New GMAT Focus Edition- structure, duration, questions & more

In this blog:

1. When will GMAC launch the GMAT Focus Edition?
2. GMAT Focus Edition: Changes in the GMAT exam
3. Change 1: GMAT Focus Score Breakdown
4. Change 2: GMAT Focus Pattern & Structure
5. Change 3: Data Insights GMAT Focus New Section
6. Change 4: Shorter Test Duration
7. Change 5: Question Review & Edit Answers
8. Change 6: GMAT Focus ESR Inclusive of Registration Cost
9. Change 7: Sending GMAT Score to B-schools
10. Bottom Line

With business evolving at breakneck speed, it’s time to upskill and stay on top of the game. That’s why GMAC has come up with a fresh new test specifically designed to assess higher-order critical reasoning skills and data literacy, the very things you’ll need to succeed in tomorrow’s business world. Get ready to bring your A-game!

When will GMAC launch the GMAT Focus Edition?

The GMAC has drawn the following timeframe for the GMAT Focus Edition’s official prep, registration, and appointment availability:

GMAT Focus Edition: Important Dates

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of GMAT exam changes, we’ll tell you the good news. The current GMAT exam will still be available until early next year (2024) and then eventually phase out to facilitate test-takers whose GMAT exam preparation and B-school applications are in progress. So, there’s no need to halt your GMAT prep. Instead, we’d suggest you speed it up!

GMAT Focus Edition: Changes in the GMAT exam

With the new GMAT Focus Edition, the GMAC has made the following changes:

Change 1: GMAT Focus Score Breakdown

To ensure that B-schools can easily distinguish between the score of the old and new GMAT exam, GMAC has changed the scoring system on the new GMAT Focus Edition. The exam will now be scored on a scale from 205 to 805, with the total score values ending in multiples of 5. The sectional score ranges from 60 to 90. The table below presents the score breakdown on the new GMAT Focus:

GMAT Focus Edition: Score Range

Change 2: GMAT Focus Pattern & Structure

With the GMAT Focus Edition, the GMAT exam content got a major overhaul. The current GMAT has four sections – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning. The first three have been around forever and a day, but Integrated Reasoning was only added in 2012.

Now, the GMAT Focus edition is turning things upside down by ditching the AWA section altogether. The new GMAT exam will continue to assess the candidates’ Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning abilities but more significantly emphasize higher-order reasoning skills, especially in the Verbal Reasoning section. This adjustment reflects the evolving needs of business schools and employers, who are looking for candidates with a high level of critical reasoning and data literacy skills.

Also Read:
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Change 3: Data Insights GMAT Focus New Section

The GMAT Focus edition is sprucing things up by removing the AWA section, beefing up the Verbal Reasoning section, and introducing a new section called Data Insights. This fresh addition is about testing how well candidates can assess data, which is super important in today’s fast-paced business world. The Data Insights section is no joke and will challenge test-takers’ abilities in areas like data analysis, interpretation, visualization, and decision-making. Think of it as a cooler, more modern version of the IR section.

Not only will the GMAT Focus edition be more fun to take, but it’ll also give business schools and employers a better idea of what candidates bring to the table. By assessing skills that are highly relevant and applicable to the business world of tomorrow, the GMAT Focus edition is setting everyone up for success.

Change 4: Shorter Test Duration

Get ready for a quicker, punchier version of the GMAT! At only 2 hours and 15 minutes, the new GMAT Focus is almost an hour less than the current GMAT exam version (3 hours and 7 minutes)

The GMAT Focus edition consists of three 45-minute sections:

1. Quantitative Reasoning 
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Data Insights 

This means you’ll be able to show off your critical reasoning and data literacy skills in a more efficient, streamlined way. And because the test is shorter, you’ll be less likely to feel fatigued or burnt out by the end of the GMAT Focus Edition.

Also Read: MBA Application Round 1 vs. Round 2

Change 5: Question Review & Edit Answers

The current GMAT exam doesn’t allow test-takers to edit answers. But, unlike the current version, this fresh take on the exam allows you to review and edit your answers. That’s right, you can bookmark as many questions as you want and even change up to three answers per section. This means you can optimize your test-taking strategy and improve your chances of success. How this change will affect the computer-adaptability of the GMAT exam is yet to be seen.

Change 6: GMAT Focus ESR Inclusive of Registration Cost

The new GMAT also includes an improved official score report that’s included with your registration. Presently, the GMAC delivers your ESR at an additional cost of $30, which gives your performance analysis for the GMAT exam. But, no more shelling out extra cash for an Enhanced Score Report (ESR). This new report provides detailed insights into your performance, highlighting your strengths and areas that need more attention at no additional cost.

Also Read:
Most challenging GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions
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Change 7: Sending GMAT Scores to B-schools

With the new GMAT Focus Edition, you can send your test score to the B-schools of your choice after you know your score and not before. At present, you have to select the B-schools you want to send your GMAT score to before starting the exam. 

The difference between the present version of the GMAT exam and the new GMAT Focus Edition can be summarized in the following table:

GMAT Exam vs. GMAT Focus Edition

Check how GMAT-ready you are with a free GMAT Sample Test

Bottom Line

The GMAT Focus edition is the brainchild of top business schools and future business tycoons like you, indicating the GMAT’s adaptability to the ever-evolving corporate world. The GMAT Focus edition is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality business school entrance exam that won’t eat up all their time. Nonetheless, some details on the revamped GMAT’s nitty-gritty, including the scoring systems, question types, and release dates, are still unknown. Keep an ear to the ground for further intel on the GMAT Focus edition!

In the meantime, get started with acing the current GMAT exam. We, at Jamboree, have been doing this for 30 years now, recording the highest GMAT scores in the industry year-after-year. Our 170,000 successful students stand testament to our focused test prep and simplified teaching methodology. Experience Jamboree’s GMAT expertise with a free demo class. Book Now!