GMAT Exam Changes 2023 (Classic Vs GMAT Focus Edition)
Table of Contents
- What is GMAT Focus Edition?
- Topics tested on the Focus Edition
- Changes on the GMAT Focus Edition compared to Classic GMAT
- Scoring of Focus Edition v/s Classic GMAT
- FAQs
What is GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is a new version of the classis GMAT exam. It is designed to assess current generation skill set required to achieve success in graduate management programs.
GMAT Focus will be launched on 7th Nov 2023 and the classic GMAT will retire on 31st January 2024.
Topics tested on the Focus Edition
|
GMAT Section |
Question Type / Content Areas |
No. of Questions |
Section Time |
|
Data Insights |
|
20 questions |
45 min |
|
Quantitative Reasoning (Problem Solving) |
|
21 questions |
45 min |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
|
23 questions |
45 min |
|
Total |
64 questions |
2h and 15 min |
|
Changes on the GMAT Focus Edition compared to Classic GMAT
Here are the structural changes in the GMAT Focus Edition v/s classic:
|
GMAT Section |
Changes |
|
Data Insights |
1. Data sufficiency moved to this section from quant 2. All integrated reasoning problem type moved to this section |
|
Quant |
1. Geometry removed. Coordinate Geometry still included 2. Data Sufficiency moved to the Data Insight section 3. Problem Solving question type still included |
|
Verbal |
1. Sentence correction removed 2. Reading Comprehension and critical reasoning still included |
The AWA / Essay section removed from focus edition.
Scoring of Focus Edition v/s Classic GMAT
For the Focus GMAT exam, your total score is determined by all three sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Interpretation), and it ranges from 205 to 805 in increments of 10 points. On the classic GMAT exam, your total score is based solely on the Quantitative (Q) and Verbal (V) sections only.
Furthermore, you will receive individual scores for each section. The updated scoring scale for each section ranges from 60 to 90 in 1-point increments.
FAQs
Continue with your preparation. If you prefer to stick with the classic GMAT, there's no need to alter your preparation.
If you intend to submit your application in Round 2 of the current application cycle (2023/early 2024), opt for the classic GMAT version. Please note, Harvard Business School (HBS) communicated that they will not accept GMAT Focus test scores for the current admission cycle. Wharton will begin considering GMAT Focus scores after 31st January, when classic GMAT will no longer be available. It's advisable to opt for the traditional GMAT for the sake of caution.
In the future, if you plan to opt for the Focus exam, the content and question types on both exams share common topics, so most of what you study for the classic GMAT will still be applicable to the GMAT Focus Edition.
Yes! Your classic GMAT scores remain valid for duration of five years following your test date.
GMAT Focus is scheduled to launch on 7th November 2023. Official practice materials have been released, including Official Guide and Official mocks.
The classic GMAT will retire on 31st January 2024. If you are planning to take classic version, it is advisable to plan your first attempt before the end of 2023, allowing ample time for a retake, if needed.
In comparison to the classic GMAT, the GMAT Focus has omitted sentence correction, reduced the emphasis on geometry (Coordinate geometry still included), and eliminated the essay section. Additionally, the GMAT Focus places greater emphasis on assessing your data analysis skills as an important factor in your overall score.
Yes! The GMAT Focus has a question-adaptive format, similar to the classic GMAT. Following each question you respond to, the exam selects the subsequent question based on your performance.
Yes! While the Focus GMAT maintains question-adaptive nature, it allows you to modify up to three answers in each section, after completing all the questions of the section.
The GMAT Focus Edition can be visualised as a subset of the classic GMAT. Please note that your existing study materials for the "classic GMAT" are still applicable; just omit geometry and Sentence Correction content. Coordinate geometry, is still tested on the Focus GMAT.
The official GMAT Focus mocks are available on mba.com, and they are the only authentic source and an excellent study tool. The first two mocks are free, and there are an additional four paid ones. Please note, each of the paid tests is designed for you to take twice without seeing any repeated questions, effectively providing you with access to a total of ten official practice tests.
