Wednesday, December 4th
2024 GRE Test Prep Company Reviews
Magoosh
- $119.20 for 1 month access
- $143.20 for 6 months access
- $149.25 for 12 months access + admissions support
- Official ETS/GRE content included
- +5 score guarantee across all plans
- 7-day no-questions-asked refund policy
Magoosh got its start in 2009 as one of the first platform-based test-prep providers on the market, and is actually a play on an old Persian word for "wise person”: magush. Having received multiple awards between 2012 and 2017 for their innovative ed-tech offerings, Magoosh is a staple of the online test prep scene. When it comes to the GRE, their offerings are some of the best bang for your buck out there, so let's take a look at why.
A good mix of content
All plans with Magoosh include the following offerings: 8 full sections of officially licensed GRE content, comprehensive coverage of math and verbal analytical writing overviews, a databank of video lessons, 1,600 practice questions, 3 practice tests, and integrated study schedules. Magoosh offers expert support in the form of email and chats (no live tutors unfortunately), and all plans include a GRE score predictor based on aggregate data of Magoosh participants, as well as a +5 score guarantee.
Pricing paid by month
Plan pricing is determined based on length of access and whether you choose to add graduate admissions support. These range as follows:
- You can get 1 month's access for $119.20
- 6 months access for $143.20
- and 12 months plus admissions materials for $149.25
Admissions materials include everything in the base Magoosh plan, in addition to 40+ graduate application videos and 20+ writing workshop walkthroughs, 20+ annotated statements of purpose and personal statement samples, templates for CVs and professional correspondence, new content added weekly, and access to expert help in an associated Discord channel.
Provides official GRE content
A key competitive advantage is that Magoosh is currently the only test prep on our list with access to official GRE questions; while other prep services do their best to imitate the GRE, there will always be some amount of deviation from the real thing. While Magoosh's plans are not as heavily-directed as more pricey competitors', and contain fewer materials, we do not think that is necessarily a detriment depending on your needs.
Good refund and guarantee policies
Magoosh has some friendly refund and guarantee policies. Not only are you able to return their product within 7 days for a 100% refund, Magoosh also offers a +5 point guarantee. To be eligible for their guarantee, you must have taken the GRE before studying with Magoosh, and you must email a copy of your "before” score when you sign up. Hurdles aside, we appreciate Magoosh's generous refund and guarantee policy.
Reviews trend positive
Customer reviews of Magoosh tend to be positive. Aggregate review sites show high ratings for Magoosh, and user reviews from GRE dedicated discussion boards attest to the high quality of their materials. Magoosh has also earned an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, which speaks to a responsive company with a well-supported product.
A fair price in an overpriced field
In a field dominated by expensive and overwhelming test prep, Magoosh's GRE offerings are a breath of fresh air. With their generous refund and score guarantee policies, inclusion of official GRE content, and much lower price than their competitors, Magoosh has earned its place as a premier contender on our list, and is well worth your consideration as the best all-around GRE test prep we could find.
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What's the Best GRE Prep Service Online?
It's a critical question, because if you're headed to graduate school, then the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an infamous hurdle that you'll have to deal with one way or another. The GRE test plays a significant role in the admissions process for many graduate programs. It serves as a standardized measure that allows universities to assess applicants' academic readiness and potential to succeed in advanced studies.
For institutions, the GRE provides an objective tool to differentiate among applicants, especially when faced with a large pool of candidates. It helps in predicting how well students might perform in their initial year of graduate school, offering insight into their cognitive abilities and analytical thinking. Moreover, the GRE can assist in awarding merit-based scholarships, helping to allocate financial aid to deserving students.
GRE Test Prep Company FAQ
Continued from above...
The GRE consists of three key components: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These components collectively evaluate an applicant's cognitive abilities, communication skills, and analytical prowess. Such a comprehensive assessment is crucial in identifying candidates who possess the skills necessary for advanced academic work. By incorporating both quantitative and qualitative aspects, the GRE offers a well-rounded perspective on an applicant's intellectual capabilities, and offers a common benchmark for comparing candidates from various academic backgrounds and cultures.
Many institutions allocate scholarships to outstanding students as a way to incentivize excellence and attract top talent. GRE scores can play a pivotal role in awarding these scholarships, as they offer a quantifiable measure of an applicant's potential contribution to the academic community. High GRE scores can bolster an applicant's eligibility for financial assistance, making higher education more accessible to deserving individuals.
As it stands, the GRE continues to play a pivotal role in many graduate school admissions. With that in mind, the following factors can help you evaluate GRE preparation plans to achieve the highest score possible:
- Cost: Paying for GRE test prep services can range from affordable to very expensive. Personalized instruction and tutoring can focus on specific problem areas that you've identified, but this tailored approach may cost more than you want to spend. Self-paced learning systems are more affordable, but are more generalized and rely on your dedication to study on your own.
- Score guarantees: Many GRE test prep companies offer score guarantees but place significant caveats around actually getting a refund through that guarantee. Usually it will include restrictions around setting a baseline score (you have to have already taken an official GRE or a proctored facsimile), and completion of all course materials (which is sometimes made artificially difficult). In short, be sure to read the fine print.
- Time: Be honest with yourself about how much time you have to study. Many students start out by purchasing pricey test-prep packages, and then find themselves overwhelmed with the amount of work. Take stock of your schedule, and choose a mixture of free resources, self-lead test-prep, or time-intensive live-online/tutored classes accordingly.
Top Consumer Reviews has done the preliminary research for you, so if you're going to be taking the GRE, and are overwhelmed by the high price and bold claims of most test-prep options, don't worry. We've found the best, most highly rated, and most economical GRE test prep options for your consideration. Before you begin studying, take a moment to browse our curated list, and find the GRE prep that best suits your budget and your needs.
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