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 San Diego.

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 San Diego?

These are the 2 top locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers-San Diego CA

3838 Camino Del Rio N
Suite 205
San Diego, California 92108
United States
Phone: +1 619-280-1017

Directions

Detailed Directions: Located in Mission/Central Valley Plaza, second floor. Take a left from the elevators, and offices are on the right side of the hallway. For after-hours entry, use the Pearson call button left of the entrance.

Parking: Free parking is available in front of the building.
Public Transportation: Accessible via San Diego Metropolitan Transit Bus System, Bus 18 stops at Camino Del Rio N & 3456.

Pearson Professional Centers-San Diego (Kearny) CA

9150 Chesapeake Dr
Suite 100
Kearny Villa Commerce Center
San Diego, California 92123
United States

Phone: 619-317-1725

Directions

For parking, if you arrive before 4 pm, follow signs to Pearson reserved parking in the North East corner; if full, use the nearest available slot or park on the street. After 4 pm, parking is open in any available slot.

Regarding public transportation, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Route 20 stops at Ruffin Rd. and Chesapeake Dr. From there, head West on Chesapeake for about five minutes; the Center is on the Right.

Pearson Professional Centers-San Diego (North) CA

11770 Bernardo Plaza Court
Suite 463
Sunroad Financial Plaza
San Diego, California 92128
United States
Phone: 858-432-6866

Directions

Comprehensive Instructions: Arrive at the courtyard situated between the two buildings and use either the stairs or elevator to reach the fourth floor. Proceed through the door at the end of the hallway.

Parking Information: Ample free surface parking is available on both sides of the building at all times. Handicapped parking spaces are situated on the North side of the building.

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 San Diego

Tips

  • Stay Calm: Anxiety can affect your performance. Take deep breaths if you start feeling nervous. Remember, it’s okay to be a little anxious; it’s a natural response to a challenging situation.
  • Read Carefully: When you’re taking the test, especially in the verbal and quantitative sections, read the questions carefully. Misreading a question can lead to mistakes.
  • Time Management: The GMAT is a timed test. Practice good time management skills. If you find yourself stuck on a question, it might be best to make an educated guess and move on. Every question carries equal weight; it’s important to answer as many as possible.
  • Use the Erasable Notepad Wisely: You’ll be provided with an erasable notepad. Use it to jot down important notes, formulas, or drawings during the exam. Utilize it strategically, especially for the math section.
  • Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: You are allowed breaks between sections. Use this time wisely. Have some water and use the restroom. It’s essential to stay hydrated and comfortable.

Test Day FAQs

Here are the top 4 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 bring personal items, including music players, into the testing room during the GMAT exam. The test center provides noise-canceling headphones if the test center is particularly noisy. These headphones are to be used specifically for canceling out noise and not for listening to music.

  • What should I do if I fall sick on the exam day?

If you fall sick on the exam day and are unable to attend the test, it’s essential to contact the GMAT customer service as soon as possible. They might be able to reschedule your exam or provide guidance based on your situation. Make sure to have any necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, to support your case.

  • What can I bring with me to the test center?

You are generally allowed to bring a few essential items to the test center, such as:

  • Valid Identification: You must bring valid and acceptable identification documents as per GMAT policies.
  • Prescription eyeglasses: If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you can wear them during the exam.
  • An Erasable Notepad and Pen: The test center will provide you with an erasable notepad and marker that you can use for rough work during the exam.
  • Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones: The test center usually provides noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce distractions.

What can I expect at the test center?

At the GMAT test center, the check-in procedure is a meticulous process encompassing the verification of your identification, capturing your photograph, and securing your personal belongings in a designated locker. Rigorous security measures are in place, utilizing video surveillance and other monitoring techniques to uphold the exam’s integrity. Inside the testing room, a calm atmosphere prevails, with fellow test-takers present, all adhering to a code of silence. Breaks are permitted between sections and at other times, although the clock continues ticking. These breaks offer opportunities for brief respites, ideal for restroom visits or moments of relaxation and stretching, enabling test-takers to maintain focus and composure throughout the examination.

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