Taking the GMAT Exam in New York

by | Nov 17, 2020 | GMAT

Fatma Xhafa

Fatma Xhafa

Fatma is our Director of Operations and has been with Apex since 2020. With over four years of experience in the test prep industry, she combines her background in computer science and business with deep industry expertise to manage day-to-day operations and lead the Apex team.

Table of Contents:

  1. Who administers the GMAT test?
  2. What does the test center look like?
  3. Where are the test centers located?
  4. Test center holidays
  5. Top MBA programs in the area
  6. Tips
  7. Test Day FAQs

About ¾ of the way through 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. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT in New York.

Who administers the GMAT test?

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?

A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker.

Where are the test centers in New York?

These are the top 3 locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers – NY (Herald Square)

31 West 34th Street

Suite 1001, 
New York, New York 10001
United States

Phone: 212-967-0471

Directions

The East Center is conveniently accessible through various routes. If you’re arriving from the Lincoln Tunnel, simply head west on NY-495W/Lincoln Tunnel, which transitions into NJ-495W. After taking the necessary exits and ramps, continue on Dyer Ave and turn left onto West 34th St, just a block past Macy’s. For those using public transit, options include taking B, D, F, Q, N, R, V, or W trains to 34th Street – Herald Square Station, then walking north one block to 34th Street and making a right. Alternatively, you can take 1, 2, 3, 9, A, C, E, or NJ Transit/Amtrak trains to 34th Street – Penn Station, walking east on 34th Street, one block past Macy’s, and finding the building on the left between 5th and 6th Avenue. On Saturdays, visitors can gain access by pressing the buzzer at the building entrance, where the security guard will electronically open the door, and signing in at the security desk is required.

Pearson Professional Centers – Forest Hills NY

118-35 Queens Boulevard

Suite 1260, 12th Floor
Forest Hills Tower
Forest Hills, New York 11375
United States

Phone: 718-263-3801

Directions

The test center, located at 118-35 Queens Blvd, is easily accessible from various directions. If you’re coming from the north, take I-678 S to Union Turnpike in Queens, then follow Union Turnpike to reach the destination. Alternatively, if you’re approaching from the south, follow Van Wyck Blvd, Lakewood Ave, and Sutphin Blvd to New York State Route 25 W, and then onto Queens Blvd. For those traveling from the east, use I-278 E/Brooklyn Queens Expy and I-495 E to Union Turnpike. From the west, take either I-495 W or Northern State Pkwy to Union Turnpike. The building is situated at the corner of Queens Blvd and 78th Crescent, and the Pearson Professional Center is located on the 12th floor.

Parking is available in a garage on 78th Crescent, operating from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. on weekdays and until 6:00 P.M. on Saturdays. The garage is closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays. Pearson does not reimburse for parking. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the E or F train to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike/Queens Blvd stop; the building is located directly at the stop.

For Saturday testing, turn left onto 78 Crescent from Queens Boulevard, where you’ll find the side entrance and parking. Look for the PARKING sign on the building. The bell for Pearson is located on the right side of the door.

Pearson Professional Centers – Yonkers NY

73 Market Street

Suite 374
Ridge Hill
Yonkers, New York 10710
United States

Phone: 914-423-8437

Directions

Parking:
Ridge Hill offers ample parking with five garages conveniently located throughout the property. The parking rates vary from free for the first 30 minutes to $11 for over 6 hours. Payment options include TEXT2PARK, a QR-based platform, and a pay station located by Archer garage where customers can pay via cash, credit card, and coins. For more parking information, visitors can refer to the Ridge Hill website.

Find more test centers in New York:

Test Center Holidays:

The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test-taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above. Pearson test centers are closed during the following dates:

  • New Year’s Day: January 1
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
  • Presidents’ Day: Third Monday in February
  • Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
  • Independence Day: July 4
  • Labor Day: First Monday in September
  • Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
  • Veterans Day: November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day: December 25

Top MBA programs in New York

Tips:

  • During the test there will not be complete silence – you will be able to hear noise from other test takers so it is best to prepare for this by studying for the exam in similar scenarios. 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 prepping in the lobby of the test center weeks/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 you have any.

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.

  • 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.

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