Everything You Need to Know About GMAT Focus Edition

If you are one of the numerous individuals looking to pursue an MBA, then you are likely no stranger to the GMAT exam. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT Exam is the gold standard in assessing one’s abilities to pursue advanced business programs. But here's where things get truly exciting – brace yourselves for the GMAT Focus Edition, the latest evolution of the most widely accepted business school entrance exam.

What is GMAT Focus Edition?

Accepted by more than 7,700 programs at over 2,400 business schools worldwide, the GMAT Focus Edition is a game-changer. This edition is tailored for the demands of today's graduate business programs, making your journey to top schools across the world more efficient, flexible, and insightful. It is one hour shorter, but it packs a punch with highly-relevant, business-centric content that sets you up for success.

The existing GMAT exam will stay accessible until early 2024, extending its support to candidates as they continue their exam preparations and navigate their business school applications. After that transition period, the GMAT Exam Focus Edition will take the center stage as the sole GMAT exam available. However, your GMAT exam scores will continue to be valid for five years.

So, secure your future with world-class business education and let the GMAT Focus Edition be your compass to success. The countdown begins with the exam appointments available from November 7, 2023.

How is GMAT Focus Edition Different from Current Version?

The revamped GMAT Focus Edition will bring about changes across various dimensions, including the test format, duration, scoring methodology, and other features. These GMAT changes aim to enhance the overall GMAT experience. In this new iteration, there will be three distinct sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. Each of these sections will grant test-takers a generous 45 minutes, effectively reducing the overall test duration by nearly an hour. Below is a table summarizing key distinctions:

* May take up to 20 days

Source: https://www.mba.com/

Important Dates for GMAT Focus Edition

Registration: August 29, 2023 | Registrations are open

Test Start Date: November 7, 2023

What is New GMAT Format (Focus Edition)?

The new GMAT Focus Edition introduces a streamlined format designed to evaluate one’s skills for success in graduate management programs. This revamped version comprises three distinct sections:

1. Quantitative Reasoning: This section presents 21 questions to test your problem-solving prowess. You'll have a focused 45 minutes to tackle these quantitative challenges.
2. Verbal Reasoning: With 23 questions to navigate, this segment delves into reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Just like the quantitative section, you'll have 45 minutes to conquer these verbal tasks.
3. Data Insights: The Data Insights section will throw 20 questions your way, encompassing data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis. Again, you'll have a dedicated 45 minutes to unravel these data-driven mysteries.

Notably, the GMAT Focus Edition is a 2-hour and 15-minute endeavor, with the option for a 10-minute break. It comprises a total of 64 questions spread across the three sections as follows:

What's different and particularly worth highlighting is the absence of an essay section in this new format.

What is the syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition?

The syllabus for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition has undergone significant changes. It bids farewell to Data Sufficiency questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section and Sentence Correction questions in the Verbal Reasoning section, and introduces an exclusive brand-new addition: Data Insights.

Let's delve into the details of what you can expect in each section:

Quantitative Reasoning

This section evaluates your foundational knowledge of algebra and arithmetic, focusing on your ability to apply this knowledge to solve problems. It consists of 21 Problem-Solving questions. Your success in this section depends on logic and analytical skills, not just math prowess. You won't have the luxury of a calculator in this section.

Also Read: Improve GMAT Quant Score

Verbal Reasoning:

Verbal Reasoning assesses your capacity to read and comprehend written material and your ability to reason and evaluate arguments. It comprises 23 questions, which include Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions.

Reading Comprehension:

This segment evaluates your aptitude for understanding words and statements, logical relationships between key points, drawing inferences, and grasping the development of quantitative concepts. You can expect questions related to main ideas, supporting ideas, inference, application, logical structure, and style.

Also Read: Strategize Reading Comprehension Section

Critical Reasoning:

This part gauges your ability to make, evaluate, and assess arguments and plans of action. Questions are typically based on short reading passages (fewer than 100 words) and revolve around strengthening or weakening arguments, identifying flaws, or supporting or undermining them.

Data Insights

The Data Insights segment evaluates your capability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. This section utilizes integrated reasoning and data sufficiency question types to measure digital and data literacy. It encompasses 20 questions that require you to assess multiple sources and types of information, including graphics, numeric data, and verbal content, to make informed decisions.

You'll encounter various question types, including Data Sufficiency (assessing your ability to analyze quantitative problems), Multi-Source Reasoning (evaluating data from multiple sources), Table Analysis (sorting and analyzing data tables), Graphics Interpretation (interpreting graphical data), and Two-Part Analysis (solving complex problems, which can be quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both).

How is Scoring changed in the GMAT new pattern?

Your GMAT Exam Focus Edition Total Score is the result of your performance across all three sections of the exam, and each section carries equal weight in the calculation. Please note that comparing your GMAT Exam Focus Edition score directly to a previous GMAT version is not accurate due to structural differences.

Scoring Breakdown

Total Score

• Score range: 205-805
• Score intervals: 10
• Standard error of measurement: 30-40 points

Quantitative Reasoning Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Verbal Reasoning Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Data Insights Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Your Unofficial Score

Immediately after completing the exam, your unofficial scores for Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights, and the Total Score are displayed on-screen. However, it's important to note that you cannot record, save, screenshot, or print your unofficial score. You will receive an email notification when your Official Score Report is available in your mba.com account.

Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions

If you fail to finish any section within the allotted time, your score will be penalized based on the number of questions left unanswered. To reflect your true performance, it's essential to attempt all questions within the time limit.

Which Version of GMAT Should You Take?

If you are considering taking the GMAT and wondering which version to choose, it is important to align your decision with your application timeline.

Existing GMAT Test (Available until early 2024):

If you plan to apply for the fall of 2023, you have the option to take the existing GMAT test. This version will be available and accepted by business schools until the beginning of 2024. If your application deadline falls within this timeframe, this is the version you should register for.

GMAT Focus Edition (For Later Application Dates):

If you are applying for any date beyond early 2024, it is crucial to register for the GMAT Focus Edition. By choosing the GMAT Focus Edition, you ensure that your test results align with the most current standards and expectations set by top-tier institutions.

How to Prepare for the New GMAT (Focus Edition)?

An effective preparation for the new GMAT Focus Edition is essential to secure admission to a prestigious business school. The GMAT Focus Edition, with its more streamlined format and focused content, may require less study time than the traditional GMAT. You can find preparation programs and sample questions tailored specifically to the GMAT Focus Edition on the official website, mba.com.

GMAT Focus Edition can be made easier by following these steps:

1. Begin your preparation as soon as possible. The more time you have, the better you can get ready.
2. Take a practice test first. This will show you what the GMAT Focus Edition looks like. It helps you find out your strengths and what you need to work on.
3. Instead of jumping all over the place, focus on one topic at a time. First, study Quant (math) and Verbal (language) topics. After that, tackle Data Insights.
4. The GMAT Focus Edition has a smaller range of topics. Knowing this content well is essential for doing your best.
5. After learning a topic, practice it a lot. Then, mix different topics together for practice.
6. Make time for studying every day. Spend a good number of hours on your GMAT preparation.
7. Take practice tests regularly as you get closer to test day. Review your answers and see where you can improve.

Remember, these tips are just the beginning. There's more to preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition, so don’t forget to check out our GMAT test prep programs!

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