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GregMat vs Magoosh
Our honest opinion on how the GRE prep program from GregMat compares to the Magoosh GRE prep course
After using both GRE prep programs, we have a clear favorite between Magoosh and GregMat. They might have similar budget price tags, but that’s more or less where the similarities stop. From their instructional methods, to their study plans, to the level of practice material each provides, these two GRE prep courses are very different. Find our detailed thoughts in this review below.
The Magoosh GRE prep course is not the most sophisticated prep option out there, but its simplicity is its strength. The program focuses on three main components: video lessons, practice questions, and a review feature.
Your main instruction takes place via on demand lesson videos. They house their videos in a library, which is fairly user-friendly. You get the option to choose from approximately 300 brief lectures, each lasting between 4 and 12 minutes. These videos are concise, and cover various GRE subtopics, delivering key concepts clearly. While I appreciate their straightforward approach, I’ll admit the delivery feels a bit traditional and could use a modern touch.
Magoosh GRE verbal practice question
When it comes to practice, Magoosh offers around 1,600 questions and up to six full-length GRE practice tests. While the quantity might not stand out, the quality does. Around 10% of their questions are official practice problems licensed from ETS (i.e. they’re from past exams), and the rest closely mimic the actual exam.
Plus, the detailed explanations for each—available in both text and video formats—are incredibly helpful. I found the video explanations particularly engaging.
In addition to the video lessons and practice questions, Magoosh provides a study schedule and a performance review feature, among a few other nice tools. Overall, the course sticks to a fairly straightforward formula: learn through video lectures; drill with practice questions; review; repeat. It’s as simple as that.
Magoosh’s Advantages Over GregMat
Knowing now how the Magoosh GRE prep program operates, let me explain what I see as Magoosh’s advantages over GregMat.
Massive Library of On Demand Video Lessons
One massive advantage that Magoosh maintains over GregMat is their library of video lectures. Every topic necessary for the GRE is covered, and covered well. The video lessons, while short in length and of average production quality, are effective.
The Magoosh video lessons are great for visual learners
The instructors are clearly very knowledgeable and do a great job breaking down even complex subject matter. As a fan of video-based instruction, I was impressed with these lesson videos, especially given the low price point.
More Practice Material
Another benefit of opting to study with Magoosh is their superior number of practice questions and tests.
In total, Magoosh offers 1,600 practice problems in their Qbank, as well as six full-length, computer adaptive practice tests that are designed to provide you with the real feel of the actual GRE exam.
Magoosh even offers GRE official questions
However, one of the greatest draws here is the nature of some of the questions with Magoosh. Their course gives you access to eight full sections of officially licensed GRE questions from ETS. That’s over 160 problems from previously administered GRE exams, which is a massive value add.
With more practice tests, a larger Qbank, and official problems, I give Magoosh the slight edge here.
Video Explanations
Practice problem explanations is another area where Magoosh beats out GregMat. Magoosh offers both text and video solutions for each practice problem, while GregMat does not.
One of the Magoosh GRE video lessons
If you are a visual learner, this is something to keep in mind. Video breakdowns of problems (especially quant problems), can be much more effective than two-sentence text explanations.
GRE Score Guarantee
Magoosh offers a money-back score guarantee, while GregMat does not.
Basically, if you complete the Magoosh course, they guarantee a score increase of at least 5 points or you get your money back.
This is a nice insurance policy in case you aren’t feeling super confident.
Extra Resources
Magoosh offers a bit more than GregMat in terms of extras in my opinion, with a vocabulary builder tool, flashcards (vocabulary and math), and a mobile app.
The mobile app is a very nice supplement to the Magoosh course, giving you exactly what you need for GRE practice on-the-go. It is not necessarily designed for standalone study, but it is a very convenient feature, especially for verbal practice.
More Magoosh GRE practice work
Plus, I loved the 24/7 email support from the Magoosh team. If you ever get stuck on a question or you’re having trouble understanding a specific concept or testing strategy, you can just email one of Magoosh’s GRE tutors, and they’ll get back to you within a few hours with a detailed response. That was awesome.
The GregMat GRE program is more like a learning platform than a traditional “course.” The prep program is broken down into four key parts:
Live Classes. This is the biggest difference with Magoosh. While Magoosh uses on demand video lectures to teach, GregMat uses live classes. You can join around 10 live classes each week (you need to pre-register for each), with each one covering different GRE topics. Honestly, they cover a really diverse set of topics, with different formats. There’s even a format called “Have a beer with Greg,” where you can casually chat with a teacher and ask questions. Each class runs for 1-2 hours, and they go by pretty fast. If you miss any, no worries—there are recordings you can catch up on later. You can tell GregMat is all about interactive learning. You join live classes and engage directly with the instructor, which sets it apart from Magoosh and their pre-recorded lessons. The platform is clearly designed to be community-oriented, encouraging you to connect with others and support each other.
What the GregMat GRE prep program looks like
Practice. The other main resource in the platform is practice work. The practice section of the program gives you access to real ETS GRE questions, so you can drill on the same stuff you’ll see on test day (much like Magoosh). There are 44 mini-GRE exams and around 1,000 practice problems to work through. You can also take diagnostic tests to see where you’re strong and where you need to focus.
Tools. This section of the program includes useful resources like a GRE calculator, a random word generator for vocab practice, and an essay grading tool where you can get feedback on your writing. Though helpful, the resources aren’t as robust as Magoosh’s.
Study Schedules. GregMat offers structured study plans, including one-month and two-month options, breaking down daily study tasks to help manage time effectively. These plans are made for varying time commitments and learning paces.
Overall, the program lacks cohesiveness, but provides you with all the essential resources you’ll need to prep.
The GregMat study plan
GregMat’s Advantages Over Magoosh
Live Classes
The format of many of the live GregMat classes was not my favorite (some were too narrowly focused and some were just plain not helpful for me individually), but by and large I like the live instruction approach.
Live instruction offers you real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and a structured schedule, which helps keep you engaged and accountable. It further allows for personalized teaching, spontaneous discussions (with peers and teachers), and fosters a sense of community through direct engagement. (Misery loves company, am I right?).
GregMat live class schedule
In contrast, on-demand learning (i.e. the Magoosh style) can provide flexibility, but lacks the immediacy and interactivity of live sessions, making it less dynamic and tailored to your needs.
In short, the GregMat live classes are the clearest benefit of this program.
Subscription Model
The GregMat course runs on a simple subscription plan—just $8 a month gets you access to everything, including live classes and all the course materials. Not only is this a killer price, but this setup is great for keeping things fresh, with regular content updates based on student feedback.
GregMat math GRE practice
Clear Study Plans
Whether you choose the one-month or two-month study schedule, the GregMat plans are more detailed than Magoosh’s optional schedules. They provide daily study tasks in a very clear, listy way. They really do help manage your time effectively.
In my opinion, Magoosh is a superior GRE prep product to GregMat. Though GregMat does have some unique advantages, such as their live classes and detailed study plans, the Magoosh course is more effective overall. With ample practice work, hundreds of concise and on-point video lessons, and a more cohesive nature, I much preferred Magoosh.
FAQ
Who is GregMat?
While many people think the founder of GregMat is a guy named “Greg,” this is not true. No one actually knows what the GregMat founder and live class leader’s real name is. He is an international man of mystery. “GregMat” is simply a play on GRE + GMAT.
Is GregMat good for GRE?
In my opinion, after using the program, GregMat is just alright for GRE prep. They provide some nice cheap study resources, but this is far from a standalone prep course that I would rely on.
What is your GregMat review?
I think GregMat is just OK and give it a 7.2 out of 10. To me, it’s more like a collection of study tools than a full-fledged prep program that I could solely rely on.
Magoosh vs GregMat, who wins?
In my eyes, Magoosh wins hands down. Their video lectures are superior, they have more practice material, and the course has a more cohesive feel to it. I thought Magoosh was more effective.
