158Q score using only the app during commutes.
Non-traditional students—like career-changers—applaud the bite-sized lessons. Offline access lets them practice during downtime, turning idle moments into study sessions.
Common Criticisms
Some reviews note that practice questions feel harder than actual GRE problems, potentially causing unnecessary stress. Others request offline mock tests and deeper verbal section coverage.
Despite minor flaws, the 4.5/5 GMAT app rating and 70-point score guarantee show consistent value. Users agree: for the price, it’s a solid prep tool.
How Magoosh Compares to Other Test Prep Platforms
Comparing test prep platforms helps students find the best fit. Content depth, pricing, and flexibility vary widely across services.
Content Volume: This service offers 2.5x more practice questions than Kaplan GRE but 30% fewer videos than Princeton Review. Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep focus narrowly on advanced concepts, while this platform balances breadth and depth.
Price Comparison: At $149, it costs 70% less than $499+ premium courses. The budget-friendly way to prep includes score guarantees, unlike many competitors.
Mobile Experience: The app outperforms web-only platforms with offline access and bite-sized lessons. Busy learners can practice anywhere, a feature lacking in print-focused resources.
Niche Appeal: Ideal for self-starters who prefer flexibility over hand-holding. Structured learners might crave more live tests or tutor support.
Updates arrive faster than traditional books, ensuring alignment with the latest exam formats. For value and adaptability, this option stands out.
Who Should Use Magoosh?
Standardized test prep isn’t one-size-fits-all—know your needs before choosing. This platform excels for students seeking affordability and flexibility. If you’re a visual learner or juggle work and school, it’s a practical way to study.
Ideal for those with a 300–310 GRE baseline, the prep materials focus on foundational skills. Career changers, like MBA applicants, benefit from math refreshers. ADA-compliant features support learners with ADHD or dyslexia.
Commitment matters. Plan for 6+ hours weekly to see 5–15 point score gains. High scorers aiming for 320+ may need advanced strategies elsewhere.
The mobile-first design saves time for busy professionals. Offline access turns commutes into productive study sessions. For budget-conscious students, it’s a cost-effective way to prep.
Conclusion
Finding the right GRE prep tool can make or break your study success. With an 85% satisfaction rate and 2.3x ROI over tutoring, this platform delivers value for budget-conscious students.
For under $200/month, it’s a top-tier way to practice. Pair it with official ETS materials for balanced prep. Ideal for 6-12 week plans, it builds a strong foundation.
Start with the free trial to test features. Future updates may include AI tutors, enhancing flexibility. Ready to boost your GRE score? Take the first step today.
FAQ
What study resources does Magoosh offer?
Magoosh provides video lessons, practice questions, flashcards, and progress tracking tools to help students prepare for exams like the GRE.
How much does Magoosh cost?
Pricing varies by plan, but Magoosh is generally more affordable than many competitors while still offering comprehensive study materials.
Can I use Magoosh on my phone?
Yes, Magoosh has a flexible mobile app for iOS and Android, making it easy to study on the go.
Are Magoosh practice questions similar to real test questions?
While Magoosh offers a large question bank, some users note that their questions may differ slightly from official ETS test questions.
Does Magoosh track my progress?
Yes, Magoosh includes progress tracking tools to help you monitor strengths and weaknesses.
Is Magoosh good for last-minute studying?
Due to the depth of content, Magoosh works best with long-term preparation rather than cramming.
Can Magoosh help improve my GRE score?
Many students report score improvements after using Magoosh, especially in math and vocabulary sections.
