Skip to main content

GMAT in Los Angeles: 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: 695
  • Competition Level: High
  • Top Business Schools: UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall
  • City Population: 4M

GMAT Test Centers in Los Angeles​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Los Angeles

    • Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
    • Parking: Paid garage
    • Transit: Bus routes available

  2. Prometric Test Center - Los Angeles Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for Los Angeles​

  • 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: Check routes in advance

GMAT Preparation Options in Los Angeles​

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: $175/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 Local coffee shops
  • Online communities: Los Angeles GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Los Angeles​

Top Schools​

UCLA Anderson​

  • Median GMAT: 714
  • Acceptance rate: 31%
  • Ranking: #16

USC Marshall​

  • Median GMAT: 708
  • Acceptance rate: 23%
  • Ranking: #17

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 695
  • Competition level: High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Some networking benefit

Los Angeles GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Entertainment, Tech, Real Estate
  • Target schools: Local (UCLA Anderson) plus M7
  • Retake rate: 35%

Score Distribution​

Score RangePercentage of Test-Takers
750+8%
700-75025%
650-70030%
600-65020%
Below 60017%

Cost of GMAT Prep in Los Angeles​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceLos Angeles CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1600$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$3500$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$2075$5,075

Study Locations in Los Angeles​

Best Libraries​

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

Los Angeles-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall
  • Multiple test center options
  • 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​

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

Success Stories from Los Angeles​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 615
  • Final score: 695
  • 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​

Traffic worse in rain (rare)

Resources for Los Angeles Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - Los Angeles​

Which test center is best in Los Angeles?​

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 Los Angeles?​

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

What's the average GMAT prep time in Los Angeles?​

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

Are Los Angeles GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, Los Angeles average (695) exceeds the national average (580).

Updated monthly with latest Los Angeles test center information and local resources.