Many GMAT prep services have come and gone over the years as I’ve helped people who want to get an MBA through the application process. Many people ask me, “Is Magoosh worth the money?” because it’s one of the more well-known choices. In this Magoosh GMAT review, I’ll explain what the service offers, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
As a side note, I always tell students to read reviews of the best MBA admission consultants. These pros can help you through the process, from studying for the GMAT to sending in your application. After all, the right guidance can make all the difference.
Pros & Cons
| ➕ Pros | ➖ Cons |
|---|---|
| Magoosh offers one of the most cost-effective GMAT prep solutions. | Unlike some competitors, Magoosh does not offer live instruction. |
| The self-paced format and mobile app access allow you to study whenever and wherever you choose. | The lack of tailored study plans may not fully cater to individual learning needs. |
| The platform provides over 340 video lessons, 1,300+ practice questions, detailed explanations, and full-length practice tests. | The “Ask an Expert” feature is limited to email, which delays responses for urgent questions or clarification compared to platforms with live chat. |
Magoosh is a cheap choice for independent students who like to study independently. It is a fantastic option for people with busy schedules because it offers many useful and affordable tools.
Still, not everyone will like it. You might want to look at Target Test Prep if you need personalized help, like live chat or a sleek interface. But Magoosh is an excellent deal for the money, and it has helped thousands of students get into their dream MBA schools.
If you are organized and want a GMAT prep tool that won’t break the bank, I think Magoosh is worth looking into. But if you need personalized coaching or quick help immediately, don’t settle for just one option.
What Are The Main GMAT Prep Services of Magoosh?
Magoosh specializes in online, self-paced GMAT prep. In my opinion, this makes it perfect for students juggling internships, full-time jobs, or other responsibilities.
Their prep package covers all GMAT sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. This breadth of focus helps students avoid weak spots, which is essential for getting a good grade.
What’s Included in Their Packages?
Their Premium plan packs a solid punch. For $249, you get a full year of access to:
- 340+ video lessons breaking down concepts clearly, even for math-phobic students.
- 1,300+ practice questions, all with thorough explanations.
- Full-length practice tests that simulate the real GMAT experience.
- A score predictor to track your potential progress and stay motivated.
I’ve seen students use Magoosh as their primary prep source and achieve significant score improvements. One of my clients, who worked long hours in tech, appreciated the flexibility of watching video lessons on her commute.
Who Is on the Magoosh Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Like at Princeton Review, the brains behind this company are seasoned GMAT experts. They’ve been around the block with test prep strategies, and their content reflects that. For instance, their Verbal explanations often highlight common traps in GMAT questions, which I know from experience are critical to avoid.
Their support team is also pretty responsive, although they only communicate via email, which might feel slow for students who need immediate answers.
Do They Offer Extra Services?
Magoosh doesn’t provide live classes or one-on-one coaching like some other platforms. However, they have an “Ask an Expert” feature where students can email questions to GMAT instructors.
I’ve heard that the responses are detailed but can take a day or two.
Does Magoosh.com Have Free Services?
Absolutely. Magoosh provides various free resources that can be incredibly helpful, especially for students who are just starting to prep or are still deciding whether to commit to a paid plan:
- Their practice questions cover all GMAT sections, allowing you to test your skills and identify areas for improvement.
- GMAT Score Predictor estimates your potential GMAT score based on your performance in practice questions, giving you a clear benchmark against which to track your progress.
- Magoosh offers a few free introductory lessons, allowing you to sample their teaching style and approach before making a financial commitment.
Without investing money, you may use these tools to test the waters and see if Magoosh’s platform suits you.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
Their Premium plans are structured to fit different study timelines. A 6-month plan is $249, and a 12-month plan is $349, offering a savings of $149 when paid upfront.
Both plans come with a 70-point score guarantee. If you don’t see an improvement of at least 70 points, you can request a full refund. They also allow you to switch to the GRE or pause your plan, adding flexibility to your prep experience.
The Premium+ Admissions plan ($449) provides extra assistance for those who want to strengthen their MBA application, such as personalized assignments, professional essay guidance, and resume-building techniques.
Their Professionalism: What Do Online Reviews Say?
Online reviews generally back up Magoosh’s reputation.
- On Trustpilot, many users praise the clarity of video lessons and the ease of accessing content. One reviewer mentioned, “I went from a 580 to a 710 using Magoosh as my sole prep source!”
- On Reddit, the consensus among MBA applicants is that it’s a strong option for students with discipline and self-motivation.
However, there’s some criticism, which I’ll get into shortly.
Areas Magoosh.com Should Work On
While Magoosh is solid, there are a few areas where they could step it up, especially when compared to the PrepScholar GMAT part.
❌ No Live Classes
As I know from general practice, some students learn better with live, interactive sessions, which Magoosh doesn’t offer.
❌ Email-only Support
Quick, live support (e.g., chat or phone) would make a big difference, especially for students in crunch mode.
❌ Lack of Personalization
The platform doesn’t adapt to individual weaknesses as much as other prep services like Target Test Prep.
❌ Limited Analytical Writing Content
Some students have noted the lack of in-depth support for the essay section.
❌ Interface Design
While functional, the dashboard feels outdated compared to more modern competitors.
❓ FAQs
How Much Do Magoosh Services Cost?
Magoosh’s Premium GMAT plan costs $249 for 12 months of access, which includes video lessons, practice questions, full-length practice tests, and more.
Is Magoosh a Reputable Company?
Yes, Magoosh is widely regarded as a reputable test prep provider, with positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit. They’ve been around for years and have helped thousands of students improve their scores.
Can Magoosh.com Guarantee Acceptance?
No, Magoosh cannot guarantee acceptance into an MBA program. They can help you improve your GMAT score, but admission depends on many factors beyond just your test score.
Is Magoosh.com Worth It?
For students looking for an affordable, self-paced option, Magoosh offers excellent value. The comprehensive resources and budget-friendly pricing make it a solid choice for motivated learners.