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GMAT in Boston: 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: 715
  • Competition Level: Very High
  • Top Business Schools: Harvard, MIT Sloan
  • City Population: 695K

GMAT Test Centers in Boston​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Boston

    • Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
    • Parking: Free/street
    • Transit: Subway/Metro accessible

  2. Prometric Test Center - Boston Suburbs

    • Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
    • Parking: Free
    • Transit: Limited

Test Center Tips for Boston​

  • 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: Recommended

GMAT Preparation Options in Boston​

In-Person Prep Courses​

  • Manhattan Prep: $1,599 (classroom), $999 (online)
  • Veritas Prep: $1,650 (classroom)
  • Kaplan: $1,249 (classroom), $799 (online)
  • Princeton Review: $1,399 (classroom)
  • Local providers: 2-3 additional options

Private Tutoring​

  • Average rate: $175/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 Thinking Cup, Render Coffee
  • Online communities: Boston GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Boston​

Top Schools​

Harvard​

  • Median GMAT: 740
  • Acceptance rate: 9%
  • Ranking: #1

MIT Sloan​

  • Median GMAT: 730
  • Acceptance rate: 11%
  • Ranking: #5

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 715
  • Competition level: Very High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Minimal

Boston GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Consulting, Healthcare, Tech
  • Target schools: Local (Harvard) plus M7
  • Retake rate: 45%

Score Distribution​

Score RangePercentage of Test-Takers
750+15%
700-75035%
650-70030%
600-65020%
Below 60010%

Cost of GMAT Prep in Boston​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceBoston CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1700$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$3500$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$2175$5,075

Study Locations in Boston​

Best Libraries​

  • Boston Public Library (Main Branch)
  • University libraries (guest access varies)
  • Quiet study rooms available
  • Free WiFi and power outlets

Quiet Coffee Shops​

  • Thinking Cup
  • Tatte Bakery
  • Render Coffee

Co-working Spaces​

  • WeWork locations: 1-2
  • Day pass rates: $30-50
  • Monthly membership: $200-400
  • GMAT-friendly: Yes, with headphones

Boston-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Harvard, MIT Sloan
  • High-achieving peer group
  • Quality prep resources
  • Professional network

Challenges​

  • Intense competition
  • Higher score expectations
  • Test center availability during peak times

Networking Opportunities​

  • MBA fairs: 3-4 annually
  • Alumni events: Regular at top schools
  • GMAC events: 2-3 per year
  • Prep company events: Free workshops monthly

Transportation and Logistics​

Getting to Test Centers​

  • Public transit recommended: Avoid parking stress
  • Ride-share backup: Have Uber/Lyft ready
  • Allow extra time: Boston traffic unpredictable

Test Day Recommendations​

  1. Arrive 30 minutes early
  2. Account for Boston traffic
  3. Bring valid ID and confirmation
  4. Plan parking in advance
  5. Have backup transportation

Success Stories from Boston​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 635
  • Final score: 715
  • 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​

Winter storms possible; plan accordingly

Resources for Boston Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

  • Facebook: "Boston GMAT Study Group"
  • Reddit: r/GMAT (search Boston)
  • Meetup: "Boston MBA Aspirants"
  • WhatsApp: Via local prep centers

Prep Centers​

  1. Manhattan Prep (if available)
  2. Kaplan Test Prep
  3. Local test prep companies
  4. University continuing education programs

Next Steps for Boston Residents​

  1. Book test date at preferred center
  2. Research local prep options
  3. Join study groups in Boston
  4. Visit target schools if local
  5. Network with alumni in the area

Frequently Asked Questions - Boston​

Which test center is best in Boston?​

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 Boston?​

With 3 test centers available, in-person is recommended unless you prefer home testing environment.

What's the average GMAT prep time in Boston?​

Most Boston test-takers prepare for 3-4 months, given the very high competition level.

Are Boston GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, Boston average (715) exceeds the national average (580).

Updated monthly with latest Boston test center information and local resources.