GMAT Focus VS GMAT

Welcome to the world of graduate education, where doors of opportunity open to those who dare to pursue higher studies. If you’re looking into prestigious business schools or management programs, there’s one acronym you’ve probably come across – the GMAT. But what exactly is the GMAT, what is the new focus of the GMAT, and why does it play a vital role in your academic journey? Let’s unravel the mystery in a straightforward way that will captivate you from beginning to end.

What is the GMAT?

GMAT stands for the Graduate Management Admission Test. It’s not just another exam; it’s your passport to the world of business education. Designed to assess analytical, written, quantitative, verbal and reading skills, the GMAT is the gold standard for enrollment in graduate management programs such as the MBA worldwide.

What is GMAT Focus?

GMAT Focus is the upgraded version of the old GMAT with many changes taking place. Starting from January 31^st 2024, the GMAT Focus will be validated by universities, and the old GMAT will be stopped completely. To help you get more knowledge about it, below mention are all the changes which are made in the new GMAT Focus.

GMAT Focus VS Old GMAT

The GMAT Focus Edition brings some notable changes compared to its predecessor. The table below offers a user-friendly comparison, detailing key aspects of both the previous GMAT and the current GMAT Focus Edition. Get ready for a simplified overview of the evolution in the GMAT exam pattern.

Parameters	GMAT Focus Edition	Old GMAT Version
Acceptance	Accepted by over 7,700 programs at 2,400+ business schools.	Accepted by over 7,700 programs at 2,400+ business schools.
Structure	3 sections (64 questions): Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights.	4 sections (80 questions): Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing.
Duration:	2 hours 15 minutes.	3 hours 7 minutes.
Review & Edit	Bookmark and review answers, and change up to 3 responses/section.	Not applicable.
Total Score Scale	205-805	200-800 (Quantitative and Verbal equally weighted).
Your Score	Unofficial score immediately. Official Score Reports in 7-10 days.	Same as the GMAT Focus.
Score Sending	Send 5 free score reports within 48 hours and additional reports for a fee.	For test centre-based GMAT, select up to 5 programs pre-exam for free score reports. For online GMAT, send 5 free score reports within 48 hours. Additional reports come with a fee.
Score Validity	Scores are valid for 5 years.	Scores are valid for 5 years.
Appointment Availability	Available 7 days a week at test centres or around the clock online, can be scheduled 6 months in advance.	Available 7 days a week at test centres or around the clock online, can be scheduled 6 months in advance.
Reschedule and Cancel	Both Reschedule and Cancel Fees are based on location, currency, and advance notice.	Both Reschedule and Cancel Fees are based on location, currency, and advance notice.
Exam Attempts:	5 attempts in 12 months, 8 attempts in a lifetime.	5 attempts in 12 months, 8 attempts in a lifetime.
Cost	USD 300 (online), USD 275 (test center).	Fees are based on location and channel, ranging from USD 413.
Scratch Work Resources	Test Center: 5 laminated pages, 2 dry-erase markers. Online: Physical whiteboard, dry-erase marker, eraser, and online whiteboard.	Test Center: 5 laminated pages, 2 dry-erase markers. Online: Physical whiteboard, dry-erase marker, eraser, and online whiteboard.
Breaks	One Optional 10-minute Break.	Two Optional Breaks of 8 Minute Each.

This table provides a clear overview of the key differences between the GMAT Focus Edition and the older GMAT version, making it easy to understand and engaging for prospective test-takers.

What has Been Removed in the new GMAT Focus?

GMAT Focus Edition has said goodbye to Sentence Correction and Geometry questions as it deems them less relevant to business skills. That makes sense, right? When was the last time your boss needed you to calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle?

Another change is the removal of the essay. While good writing is essential in business, the short essay on the current GMAT did not quite match the writing style valued for success in business school.

Additionally, most business schools did not place much weight on the GMAT essay when making admissions decisions.

New Addition to GMAT Focus?

Similar to the Integrated Reasoning component of the previous GMAT, the Data Insights section concentrates more on data analysis. It efficiently appraises abilities like trend recognition and inference making, which are very applicable in practical situations.

Length of the new GMAT?

It’s not shocking that GMAT Focus is shorter with these changes, trimming down from almost three hours to just about two hours and fifteen minutes. The test now consists of three 45-minute sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights.

You can now review questions.

In GMAT Focus, test takers have the flexibility to mark and revise up to three questions per section, a feature that is missing from the current GMAT, where answers are final once submitted. However, the review screen in GMAT Focus allows you to review questions within each segment and allows for adjustments as time permits. While these new features set GMAT Focus apart, it stays true to its core by including most of the question types and content found in the current GMAT.

Scores

Scores on the GMAT Focus Edition have moved from a range of 200-800 to 205-805, representing a slight adjustment. Unlike the previous version, where only two sections were scored equally, each section in GMAT Focus Edition is now marked equally.

Conclusion

The GMAT is a challenging but surmountable hurdle on your path to a graduate business degree. By understanding its structure scoring, and implementing effective preparation strategies, you can approach the GMAT with confidence. Keep in mind that the GMAT is more than simply an exam. It is a stepping stone to your academic and professional aspirations. With determination and strategic preparation, success is within reach. Good luck on your GMAT journey!