The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a crucial benchmark assessment of the fundamental skills necessary for enrollment in graduate business and management programs. Because of the decreasing numbers of test-takers, there has been a trend among business schools to accept alternative exams or even go completely test-optional.

So, the GMAT underwent significant modifications with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition in the fourth quarter of 2023. This updated version endeavors to adapt to changing times and provide an effective means of evaluating candidates seeking admission to reputable business and management programs.

The new GMAT Focus Edition recognizes three key areas that business schools desire in prospective students: problem-solving skills, logical reasoning abilities, and data literacy. The test aims to align with these requirements and ensure continued relevance in admissions. Here's what you need to know:

Evolving Standards: Understanding the New GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT

The new GMAT Focus Edition modifies the test structure and format. 

1. Shorter Test: The duration of the GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT will be reduced from 3 hours and 7 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 10-minute break.

2. New Structure: The test will feature a new section called "Data Insights," which combines Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. Geometry and sentence correction will be removed, with no essay sections.

3. Improved Flexibility: Test-takers can review an unlimited number of questions and change up to three answers at the end of each section.

4. Accommodations: The new GMAT Focus Edition allows test-takers to request a second break, enhancing their ability to effectively manage the test's overall duration.

5. Adaptive Structure: The test's adaptive algorithm will transition from a difficulty-matching approach to an efficiency-balanced information algorithm. The initial questions will be less weighted to provide more accurate score differentiations.

6. Score Reports: Prospective business school candidates can select which score reports they want to send, offering more control over their test results. Score reports will be improved, facilitating better learning from mistakes and enhancing tutoring capabilities.

What Remains the Same with the GMAT Focus Edition

1. Testing Options: Test-takers can still choose between in-person and online testing options, providing flexibility and convenience.

2. Multiple-Choice Questions: The new version of the GMAT will continue to utilize multiple-choice questions as the primary format.

3. Score Validity: Scores from the current GMAT exam will remain valid for five years.

4. Pricing: The pricing structure for the GMAT Focus Edition remains unchanged.

Enhancing Efficiency

Options within the Test

Test-takers can choose the order in which they take the sections. Six sequencing options are available; they can also elect when to take a 10-minute break.

However, it's important to note that there is a time limit of one minute to make the sequence selection. If the choice isn't made within that time, participants will move to the tests default order of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.

Additionally, the new version of the GMAT allows test-takers to review questions and change answers up to three times per section. Test-takers can only review and edit answers after completing all the questions within a section and can flag questions for later review. This flexibility allows for better time management and reduces the need for immediate corrections.

New Scoring 

The GMAT exam, owned and administered by The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), encourages schools to focus on percentiles rather than specific scores for a more comprehensive assessment of applicants.

The GMAT Focus Edition percentiles have been recalibrated to improve differentiation, particularly at the top end of the scale. GMAT scores will range from 205 to 805, with score increments remaining 10 points. GMAC added this change so colleges can quickly identify whether they are looking at the old GMAT or GMAT Focus score. A 705 (700) score is now shown as testing within the top 99 GMAT Focus percentiles instead of the 89 percent ranking score on the old test.

Insights and Observations

The GMAT Focus Edition strongly emphasizes problem-solving skills.

The Data Insights section of the test includes Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency questions designed to evaluate problem-solving and data analysis abilities. The specific mix of question types in this section may change over time as test makers gather data and make adjustments to achieve the desired balance and effectiveness of the section.

Timeline

The release of the GMAT Focus Edition was in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the current GMAT will be fully replaced by the first quarter of 2024. 

It's important to note that some schools may not accept GMAT Focus Edition scores for the second admissions round this year. Therefore, applicants should concentrate on the current GMAT for rounds one and two, paying slightly more attention to the Integrated Reasoning section.

Exploring the Enhanced Format of the New GRE: Key Insights and Updates

As the landscape of business school examinations changes, it's not only the GMAT that is adapting to meet the evolving needs of business schools and applicants. The Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) has announced that it will also undergo revisions in response to shifting trends and a growing acceptance of alternative test options.

Starting September 2023, the GRE General Test became significantly shorter, taking less than two hours to complete—roughly half the time of the current test. Along with its shorter duration, the new GRE features a one essay instead of two, and the removal of the experimental section. 

Shorter Duration

The new GRE General Test will last 1 hour and 58 minutes, compared to the previous format which took just under 4 hours. This reduction is aimed at providing a more streamlined, efficient experience for test-takers.  

One Essay Section

The new format includes a single essay section, replacing the previous structure that had two. That simplifies the testing process and allows test-takers to focus on crafting a strong, well-structured essay response.

Elimination of Experimental Section

The new GRE no longer includes an experimental section. In the previous version, test-takers encountered an additional area used for research and development purposes. Removing this section allows for a more concise, focused testing experience.

Availability of New Practice Exams 

Educational Testing Service will make new practice exams available in September to aid test preparation. These practice exams in the updated format will enable test-takers to familiarize themselves with the new structure and question types.

Choosing the Right Path: The GMAT Focus Edition or the Updated GRE

In light of the evolving GMAT and GRE formats, prospective graduate business school applicants will want to review the options.

While the GMAT has long been the preferred test for business programs, the GRE is gaining recognition and acceptance. To make an informed decision, take practice exams for the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE to assess your performance and comfort level with each format.

Additionally, as the launch of the GMAT Focus Edition approaches, prospective business school applicants must be aware of the application timeline to ensure adequate preparation for the current GMAT if they are applying in rounds one and two.

The new GMAT Focus Edition and the revised GRE offer substantial changes to provide applicants with a more efficient, tailored testing experience. As you embark on your graduate school journey, it is crucial to understand the requirements of your target programs and select the test that aligns best with your strengths and goals—and the school's test preference.

In Need of GRE or GMAT Focus Prep?

If you are considering applying to graduate business school, it's time to start preparing for the admissions exams. The new GRE and updated GMAT Focus Edition prep will require a thoughtful approach, as you must be familiar with both the exam content and the format - especially to make it in the high GMAT Focus percentiles.

At Score at the Top Learning Center, we offer one-on-one tutoring that is customized to your learning style and schedule. Our knowledgeable tutors will guide you through the material covered in both exams and provide you with test-taking tips and strategies. With our help, you'll be ready for either exam—and on your way to achieving your graduate school dreams!

Contact us today for more information!