GMAT Focus Edition Format: Why New Format, Updated Sections

Why GMAC Introduced the GMAT Focus Format?

Since its inception, the GMAT has been the standard exam for assessing if a candidate is ready for business school. It has changed over the years to stay relevant. The idea is to provide a testing experience that helps candidates and the schools they want to join measure how prepared they are for the academic side of business education.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous MBA programs relaxed their criteria. Some began accepting either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the GMAT, while others opted for the Executive Assessment (EA). The requirement for these standardized tests was entirely waived by some institutions.

In 2021, the GMAC started a research project to understand what schools and candidates needed. They consulted with over 65 school professionals from different places and got opinions from nearly 5,400 potential candidates worldwide. This feedback guided their decision to introduce the new GMAT. 

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the group that administers the GMAT exam, introduced an updated version called the GMAT™ Focus Edition. This was done to make the test-taking process smoother and more flexible for candidates aiming for business school. The changes are also meant to help business schools select a more diverse range of applicants for their programs.

Video Explaining GMAT Exam Pattern, Scoring System and Exam Order

How Many Sections are there in GMAT Focus Edition?

The GMAT Exam – Focus Edition encompasses three primary sections, each highlighting essential skills crucial for success in a graduate management program:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions
• Data Insights: 20 questions

In total, this edition of GMAT consists of 64 questions, collectively assessing a spectrum of skills vital for aspiring business scholars.

Is GMAT Focus Edition Easier than Old GMAT?

With the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, one common question is, “Is the new version easier than the classic GMAT?” The new GMAT is undoubtedly more focused and accessible. This means it is intended to be a more streamlined and less challenging exam. However, it is important to note that being more focused does not necessarily mean it is easier; it means it is designed to be smarter.

The new GMAT Exam Format comes with these improvements:

One noticeable change is the test duration. The GMAT Focus Edition takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is nearly an hour shorter than the classic GMAT. This shorter duration has led many to assume it's easier. The reason behind this reduction is the removal of topics that require extensive memorization.

Topic Wise Changes in GMAT Focus Edition Format

The GMAT Focus Edition does not include Geometry or Sentence Correction, which were part of the classic GMAT. The omitted geometry questions were primarily formula-dense, making them challenging for those who did not have specific formulas memorized. This change makes preparation less time-consuming.

No Analytical Writing Assessment

Another notable change is the removal of the 30-minute Analytical Writing Assessment from the GMAT Focus Edition. This alteration eases the preparation process, as students no longer need to invest time in this section.

Sentence Correction Removal

Sentence Correction has been a part of the GMAT for which people often invested significant preparation time. Its omission from the GMAT Focus Edition simplifies the preparation process.

Emphasis on Data Analysis

To excel in the GMAT Focus Edition, students must master data analysis, which is crucial in the new Data Insights section. This section is similar to the old Integrative Reasoning and counts for one third of the composite score. As many students did not prepare extensively for Integrative Reasoning in the classic GMAT, this change adds to the overall preparation necessary for the GMAT Focus Edition.

Lower Content Load

The GMAT Focus Edition involves less content to prepare for compared to the classic GMAT. This could be seen as an advantage, making it less overwhelming for test-takers.

Overall, the GMAT Focus Edition is less time-consuming to prepare for, which could be considered easier in some aspects. However, it also introduces changes like the emphasis on data analysis, which might make it more challenging for some. Ultimately, the level of difficulty is determined by the competition and the standards set by MBA applicants.

Section-wise Format of GMAT Focus Edition

The GMAT Focus Exam comprises three distinct sections: Quantitative Reasoning; Verbal Reasoning; and Data Insights. The total score is an aggregate of your performance in all these sections. It ranges from 205 to 805.

GMAT Focus Edition Section Overview:

Now, let's delve into the score range and the content covered within each section of the exam.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition has been revamped and no longer includes Data Sufficiency questions. Instead, this section consists of 21 Problem Solving questions.

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Score Range:

Scores in the Quantitative Reasoning section range from 60 to 90.

What it Measures:

This section evaluates your foundational knowledge in algebra and arithmetic and assesses how effectively you apply this knowledge to solve problems. The questions demand logical and analytical thinking rather than mere mathematical prowess. Calculators are not permitted in this section.

Verbal Reasoning:

Format:

In the GMAT™ Exam - Focus Edition, the Verbal Reasoning section no longer includes Sentence Correction questions. It now comprises 23 multiple-choice questions focusing on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.

Score Range:

Scores in the Verbal Reasoning section range from 60 to 90.

What it Measures:

This section evaluates your ability to read and comprehend written material, reason, and evaluate arguments. Reading Comprehension questions assess understanding of words, logical relationships, inferences, and the development of quantitative concepts. Critical Reasoning questions gauge your ability to analyze, evaluate, and formulate or evaluate plans of action.

Data Insights:

Format:

The Data Insights section, new for the GMAT™ Exam - Focus Edition, is designed to measure candidates' ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It comprises 20 multiple-choice questions and includes question types like Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. An on-screen calculator is available for this section.

Score Range:

Scores in the Data Insights section range from 60 to 90.

What it Measures:

This section evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret various data sources, including graphics, numbers, and verbal information, and apply them to real-world business scenarios. It aims to measure digital and data literacy, vital skills in today's business landscape. The score is based on the number of questions answered, their accuracy, and the difficulty of the questions attempted, including potential multi-part questions.

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