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GMAT in New York: 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: 5 locations
  • Average GMAT Score: 710
  • Competition Level: Very High
  • Top Business Schools: Columbia, NYU Stern
  • City Population: 8.3M

GMAT Test Centers in New York​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown New York

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

  2. Prometric Test Center - New York Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for New York​

  • 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 New York​

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: $200/hour
  • Elite tutors: $300-500/hour
  • Package deals: 10-20 hours typical
  • Format: In-person or online

Study Groups​

  • Meetup groups: 5 active groups
  • Library study rooms: Available at public libraries
  • Coffee shop sessions: Popular in WeWork, Starbucks Reserve
  • Online communities: New York GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near New York​

Top Schools​

Columbia​

  • Median GMAT: 729
  • Acceptance rate: 14%
  • Ranking: #7

NYU Stern​

  • Median GMAT: 720
  • Acceptance rate: 19%
  • Ranking: #13

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 710
  • Competition level: Very High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Minimal

New York GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 28
  • Industry background: Finance, Consulting, Tech
  • Target schools: Local (Columbia) 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 New York​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceNew York CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1800$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$4000$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$2275$5,075

Study Locations in New York​

Best Libraries​

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

Quiet Coffee Shops​

  • Starbucks Reserve Roastery
  • Think Coffee
  • Joe Coffee

Co-working Spaces​

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

New York-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Columbia, NYU Stern
  • Multiple test center options
  • High-achieving peer group
  • Quality prep resources
  • Professional network

Challenges​

  • Intense competition
  • Higher score expectations
  • High cost of living during prep
  • 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: New York traffic unpredictable

Test Day Recommendations​

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

Success Stories from New York​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 630
  • Final score: 710
  • 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​

Winter snow may affect travel; summer heat/humidity

Resources for New York Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - New York​

Which test center is best in New York?​

All 5 centers offer the same test, but downtown locations typically have better facilities and parking.

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

With 5 test centers available, in-person is recommended unless you prefer home testing environment.

What's the average GMAT prep time in New York?​

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

Are New York GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, New York average (710) exceeds the national average (580).

Updated monthly with latest New York test center information and local resources.