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GMAT in Philadelphia: 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: 710
  • Competition Level: High
  • Top Business Schools: Wharton
  • City Population: 1.6M

GMAT Test Centers in Philadelphia​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Philadelphia

    • Address: [Check MBA.com for exact address]
    • Parking: Free/street
    • Transit: Bus routes available

  2. Prometric Test Center - Philadelphia Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for Philadelphia​

  • 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 Philadelphia​

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: $140/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: Philadelphia GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Philadelphia​

Top Schools​

Wharton​

  • Median GMAT: 733
  • Acceptance rate: 18%
  • Ranking: #3

Application Statistics​

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

Philadelphia GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Healthcare, Finance, Consulting
  • Target schools: Local (Wharton) 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 Philadelphia​

Typical Expenses​

ServicePhiladelphia CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1400$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$2800$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$1875$5,075

Study Locations in Philadelphia​

Best Libraries​

  • Philadelphia 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

Philadelphia-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Wharton
  • 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​

  • 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 Philadelphia traffic
  3. Bring valid ID and confirmation
  4. Plan parking in advance
  5. Have backup transportation

Success Stories from Philadelphia​

Average Improvement​

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

Check weather forecast before test day

Resources for Philadelphia Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - Philadelphia​

Which test center is best in Philadelphia?​

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 Philadelphia?​

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

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

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

Are Philadelphia GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, Philadelphia average (710) exceeds the national average (580).

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