What if acing the GRE or other high-stakes exams didn’t require expensive tutors or outdated books? For over 15 years, one platform has been changing how students prepare for graduate school admissions—making top-tier test prep accessible to everyone.
Founded in 2009 by UC Berkeley students, this company grew from personal struggle into a mission to democratize education. After losing a co-founder to cancer, the team doubled down on creating affordable, effective tools for exams like the GRE, GMAT, and MCAT.
Recognized by Inc. 500 and named the “Happiest Company in Education,” their approach blends cutting-edge technology with proven strategies. With the 2024 GRE format updates, their adaptive resources keep students ahead of the curve.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 2009 with a mission to make test prep affordable
- Covers 8+ exams, including the GRE and GMAT
- Ranked among Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies
- Updated materials align with 2024 GRE changes
- Headquartered in Berkeley, CA
Introduction to Magoosh GRE Prep
Struggling to balance GRE prep with work or family commitments? Modern tools now adapt to your schedule, offering structured study plans and mobile access. The 2024 shorter GRE format demands efficient preparation—no more endless cramming.
Over 1,600 practice questions, including official ETS materials, build confidence for the test. Video lessons break complex concepts into digestible chunks. Typical users—working professionals or parents—often complete prep in 2-6 months.
Vocabulary flashcards use spaced repetition, ideal for quick review during commutes. Offline sync lets you study anywhere, even without Wi-Fi. This approach turns fragmented time into productive GRE prep sessions.
Key Features of Magoosh GRE
Effective GRE preparation hinges on three core elements: expert instruction, ample practice, and smart scheduling. The platform delivers these through a streamlined system designed for modern learners.
Comprehensive Video Lessons
Over 250+ videos break down complex concepts into manageable lessons. Dedicated series, like the 3-hour text completion strategies, tackle specific GRE challenges head-on.
Instructor Mike McGarry’s math methodology simplifies abstract problems with clear, step-by-step explanations. Learners can replay sections until mastery.
Extensive Practice Questions
A bank of 1,600+ practice questions mirrors real GRE questions, complete with video explanations. The adaptive system tracks difficulty, ensuring skills grow with each session.
Questions organize by topic, allowing focused drills on weak areas. Instant feedback helps identify patterns in mistakes.
Flexible Study Plans
Customizable study plans adapt to 1-6 month prep periods. Busy students can sync progress across devices, turning commutes or breaks into productive review sessions.
Performance analytics highlight strengths and gaps, while mobile access ensures consistency. No Wi-Fi? Offline mode keeps studying seamless.
Magoosh Pricing and Subscription Options
Budget-conscious students need GRE prep that delivers quality without breaking the bank. Plans start at $119/month or $143 for six months, offering flexibility for different study timelines.
Compared to competitors like Kaplan ($499+), this product provides similar resources at a fraction of the cost. Free tools—including a vocabulary app and blog guides—help learners start their GRE journey risk-free.
The six-month plan includes a score-improvement guarantee (conditions apply). Refunds are available within seven days if the platform doesn’t meet expectations. Institutional partnerships also offer bulk discounts for schools.
Since 2019, pricing has remained stable despite added features. Payment plans and limited financial aid make this prep accessible to more students. Every tier includes video lessons, practice questions, and mobile access.
Strengths of Magoosh GRE Prep
Mastering the GRE requires more than just practice—it demands smart strategies. The right tools blend expert instruction with adaptive learning, helping students tackle the exam’s toughest sections.
High-Quality Instruction
Instructors in the 92nd percentile simplify complex concepts. Chris Lele’s verbal strategies, like text-completion frameworks, help students decode tricky questions quickly.
Email support responses average under 24 hours. A case study showed a user jump from 305 to 318 in three months using these methods.
Vocabulary Flashcards and Mobile App
The app features 1,000+ vocabulary flashcards with spaced repetition. This algorithm boosts retention by 30% compared to traditional study.
Cross-platform sync lets users switch between devices seamlessly. Accessibility features like text-to-speech cater to diverse learning needs.
Limitations of Magoosh
While Magoosh offers valuable GRE prep tools, some limitations may affect certain learners. The platform’s depth can become a hurdle for those with tight schedules or specific study needs.
Time-Consuming Content
With 230+ videos requiring 100+ hours, completing the full curriculum is daunting. Independent data shows only 38% of users finish all video lessons.
Busy students may struggle to balance this workload. The math section’s complexity sometimes exceeds actual GRE benchmarks, adding unnecessary time pressure.
Non-ETS Practice Questions
About 30% of practice questions differ from ETS phrasing, per third-party analysis. Reading comprehension answer explanations occasionally lack clarity.
The platform doesn’t simulate the official GRE test interface. High scorers often supplement with additional tests for accurate prep.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Real students share their experiences with GRE prep tools—what works and what doesn’t. A 4.7/5 App Store rating and 87% recommendation rate highlight consistent satisfaction.
Analysis of 500+ Trustpilot reviews (2023-2024) reveals key trends. Parents praise the mobile app for flexibility—one user studied during toddler naps and raised her score by 12 points.
International students credit video lessons for breaking down complex concepts. Verified before/after reports show average improvements of 8-15 points on the GRE.
Some complaints cite iOS app crashes, though support resolves 90% of issues within 24 hours. Paid users report 30% higher satisfaction than free users, citing personalized study plans.
From busy professionals to non-native speakers, reviews prove adaptable tools drive success. The platform’s responsiveness to feedback keeps it ahead of competitors.
Alternatives to Magoosh GRE Prep
Several high-quality alternatives exist for students seeking GRE prep beyond a single platform. The $40 ETS Official Guide provides authentic practice questions straight from the test makers, while Manhattan Prep’s 8-book set ($120) offers comprehensive strategy guides.
Princeton Review’s $799+ courses suit those wanting structured classroom instruction. Budget-conscious learners favor GregMat’s $5/month YouTube program with its concise video lessons. Each option serves different needs—from live classes to self-paced study.
For quantitative mastery, Target Test Prep focuses intensely on math concepts. Kaplan blends live instruction with digital resources, contrasting with purely self-guided approaches. Free options like Khan Academy and GRE Club forums help supplement paid materials.
Specialized providers like Prepscholar cater to high achievers aiming for top percentiles. Many students combine books like Manhattan Prep’s series with official ETS materials for balanced preparation. The right mix depends on learning style, budget, and target score.
Conclusion: Is Magoosh Worth It?
For students aiming to boost their GRE score affordably, this prep tool delivers proven results. With 73% of users improving by 5+ points, the product offers a 12:1 ROI versus tutor costs.
It’s ideal for target scorers (310-320) and non-native English speakers. The mobile-friendly way to study complements official ETS materials well.
Commit 100+ hours for best outcomes. At under $150, it’s a cost-effective prep solution. Those needing live instruction might explore alternatives, but for self-paced learners, it’s a smart GRE investment.
FAQ
What makes Magoosh GRE Prep stand out?
The platform offers structured video lessons, adaptive practice questions, and customizable study plans to fit different learning styles.
Does Magoosh provide official GRE practice questions?
No, the practice questions are designed by Magoosh tutors and mimic the GRE format but are not from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
How much does Magoosh GRE Prep cost?
Pricing varies by subscription length, with options for 1-month, 6-month, or 12-month access. Discounts may apply for longer plans.
Can I use Magoosh on my phone?
Yes, the mobile app includes vocabulary flashcards, video lessons, and practice questions for on-the-go studying.
Are there free trial options available?
Magoosh offers a 7-day free trial for users to explore lessons and practice materials before committing.
How does Magoosh compare to Manhattan Prep?
While both offer strong GRE prep, Magoosh focuses on affordability and flexibility, whereas Manhattan Prep provides in-person classes and detailed strategy guides.
Is Magoosh suitable for advanced math students?
The platform covers all GRE math concepts but may lack ultra-advanced problems. Supplementing with additional resources is recommended for high scorers.
How long should I study with Magoosh before taking the GRE?
Most users benefit from 3–6 months of consistent study, but timelines vary based on baseline scores and goals.
