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GMAT in San Francisco: 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: 720
  • Competition Level: Extremely High
  • Top Business Schools: Berkeley Haas, Stanford GSB
  • City Population: 875K

GMAT Test Centers in San Francisco​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown San Francisco

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

  2. Prometric Test Center - San Francisco Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for San Francisco​

  • 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 San Francisco​

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: $225/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 Blue Bottle, Philz Coffee
  • Online communities: San Francisco GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near San Francisco​

Top Schools​

Berkeley Haas​

  • Median GMAT: 729
  • Acceptance rate: 12%
  • Ranking: #8

Stanford GSB​

  • Median GMAT: 740
  • Acceptance rate: 6%
  • Ranking: #2

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 720
  • Competition level: Extremely High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Minimal

San Francisco GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 28
  • Industry background: Tech, Consulting, VC/Startup
  • Target schools: Local (Berkeley Haas) 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 San Francisco​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceSan Francisco CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1900$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$4500$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$2375$5,075

Study Locations in San Francisco​

Best Libraries​

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

Quiet Coffee Shops​

  • Blue Bottle Coffee
  • Philz Coffee
  • Ritual Coffee

Co-working Spaces​

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

San Francisco-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Berkeley Haas, Stanford GSB
  • 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: San Francisco traffic unpredictable

Test Day Recommendations​

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

Success Stories from San Francisco​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 640
  • Final score: 720
  • 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​

Year-round mild, but bring layers

Resources for San Francisco Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - San Francisco​

Which test center is best in San Francisco?​

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 San Francisco?​

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

What's the average GMAT prep time in San Francisco?​

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

Are San Francisco GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, San Francisco average (720) exceeds the national average (580).

Updated monthly with latest San Francisco test center information and local resources.