Table of Contents:
- Who administers the GMAT test in Boston?
- What does the test center look like?
- Where are the test centers located in Boston?
- Test center holidays
- Top MBA programs in Boston
- Tips
- Test Day FAQs
A few weeks into your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. We’re here to guide you on the ins and outs of taking the GMAT in Boston and the Boston metro area.
Who administers the GMAT test in Boston?
Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exam on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centers visit https://www.pearson.com/us/.
What does the test center look like?
You’ll first enter into a lobby, where you’ll be checked in. The check in process is designed to be highly secure and requires you to use biometric data, usually a palm vein scan, to register for the exam. Pearson provides lockers in most locations to put away your valuables, as no personal items are permitted in the testing room. The GMAT testing room will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker. Note that Pearson administers many other exams and the other people in the room might not be taking the GMAT. ?Headphones? You’ll be provided a scratch pad, six sheets of laminated paper with a dry erase marker.
Where are the test centers in Boston?
Boston has several GMAT testing center options. The locations in downtown often fill up first, so if you’re having difficulty finding an appointment it pays to look into the centers further from town. Our clients have had the best experience at the following:
Pearson Professional Centers-Boston (Back Bay)
31 St. James Avenue
Suite 725
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
By car:
From central Boston (7min)
- Take Cambridge St and Bowdoin St to Mt Vernon St
- Take Walnut St to Beacon St
- Hancock St turns right and becomes Mt Vernon St
- Turn left onto Walnut St
- Turn right onto Beacon St
- Use the left lane to turn slightly right to stay on Beacon St
- Turn left onto Arlington St
- Turn right onto St James Ave
- Destination will be on the right
By train:
Should take around 13min.
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.3 by Google reviewers. It is described as a good place to take the exam.
Pearson Professional Centers – Boston, Massachusetts
295 Devonshire Street
2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
By car/parking:
There are a ton of parking garage options within a block of the building.
By train:
This center is about 3 blocks south of Downtown Crossing station, so take the orange line or the red line, walk down Summer Street, and take a left onto Devonshire. The building will be on your left just as you turn the corner.
?embed Street view
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.1 by Google reviewers. The center was described as a place with great service.
Pearson Professional Centers – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Best for Driving
186 Alewife Brook Parkway
Suite 202
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
By car:
Parking is available outside at the Fresh Pond Mall.
By train:
This testing center is closest to the Alewife stop on the red line. From the station, make a left and walk about 15 minutes down Alewife Parkway. On your left will be the Fresh Pond Mall, and the testing center is inside.
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 5.0 by Google reviewers.
An alternative option:
If you would like to get away from the hustle of the city for your exam or if test centers within the city do not have any openings, a Pearson Professional Centers-Cambridge MA is a good option for you.
Test Center Holidays
The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test-taking are just before application deadlines and more generally during times when people are have time off from work, so around various holidays. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT, GMAT Focus or EA. The test center is closed on a few of the most major holidays:
-
- New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2024
- Thanksgiving & Black Friday – November 23rd and 24th, 2023
- Christmas Day – December 25th, 2023 and 2024
Top Tier MBA programs located in Boston
Tips:
- During the test there will not be complete silence – you might be able to hear noise from other test takers. It’s easy to be frustrated by this, so it is best to spend at least some time preparing for this eventuality by studying for the exam in similar scenarios, like a library. This can prepare you for any distractions (such as coughing, sneezing, or computer clicking sounds) that might occur while taking your exam.
- Try to spend some time actually preparing in the lobby of the test center a few weeks or days in advance of your exam date. Since the place will be familiar to you come test day this can help curb test anxiety should any arise.
- Find a test day checklist.
Test Day FAQs
Here are the top 5 questions that clients ask us about exam day information:
- Are you allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam?
You are not allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam and you are not allowed to wear earphones as well.
- What should I do if I fall sick on the exam day?
If you do not feel well come exam day you will have to make the decision as to whether or not you can take the test and perform at your best. Most people will not be able to do this so it will be best to cancel it. If you do so on the day of the exam you will incur a loss of your full $250 exam fee. If you cancel the exam 7 days in advance you will be charged a penalty of $50. If it is the first time that you will sit the exam and you are up for sitting through a 4 hour test, this may be a good opportunity to experience the test as you have the ability to cancel the score right afterwards if you are unhappy with it. Ultimately, it is best to take the GMAT when you are feeling your best as this will result in your optimum test performance.
- What can I bring with me to the test center?
You are allowed in the test center with the following:
- GMAT approved identification
- Appointment confirmation letter or email you received from Pearson VUE
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Light sweater or light non-outerwear jacket
- Comfort items only if they were pre-approved as an accommodation received in advance
Any additional personal belongings that you bring with you such as your cell phone, bag, snacks, and earphones will need to be stored in one of the provided lockers. You may eat your snack during the breaks. Any cell phone use throughout the test time (including breaks) is prohibited.
The test center will provide you with everything that you need in order to take the test including scratch paper and a pencil.
- Should I wear a mask during the exam?
At the test centers above they strongly recommend that you wear a face mask or some type of face-covering in the test center and for the duration of your test to protect yourself and others. Test centers do not provide face masks for candidates.
Please note that if you have any flu-like symptoms upon arrival at the test center, you may be requested to reschedule your exam for another time when you are in full health.
- What can I expect at the test center?
A usual test center is typically quite small. Once you arrive you will have to provide the administrator with the relevant documents and while these are being processed you will be asked to wait in the waiting area. In this area, you can still access all your personal belongings up until you are called into the testing room.
Once in the room, you will be allocated an individual exam station where you will find a computer.
Here is a helpful test day FAQ guide.
For any questions or comments please reach out to us at www.focustutoring.com. If you are interested in a complimentary consultation with one of our Senior GMAT tutors, you can sign-up for a 30-minute, consultation call.