Skip to main content

GMAT in Chicago: 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: 4 locations
  • Average GMAT Score: 705
  • Competition Level: High
  • Top Business Schools: Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg
  • City Population: 2.7M

GMAT Test Centers in Chicago​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Chicago

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

  2. Prometric Test Center - Chicago Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for Chicago​

  • Best time to book: 2-3 months in advance
  • Least crowded days: Tuesday-Thursday
  • Peak seasons: March-May, September-November
  • Parking: Varies by location, plan ahead
  • Public transit: Recommended

GMAT Preparation Options in Chicago​

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: $150/hour
  • Elite tutors: $300-500/hour
  • Package deals: 10-20 hours typical
  • Format: In-person or online

Study Groups​

  • Meetup groups: 4 active groups
  • Library study rooms: Available at public libraries
  • Coffee shop sessions: Popular in Intelligentsia, Metropolis
  • Online communities: Chicago GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Chicago​

Top Schools​

Chicago Booth​

  • Median GMAT: 730
  • Acceptance rate: 22%
  • Ranking: #4

Northwestern Kellogg​

  • Median GMAT: 730
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Ranking: #6

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 705
  • Competition level: High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Some networking benefit

Chicago GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Finance, Consulting, CPG
  • Target schools: Local (Chicago Booth) plus M7
  • Retake rate: 45%

Score Distribution​

Score RangePercentage of Test-Takers
750+8%
700-75035%
650-70030%
600-65020%
Below 60010%

Cost of GMAT Prep in Chicago​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceChicago CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1500$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$3000$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$1975$5,075

Study Locations in Chicago​

Best Libraries​

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

Quiet Coffee Shops​

  • Intelligentsia
  • Metropolis Coffee
  • Dark Matter

Co-working Spaces​

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

Chicago-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg
  • Multiple test center options
  • High-achieving peer group
  • Quality prep resources
  • Professional network

Challenges​

  • 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: Chicago traffic unpredictable

Test Day Recommendations​

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

Success Stories from Chicago​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 625
  • Final score: 705
  • Preparation time: 3-4 months
  • Most used resources: Manhattan Prep, Target Test Prep

Seasonal Considerations​

Best Months to Test​

  • March-May: Before summer plans
  • September-November: For Round 2 applications
  • Avoid: December holidays, August vacations

Weather Considerations​

Extreme winter cold; summer humidity

Resources for Chicago Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

  • Facebook: "Chicago GMAT Study Group"
  • Reddit: r/GMAT (search Chicago)
  • Meetup: "Chicago 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 Chicago Residents​

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

Frequently Asked Questions - Chicago​

Which test center is best in Chicago?​

All 4 centers offer the same test, but downtown locations typically have better facilities and parking.

Should I take in-person or online GMAT from Chicago?​

With 4 test centers available, in-person is recommended unless you prefer home testing environment.

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

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

Are Chicago GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, Chicago average (705) exceeds the national average (580).

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