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GMAT in Seattle: 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: 2 locations
  • Average GMAT Score: 705
  • Competition Level: High
  • Top Business Schools: UW Foster
  • City Population: 750K

GMAT Test Centers in Seattle​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Seattle

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

  2. Prometric Test Center - Seattle Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for Seattle​

  • 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 Seattle​

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: $160/hour
  • Elite tutors: $300-500/hour
  • Package deals: 10-20 hours typical
  • Format: In-person or online

Study Groups​

  • Meetup groups: 2 active groups
  • Library study rooms: Available at public libraries
  • Coffee shop sessions: Popular in Starbucks Reserve, Victrola
  • Online communities: Seattle GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Seattle​

Top Schools​

UW Foster​

  • Median GMAT: 690
  • Acceptance rate: 35%
  • Ranking: #28

Application Statistics​

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

Seattle GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Tech, Retail, Consulting
  • Target schools: Local (UW Foster) 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 Seattle​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceSeattle CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1500$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$3200$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$1975$5,075

Study Locations in Seattle​

Best Libraries​

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

Quiet Coffee Shops​

  • Original Starbucks
  • Victrola Coffee
  • Analog Coffee

Co-working Spaces​

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

Seattle-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to UW Foster
  • 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 Seattle traffic
  3. Bring valid ID and confirmation
  4. Plan parking in advance
  5. Have backup transportation

Success Stories from Seattle​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 625
  • Final score: 705
  • 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​

Rain common; doesnt usually affect testing

Resources for Seattle Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - Seattle​

Which test center is best in Seattle?​

All 2 centers offer the same test, but downtown locations typically have better facilities and parking.

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

With 2 test centers available, in-person is recommended unless you prefer home testing environment.

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

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

Are Seattle GMAT scores higher than national average?​

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

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