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GMAT in Washington DC: 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: 700
  • Competition Level: High
  • Top Business Schools: Georgetown McDonough, Maryland Smith
  • City Population: 690K

GMAT Test Centers in Washington DC​

Available Test Centers​

  1. Pearson Professional Center - Downtown Washington DC

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

  2. Prometric Test Center - Washington DC Suburbs

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

Test Center Tips for Washington DC​

  • 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 Washington DC​

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: $160/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: Washington DC GMAT Facebook/Reddit groups

MBA Programs Near Washington DC​

Top Schools​

Georgetown McDonough​

  • Median GMAT: 695
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Ranking: #21

Maryland Smith​

  • Median GMAT: 680
  • Acceptance rate: 42%
  • Ranking: #42

Application Statistics​

  • Average GMAT for admission: 700
  • Competition level: High
  • Application rounds: September (R1), January (R2)
  • Local advantage: Some networking benefit

Washington DC GMAT Demographics​

Test-Taker Profile​

  • Average age: 27
  • Industry background: Government, Consulting, Non-profit
  • Target schools: Local (Georgetown McDonough) 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 Washington DC​

Typical Expenses​

ServiceWashington DC CostNational Average
Test Fee$275$275
Prep Course$1600$1,400
Private Tutoring (20 hrs)$3200$3,000
Study Materials$300$300
Practice Tests$100$100
Total Budget$2075$5,075

Study Locations in Washington DC​

Best Libraries​

  • Washington DC 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

Washington DC-Specific GMAT Tips​

Local Advantages​

  • Proximity to Georgetown McDonough, Maryland Smith
  • 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​

  • Public transit recommended: Avoid parking stress
  • Ride-share backup: Have Uber/Lyft ready
  • Allow extra time: Washington DC traffic unpredictable

Test Day Recommendations​

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

Success Stories from Washington DC​

Average Improvement​

  • Starting score: 620
  • Final score: 700
  • 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 Washington DC Test-Takers​

Local GMAT Groups​

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions - Washington DC​

Which test center is best in Washington DC?​

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 Washington DC?​

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

What's the average GMAT prep time in Washington DC?​

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

Are Washington DC GMAT scores higher than national average?​

Yes, Washington DC average (700) exceeds the national average (580).

Updated monthly with latest Washington DC test center information and local resources.