Comparing GMAT Focus Edition and the Previous GMAT: Key Differences

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has long been a vital component of applications for MBA and other graduate management programs. In 2023, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) introduced a revamped version of the exam, known as the GMAT Focus Edition.

This updated version streamlines the test experience, making it more relevant and manageable for today's test-takers. Below is a breakdown of the key differences between the GMAT Focus Edition and the previous GMAT format.

1. Test Structure

• Previous GMAT: Consisted of four main sections—Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), and Verbal Reasoning (Verbal).

• GMAT Focus Edition: Simplified into three main sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The AWA section has been eliminated, and Data Insights integrates both aspects of Integrated Reasoning and the data analysis components previously spread across sections.

2. Time Reduction

• Previous GMAT: Lasted about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks.

• Previous GMAT: Lasted about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks.

3. Section-Specific Changes

Quantitative Reasoning:

• Previous GMAT: Included problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
• GMAT Focus Edition: The format remains similar, but with an emphasis on efficiency. The overall question count has been reduced while retaining the same difficulty level.

Verbal Reasoning:

• • Previous GMAT: Comprised reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction questions.
  • GMAT Focus Edition: Maintains the focus on reading comprehension and critical reasoning, but sentence correction questions have been removed, focusing more on higher-order verbal reasoning skills.

Data Insights:

• • Previous GMAT: Integrated Reasoning was a separate section, while data analysis questions appeared in various sections.
  • GMAT Focus Edition: Data Insights combines Integrated Reasoning and other data-related questions (Data Sufficiency), testing the ability to interpret complex data sets and apply them in decision-making scenarios.

4. Question Review and Flexibility

• Previous GMAT: Did not allow candidates to review or change their answers once a question was submitted.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Introduces answer review and change functionality, allowing test-takers to review and modify up to three answers per section, enhancing flexibility in approach.

5. Scoring Changes

• Previous GMAT: Scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with individual section scores for Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Scored on a scale of 205 to 805 score range, but now focuses primarily on the performance in Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights, excluding the previously standalone IR and AWA scores. The scoring algorithm has also been streamlined for faster results.

6. Section Order Flexibility

• Previous GMAT: Test-takers could choose from three pre-set orders for completing sections.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Test-takers still have flexibility but with fewer sections to choose from, making the process simpler.

7. Test Prep and Practice Materials

• Previous GMAT: Test preparation materials focused on four distinct sections and heavily emphasized AWA and sentence correction questions.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Reflects the updated structure with prep materials centered on the new format, such as fewer sentence correction questions and a more focused approach to data interpretation.

8. Relevance to MBA Programs

• Previous GMAT: While comprehensive, some sections like AWA were less emphasized by business schools.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Eliminating the AWA and streamlining data-related questions aligns with the evolving demands of business education, ensuring that test content reflects the skills needed in today’s business environment.

Conclusion

The GMAT Focus Edition marks a significant evolution in the GMAT test, aligning it more closely with current business school requirements while making the test-taking experience more efficient and flexible. With fewer sections, a shorter duration, and an emphasis on practical, decision-making skills, the GMAT Focus Edition offers a more targeted approach to evaluating applicants for MBA programs. For candidates preparing for the GMAT, these changes can provide a clearer path to success, focusing on the most relevant skills in modern business education.