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  • What are the changes to the GMAT exam (effective April 16, 2018)?
  • How do these changes affect examination takers?

Curious? Anxious?

Don’t worry! We’re here to explain the how and why of recent GMAT changes!

To begin with, it’s important to remember that all changes to the GMAT are designed and implemented keeping in mind one important factor – reduced stress for exam takers. Don’t believe us? Read on to find out more!

What changed?

For starters, on test day, candidates were expected to sit through a pre-test tutorial that would explain rules, and share details about breaks and other guidelines. Since nervous and anxious candidates often “rush” through the tutorial, they miss out on crucial information. GMAC now offers examination takers the luxury of reading through the tutorial at their convenience well before test day! That’s right. You can now watch the complete tutorial at Changes in the GMAT.

Worried that you’ll forget the instructions in the days preceding your exam? Don’t! GMAC offers a concise version of the tutorial on test day!

The GMAT is now a 3.5-hour test, as opposed to a 4-hour test. The shorter tutorial means that you will spend less time at the exam centre.

Does that mean you will have less time in which to complete the exam? Yes! But worry not, GMAC has also reduced the number of questions for Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning!

Let’s take a detailed look, shall we?

Sections Old structure New structure
QR 37 questions in 75 minutes 31 questions in 62 minutes
VR 41 questions in 75 minutes 36 questions in 65 minutes

With the reduction in the number of questions per section, the average time for solving each problem remains the same!

What about IR, AWA and experimental questions?

We’re pleased to share that there are no changes to the IR and AWA sections! Experimental questions have not been removed either.

Will these changes affect the scoring/ marking pattern?

GMAC’s official stance is that these changes will not negatively impact students as the exam is shorter, less stressful and the scoring/ marking pattern remains the same.

What else has changed?

While the Reading Comprehension section remains the same, the Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning sections have changed.  The Critical Reading section sees an increase in the number of questions by 1-2 and the Sentence Correction section sees a drastic reduction in questions; from 14-16 sentences to now a whopping 8-9 sentences!

How will this change impact your exam?

If you’re not careful, this change will result in a massive time management issue. The advocated former strategy was to save time in Sentence Correction and use that excess time in Reading Comprehension. With fewer sentences requiring correction, you might be tempted to spend more time on this section. Your new strategy should be to prepare adequately for the Reading Comprehension section and follow all strategies we teach in the classroom.

Your strategy for the Math section, however, remains the same as we teach concepts in the classroom which will allow you to attempt Data Sufficiency and problem solving related questions with higher speed and accuracy.

What can Jamboree offer you?

  1. As leaders in the GMAT preparation industry, we offer you exclusive insight gained from webinars with GMAC that will settle all your concerns about the new exam structure.
  2. The shorter GMAT test is now available at Jamboree. Since GMAC will only implement this change from 30th April 2018, by availing our services, you can practice using the new pattern earlier.
  3. Two of our students Divjot Khurana & Vidur Narang have already scored 700+ in the new GMAT.

For One-on-one query address, please reach us at support@jamboreeeducation.com

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