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Manhattan Prep vs Magoosh GMAT
Find out which GMAT prep course is right for you in this comparison between Manhattan Prep and Magoosh
In this article, we take an in-depth look at two completely different GMAT prep courses. First, we have Manhattan Prep, which is known for their robust courses that feature an abundance of GMAT study materials. On the other hand, we have Magoosh, which is a budget prep provider known their affordable price points. Let’s see which GMAT course is best for your specific situation and goals.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video: How These GMAT Courses Compare
In the above video, Test Prep Insight team member John provides a concise summary of how the GMAT prep courses from Manhattan Prep and Magoosh compare. Please continue reading for more detail.
To keep this video focused on directly comparing these two courses instead of providing a general overview of their study materials, I’ll highlight the key areas where each company excels.
With that in mind, let’s begin with Manhattan Prep. And just to clarify, Kaplan folded their own GMAT prep program into Manhattan Prep to create one combined course (with a recent major platform update), hence the tagline “Manhattan Prep powered by Kaplan.”
Video Lessons
The first area of excellence is their video lessons. Manhattan Prep’s video lessons are considered the best in the GMAT prep industry.
Manhattan Prep verbal video lesson
They boast higher production quality compared to Magoosh’s and feature an on-screen instructor, which enhances engagement and material retention.
In contrast, Magoosh’s video lessons are more dated, resembling a PowerPoint slideshow with instructor voiceover. If you’re a visual learner, you’ll likely prefer Manhattan Prep’s video lessons.
Live GMAT Classes
When it comes to live classes, Manhattan Prep wins again, especially for visual learners.
Magoosh no longer offers live class packages, only self-paced on-demand options. Manhattan Prep stands out with intentionally small class sizes to enhance personalized attention and active participation.
The Foundations of Math module
Their instructors, all 99th percentile scorers, excel in making the lessons enjoyable with jokes and humor, making the learning experience feel light and playful.
Overall, Manhattan Prep’s live classes receive two thumbs up for their engaging and effective teaching approach.
GMAT Prep Books
Next, Manhattan Prep takes the lead with their prep books. This is a clear victory since Magoosh doesn’t offer hardcopy prep books to students.
While Magoosh does provide some digital booklets, they don’t match the quality of Manhattan Prep’s prep book bundle. Manhattan Prep’s books are not only better integrated into their course, but also more detailed and comprehensive.
Packed with valuable lessons, practice problems, strategies, and tips, Manhattan Prep’s books are a standout choice for those who value physical study materials (even if you do have to pay a little extra for the print bundle).
Personally, I’m a big fan of prep books for their portability and ability to highlight key points and dog-ear pages for later review.
GMAT Practice Tests
Finally, Manhattan Prep secures another win with their practice tests. They offer students 6 full-length adaptive exams, compared to Magoosh’s 2.
GMAT practice test from Manhattan Prep
While this difference might not seem significant, research indicates a strong correlation between the number of practice tests taken and score improvement. Having access to fewer than 10 practice tests makes each one crucial.
For instance, in MCAT prep, where most companies offer 15+ practice tests, such nuances might be less critical. However, with the limited number of practice exams available, these differences become substantial.
Additionally, Manhattan Prep has integrated a new AI Explainer tool trained on all their materials. This allows you to ask questions and get instant, personalized explanations for any practice test problem in real-time – Magoosh has an Ask an Expert feature, but it’s via email.
Now that we’ve discussed Manhattan Prep, let’s switch gears and discuss the advantages of using Magoosh to help you prepare for the GMAT.
Bang For Your Buck Pricing
The first crucial aspect to consider is pricing. The Magoosh GMAT course is priced around $350, while Manhattan Prep’s 12-month on demand course is around $1,200 (they do have a cheaper 1 and 6 month option). This translates to a savings of around $850.
It’s important to note, though, that this comparison is somewhat like comparing apples to oranges; they cater to different needs. Magoosh offers a budget-friendly, do-it-yourself course, while Manhattan Prep provides comprehensive study materials and features.
Video Solutions For Practice Problems
While Magoosh offers fewer practice problems and tests compared to Manhattan Prep, they deserve recognition for providing both text and video solutions for each problem.
Answer solution from Magoosh
In contrast, Manhattan Prep only offers text explanations. Magoosh’s inclusion of video solutions is significant, particularly for visual learners, making it a valuable advantage.
GMAT Score Guarantee
If you complete the Magoosh course, the company guarantees that your score will improve by 70 points or you’ll receive a full refund on your tuition. It’s important to review the fine print behind this guarantee before purchasing.
This is a solid selling point for a budget course. While Manhattan Prep does offer a similar +70 point guarantee, it is typically reserved for their premium 655+ Course. For their standard courses, Manhattan Prep generally only guarantees that your score will improve by any amount.
So, getting a locked-in 70-point promise from Magoosh for a fraction of the price is a good insurance policy.
To summarize the comparison of prep courses from both companies, while there are several appealing aspects of the Magoosh GMAT course, such as its affordability and content access period, it ultimately falls short compared to Manhattan Prep.
In my opinion, if you’re seeking the best course overall between these two companies, Manhattan Prep is the clear choice.
Their courses outperform Magoosh in all crucial categories, video lessons, prep books, live classes, practice materials, and more. Therefore, unless you’re constrained by a tight budget, I highly recommend Manhattan Prep for your GMAT preparation.
How do the GMAT prep courses from Magoosh and Manhattan Prep compare?
The GMAT prep courses from Manhattan Prep and Magoosh differ quite a bit. Magoosh is a budget prep provider, while Manhattan Prep offers a deep roster of GMAT study materials.
Which GMAT prep course is better - Manhattan Prep or Magoosh?
After testing the GMAT prep courses from both companies, there’s no question that Manhattan Prep offers the more complete and effective prep course.
Is the Magoosh GMAT prep course cheaper than Manhattan Prep?
Yes, the Magoosh GMAT prep course is cheaper than the Manhattan Prep courses by a pretty wide margin.
Which GMAT course is better for beginners?
For beginners, Magoosh is often a more approachable starting point. It offers a simple interface, bite-sized video lessons, and affordable pricing – ideal if you’re just getting familiar with the GMAT.
However, if you want a stronger foundation and more structure from the start, Manhattan Prep is the better long-term investment. Its live classes and expert-designed curriculum help beginners build core skills quickly and aim higher right away.
Which is the best GMAT course for advanced test-takers?
For advanced test-takers, Manhattan Prep is often the preferred choice due to its rigorous curriculum, strategy-focused lessons, and experienced instructors. It’s ideal if you’re aiming for a top GMAT score and want a structured, high-intensity prep experience.
That said, Magoosh can still be effective for advanced learners who prefer self-paced study, especially if you’re confident with the fundamentals and looking for a flexible, more affordable option.
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