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INTRODUCTION

The GMAT exam is highly regarded by business schools as an indicator of a candidate’s preparedness for the demands of a business program. Approximately 70% of candidates prefer to take the GMAT, largely due to its emphasis on critical business abilities like data analysis and logical thinking. A solid GMAT score not only reflects academic and professional potential, but it can also improve chances for scholarships. With the new GMAT, the inclusion of the GMAT Data Insights underscores skills vital in today’s business environment, such as evaluating complex data for effective decision-making. Jamboree’s comprehensive GMAT prep data sheds light on these emerging requirements, identifying effective study techniques and common obstacles. This article presents these insights and tips from our knowledgeable GMAT tutors as well as our high-scoring students to help you optimize your study efforts and achieve the best results.

New GMAT general features: Overview and Insights

The new GMAT provides flexibility with test-friendly features and allows you to choose how and when to send your scores to schools, giving you more control over your testing experience.

Feature 1: Question Review & Edit

The GMAT’s Question Review & Edit tool allows you to go back and revise up to three answers per section, giving you a second chance and fixing any inadvertent errors. While working through a section, you can mark questions you wish to return to later. Once you have answered all the questions, you will go to a Question Review & Edit screen to review and adjust your marked answers.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: You can bookmark questions for later review and return to them ONLY if you have time remaining in the section. However, if time runs out, you will not be able to use this feature. So, unless you are efficient with time, consider this tool as unavailable for practical use.

Feature 2: Select Section Order

The new GMAT’s “select section order” feature lets you choose the sequence of test sections, offering flexibility to play to your strengths. Some GMAT prep students arrange sections based on their personal strengths and energy levels. For instance, if you are stronger in verbal, consider starting with that to boost confidence, or tackle the quantitative section first if you want to build momentum. On the other hand, aspirants usually prefer tackling their weakest or most stressful section first to get it out of the way.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: Practicing various section orders in mock exams can help determine what feels most comfortable and effective based on your personal stamina and focus levels. Ultimately, select an order that reduces stress and helps you feel in control, making test day a bit smoother.

Feature 3: Flexible score-sending options and a detailed score report

After taking the exam, you can choose which five schools will receive your free score reports. Additionally, you will receive a detailed Official Score Report within 3-5 business days, offering valuable insights into your performance throughout the exam. This report includes information on:

  • Performance by Section
  • Performance by Program & School
  • Performance by subject area, Question Type, and Skills
  • Time Management

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: Once you have completed your GMAT prep, focus only on doing your best on the test day—score-sending decisions can come later. The new GMAT also lets you choose which test scores to share with schools, so you can showcase only your best attempt. Plus, the detailed score report will break down specific areas for improvement, helping you prepare smarter if you decide to retake the test.

Feature 4: GMAT New Scoring

The new GMAT offers a total score range from 205 to 805, with individual section scores from 60 to 90. Each section has an equal impact on the overall score, which makes every section significant. While a score of 700 used to be a common goal in the old edition, a score of 645 in the new GMAT is now seen as equivalent because of adjustments to the scoring scale.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: GMAT prep students should note that colleges focus more on percentiles rather than just the overall score. Additionally, some universities set specific cut-off scores for each section, so it is essential to verify the requirements listed on each college’s website.

Feature 5: Business Writing Assessment – the new AWA

The GMAC Business Writing Assessment (BWA) is a 30-minute, online task that asks you to analyze the reasoning of a given argument and critique it. You are required to evaluate the logic and use of evidence in the argument, offering a critique of the reasoning behind it. The topics for the arguments are diverse, spanning business and general interest areas, but no specialized knowledge is required. Your response is scored on a scale of 0-6, with feedback available within 3-5 days. Some colleges have mandated the BWA score, so be sure to check!

New GMAT Sectional features: Overview and Insights

Feature 1: Shorter GMAT, More Focus

The shorter GMAT (2 hours and 15 minutes) feels less intense for many, GMAT prep students as it allows more control and slightly more time per question. However, some students still find it challenging to finish each section on time.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: Practicing in a timed manner and taking sectional tests can help you become both quick and accurate. In GMAT prep, focusing on all question types—easy, medium, and hard—can maximize your score since each question matters.

Feature 2: GMAT Data Insights – Unfamiliar territory

The GMAT Data Insights section focuses on assessing your ability to analyze and interpret data, apply it to real-world business scenarios. Your GMAT prep should revolve around becoming comfortable with different data types such as tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning questions. Practice regularly, particularly with timed practice sessions, to enhance both speed and accuracy.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: It is advised to allocate sufficient time for the GMAT DI section during your GMAT prep. While many students find the section manageable once they have perfected their critical thinking and data interpretation skills, it is crucial to prepare for it earlier in your study plan. Most students tend to focus on DI last, but since it contributes a third of your total score, it is better to integrate it earlier, alongside GMAT Quant and GMAT Verbal prep, to ensure balanced performance across all sections.

Feature 3: GMAT Quantitative: Challenging and Competitive

The GMAT Quant section evaluates fundamental math principles like arithmetic, algebra, and statistics, primarily through problem-solving questions. Many GMAT Prep students suggest that techniques such as estimation, backsolving, and simplification can help save valuable time on the GMAT Quant section. Steer clear of complicated calculations in favor of quicker, more efficient methods. Moreover, grasping essential formulas, recognizing patterns, and practicing under timed scenarios can enhance both speed and accuracy.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: Although the number of questions has been reduced in the new GMAT Quant section, the syllabus remains broad and diverse. Even though geometry is no longer part of the test, the variety of other topics can feel overwhelming for some students. However, it is important to stay patient and practice each topic thoroughly. By doing so, you will be able to answer most questions correctly and perform your best. The key is to build proficiency in all areas, not just focus on a few topics.

Feature 4: GMAT Verbal: Less to Study, More to Score

In the new GMAT Verbal section, Sentence Completion has been removed, leaving only Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Critical Reasoning questions test your ability to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions, while Reading Comprehension questions assess your understanding and analysis of written passages. To succeed in the GMAT Verbal section, focus your GMAT Prep on strengthening your critical thinking and reading skills through timed practice.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: True, thanks to the absence of sentence correction, we do not have to memorize grammar rules. However, understanding the logical formulas and argument structures is crucial for solving critical reasoning questions quickly. For Reading Comprehension, traditional reading methods may not be as effective. Adopting a strategic reading approach, where you focus on key details and the structure of the passage, can help you answer questions more efficiently and save time during the exam.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the First Year

GMAT prep students find the new GMAT advantageous for its shorter format, allowing more time per question. The removal of geometry lightens the load, but the broad syllabus can still feel challenging. The GMAT Data Insights section, while manageable with practice, requires sharp data interpretation skills. Despite time management hurdles, especially in GMAT Quant and GMAT Verbal, most test-takers feel optimistic, appreciating that with focused prep, strategic reading, and logical reasoning, they can achieve great results.

Jamboree GMAT Tutor Insight: To adapt to the new GMAT, shift your GMAT Prep plan to emphasize practice questions and sectional tests for all three sections and focus on reviewing weak areas. Use full-length practice tests that closely reflect the new format. Give special attention to the Data Insights section, as its importance has grown. By targeting your efforts on timed practice and strategic review, you will improve your performance across all sections.

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