The GMAT Focus Edition is a new version of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) introduced in 2023. It aims to streamline the testing process by focusing on the most critical skills needed for success in business school: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data interpretation. As such, it’s designed to be shorter and more efficient, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier. So, how hard is the GMAT Focus, and what makes it different from the traditional GMAT?

What is the GMAT Focus?

The GMAT Focus Edition is a restructured version of the original GMAT, with a sharper emphasis on areas that are seen as most relevant to business school applicants. The GMAT Focus consists of three sections:

1. Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions

2. Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions

3. Data Insights: 20 questions (replacing the Integrated Reasoning section)

The test is now more streamlined, with a total of 64 questions, and is designed to be completed in 2 hours 15 minutes (compared to 3.5 hours for the traditional GMAT). The GMAT Focus still uses a computer-adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance as you progress through the test.

What Makes the GMAT Focus Different?

The most noticeable difference between the GMAT Focus and the original GMAT is the shortened length and content scope. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:

• No Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): The AWA section, which required you to write an essay analyzing an argument, has been removed in the GMAT Focus Edition. This simplifies the test and allows test-takers to focus entirely on their reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Streamlined Sections: While the traditional GMAT had four sections, the GMAT Focus condenses the test into three main sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. This new structure means less time spent on reading and writing tasks, but more pressure to perform well in the remaining sections.
• Data Insights Instead of Integrated Reasoning: One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section with the Data Insights section. This section still tests your ability to interpret and analyze data from various sources, but it’s now designed to align more closely with business school requirements. You'll need to work with graphs, tables, and charts to draw conclusions and solve problems, but the questions are more focused and, potentially, a little more straightforward than the original IR section.

The Difficulty of the GMAT Focus

So, how difficult is the GMAT Focus? The test is still challenging, but the changes made in the Focus Edition might make it slightly more manageable, especially for those who prefer a more streamlined, less time-consuming exam. Here are the main reasons why the GMAT Focus might be tough for some:

1. Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section on the GMAT Focus is designed to test your ability to solve math problems that involve algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. While the math content itself is not advanced—usually sticking to high school-level topics—the difficulty arises in the complexity of the questions and the time constraints.

Since the GMAT Focus is computer-adaptive, the questions get harder as you answer correctly, which means you need to be quick and precise. Many test-takers find the hardest part of the Quantitative section to be the word problems—these require more than just mathematical know-how; you also need strong critical thinking skills to decipher the information and apply the right formula.

In total, you'll have 21 questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section, and you need to manage your time carefully to ensure you can complete them all. You’ll have about 2 minutes per question, which may feel like a tight squeeze, especially if you're not as comfortable with math under time pressure.

2. Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section is designed to test your reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning skills. It assesses how well you understand complex ideas, analyze arguments, and identify key information in written passages.

For many test-takers, the Verbal section is the toughest part of the GMAT Focus. While the questions may seem straightforward, they often test nuanced aspects of grammar, logic, and comprehension. The computer-adaptive format of the GMAT Focus means that you’ll face increasingly difficult questions if you answer the easier ones correctly, which places added pressure on your verbal skills.

Like the Quantitative section, you’ll have 23 questions in the Verbal section and about 2 minutes per question to answer them. This may be a challenge for those who struggle with quickly analyzing reading passages or spotting subtle errors in grammar and sentence structure.

3. Data Insights

The Data Insights section replaces the Integrated Reasoning section and is focused on your ability to interpret data from charts, tables, and graphs. It’s meant to reflect the data-driven world of business, where interpreting financial reports, market data, and business metrics is critical.

The difficulty in this section lies not just in the ability to read and interpret data, but also in applying that data to answer multiple-choice questions. The questions often require logical reasoning to draw conclusions from the data, which can be tricky if you’re not accustomed to working with complex datasets quickly.

Though this section is only 20 questions long, each one can present a unique challenge, requiring a combination of analytical skills and attention to detail. You’ll also have around 2 minutes per question, so managing your time becomes key to maximizing your score.

4. Time Pressure

The GMAT Focus is relatively short, but that doesn’t make it less intense. You’ll have to manage your time efficiently across the 64 questions—each section requires you to work quickly, with an average of 2 minutes per question. The adaptive nature of the test means that your performance influences the difficulty of subsequent questions, and this can make it hard to pace yourself properly.

One of the most challenging aspects of the GMAT Focus is that there are no breaks between the sections (though you can take a break after finishing the entire exam). The compressed structure means you’ll have to stay mentally sharp throughout the entire test, which can be draining.

5. Competition

Though the GMAT Focus is a shorter and more streamlined version of the original exam, it’s still taken by applicants from around the world, many of whom are applying to competitive business schools. To stand out, you’ll need a score that places you among the top performers. Many competitive programs look for scores in the 645+ range (on the original GMAT scale), so scoring well on the GMAT Focus is still highly competitive, even if the test is shorter.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Focus

Given the streamlined nature of the GMAT Focus, preparation will be more focused on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Here are some key strategies to improve your chances of success:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the New Format: Understand the structure of the test, including the number of questions and time constraints. Practice pacing yourself during mock exams to ensure you can finish all the questions.

2. Strengthen Core Skills: Review basic math concepts, grammar rules, and reading comprehension strategies. Focus on honing skills that are necessary for the three main sections—Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights.

3. Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulate the real test environment by taking timed practice tests. This will help you get used to the adaptive nature of the test and improve your ability to think on your feet.

4. Review Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting and analyzing data from charts, graphs, and tables. Familiarize yourself with common question types in the Data Insights section.

5. Time Management: Practice answering questions quickly and accurately, as time management is crucial for achieving a good score on the GMAT Focus.

Conclusion

The GMAT Focus Edition is designed to be a challenging test that evaluates critical reasoning, quantitative skills, and data analysis—all essential for success in business school. While the exam is shorter and more streamlined than the traditional GMAT, it still demands strong preparation and the ability to perform under pressure. The key to success in the GMAT Focus lies in mastering the content, managing your time effectively, and practicing under realistic testing conditions. With the right preparation, you can certainly succeed on the GMAT Focus and make a strong impression on your business school applications.