Introduction
If you're aspiring to pursue an MBA, chances are you're familiar with the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This globally recognized exam, administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), serves as the benchmark for assessing your readiness for advanced business programs. But here's where things get intriguing – enter the GMAT Focus Edition, the latest evolution of the most widely accepted entrance exam for business schools.
What is GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is a game-changer in the world of business education. It's accepted by more than 7,700 programs at over 2,400 business schools worldwide. This edition is tailored to meet the demands of today's graduate business programs, offering a more efficient, flexible, and insightful testing experience. While it's one hour shorter than the classic GMAT, it packs a punch with highly relevant, business-centric content designed to set you up for success.
But fear not; the existing GMAT exam will remain accessible until early 2024, providing continued support to candidates during their exam preparations and business school applications. After this transition period, the GMAT Exam Focus Edition will take center stage as the sole GMAT exam option. The good news is that your GMAT exam scores will continue to be valid for five years.
So, if you're looking to secure a future in the world of world-class business education, let the GMAT Focus Edition be your compass to success. The countdown begins with exam appointments available from November 7, 2023.
How is GMAT Focus Edition Different from the Classic Version?
The revamped GMAT Focus Edition introduces several changes compared to the classic GMAT. Let's delve into the details of what you can expect in each section:
Aspect GMAT Focus Edition Classic GMATStructure3 sections (Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights), 64 questions4 sections (Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing), 80 questionsDuration2 hours, 15 minutes3 hours, 7 minutes Review & Edit Bookmark and review answers, change up to 3 responses per section Not applicable Total Score Scale205–805200–800Sections Weightage All 3 sections are equally weighted toward total score Only 2 sections, Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, are equally weighted toward total score Viewing Your Score Unofficial score immediately, Official Score Reports in 3-5 business days*Unofficial score immediately, Official Score Reports in 7-10 business days*Score Sending Send 5 free score reports within 48 hours of receiving the Official Score Report, additional reports for a fee Test Center: Select up to 5 programs before the exam for free reports. Online: Send 5 free score reports within 48 hours of receiving the Official Score Report, additional reports for a fee Scores Validity5 years5 years Appointment Availability Appointments up to 7 days a week at test center or around the clock for online exams, scheduled up to 6 months in advance Appointments up to 7 days a week at test center or around the clock for online exams, scheduled up to 6 months in advance Reschedule and Cancel Fees based on location, currency, and advance notice Fees based on location, currency, and advance notice Exam Attempts5 attempts in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both exam versions5 attempts in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both exam versions Cost Fees at parity with the Classic GMAT Fees at parity with the GMAT Focus Edition Scratch Work Resources Test Center: 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers, Online: Physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, eraser, plus access to online whiteboard Test Center: 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers, Online: Physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, eraser, plus access to online whiteboard Accommodations Additional testing time, breaks, and access to other resources Additional testing time, breaks, and access to other resources
What's 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. Instead, it introduces an exclusive addition: Data Insights.
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. Success in this section depends on logic and analytical skills, not just mathematical prowess, as you won't have the luxury of a calculator.
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, including 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. Expect questions related to main ideas, supporting ideas, inference, application, logical structure, and style.
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 section assesses 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 Focus Edition?
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. However, it's important to note that comparing your GMAT Exam Focus Edition score directly to a previous GMAT version is not accurate due to structural differences.
Here's a breakdown of scoring in the GMAT Focus Edition:
Aspect GMAT Focus Edition 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 GMAT Exam Focus Edition, your unofficial scores for Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights, and the Total Score are displayed on-screen. However, 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 in the GMAT Focus Edition, 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?
The choice between the existing GMAT Test and the GMAT Focus Edition primarily depends on 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.
Conclusion
The GMAT Focus Edition represents an exciting evolution of the classic GMAT, offering a more streamlined and business-focused testing experience. Choosing between the two versions should align with your application timeline, ensuring that your test results are current and meet the standards of your target business schools. With effective preparation, you can confidently navigate either version of the GMAT and take a significant step toward your MBA aspirations. Good luck on your GMAT journey!
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