Everything You Need to Know About GMAT Focus Edition and GMAT Syllabus
If you're among the many people aiming for an MBA, you probably know about the GMAT test. GMAT exam is the top method for evaluating someone's skills for advanced business programs. Now, get ready for the GMAT Focus Edition and GMAT syllabus, the newest version of the most widely recognized business school entrance exam.
What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
Over 2,400 business schools with 7,700 programs accept GMAT exam around the world; the GMAT Focus Edition is the ultimate destination for Management aspirants. This version is designed according to modern business world and exam pattern based on the insight of current business pattern. GMAT Focus Edition is one hour shorter than GMAT Classic, but it delivers impactful, business-focused content that sets you up for success.
The current GMAT exam will remain accessible until early 2024, offering support to candidates as they continue preparing for their exams and handling their business school applications. After that period of change, the GMAT Exam Focus Edition will become the only GMAT exam available. However, the score of GMAT classic remain valid for five years.
GMAT Focus Edition Vs GMAT Classic
| Aspects | GMAT Focus Edition | GMAT Exam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | The GMAT examination allows flexibility in the sequencing of sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, comprising a cumulative total of 64 questions. | The GMAT assessment consists of four segments, encompassing a total of 80 questions. Candidates have the option to select from three distinct section sequences: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. | |||
| Duration | The examination has a duration of two hours and fifteen minutes. | The examination spans a period of three hours and seven minutes, devoid of any intermission throughout the assessment. | |||
| Review & Edit | You can mark and review as many answers as you want, and you're allowed to change up to 3 responses in each section. | Not applicable. | |||
| Total Score Scale | The total score ranges from 205 to 805 | The total score ranges from 200 to 800 | |||
| Sections Weightage | All three sections are equally important in determining your score. | Only the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections contribute equally to your overall score. | |||
| Viewing Your Score | You can see your unofficial score after ending the exam. Official Score Reports are usually available online within 3-5 business days. | After the exam, you can see your unofficial score right away. Official Score Reports are usually available online within 7-10 business days. | |||
| Score Sending | You can send scores to 5 programs for free within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score Report, and extra score reports come with a fee. | Regarding the test center alternative, you have the liberty to designate a maximum of five programs prior to the examination for the complimentary receipt of your Official Score Report. | |||
| Scores Validity | The validity period for your scores extends for duration of five years. | The validity period for your scores extends for duration of five years. | |||
| Appointment Availability | You can schedule your exam up to 6 months in advance, and appointments are available 7 days a week at test centers or anytime online. | You can schedule your exam up to 6 months in advance, and appointments are available 7 days a week at test centers or anytime online. | |||
| Reschedule and Cancel | Rescheduling and cancellation fees depend on the location, currency, and how much notice you give. | Fees for rescheduling and canceling depend on your location, currency, and how much notice you provide. | |||
| Exam Attempts | You have the privilege for five Exams within a consecutive 12-month timeframe and a cumulative limit of eight attempts across the entirety of your lifespan for both iterations of the examination. | You have the privilege for five Exams within a consecutive 12-month timeframe and a cumulative limit of eight attempts across the entirety of your lifespan for both iterations of the examination. | |||
| Cost | The costs associated with the GMAT Focus Edition will mirror those of the standard GMAT, maintaining identical fee structures. | Standard Fee | |||
| Scratch Work Resources | The costs associated with the GMAT Focus Edition will mirror those of the standard GMAT, maintaining identical fee structures. | In terms of resources, when opting for a test center examination, candidates are supplied with five laminated sheets and a pair of dry erase markers. Conversely, for those undertaking the online exam, the permissible tools include a tangible whiteboard, a dry erase marker, and an eraser. Furthermore, examinees are granted access to an integrated online whiteboard. | |||
| Accommodations | You may also get additional testing time, breaks, and the ability to use other resources. | You may also get additional testing time, breaks, and the ability to use other resources. |
Source: https://www.mba.com/
Important Dates for GMAT Focus Edition
Registration: August 29, 2023
Test Start Date: November 7, 2023
What is the New GMAT Format (Focus Edition)?
The fresh GMAT Focus Edition brings in a simplified structure aimed at assessing skills for success in graduate management programs. This updated version includes three specific parts:
Quantitative Reasoning: This section involves 21 questions to test your problem-solving skills. You'll get a focused 45 minutes to handle these quantitative challenges.
Verbal Reasoning: Under 45 minutes and with 23 questions, this part assesses reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Similar to the quantitative section, you are supposed to attempt all the questions in 45 minutes.
Data Insights: The segment dedicated to Data Insights with 20 questions and 45 minutes duration. DI covers mainly data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis. Significantly, the GMAT Focus Edition has a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the opportunity for a brief 10-minute intermission.
The GMAT Focus Edition takes 2 hours and 15 minutes consists of a total of 64 questions distributed across the three sections as follows:
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes | |||
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes |
What stands out and is especially noteworthy is that there is no essay section in this new structure.
Syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition
The content for the GMAT Focus Edition has gone through notable changes. It says goodbye to Data Sufficiency questions from Quant and Sentence Correction questions from Verbal section. Instead, it introduces a completely new section called Data Insights. Now, let's explore the specifics of what each section entails:
Quantitative Reasoning
This part assesses your basic understanding of algebra and arithmetic, emphasizing your skill to use this understanding in solving problems. It includes 21 Problem-Solving questions. Succeeding in this section relies on your logic and analytical abilities, not just your math skills. You won't be allowed to use a calculator in this part.
Verbal Reasoning:
This section checks your ability to understand written material and your skill in reasoning and evaluating arguments. Verbal section has two parts: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. This section has 23 questions and duration is 45 minutes.
Reading Comprehension:
This section tests your ability to understand words and statements, logical connections between important points, evidence, fact and inferences. You'll encounter questions about style, supporting ideas, inference, main ideas, logical structure, and application.
Critical Reasoning:
This section measures your skill in creating, evaluating, and analysing arguments and action plans. Questions usually come from brief reading passages (less than 100 words) and focus on reinforcing or weakening arguments, spotting flaws, or supporting or undermining them.
Data Insights
The segment labelled as Data Insights serves as an evaluative measure of one's competence in the analysis and interpretation of data, particularly in its application to tangible business scenarios. Employing integrated reasoning and data sufficiency question formats, this section is designed to gauge both digital and data literacy. It encompasses a set of 20 questions, necessitating the assessment of diverse sources and information types, inclusive of graphics, numeric data, and verbal content, with the ultimate aim of facilitating informed decision-making.
This section encompasses various question types, namely Data Sufficiency (which assesses the capacity to analyse quantitative problems), Multi-Source Reasoning (focused on the evaluation of data from multiple sources), Table Analysis (pertaining to the organisation and analysis of data tables), Graphics Interpretation (centred around the interpretation of graphical data), and Two-Part Analysis (aimed at solving intricate problems, encompassing quantitative, verbal, or a synthesis of both).
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring Pattern
Your Total Score in the GMAT Exam Focus Edition is contingent upon your performance across all three segments, with each section holding equal significance in the computation. Keep in mind that directly comparing your GMAT Exam Focus Edition score to a score from a previous GMAT version is not accurate because of structural differences.
Scoring Breakdown
In terms of scoring breakdown, the total score for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition falls within a range of 205 to 805, with score intervals of 10. It's important to note that there is a standard error of measurement, which means the score could vary by 30 to 40 points due to measurement imprecision. This information provides a summary of the scoring details for the exam.
Quantitative Reasoning Score
When it comes to the Quantitative Reasoning Score on the GMAT Exam Focus Edition, the score ranges from 60 to 90, with intervals of 1. The standard error of measurement for this score is 3 points, meaning there may be a slight variation of up to 3 points.
Verbal Reasoning Score
For the Verbal Reasoning Score in the GMAT Exam Focus Edition, the score falls between 60 and 90, with intervals of 1. The standard error of measurement for this score is 3 points, indicating a potential slight fluctuation of up to 3 points. This summary provides clear details about the scoring specifics related to Verbal Reasoning.
Data Insights Score
Regarding the Data Insights Score in the GMAT Exam Focus Edition, the score spans from 60 to 90, with intervals of 1. The standard error of measurement for this score is 3 points, implying a potential small variation of up to 3 points. This brief summary provides a clear outline of the scoring details specific to the Data Insights section.
Your Unofficial Score
You can see unofficial total score as well as Verbal, Quant, and DI on the screen as exam ends. But keep in mind, you can't record, save, take screenshots, or print these unofficial scores. You'll be notified for your Official Score Report via your mba.com account.
Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions
In case you fail to conclude any section within the stipulated timeframe, your score will be influenced according to the quantity of unanswered questions. To accurately show how well you did, it's crucial to try to answer all the questions within the specified time limit.
Which Version of GMAT Should You Take?
If you're thinking about taking the GMAT and trying to decide which version to go for, it's crucial to match your decision with your application timeline.
Existing GMAT Test (Available until early 2024):
If your aim is to submit applications for the fall semester of 2023, you have the choice of engaging in the current GMAT assessment. This iteration will remain available and accepted by business schools until the commencement of 2024. If your application deadline falls within this temporal span, it is advisable to enroll for this particular version.
GMAT Focus Edition (For Later Application Dates):
For applications slated for any period beyond early 2024, it is imperative to enroll for the GMAT Focus Edition. Opting for the GMAT Focus Edition ensures that your examination outcomes are in accordance with the latest standards and expectations established by esteemed institutions.
How to Prepare for GMAT Focus Edition?
Getting ready for the new GMAT Focus Edition is crucial for securing a spot in a top business school. This version, with its simpler format and focused content, might require less study time than the regular GMAT. You can assess sample questions and prep strategy on the official website, mba.com.
How to make GMAT Focus Edition easy:
Start your preparation early. Begin with a practice test. This will give you a feel for what the GMAT Focus Edition is like and help you figure out your strengths and areas that need work.
Begin with Quant (math) and Verbal (language) topics, then move on to Data Insights. The GMAT Focus Edition covers fewer topics, so knowing this content well is crucial for your success.
After studying a topic, practice it extensively. Then, mix different topics together for varied practice. Dedicate time to study every day and invest a substantial number of hours in your GMAT preparation.
As you approach test day, take practice tests regularly. Review your answers and your progress. These tips are just the starting point, and to know more, explore more via Verbalhub’s GMAT Focus Edition prep programs!
GMAT Study Plan and GMAT Questions
To get a GMAT study plan, a bundle of GMAT questions, the best result-oriented GMAT books, 11 full length GMAT mock test free, and an A to Z about GMAT exam syllabus, you may book a free slot with us and have free one-on-one counseling.
FAQs
Is the GMAT Focus Edition replacing the GMAT?The GMAT Focus Edition is a newer version made to match the evolving requirements of business schools and applicants. The current GMAT will continue to be accessible until early 2024. Your decision between the two should match your application schedule.
What changes are happening to the GMAT in 2023?In 2023, the GMAT has updated, introducing GMAT Focus Edition. This new version will have three main sections: Data Insight, Verbal, and Quantitative, each with a 45-minute duration. This change reduces the total test time by almost an hour. For specific details about alterations to the exam structure, scoring, or content, it's essential to check the official GMAT website or your selected test center.
What distinguishes the Quantitative and Verbal sections in the revised GMAT format?In the GMAT Focus Edition, the Quantitative Reasoning section (comprising a total of 21 questions) will not include Data Sufficiency inquiries, and the Verbal Reasoning section (with a total of 23 questions) will omit Sentence Correction questions.
Can I still use my old GMAT score with the new Focus Edition?
Yes, the existing GMAT score will be valid until five years; for say, you have written in exam in 2023, the validity will be until 2028.
Is the GMAT Exam Focus Edition available online and at test centers?Yes, both options are available..
Are there any differences in how business schools view the GMAT Exam - Focus Edition?No, Not at all.
Does the GMAT Exam Focus Edition use computer-adaptive testing?Yes, as the classic is, GMAT focus edition will be and adaptive test.
What's the maximum number of attempts allowed for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition?You are permitted to undertake a maximum of 5 exams within a continuous 12-month span and a total of 8 endeavours over the course of your lifetime.
Will GMAT Focus Edition be accepted?Every college will accept and is going to accept GMAT Focus Edition.
How do I prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition?Three solid steps will help you prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition. Step 1: Collect study material and brush up on the concepts, step 2: solve section tests and check the conceptual understanding, and step 3: finally write full tests and analyze tests before writing another or other full tests.
Is ISB accepting GMAT Focus Edition?Yes, ISB is accepting GMAT Focus Edition.
Dhrithi Khattar
Verbal Faculty
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Verbal & AWA Faculty
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