GMAT in Atlanta: Test Centers, Prep, and MBA Programs
📚 Additional Study ResourceThis content is not part of the original "30 Day GMAT Success" book by Brandon Wu. It has been created as a supplementary resource to help GMAT students with additional practice questions, guides, and study materials.
Quick Facts
- Test Centers: 3 locations
- Average GMAT Score: 680
- Competition Level: Moderate-High
- Top Business Schools: Emory Goizueta
- City Population: 500K
GMAT Test Centers in Atlanta
Available Test Centers
-
Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Atlanta
- Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
- Parking: Free/street
- Transit: Bus routes available
-
Prometric Test Center - Atlanta Suburbs
- Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
- Parking: Free
- Transit: Limited
Test Center Tips for Atlanta
- Best time to book: 2-3 months in advance
- Least crowded days: Tuesday-Thursday
- Peak seasons: March-May, September-November
- Parking: Generally available
- Public transit: Check routes in advance
GMAT Preparation Options in Atlanta
In-Person Prep Courses
- Kaplan: $1,249 (classroom), $799 (online)
- Princeton Review: $1,399 (classroom)
- Local providers: 2-3 additional options
Private Tutoring
- Average rate: $125/hour
- Elite tutors: $300-500/hour
- Package deals: 10-20 hours typical
- Format: In-person or online
Study Groups
- Meetup groups: 3 active groups
- Library study rooms: Available at public libraries
- Coffee shop sessions: Popular in Local coffee shops
- Online communities: Atlanta GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups
MBA Programs Near Atlanta
Top Schools
Emory Goizueta
- Median GMAT: 700
- Acceptance rate: 37%
- Ranking: #20
Application Statistics
- Average GMAT for admission: 680
- Competition level: Moderate-High
- Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
- Local advantage: Some networking benefit
Atlanta GMAT Demographics
Test-Taker Profile
- Average age: 27
- Industry background: Consulting, CPG, Logistics
- Target schools: Local (Emory Goizueta) plus M7
- Retake rate: 35%
Score Distribution
Score Range | Percentage of Test-Takers |
---|---|
750+ | 8% |
700-750 | 25% |
650-700 | 30% |
600-650 | 20% |
Below 600 | 17% |
Cost of GMAT Prep in Atlanta
Typical Expenses
Service | Atlanta Cost | National Average |
---|---|---|
Test Fee | $275 | $275 |
Prep Course | $1300 | $1,400 |
Private Tutoring (20 hrs) | $2500 | $3,000 |
Study Materials | $300 | $300 |
Practice Tests | $100 | $100 |
Total Budget | $1775 | $5,075 |
Study Locations in Atlanta
Best Libraries
- Atlanta Public Library (Main Branch)
- University libraries (guest access varies)
- Quiet study rooms available
- Free WiFi and power outlets
Quiet Coffee Shops
- Local independent coffee shops
- Starbucks (multiple locations)
- Panera Bread
Co-working Spaces
- WeWork locations: 1-2
- Day pass rates: $30-50
- Monthly membership: $200-400
- GMAT-friendly: Yes, with headphones
Atlanta-Specific GMAT Tips
Local Advantages
- Proximity to Emory Goizueta
- Professional network
Challenges
- Test center availability during peak times
Networking Opportunities
- MBA fairs: 3-4 annually
- Alumni events: Regular at top schools
- GMAC events: 1-2 per year
- Prep company events: Free workshops monthly
Transportation and Logistics
Getting to Test Centers
- Driving recommended: Most convenient
- Parking: Usually free or affordable
- GPS essential: Test center locations sometimes tricky
Test Day Recommendations
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Account for Atlanta traffic
- Bring valid ID and confirmation
- Plan parking in advance
- Have backup transportation
Success Stories from Atlanta
Average Improvement
- Starting score: 600
- Final score: 680
- Preparation time: 3-4 months
- Most used resources: Online courses, self-study
Seasonal Considerations
Best Months to Test
- March-May: Before summer plans
- September-November: For Round 2 applications
- Avoid: December holidays, August vacations
Weather Considerations
Summer thunderstorms; mild winters
Resources for Atlanta Test-Takers
Local GMAT Groups
- Facebook: "Atlanta GMAT Study Group"
- Reddit: r/GMAT (search Atlanta)
- Meetup: "Atlanta MBA Aspirants"
- WhatsApp: Via local prep centers
Prep Centers
- Manhattan Prep (if available)
- Kaplan Test Prep
- Local test prep companies
- University continuing education programs
Next Steps for Atlanta Residents
- Book test date at preferred center
- Research local prep options
- Join study groups in Atlanta
- Visit target schools if local
- Network with alumni in the area
Frequently Asked Questions - Atlanta
Which test center is best in Atlanta?
All 3 centers offer the same test, but downtown locations typically have better facilities and parking.
Should I take in-person or online GMAT from Atlanta?
With 3 test centers available, in-person is recommended unless you prefer home testing environment.
What's the average GMAT prep time in Atlanta?
Most Atlanta test-takers prepare for 3-4 months, given the moderate-high competition level.
Are Atlanta GMAT scores higher than national average?
Yes, Atlanta average (680) exceeds the national average (580).
Updated monthly with latest Atlanta test center information and local resources.